The train left Paris with 95 passengers on board on Aug. 27.
Turkish folk dance groups welcomed the train as it entered the country. The Orient Express stopped at the Kapıkule border post between Turkey and Bulgaria. The passengers were served Turkish food – prepared in İstanbul – during the trip. The train later departed for İstanbul.
Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Orient Express Operations Manager Vincent Gullon said the famous train entered Turkey carrying 95 passengers and 40 staff members, spread through 15 carriages. While noting that the price of the five-day-long trip, which has been taking place since 1883, is the same as last year, Gullon said, “This historical journey is priced at 6,000 euros, which includes transportation costs, catering and accommodation in Budapest, Bucharest and Varna hotels.”
Europe’s first intercontinental train, the Orient Express’ maiden voyage departed on Oct. 4, 1883. Put into service by Belgian businessman Georges Nagelmackers, the train traveled from Paris to the Port of Varna and from there to İstanbul aboard a ferry during its first trip.
 The famous Orient Express arrived yesterday at Turkey’s Kapıkule Train Station in Edirne. The Orient Express was originally the name of a regular long-distance train initially operated by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. |
The Orient Express was originally the name of a regular long-distance train initially operated by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. The train’s route changed many times, and several other trains taking different routes used its name.
Although the original Orient Express was a simple international railway service, the name became associated with intrigue and luxury travel. The two cities most intimately associated with the Orient Express are Paris and İstanbul, the original endpoints of the service.
