Has anyone gone on the Orient Express, is it as wonderful as I hope. My husband and I will be going in May culminating in a 3 week stay throughout Italy. Any hints or suggestions on the train, Venice, Lake Como, Sorrento, Positano or Rome.

Thanks a million

Which trip are you doing? From London or Paris to Venice?

Basically I despise overnight trains. No matter how luxurious the OE is, I'd still prefer to be sleeping in a real bed in a real hotel. And for nearly $5000 for two people Paris to Venice -- I could stay in a really nice hotel.

That said, the trains themselves are lovely and the service is great.

I'm not sure what suggestions you are asking for "on the train". Do you mean later -- on other trains within Italy?

A friend of mine and her hubby took it from Paris to Venice for their 10th anniversary. They said it was very luxurious and they had great service - but it's still a train - and would have been much happier spending that much on more nights in a great hotel.

Just curious about how the train travels from London to the continent; didn't know it even went beyond Paris. Thanks, if anyone know...

It goes through the "chunnel".

Thanks NeoP, guess that's a big DUH!

Thanks for the info, still looking forward to the trip but I'll be prepared for "train travel". Actually, we're going from Paris to Venice and then taking the EU to Amalfi Coast after a few days in Lake Como. Was curious about any special little spots in Lake Como.

Appreciate your input, also, what about a side trip to Padua or Verona while in Venice? Is it worth it?

Thanks

Glad YOU said that, smarty. I was biting my tongue not to say "it goes over the bridge" or "they put it on a boat". LOL

For a fraction of the cost of the Orient Express, I'd stay at Villa d'Este on Lake Como in a heartbeat. Considered one of the greatest hotels in the world.