BRUSSELS, March 20 — For the first time in its history, the iconic train owned by Belmond (formerly known as Orient Express) will return to the birthplace of luxury train travel: Belgium.
Starting this May, the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express will stop over in Brussels on its way to and from Venice (Italy), Vienna (Austria) and Budapest (Hungary).
Five new journeys will be added to the train’s schedule this season, ranging in length from one to four nights and allowing passengers to admire the German, Austrian and Swiss countryside. The Belgian capital will also be a stop on the train’s trips from London to Venice.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is made up of restored cars from various luxury trains that travelled Europe’s railways during the 1920s and 1930s.
The train even includes cars from the original Orient-Express, which was created by Belgian civil engineer Georges Nagelmackers in 1833. On its first voyage, the historic locomotive travelled from Paris to Vienna, then to Istanbul, known at the time as Constantinople, in Turkey.
Modern-day tourists can also board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris and travel to Venice, London, Budapest, Prague or Vienna (prices start at €870 or RM4,000 per passenger).
The first Venice to Brussels train will depart on May 17. Travellers can reserve their tickets now at www.belmond.com (from €2,020 per passenger when sharing a double cabin, including meals but not drinks). — AFP/Relaxnews
