Never mind the Hogwarts Express, Harry Potter has got in on the act of another great train, Orient Express’ Northern Belle. Budding wizards will be spellbound as they journey to the Warner Brother’s Studio and World of Harry Potter, near Watford, in the carriages which reflect the beautiful style of England’s 1930s “Belle” trains. After a delicious brunch on board, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the studio, explore the Harry Potter set and see the props and costumes used and worn by the movie’s stars. The trip on August 9 and 30 or October 12 from various departures, also includes a four-course supper on the return journey with champagne and wine for the adults and costs £340.
The Northern Belle and British Pullman – sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – are running a number of other day trips next year including more family journeys to visit Chester Zoo on May 10, June 8 and November 8. Prices start from £340 per person including brunch and dinner on the train.
On July 17, the British Pullman will take guests for a Royal day out to Sandringham House in Norfolk, home to the last four generations of sovereigns. After brunch, guests will spend the day exploring the Queen’s residence including walking through the famous gardens before getting back on board for dinner with champagne and wine. Prices from £395 per person.
If you want to travel in luxury to the seaside, then a trip to Bournemouth on the south coast is just the ticket on June 7 or September 20, departing from London Victoria, with prices from £395.
Orient-Express has announced a number of new train and cruise holidays for next year. They include sailing along the stunning rivers in France and Myanmar, to travelling through the picturesque and lush scenery of South-East Asia or making your way through the Alps to one of Europe’s great cities.
A highlight in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express schedule is a series of voyages to Scandinavia where the world’s most famous train will travel from Stockholm via Copenhagen for the very first time. The inaugural journey departs from Venice on April 8 on a scenic two-night journey before making the return voyage from Stockholm back to Italy via Copenhagen. Various package options are available.
Back by popular demand to The Royal Scotsman’s season is the Country Homes and Gardens journey, departing Edinburgh Waverley on June 7 to discover some of Scotland’s finest homes and gardens on a guided tour with write Sue Shivers and photographer Patsy Floyd. Travelling along the eastern coast and covering 720 miles, passengers will see stunning landscapes while soaking in the history of ancient castles and famous gardens. Prices from £4,660 per person for the four-night Highland voyage.
Whisky lovers may be tempted by The Classic Whisky Journey, departing Edinburgh on April 21, in association with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. The trip includes visits to well-known Scottish distilleries and is led by an ambassador from the Society. In addition to the many whiskies on board, guests will also be able to sample a variety of the Society’s exclusive malts. Prices for the four-night all-inclusive journey from £4,330 per person.
Orcaella, the latest river cruiser by Orient-Express, starts sailing next summer. The ship will meander the Ayeyarwady River between Yangon and Bhamo, stopping at key cultural and off the beaten track sites and towns. It will also cruise the Chindwin River, passing extensive mountain ranges, winding its way through western Myanmar as far north as Homalin, 30 miles from the Indian border. Highlights of the schedule include seven and 11-night cruises, to explore the country’s country’s rich heritage, natural beauty and friendly people. Prices from £3,270 per person for a seven-night cruise.
Cruising along the Ayerwaddy River for over 17 years, the Road To Mandalay, will set sail on its 11-night expedition to Bhamo. The journey will depart three times next year, on August 14 and 28 and September 11, returning to Bagan and costs from £2,620 per person, including internal flights and tours. Also available throughout the season are three, four and seven-night cruises as well as several extensions to Inle Lake, Ngapali and Golden Rock.
South-East Asia’s most glamorous train, the Eastern & Oriental Express, has a schedule of unique rail voyages. Next year’s highlights include the Chronicles of South-East Asia, two six-night and one three-night journey for up to 60 guests in spacious State and Presidential cabins. The train passes through the jungle-clad hills of the Cameron Highlands, across the Mekong River to Vientiane, Laos or through Thailand’s lush exotic landscape. Epic Thailand departs on February 3 and November 23, Fables of the Hills on March 2 and October 26 and the Tales of Laos on October 1. Prices from £2,500 for a three-night voyage.
Visit www.orient-express.com
