patandhank

Watching Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile had inspired me in the past for a travel adventure to Egypt. Then I saw Murder on the Orient Express which put the train on my list. Just got to fulfill that wish item.

DH and I took the Venice-Simplon Orient Express from Paris to Venice 4/27/15. We decided on the single overnight trip for a couple of reasons: 1) wow is it expensive; and 2) about one night is all I can go without a shower! No ensuites here - the original cars restored with one toilet and sink in each sleeping car at the end. Our plan included taking the Orient Express to Venice and then going on for our Tuscany vacation.

We arrived at Gare de L'Est at 9:30 p.m. and checked in. The check-in desk is right at the platform where the train departs. Because the train hadn't yet arrived, they escorted us to their lounge where we were treated to wine of choice. They had provided in advance luggage tags for our luggage so that was whisked away from us (including our in stateroom bags) so we didn't have to worry about them. Once the train arrived and was ready to board, they sent someone to escort us to our train car.

I was so excited. All of the staff were lined up outside of the train in their blue and gold uniforms. Stepping into our cabin was memorable. It was very small - yes. The wood was beautiful. There was a small closet in the corner that had a sink with linen hand towels and toiletries for your use. A little fan up toward the ceiling for you to turn on if warm. Small switches for the lights and to call your room steward if needed. The overhead rack held our cabin luggage which amount to about a 21" roll-a-board. We had ordered some champagne and the bucket was there with two crystal glasses with the VS logo on them.

Dinner was at 11:00 p.m. Maneuvering for the two of us to dress for dinner on a moving train was a hoot. Still it was fun. DH was dapper in his tuxedo and I don't think I looked too bad myself in my sequined dress.

We dined in the dining car called Etoile du Nord. It was beautiful. I walked in (again interesting on the moving train) and expected to see Hercule Poirot waiting at my table. No such luck, but there was a very nice English couple we met and enjoyed our dining experience with for the night. Food was wonderful and the wine flowed. From there we walked through other cars to the bar car where we were till the wee hours of the morning.

Back to the cabin for bed. Now the seat had been converted to two bunks with a little ladder. Up I went after brushing teeth and making a trip down the hall to the bathroom. I couldn't help then but to notice the small magazine rack on the wall convenient for the upper bunk, while the lower bunk had a small net strung for books, glasses or other essentials. Some very clever nooks and crannies.

Up the next morning to a wonderful breakfast and to a day of breathtaking scenery. Lunch in a different dining room - again beautiful. Afternoon tea in our stateroom.

We arrived in Venice at approximately 6:00 p.m. the next day. A memorable experience - even without a murder!

bettyk

Sounds absolutely wonderful.

bvlenci

Just curious, how much does it cost? Their web site is rather cagey about the price.

I didn't see the film, but I read the book. Ever since, I've been wondering what a sponge bag was. Well, not enough to google it.

Kathie

Sounds like quite the memorable train trip. We took the Hiram Brigham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu in November. It was a gorgeous train - outfitted and run by by the Orient Express Group (now called Belmonde). Perhaps knowing that there are no showers on the Venice-Simplon I will content myself with the 4 hour ride on the Hiram Bingham.

Trophywife007

This sounds like something to put on the bucket list. Was there a sink in your stateroom or only one down the hall?

patandhank

Trophy - We had a sink in the stateroom so we could brush teeth and wash faces. The toilet was located at the end of the car; it also had a sink.

bvlenci - you have to go to the itinerary page - prices are posted: http://www.belmond.com/venice-simplo...search_results

Sassafrass

Sounds fantastic! Thank you for sharing.

Man_in_seat_61

Powerful magic, this train. Got engaged on it somewhere in the Brenner Pass in 2003, and here I am with wife, kids, mortgage and cat a decade on!

We took it again last year, though only as far as Paris - this is our video, if you want to see what it's like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJQ_8hWH0Sk

The food is excellent, as is the service, and the vintage sleepers and restaurant cars are wonderful.

Lack of showers is the most oft-made comment about this train, as they didn't need a shower every day in the 1920s & 30s. Whatever happened to 'Sunday night is Bath Night whether you need it or not'?! ;0)

bvlenci

Yes, that is a little steep!

Given the situation in California and parts of Australia, I think a lot of us should be reconsidering the wisdom of the daily shower.

Kathie

Thanks for the link to your video. It really gives a sense of the train.

LCBoniti

Wow - love your experience, patandhank, and the video, Man_in_seat.

Now I know the first thing I will do when I win the lottery.

Adelaidean

Wow, so that's how the other half live.

Our most memorable train journey was the $8 (first class) Hanoi to Sapa trip a few years ago. It took about 10 hours. We were to discover why nobody took the day train....
My family has yet to forgive me.

annhig

my SIL's kids treated her to an afternoon trip on the Orient Express through the english countryside for her 80th. They had a great time, and it may be a little more affordable than the full Paris to Venice experience.

but if you can do it, patandhank, why not?

thanks for posting.

annhig

and thank you, Man_in_seat_61, for posting that video.

It is probably the closest I'll get to travel on the Orient Express, but at least now I know what I'm missing!