Europe on the Orient Express
Train-lovers – this is an opportunity for an unforgettable journey. The Orient Express will make the old crossing through Europe to the distant lands of the Middle East. From Paris to Istanbul, over six days, this iconic train will pass through some of Europe’s biggest cities. Its tracks have transported Agatha Christie, Greta Garbo, Mata Hari, Theodore Roosevelt and Alfred Hitchcock, amonsgst others, leaving it’s traces and memories along the way.
Though embarking the black, red and gold train is a luxury many can’t afford these days, it is certainly a well-deserved indulgence for anybody with a romantic affection for trains wanting to see views of Europe that are missed traveling by plane.
The history of this mythical train stretches back in time to 1883 when it was originally built, and its route included the Alps, Budapest, Sinaia, Bucharest – finally ending up in the ancient city of Constantinople. The Istanbul of today still retains glimpses of its past as a grand Roman and Ottoman empire – but the train stopped connecting the two old cities in 1920, when new types of transport were introduced. Today, the Orient Express also counts London, Venice and Viena amongst its European destinations.
The setting for legendary stories such as Murder on the Orient Express, the train’s carriages are steeped in atmosphere. It’s also still possible to eat and drink on board, and purchase various items, bringing people together in the way that train travel used to. It’s said that Agatha Christie wrote her story during her years of reclusion – which may have been the period she spent in Istanbul’s Pera Palace.
Sonia Teruel
After the long journey, stop off at Budapest, and along with Istanbul discover the multi-cultural cities of Europe. Rent apartments in Budapest and take the time to explore.
Translated by: Poppy
Contact Me
