The famous and historical Orient Express has been gracing the silver screen and the page for decades with its adventure, mystery, murder and history and what is amazing is that people can actually experience the famous train for themselves. Many famous names have been aboard the luxury train such as the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie.
The 350 metre luxury train consists of 15 wagons which includes 9 sleeping cars, 2 lounge cars, 3 restaurant cars and 1 bar car.
The newly named Venice Simplon-Orient Express arrived in Istanbul after completing its annual voyage across Europe from Paris. Since 1883 the luxury train has been coming to Istanbul from Paris, but due to the pandemic the train has not been able to make the journey for the past three years.
The train arrived at Bakirkoy station after its five day journey and was greeted by a welcoming ceremony. Aboard the train were a total of 85 passengers and 32 crew members who were all greeted by the Turkish mehter band (Ottoman Janissary Band).
General manager Pascal Deyrolle of the Venice Simplon Orient Express stated that they were pleased to be in Istanbul again after its three year hiatus and were all very excited about coming to Istanbul.
A Mexican passenger named Xavier Ferrer said that “The journey was great. All the staff was very friendly. The food and service were great. It was also great to see all the countries from the train.”
Another passenger also stated that “The food was first class. The service was excellent and the train was beautiful. It was great to see this train in the movies and then experience it in real life.”
The train will be departing from Turkey to Paris this Saturday via Bucharest, Sinai, Budapest and Vienna.
Source: Daily Sabah
