Last run for the Orient Express
 

Folk here might be interested to know that this weekend marks the end of the line for the Orient Express, surely the most iconic scheduled train service in Europe. The service has run for 126 years (barring a couple of wartime interludes), in its heyday linking Paris with Istanbul. The illustrious history of Europe's most famous scheduled train service comes to an end this weekend as the Orient Express runs for the very last time - a run from Strasbourg to Vienna.

The real train has of course inspired many ventures aimed as the tourist dollar, among them the VSOE service. But the real Orient Express was never as smart as its imitators (or indeed film makers) would have you believe. Many tourist train operators have often implied that the real Orient Express stopped years ago. But in fact it has trundled on, unsung and tucked away in the timetables.... until this weekend.

Nicky Gardner
editor / hidden europe
www.hiddeneurope.co.uk

No. Not true. Business as usual.

http://tinyurl.com/y9q62ca

jean - you're confusing the service begun in 1982 by James Sherwood, founder of Orient-Express Hotels, the 'luxury' tourist service known as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with the regularly scheduled Orient Express service.

Technically Nicky Gardner is correct, though most people will think of the Venice Simplon Orient Express when the Orient Express is mentioned, and that is still running.

I see on another thread where you explain that the "real" Orient Express is kaput, but I think your explanation is somewhat misleading. The historical Paris-to-Istanbul journey is still in operation although not on the original 1883 route. The beautiful Art Deco carriages are still being used.

What is seriously misleading is the decision to name the very expensive, privately-run, tourist train VSOE as the 'Orient Express.'

"These days, the train which most people mean when they talk about the Orient Express is the Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE). The Venice Simplon Orient Express is a privately-run train (in fact, two trains, one on each side of the Channel) of restored 1920s, 30s, & 50s coaches, providing a once-a-week service London-Paris-Venice between March and November. The complete London-Venice journey costs around £1,200 per person one way, including meals."

More information: http://www.seat61.com/OrientExpress.htm