In the late 19th century, a young Belgian railway enthusiast, Georges Nagelmackers, founded Compagnie Internationale des Wagons Lits and began building luxury railway carriages -- and gradually proceeded to do for Continental train travel what Pullman had for Britain. In 1881 after experimenting with several demands, Nagelmackers introduced the first restaurant car aboard a Continental train. With sleeping carriages and restaurant cars in place, Nagelmackers was finally able to fulfil his dream and on 4 October 1883 the first Orient-Express train service was inaugurated. The initial route ran from Paris to Romania, via Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest.

By the turn of the century, the great age of rail travel was in full swing. The Simplon Tunnel - at 12½ miles, the world's longest - was built n 1906, cutting the trip from Paris to Venice significantly, and by 1921 the Orient-Express was running an extended Simplon-Orient-Express route to Istanbul.

The 1920s and 1930s were the heyday of the legendary train. The list of Orient-Express passengers read like a Who's Who of international royalty and celebrities.

After World War II however, the fortunes of the Orient-Express declined with the onset of cheaper air travel and holiday packages. In 1977 the service was finally closed down.

The fabled train was however saved by entrepreneur and rail enthusiast, James B. Sherwood. In 1977 he bought two of the trains carriages at a Southby's auction in Monte Carlo. The next few years and US$16 million were spent locating, purchasing and restoring some 35 vintage sleepers, Pullmans and restaurant cars.

On 25 May 1982 the legend was reborn when the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made its maiden run from London to Venice.

Today, the gleaming coaches of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continue to transport passengers across Europe in exquisite surroundings on one of the most romantic journeys in the world.

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