When somebody mentions the words train travel to you, would you instantaneously think of lines of InterCity carriages in grubby railway stations being boarded by grey faced commuters? That has been lone side of roving by rail, admittedly, the business side - essential, but about as much pleasurable as a jump into freezing porridge. Even so, travelling by means of rail beats automobile journeys hands down - no queues, no highway rage and also a journey smooth enough to have the ability to read, work or drink a coffee without spilling it.
But have you ever thought there’s another side to Train Travel going on holiday via train only for the excitement of it and travelling to fabulous getaways throughout the UK and Europe. Think of romance, imagine luxury, think of ease, imagine superb food and top quality wine served in opulent surroundings; the trimmings of a bygone age of elegance that you thought had vanished forever.
Imagine the Orient Express.
Taking a trip on the Orient Express is like travelling toward a different and thrilling world. Imagine going to great European cities like Venice and Prague over the historic Simplon Orient Express which still makes use of the original carriages built in the 1920s complete with fabulous Lalique Glass panels, superb Art Deco interiors plus antique wooden burning stoves.
It seems wrong to set the Orient Express being simply a train; this is more like a five-star hotel on rails. If you are taking the trip from Venice to London you can still travel via Prague, spending a few days in that wonderful, historic metropolis within the luxury of its single five-star hotel. Go cycling or else hiking in the sweeping Bohemian countryside where you are feeling you can see to the tip of the earth, or have a very less active day having a drive in an open carriage ending with a picnic. At the end of the day go back to the Orient Express for a fabulous meal served by white- jacketed waiters whose only job is to anticipate your every need. What a life!
The romantic mystique and splendor of the Orient Express calls for you back in time; everybody dresses for dinner, and afternoon tea is served each on top of fine china that Agatha Christie herself would have approved of. Without a murder in glimpse ?.
It must be admitted that travelling on the Orient Express is absolutely not cheap (did you expect it to be?), but it may become better value than you initially think, with prices including the entire meals, service and private accommodation. Hence if you yearn for the romance and luxury of a trip over the Orient Express, rates begin from approximately £500 for London to Paris (one day), up to £5,000 for the ultimate five night trip Paris to Istanbul. Definitely the journey of a lifetime!