Discover the grandeur of the Orient Express as it prepares for its return in 2025 with revamped interiors and luxurious amenities.
Contents:
The initial images showcasing the interiors of the Orient Express were disclosed this week, providing potential passengers insight into what to anticipate when the legendary train commences operations in 2025.
In October 1883, the world’s most prestigious train departed from Paris en route to Istanbul. By 2015, the revered carriages of the Orient Express had remained dormant for nearly a decade until they were identified by a historian on YouTube and acquired by the Accor hotel group’s Orient Express brand in 2018. Currently, preparations are underway to gracefully transport passengers across Europe, commencing from Paris in 2025.
While Orient Express has yet to finalize any routes, it is anticipated that the reimagined service will mirror its predecessor’s journey, operating between Paris and Istanbul. The following outlines pertinent details regarding the revival of this iconic train, including insights into its interior design.
The origins of an icon
The inaugural Orient Express was conceived by Belgian engineer Georges Nagelmackers, who sought to establish his luxurious train network after experiencing train travel across America. Nagelmackers’s journey on the nation’s early sleeper cars left a great deal to be desired. Upon his return to Europe, he began developing plans for a service that prioritized comfort and sophistication.
He devised several luxury European trains prior to the launch of the Orient Express, which carried 40 passengers on its first 13-day trip from Paris to then-Constantinople. The service continued uninterrupted until 1977, by which time the rapid rise of economical air travel diminished the demand for opulent rail expeditions.
After its discontinuation, the Orient Express was disbanded, with its carriages auctioned off. In the 1980s, it was revived by a pair of entrepreneurs. James Sherwood, the American proprietor of the Cipriani Hotel, operated routes between London and Venice, while Swiss tour operator Albert Glatt initiated the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, establishing services from Zurich to Istanbul. However, by 2009, the train had ceased operations once more.
The mystery of the missing trains
The original Orient Express carriages were not rediscovered until 2015 when Arthur Mettetal, a researcher in industrial history, noticed a stationary train portrayed in a corner of a YouTube video while advising for France’s national rail company SNCF.
Identifying the distinctive midnight blue hue of the Orient Express, he discerned the name of a Polish rail station, Malaszewicze, visible in the background and utilized Google Maps’ 3D view to accurately locate it on the border between Belarus and Poland. Some months later, Mettetal and his team discovered the vehicles in remarkably good condition.
A protracted two-year negotiation period ensued, culminating in 2018, when the owner of the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient Express sold the 13-carriage train, alongside four additional carriages sourced from Germany and Switzerland, to Accor’s Orient Express group.
Traveling in style
Currently, the carriages are undergoing renovation, spearheaded by Paris-based architect Maxime d’Angeac, in partnership with a team of esteemed French artisans. D’Angeac commenced his career by crafting theatrical settings for fashion house Hermes and crystal manufacturer Daum before launching his own agency.
Over the last two decades, his portfolio has encompassed projects on castles, apartments, private residences, and the restoration of Maison Guerlain, the prestigious perfumer’s flagship on the Champs-Élysées. D’Angeac is also an avid collector of vintage texts, including several works by Agatha Christie, who notably penned Murder on the Orient Express in 1934.
Throughout this redevelopment phase, D’Angeac has the responsibility of reinterpreting the Orient Express by infusing a contemporary touch into the romance and opulence characteristic of the 1920s and 30s. The 17 historic carriages, dating back to this era, feature magnificent Lalique glass panels engraved with designs of blackbirds and grapes, along with marquetry attributed to Morrison & Nelson, synonymous with the art deco style. From the images disclosed this week, it is evident that D’Angeac has succeeded in maintaining fidelity to the legacy of the Orient Express while adapting to modern expectations of comfort.
“This is the reinterpretation of a legendary train, envisioned as a new ambassador of French luxury, enhanced by the craftsmanship and expertise of the finest French artisans,” he remarked.
What to expect on board
The redesigned Orient Express will feature 14 sleeping carriages, a dining area, a bar, and an innovative salon intended for diverse performances and events. The salon’s decor is anticipated to differ significantly from the remainder of the train, drawing inspiration from winter gardens.
Three distinct suite varieties will be available, including a presidential suite occupying an entire carriage. Each suite will be equipped with its own bathroom.
While the head chef has yet to be announced, the culinary team is reportedly exploring ideas for the menu based on historical Orient Express offerings.
A glamorous Italian sister
In addition to the original train, a luxury rail service is set to launch in Italy in 2023, transporting passengers to 14 domestic destinations along with three international routes from Rome to Paris, Istanbul, and Split.
Named the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, it will comprise six trains, with carriages featuring midcentury designs by Milan-based firm Dimorestudio, reminiscent of the pinnacle of Italian design. Average trips will cost around €2000 per person per night.
Accor’s Orient Express services remain distinct from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which belongs to Belmond and operates between London and Venice, with additional journeys available to Amsterdam, Prague, Florence, and various other cities.
The next chapter
Additionally, in 2024, Accor plans to expand the Orient Express brand by launching dedicated hotels, including the Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, followed by additional plans for a hotel in Riyadh.
This article was first published on Jul 18, 2022, and updated on Oct 20, 2022.
