Updated My best day out - ever! (Orient Express)

Member Name: SusanLesley

Product:	Orient Express
Date:	17/01/01 (370 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything

Disadvantages: Nothing

Take a trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express and you will find that this really is the golden age of rail travel.

We chose to take a day trip to Bath from Victoria Station in London. There are many different trips to cities, stately homes, events such as the Grand National and day trips or weekends breaks.

We arrived at Victoria and proceeded to the check in room for the Orient Express. We were given seat numbers and our carriage name – yes each carriage has it’s own identity.

Our itinerary had instructed us that ‘smart day wear’ was appropriate remembering that we would be outdoors for some of the time in Bath. There was quite a range of outfits on board from smart suits to flashy waistcoats and bow ties, and understated elegance to big hats!

When the train arrived at the station it was a majestic sight, as we were really lucky to be on one of the steam hauled excursions. We found our carriage and embarked. It was like stepping back in time. The carriages are all originals from the 1920’s or 30’s and have been restored to their former glory with the greatest attention to detail. Each has plush upholstery, intricate marquetry, mosaic floors, solid brass fittings and softly shaded lamps.

The seats were armchairs set at our own table, laid with pure white linen tablecloths and napkins, silver cutlery and beautiful glassware. We were given time to settle down and admire our surroundings before the waiter came along in spotless white uniform and offered us a glass of Bucks Fizz. Just as a point of interest this wasn’t ready mixed Bucks Fizz either, he was carrying a bottle of good champagne in one hand and a jug of pure orange juice in the other! He did come round again and refill the glasses too! I decided I was going to enjoy this trip!

Each carriage had it’s own set of waiters under the watchful eye of their supervisor. They were attentive without being overl
y fussy. They seemed to know what we wanted before we knew ourselves and then provided it without being asked, if you know what I mean.

As we began our journey brunch was served. This consisted of a fresh fruit compote, followed by scrambled eggs with chives and smoked Scottish salmon together with a selection of breakfast rolls, butter and preserves and finishing with a Danish pastry. Colombian coffee or tea accompanied the meal. The meal was served at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time between courses. How the waiters managed to serve such food and drink on a moving train without spilling anything I’ll never know.

As we journeyed along to Bath there were people stopping to wave at every vantage point. There were enthusiasts lining each bridge waiting to take photographs as we went past. I felt like royalty!

We stopped en route in order to take on water for the steam engine. We had a chance to disembark and take photographs of the engine and the train in general.

The Head Waiter was also out on the platform in his splendid uniform having photographs taken with the passengers. He told me that he particularly enjoyed this part of his job as he was getting all the attention while the members of his staff were still on board doing the washing up!

We arrived in Bath a little later than schedule due to being steam hauled, but no one minded. We were taken to the Museum of Costume for a guided tour and then on to the Roman Baths, all included in the price of the Orient Express journey. I won't go into detail about Bath here as this is an opinion on the Orient Express - I'll do Bath seperately!

We then returned to the train at about 4pm for our return journey and dinner.

Once seated back on the train we were greeted with a glass of champagne. Dinner was served as we headed back towards London. This consisted of fresh seasonal vegetable cream soup, followed by honey glazed lamb with a ruby p
ort sauce accompanied by baby roast rosemary potatoes and a ragout of wild mushrooms, and finished off with a bread and butter pudding with a light vanilla sauce. A choice of wines accompanied the meal with either Colombian coffee or tea to follow. Liqueurs were available at an extra cost and I indulged in a Grand Marnier! Again the meal was served at a leisurely pace; nothing about the entire day felt at all rushed.

As we headed back towards Victoria Station darkness fell and all the table lamps were switched on, giving the train a cosy romantic atmosphere.

There was excellent information available on board the train. A beautiful menu adorned each table so we could anticipate the forthcoming meals. There was also a leaflet explaining how each carriage was found and restored and, of course, we had already received an itinerary with our tickets.

There were gifts available for sale bearing the VSOE emblem, such as tiepins, brooches, pens etc.

We did the trip in 1999 at a cost of £190 each which may sound a bit steep but it was well worth the money and it is an experience we intend to repeat as soon as possible. We would also like to do the Venice Simplon run, which gives the train it’s full name, but I think we’ll have to win the lottery first!

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