Few journeys evoke the romance of travel quite like the Orient Express luxury train, a moving symbol of Europe’s Golden Age of travel. While the train first departed in 1883, its legacy lives on through meticulously restored routes and the famed Venice Simplon-Orient Express. One of the most intriguing stops along its southern path? Belgrade, a city where Eastern and Western Europe meet in a lively, historic crossroads.
The Classic Routes Across Europe
The original Orient Express route famously ran from Paris to Istanbul, passing through Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest. A sister route, the Simplon Orient Express, offered a slightly more southern path: Paris, Lausanne, Milan, Venice, Belgrade, Sofia, and finally Istanbul. Introduced in 1919, this route became known as the Direct Orient Express in later years and continued to delight travelers with luxurious carriages, fine dining, and the thrill of traversing multiple countries in comfort and style.
The Arlberg Orient Express provided yet another option, traveling from London through Paris, Zurich, Innsbruck, Vienna, Budapest, and either Bucharest or south via Belgrade to Athens. Although less famous than the original route, it offered travelers the same glamorous experience, now with the chance to explore additional cultural hubs.
Why Belgrade Matters on the Route
Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital, occupies a key position on the Simplon and Arlberg routes. For passengers aboard the Orient Express luxury train, the city offered a unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences — a perfect stop to stretch legs, enjoy local cuisine, or take a brief detour into history before continuing the journey eastward. The city’s historic architecture, riverside promenades, and lively cafes provided a striking contrast to the polished luxury of the train itself.
Experiencing the Luxury Train Today
While the original Orient Express retired in 2009, enthusiasts can still experience its opulent legacy aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. Modern journeys replicate the elegance of the past: private cabins, exquisite dining, and sweeping views of Europe’s diverse landscapes. Routes include Paris to Venice, Verona to London, and Budapest to London, with some journeys passing through Belgrade.
Luxury train journeys today are more than travel—they are living history, offering a rare chance to immerse yourself in the golden age of European rail travel. Whether you’re retracing the steps of aristocrats, artists, and adventurers, or simply seeking a memorable way to see Europe, the Orient Express luxury train remains a bucket-list experience.
From the gilded dining cars to the historic rail lines connecting Europe’s most storied cities, a trip aboard the Orient Express luxury train is more than travel—it’s a journey into a time when trains were the ultimate symbol of sophistication and adventure. And for those passing through Belgrade, it’s a chance to discover a city where history, culture, and modern life meet along the banks of the Danube and Sava rivers.
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