All aboard! The iconic Orient Express is back on track in all its former glory. Almost 140 years after taking passengers on the first luxury journey through Europe, the legend of the Orient Express continues. Thanks to the Accor group, the passengers can relive this legendary journey which will start in January 2023 and include three international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul, and Split.‍

Luxury Train that Changed Rail Travel Forever‍

The epitome of luxury and glamour, the Orient Express began its first journey in 1883 on the train tracks of continental Europe and Asia, connecting the European West with the East. The routes of this train changed over the years, but undoubtedly the most famous was Paris-Istanbul. Today, almost no person has not heard of this legendary luxury train; numerous books and films have certainly contributed to this. From Hercule Poirot solving his most famous case on it, and James Bond planning to leave Istanbul and make his way back to England. But all of this wouldn't be possible without the creative mind of George Nagelmacker, a Belgian civil engineer and industrialist. Traveling by train for months in America as a tourist, he made notes and sketches to provide a more comfortable train journey for the wealthy people of the old continent. His credo consisted of three words: speed, luxury, and comfort, which he eventually implemented in the design of the Orient Express. And the rest goes down in history!‍

Orient Express in Croatia‍

The Orient Express journey wrote many pages and marked many generations, but it also played a significant role in Croatia. Namely, after the First World War and the construction of the Simplon tunnel, this luxury train took the southern route through Zagreb and Slavonia. This is precisely what led to the opening one of the most famous hotels in Croatia in 1925, Esplanade Hotel, which you can still find today next to the Zagreb Central Railway Station. Likewise, the famous writer Agatha Christie, in her book Murder on the Orient Express, chooses exactly that route, known as the Simplon Orient Express. And the murder that Hector Poirot solves takes place in Croatia, between Vinkovci and Slavonski Brod in modern-day Croatia

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Relive the Legendary Journey in a New and Unique Format‍

Now, you can relive the legendary journey and return to a Golden era of timeless charm with unlimited luxury and glamour. So prepare your luggage and get ready because the new Orient Express - La Dolce Vita will take passengers from January 2023. The latest route will run from Rome to Istanbul via Split, with the announced opening of a route that includes the magical Paris and Rome. The interiors of the new Orient Express are all about celebrating the 1960s and '70s. Thanks to the creative duo from the Dimorestudio, you will see a lot of curves, geometric shapes, and vivid colors. But still keeping that old Golden era charm. 

The La Dolce Vita train will contain 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one presidential suite. And we can't forget an excellent restaurant, which will serve top European cuisine and wines and tickle your taste buds.

Traveling by Orient Express is undoubtedly a dream! If you want to experience one of the most beautiful adventures of your life, the tickets will go on sale in 2023. We're sure they will sell out pretty quickly, so hurry up! Go to the official Orient Express website for all the information about the tickets and this legendary train. 

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