The dolled-up luxury touring train that is the current incarnation of the famed Orient Express is now adding new options to its routes as well as three new super-luxury suites on board. The line is now a subsidiary of the French high-end retail giant LVMH.
The service originally operated, starting in 1883, as a Paris-Istanbul sleeper and operated passenger service, although in much reduced condition, as late as 1976 when it was taken over by hotel operator Belmond, which later became part of LVMH.
In addition to the original route, the line will now operate routes between London and European cities with terminus at Venice and Verona. Stops along the way are at Belmond hotels, of course. Sleeper accommodations are also available on the train, which has been returned to 1920s styles.
But this is definitely not for budget travelers: itineraries in basic luxury seats start at about $2700 and range up to over $5000. Rates on the annual trip to Istanbul go even higher—but even in a pandemic year, they are sold out.
