The Original Orient Express Train Is Returning, and It Will Be More Upscale Than Ever

The famous train the Orient Express is destined to make a comeback and in a big way.  We have some photos and information about the return of this special train that is reemerging like the phoenix.

This is the Return of the Original Orient Express

There is a lot of confusion about the famous Orient Express (“OE”) train. The original OE ran from Paris and Istanbul That train ran from 1883 until 1977  with its original full itinerary (or 2009 with shorter/different itineraries). It was known as one of the most luxurious ways to travel across Europe, and passengers paid accordingly.

Another privately owned train company with two trains), the Venice Simplon-Orient Express operated by Belmond has been making luxury train trips from Venice to Paris or London (and some other routes) since 1919. A new Italian influenced train the Orient Express La Dolce Vita celebrating the route’s 1960’s and 1970’s heyday will be launching in 2023.

However, this article is addressing the return of the original or some say “real” Orient Express. In 2015 seventeen of the original carriages were found on the border between Belarus and Poland and bought by the French hospitality company Accor. They have been working on renovating and relaunching the original OE brand and market it as the “Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express”. While details are being finalized, it appears that the restored trains will pick up the old route of Paris to Istanbul.

When Will the OE Return to Service?

Accor had planned to relaunch the train in 2024 in time for the Paris Olympics. At this p0int, it looks like the relaunch might be delayed into early 2025,

The Orient-Express in All its Incarnations Has Always Been Known for Top Notch Service

Who Is Reimagining the OE and What Can We Expect?

Maxime d’Angeac a French architect who has worked with famous luxury fashion brands like Hermes, has reimagined this famous train with modern décor with touches of vivid color.

The rediscovered carriages include sleeping cars and a restaurant car and include much of the original Art Deco flair such as Lalique flower lamps that d’Angeac is building upon and updating. They are adding modern touches such as a champagne call button in the bar car as well as modern artwork and design touches. D’Angeac has stated that he is particularly proud of his redesign the suites which he designed to be circular to contrast the strict lines of the train and “add softness and balance”. He also noted the challenge he had to transition and “tweak the décor from daytime to evening” and to provide true comfort within small spaces. While the train cars  are still being renovated/redesigned, here are some “in process photos”

There are upcoming design shows in Paris and Miami showcasing D’Angeac’s new designs.

Interested in booking a trip on the Orient Express when it becomes available for booking or learning more about its planned rebirth. Let us know.

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