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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
A security guard stands in front of the Orient Express at the main railway station in Bucharest September 3, 2012.

One of the world's most magnificent trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express train recreates the original Orient-Express route from Paris to Istanbul once a year with restored cars and luxury suites from the 1920s.

Photographs courtesy: Orient-Express Hotels (UK) Ltd.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
A car attendant puts on his gloves in front of the Orient Express at the main railway station in Bucharest September 3, 2012.

Launched in October 1883, the train traveled through the Alps, Budapest and Bucharest to Constantinople.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Gothard Switzerland.

This legendary train continued to carry royal families and celebrities between European cities till the 1920s.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Lucerne Switzerland.

Many of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's current carriages date from this era.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
Restaurant Car Etoile du Nord on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

After World War II, it had to shut shop. Its last service as a regular passenger train was in May 1977.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
Evening atmosphere on board in the L Oriental Restaurant Car.

However, this luxury train was rescued by entrepreneur and rail enthusiast, James B. Sherwood.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
The Piano Bar on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

In 1977, James B. Sherwood bought two of the train's carriages at a Sotheby's auction in Monte Carlo. 

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
Cabins.

During the next few years, about $16 million were spent locating, purchasing and restoring some 35 vintage carriages.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
Day cabin inside view.

In May 1982, the legend was reborn when the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made its maiden run from London to Venice. 

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train offers a gracious journey criss-crossing Europe, passing through some of the world most scenic locales and cities.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST

Vintage cabins, excellent cuisine and lively on-board entertainment make a journey aboard this iconic train one of the world's finest travel experiences.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Lucerne Switzerland.

The carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are individually designed and each has played a significant role in the golden age of luxury train travel during the 1920s to 30s.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST

Each of the carriages has its own personal story.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
View of Cabin Suite sleeping arrangements.

It has transported European royalty across the continent.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST

It has also been shot at during World War II, to being caught in a snow drift for 10 days.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is set to embark on a series of new rail voyages to Scandinavia in April 2013.


Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
Guests relaxing in cabin and steward passing in corridor.

A scenic two-night journey will take it from Venice to Stockholm, via an overnight stop in Copenhagen.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST
Washroom in the train.

Its return journey, four days later, will depart Stockholm, via Copenhagen, for Venice.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST

Passengers can expect an extraordinary experience - a journey packed with adventure, fine dining and pure romance.

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Onboard the royal Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Last updated on: September 5, 2012 08:40 IST

The Paris-Budapest-Bucharest-Istanbul journey (5 nights) on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will cost two adults 22000 pounds (Price is based on a Suite cabin).