Orient Express

[jennyjoan]

I need a break big time - so would like to experience of this

A very short few days only

So all you travellers tell me from start to finish Belfast to Venice on the train and would it be worth it. Thanks I mean what's exciting to like on a train - is it a crime thingy

[waterboatman]

https://www.ospreyholidays.com/about-us/sample-itineraries/venice-simplon-orient-express

This one looks OK jen.

[fiction-factory]

It was a great experience. I think generally they are not crime thingies. The only things that would put me off as that the cabins are very cramped (certainly the ones for two people- and manouvering yourself into the top bunk isn't easy). I'm not sure whether they have cabins for one- maybe they are a lot more expensive. There was very little room to get changed- if two of you are in the cabin you need to take turns. Finally, as there only washing facilities was a sink, you do feel after a couple of days that you could do with a shower- especially if you have stopped off somewhere and walked around in the heat. Byt overall teh views were wonderful, especially Switzerland, and the food was good. You will share tables with strangers at meal times (though breakfast can be in your cabin) but everyone was pretty friendly (although you will find many will want to tell you about their last half dozen holidays this year travelling across Canada/Vietnam/Australia...).
I liked sleeping on the train while it was moving but every time it stopped during the night I woke up.
Presumably your journey will be broken into steps as the real Orient Express will start in North France.

[woofgang]

I looked into it and decided that the two things that put me off were the dress code, which I can understand but would be uncomfortable complying with, and the cramped quarters.

[fiction-factory]

The days of dinner jackets and bow ties seems to have hone. i think most men wore shirts and ties for evening meal but some had smart open neck collared shirts on for dinner and were not asked to leave the dining car. Shorts or jeans and t shirts would probably not be considered acceptable. Lunchtime meals wer eless formal.

[mushroom25]

all the info you need (about the train) here - https://www.seat61.com/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express.htm
£2,000 for a 24 hour journey? not sure i'd go for that, but plenty do, and thoroughly enjoy it.
it's not now possible to do the journey in that fashion by service train, there are very few night services in left in Europe.

[Jennykenny]

From one Jen to another.
Definitely wouldn’t opt for this if you are planning a break. I’ve been on a few sleeper trains, and slept badly on all of them.
How about popping on the train from Belfast to Dublin and then taking the ferry over to Cherbourg?
A nice cabin, a relaxing few days looking round that part of France and then back home again. You might even be able to take your dog.

[jennyjoan]

Ah thanks all for those honest replies. No it wouldn't be for me Orient - would take aggaphogie for a start (agoraphobia).

Cramped conditions between me and her definitely would lead to a Murder on the Orient Express. I really knew nothing about it and so the dressing up would get on my nerves. Also even tho I am not going do you get off the train at a variety of stops or what.

Good other ideas. Thanks

[jennyjoan]

sorry boaty - read all of your answer and it does sound lovely but wouldn't be for me

may try for a direct flight to the sun somewhere (wherever he is at the moment) again for a few days.

Don't think the Orient is for a certain lady - who likes her comforts etc. nice to get a reply

[jennyjoan]

Maybe have to stay in Chez Belfast LOL but I'm fed up with this long winter.

[jno]

have a browse through here, jj, even if it's only window shopping

https://www.greatrail.com/

I went across the Altiplano in Peru by train once. Fabulous scenery, herds of alpacas, but I spent a lot of time in the loo :-(

[ummmm]

JJ...I'm going on holiday next month. We always go in May, it's always been hot enough to get a good tan (just from walking around, we don't sunbathe) If you go on websites like FirstChoice you can put in lots of destinations that interest you and search the results by flight time/price/recommended etc. You can get some really good deals, especially if you go last minute (last minute doesn't always mean last minute, a month or so)

[Jennykenny]

For train journeys in general ‘Man in Seat 61’ is the best guide/website ever.
Can’t recommend him highly enough.