Hi there, I am trying to plan a trip for my parents for their 35th wedding anniversary. They would LOVE to go on the Orient Express in Europe, but not pay an arm and a leg to do it (which I know is hard not to do). They don't care much for London, but I know many trips start from there. The main things: -They would like is to be able to travel through the Alps on the train, and
-They would like at least 2 nights on the train if possible. Does anyone know the best resources/websites/recommendations for how to book this trip and which routes would take them through the Alps? They liked the idea of Venice-Prague-Paris route the best, but I don't think it takes them through the Alps. Thank you for your help in advance!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
This journey is a privately run first-class "land-cruise" and it's going to be very pricey...no way around it. Everything you need to know can be found here: http://www.seat61.com/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express.htm
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
The only way to have the real "Orient Express" experience is to ride the real Orient Express-which is now a privately run replacement for the original. It is all about luxury, like dressing up for dininer, etc. Going from Paris to Venice, they would board in the evening, spend that night on the train, go through the Alps the next day, and arrive in Venice early eveining that same day. so only one night on the train, and it costs around $2700 per person. Here is the "official" website, but the info on th elink Michael posted is more informative about the experience and the scenery. http://www.orient-express.com/web/vsoe/venice_simplon_orient_express.jsp
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1641 posts
My husband and I were considering the Orient Express, but seemed like the overnight travel was through the alps, so you wouldn't see the scenery enroute since it's dark. If cost is an issue, the least expensive choice is Venice to Vienna for a little more than $1500, but dates are limited. Here's the web site:
http://www.orient-express.com/web/vsoe/journeys.jsp
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Beware they sometimes re-route the trains via Loestschberf and Simplon base tunnels, which means losing most of Alpine scenery for tunnels and flat lands.