About Orient Express
The Legendary History
in 10 Dates
From 1867 to today, discover the technical, industrial, and artistic epic that redefined slow, storied travel across continents.
Invent / Reinvent
"The history of Orient Express is a technical, industrial, and artistic epic tale."
Drawing on this rich history and its emotional heritage, Orient Express continues to amplify this experience, always pushing the limits of what is possible to explore another way of traveling—slow, refined, and deeply memorable.
When it all began
After a heartbreak, young Belgian engineer Georges Nagelmackers fled to the United States. There, he discovered railroads with the world's first sleeping cars. Back in Europe, he realized his life's work: launching luxurious trains that would lead to the Gates of the Orient.
The CIWL is born
Behind the acronym was a company driven by audacity, the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (The International Sleeping Car Company). These trains became known for their luxurious decorations, unparalleled comfort, unprecedented services on board, plus travel agencies and workshops throughout Europe.
The inaugural journey
On October 4th, 1883, the most fascinating train in the world left Paris for Constantinople and embarked with forty passengers on board. The round trip lasted 13 days. With this one trip, the geography of Europe was turned upside down, and the notion of long-distance travel was completely redefined.
The opening of the first hotels
Georges Nagelmackers founded the Compagnie Internationale des Grands Hôtels. From Paris to Peking, magnificent grand palace hotels opened along the Orient Express routes—including the legendary Pera Palace in Istanbul—allowing passengers to linger in modern opulence and timeless sophistication.
The birth of a unique style
Designed by decorator René Prou and master glassmaker René Lalique, the new Pullman lounge cars inspired a new art of living on board. These masterpieces of refinement and luxury in Art Deco style embodied the excellence of French travel and romance.
Murder on the Orient Express
On January 1st, Murder on the Orient Express was published. This mystery novel written by the star of suspense, Agatha Christie, quickly gained a cult following, inspiring numerous film adaptations and feeding the imaginations of travelers for nearly a century.
The ultimate journey
On May 20th, the Orient-Express made its last direct trip between Paris and Istanbul. The development of the air travel market at the end of the 20th century was a blow to the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, who was forced to sell some of its cars at auction.
A new identity
Orient Express unveiled its new identity at the International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) with premiere collection of travel objects. Six emblematic pieces were inspired by the history of the legendary company and added an artistic layer to a contemporary art of living.
A new legendary chapter
Orient Express is thrilled to announce the launch of a new collection of luxury hotels, historic train restorations including L'Orient Express and La Dolce Vita, and ultra-luxury sailing yachts. A new chapter has begun: the myth continues its legendary journey.
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