FINALLY THE VENICE-SIMPLON-ORIENT EXPRESS TRAIN HEADS TO BRUSSELS, THE BIRTHPLACE OF LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
I ALWAYS FLY FIRST CLASS AND OCCASIONALLY BUSINESS BUT IF I HAVE TO TAKE THE TRAIN AT ALL, IT IS EITHER THE ORIENT-EXPRESS OR WALK!

Without an iota of doubt, the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express is the best train ride on this planet, made even more famous by the novel 'Murder on the Orient-Express' by Agatha Christie though there never was a murder on board but a murder committed on Orient Express is more glam than one on Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) which is the Malayan Railways!

THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS HEADS TO BRUSSELS THE BIRTHPLACE OF LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL In May 2014, the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is adding a new destination to its regular schedule, and for the first time, heading to Brussels, the birthplace of luxury train travel. Departures to and from Brussels are available from Venice, Vienna,and Budapest, while five new itineraries,from one to four nights,will also be added to this season’s timetable. Starting with a Venice to Brussels departure on 17th May, passengers will soon be able to enjoy new routes through the famed German, Austrian,and Swiss countryside. On a select number of journeys between Venice to London and London to Venice, guests can also choose to stopover en route in Brussels,where hotel accommodation can be arranged.Double cabins costfrom £1,670 (approx. US$2,775) per person, including meals. Belgium plays a significant role in the train’s history. Not only was the train’s most synonymous detective, Hercule Poirot, born in Belgium,but the concept of luxury train travel also has its roots there. Belgian born, Georges Nagelmackers changed the face of railway travel across Europe,by creating the fabled and original ‘Orient Express’ train service in 1883 that ran from Paris to Vienna to begin with, and later on to Constantinople. Made up of beautifully restored carriages from various luxury train services of the 1920s and 1930s, including the legendary Orient-Express, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express evokes the golden age of travel. On board guests are treated to fine dining, a personal steward service and exceptional scenery. For further departure dates or to book please visit www.vsoe.com About Belmond Owned and operated by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., Belmond is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established over 30 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, its unique and distinctive portfolio now embraces 45 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, six luxury tourist trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and three river cruises. Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. also operates ‘21’, one of New York’s most storied restaurants. For more information, please see BELMOND.COM.