A Journey Through Time from 1883 to Today
The Orient Express is more than a train—it’s a timeless symbol of luxury, mystery, and adventure. Nicknamed the “Yürüyen Saray” (Palace on Wheels), it connected the grand capitals of Europe with the exotic East, drawing royalty, spies, diplomats, artists, and adventurers into its opulent carriages. It first departed Paris in 1883, with its final original service ending in 1977—but its legacy still rides the rails today.
The Birth of the Orient Express
The idea for the Orient Express was the brainchild of Georges Nagelmackers, a Belgian visionary who wanted to bring the luxury of American sleeping cars to Europe. He founded the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, and in October 1883, the first Orient Express departed Paris Gare de l’Est, destined for Istanbul (then Constantinople)—crossing over 3,000 km in style.
The route passed through cities like Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest, finally ending at Sirkeci Station in Istanbul.
The inaugural trip included 26 elite passengers, including diplomats and a representative of the Ottoman Empire—Müsteşar Mıssan Efendi.
The Orient Express was not just a mode of transport—it was a rolling five-star hotel. Nicknamed “The Madonna of Trains”, it featured:
- Mahogany interiors
- Velvet curtains
- Silver cutlery
- Exquisite European cuisine that changed with each country the train passed through
The passengers dined on local delicacies and drank fine wine while gliding through snow-covered Alps or sun-drenched Balkan plains.
Famous Passengers and Legends
Over its long history, the Orient Express welcomed countless famous and powerful figures, including:
- Agatha Christie, the famed British mystery author, who traveled the route and used it as the setting for her classic 1934 novel “Murder on the Orient Express.” Her experiences in Istanbul, particularly at the Pera Palace Hotel, inspired her writing.
- King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who once insisted on driving the train himself through his country.
- Leo Tolstoy, Mata Hari, and Marcel Proust, each traveled parts of the route.
- Spies and diplomats during WWI and WWII, as the train offered a discreet and secure way to cross Europe.
Istanbul: The Gateway Between Worlds
The final stop of the original route was Sirkeci Station in Istanbul—a stunning Orientalist-style terminal built specifically to impress visitors arriving from Europe. Nearby, the luxurious Pera Palace Hotel was constructed in 1892 to accommodate Orient Express passengers in style. The hotel still stands today and preserves the room where Agatha Christie is believed to have written parts of her famous novel.
Decline and the Last Ride
With the rise of air travel in the 20th century, the Orient Express gradually lost its appeal. In 1977, after nearly a century of service, the original Orient Express route was officially discontinued. However, the name lives on through books, films, and our collective imagination.
The Modern Revival by Accor
In recent years, the Orient Express has experienced a luxurious renaissance.
The Accor Group, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has taken charge of bringing back the legendary name. Their project includes:
1. Orient Express La Dolce Vita
Set to begin operations in 2025, this new train will run luxury routes through Italy, with future expansion plans across Europe. Designed with 1960s Italian glamour, the train will feature:
- 12 deluxe cabins
- 18 suites
- A “La Dolce Vita” restaurant car
- Routes to Rome, Venice, Matera, and Palermo
2. Orient Express Hotels
Accor is also launching Orient Express-branded hotels, starting with Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, blending heritage with five-star hospitality.
3. Rebuilt 1920s Original Cars
Accor also rediscovered and is restoring 17 original Orient Express carriages from the 1920s, found abandoned in Poland in 2015. These carriages will form the backbone of future journeys between Paris and Istanbul, staying true to the golden age of train travel.