Orient Express Train - More Than Just One Train
The Orient Express Train, Venice-Simplon Orient Express, Eastern and Oriental Express, the Hiram Bingham Train, British Pullman, Northern Belle, Royal Scotsman. You will have no doubt heard mention of all these trains at some point in relation to the Orient Express group of trains. So let's examine them briefly and try to remove some of the confusion!
The "Real" Orient Express Train
No longer exists! This may come as a surprise to you but it's true. The real Orient Express Train, the true descendant of the original 1883 Orient Express, took its last journey at the end of 2009 after over 125 years service!
All the following are privately owned and operated by Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE) Limited. They are all made up of beautifully restored train coaches originating from the 1920s, 30s & 50s. Under that banner the following trains operate:
Venice-Simplon Orient Express (VSOE)
You can take the VSOE from London (with the UK part of the trip on The British Pullman - see below) to Paris and Venice approximately once a week from March to November. Less often it travels to Rome, Krakow, Budapest, Prague and Istanbul. The European part of the train is made up of 1920s sleeping-cars.
British Pullman
A day time Pullman Train that travels from London to Folkestone as well as providing day trips and luxurious lunches primarily across the Southern part of the United Kingdom. As well as visiting places such as Hever Castle and Wisley Gardens you can enjoy a sumptuous lunch on board departing from Exeter, Plymouth and Bournemouth. In addition they run special events such as The Golden Age as Steam Day.
Northern Belle
The sister train of the British Pullman, The Northern Belle offers day excursions and short breaks throughout Britain from major stations throughout the South, West, Midlands, North of England, Scotland and Wales. Enjoy immaculate carriages, superb food, service and scenery to take your breath away. Visiting locations as diverse as Glamis Castle, Portmeirion, The Lake District, Hampton Court, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs to name just a few, as well as trips to special events like the Chelsea Flower Show, Ladies Day at Royal Ascot and Wimbledon.
The Royal Scotsman
Taking just 36 guests, in private cabins, a journey on The Royal Scotsman is regarded as one of the world's great rail journeys. There are luxurious trips available from the 2 night Highlands short break right up to a 7 night Grand Tour of Britain all departing from Edinburgh.
Eastern and Oriental Express
A sister train to Europe's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, winding through some of the world's most beautiful and exotic landscapes, it voyages through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and on into Laos. As well as the classic journey from Singapore to Bangkok (or vice versa), you can take an epic 7 day tour of Thailand or Malaysia.
Machu Pichu on the Hiram Bingham Train
Once only accessible on foot, today there is a truly relaxing way to reach Machu Picchu from Cuzco: aboard the Hiram Bingham train. It is named after the explorer who discovered the extraordinary remains of the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu in 1911. The carriages carry a distinctive blue and gold exterior and the interiors are luxurious and inviting with elegant decoration in the style of the 1920's Pullman trains.
Hope this has cleared up any confusion!
About the Author
Nick Croker is the director of http://www.railway-holidays.com. For the first time it is now possible to view the best Orient Express Train luxury holidays from all the top UK tour providers on one site. Day trips around the UK; short breaks in Scotland, Europe and the Far East; holiday of a lifetime to Machu-Pichu - all in ultimate luxury. Come and visit us and discover a world of possibilites with an eco-friendly rail holiday.
voyage laos 2010 - jour 6 - Mardi
voyage laos
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