Orient Express offers quick trips for today’s economy
Responding to the realities of the post-2008 economy, Orient-Express has introduced a series of downsized British vacations combining a stay in London with an elegant outing to the country aboard the British Pullman train. "The length of the stay and the price are downsized," says Alistair Ballantine, Director of Sales & Marketing in the Americas for Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, "but the quality, style and luxury remain entirely intact."
The vacation packages feature three nights at London’s 5-star Goring Hotel, located a block from Buckingham Palace and set to mark its centenary in 2010. One of London’s loveliest and most historic hotels, the Goring hit the headlines when it opened in 1910 as the world’s first hotel to have private bathrooms and central heating in every room.
The centerpiece of the vacation is a full-day outing to the British countryside aboard
the brown and cream cars of the British Pullman, the Art-Deco coaches that 75 years ago were the fastest and grandest way to travel from London to Paris aboard the Golden Arrow and from London to Brighton as the Brighton Belle. Restored in the 1970’s, the British Pullman coaches form the British section of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The British Pullman day-trips include a Champagne greeting at London’s Victoria Station (walking distance from the Goring), elegant meals served by liveried waiters and the chance to glimpse England’s green countryside through picture windows. Three choice of itinerary include:
Georgian Bath – home of Jane Austen: Day-trip includes lunch, dinner with wine and champagne and a tour of Bath (Mar 25, May 6, Jun 3, Jul 8, Aug 26, Sep 23, Oct 7, Oct 21)
Dinner aboard the British Pullman: Early evening departure includes Laurent Perrier Champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a gourmet tasting menu paired with fine wines (Mar 12, Jul 9, Sep 10, Oct 29)
The Golden Age of Travel: A late morning departure includes an elegant lunch and fine wines and offers the opportunity to understand why train travel was once more about the journey than about the destination (Mar 27, Apr 17, Jul 17, Aug 14, Aug 28, Sep 11, Sep 25, Oct 9, Oct 23)
The British Pullman-Goring vacation packages range from $1,960 to $2,150 per couple, including the British Pullman trip, 3 nights at the Goring with full English breakfast, taxes and service charges.
For more information on Orient-Express Trains & Cruises, visit www.orient-express.com.
Karen
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