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Venice Simplon-Orient-Express |
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Written by Graeme Willingham Public Relations for Rail Plus
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Wednesday, 07 December 2005 |
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Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
 The
fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is undoubtedly one of the most
famous trains in the world. The stuff of legends, it carries its
privileged passengers across Europe in the style of a bygone era.
Glamorous
carriages (complete with wooden parquetry and brass fittings in
original 1920's detail), sumptuous cuisine and the highest levels of
personal service make this an Orient-Express an experience rarely found
today, says Rail Plus CEO, David Stafford.
(Rail Plus is the largest supplier of international rail product (point-to-point and passes) via Australian travel agencies."This has history, romance and style," said Mr Stafford. "It is a special experience."
Royalty, celebrities, spies and courtesans have all travelled on the Orient Express making the train a rich source of evocative inspiration for books and films.
Today, the gleaming carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continue to carry passengers across Europe in exquisite surroundings on some of the most romantic journeys in the world.
It passes through the UK, France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy and on selected departures also travels through the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. Countries travelled through depend on the selected itinerary.
While the main service is London (or Paris) to Venice, there is an extension London-Venice-Rome journey while separate Venice-Rome (day sector with private cabin) and Rome-Venice overnight fares are available.
Rail Plus provided the following details about what to expect.
Luggage
Overhead luggage racks are provided in each compartment on-board the train for the storage of a limited amount of luggage (sufficient for 2 small suitcases approx. 70x45cm). Rail Plus suggests that only items required during the journey be packed separately in an overnight bag or suit carrier. It is recommended that large items are check-in for storage in the baggage van. Checked luggage will not be accessible until passengers reach their destination.
On board accommodation
 There is one grade of private accommodation, available as a single or double compartment. Facilities include a 24 hour steward service called by a bell, international electric sockets and individually controlled radiators. All cabins are provided with bottled mineral water, a pair of slippers, Orient Express magazine and stationery pack.
Single Cabin - A private lounge during the day with a banquette style sofa, a footstool and small table. Daytime seating converts to a lower bed at night. Cabins contain a washbasin with hot and cold water, towels and toiletries.
Double Cabin - Accommodating 2 persons, the cabin consists of a banquette style sofa, a footstool and small table. The daytime seating converts to an upper and lower berth at night. Cabin amenities include a washbasin with hot and cold water, towels and toiletries. Some compartments are also fitted with a personal safe.
Day Car Seats. -- On short daytime sectors, it is possible to reserve a ?Day Car' seat instead of a cabin. This is a reserved seat in a Restaurant Car and has no access to private compartments or changing facilities.
Passports
Passports are held by the Cabin Steward. Passports and customs formalities take place at all frontiers and passengers will not normally be disturbed at frontier crossings or during the night. Passports will be returned to passengers immediately prior to disembarking.
Meals
Table d'hote meals are included in the fare. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served in the passenger's compartment, while lunch and dinner can be enjoyed in the dining car.
An a la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner and there is 24 hour compartment service for light snacks and refreshments. These are at an additional cost and paid for at the time of ordering.
Orient-Express will do their best to cater for special dietary requirements such are vegetarian etc., provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavor to prepare a dish with the ingredients on board.
Orient-Express is unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Beverages
On board the continental train, wine and bar drinks are not included in the fare and many be purchased at an additional cost. Complimentary morning coffee is available in the Bar Car.
Tips
Gratuities are at the passenger's discretion.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 10 July 2006 )
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Friday, 16 May 2008
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