Pick # 2 - - A Journey for the Ages
No two words conjure up as
much intrigue, mystery, romance and history as Orient-Express. The
famous train began operation in 1883, and after changing hands several
times during the years and discontinuing stops - the train no longer
makes regular stops in Istanbul, which was the starting point for the
Agatha Christie's famous murder mystery, Murder
on the Orient Express - the Orient-Express
now hotels and resorts as well as the legendary and
opulent trains.
Step back in time with
vacations lasting from one night to seven nights - or more, depending
on your destinations - aboard the Orient-Express and arrive in luxury.
Sleeping cabins on the trains offer Old World style, with facilities
that feature private bathroom and showers with hot and cold running
water, high quality toiletries, and fresh fluffy white towels.
You can also find dressings
tables, full-length wardrobes, hairdryers, individual controlled
heating, ceiling fans, opening windows to let in the fresh air and 24/7
cabin service call button. Each bed is furnished with one feather and
one foam pillow, feather duvet and
cotton quilted bed covers.
Dinner is an event, where men
dress in suits and women parade in evening gowns or cocktail dresses.
Afternoon tea is also served and gathering rooms for relaxation
or visiting with your fellow passengers are available. Make sure
you bring your dress clothes - this isn't Burger King - and while you
can have it your way, you need to have a little class in order to get
it.
Depending on what part of the
country you are traveling, the menu will reflect the local cuisine.
In Scotland, your lunch menu selection could consist of chicken
and langoustine salad with baby squash and queen scallops - finished
off with a bitter chocolate tart with kumquat marmalade. Dinner could
include seared scallops with sauce vierge or roast loin of lamb with
mushrooms and truffle risotto - with an iced hazelnut parfait with
raspberry coulis for dessert. Each train has highly trained chefs and
wine stewards to help make your dining experience more memorable.
Amenities will differ
depending on the train you take, and the length you stay aboard.
Currently, the Orient-Express runs fives separate trains - no two are
alike - with 18 stations across the world. Trips spanning Asia
last almost two weeks, and day or week-long journeys in Scotland,
England and Peru are also available.
Each trip can be customized
to individual needs. Just married or celebrating an anniversary or
birthday? Let the staff at Orient-Express know, and special
arrangements can
be made. They act as your personal concierge and
will do everything within their power to make sure your trip is as
enjoyable as possible.
Orient-Express offers not
only train journeys, but the company offers accommodations in some of
the best hotels in the world - including The Grand Hotel Timeo.
The company can also arrange visits to some of the most exclusive
restaurants - including the '21' Club in New York City - plus safaris
in Botswana, riverboat journeys in France and Myanmar, and much, much
more.
But the all this exclusivity
comes at a hefty price. Some journeys are close to $15,000 per person,
but include everything you could hope for or want from the historic and
legendary Orient-Express. For more information about
Orient-Express trains, hotels, restaurants and vacations packages,
visit their website at www.Orient-Express.com.
Nick Manix is a professional writer and journalist
who splits his time between Central Texas and New Orleans, and is an
avid supporter of charities - including The Hill Country Ride, SPCA,
Raising Malawi and Amnesty International
(Photos courtesy Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.)
