Dream Trips from London

If you dream of vintage trains, none can be grander than the "Orient Express". Our favorite day trips out are on this world famous train. If you fancy nostalgia coupled with luxury then sprinkled with history, you really need to treat yourself to a memorable Orient Express Tour. Starting at the royal train station of Victoria, you know you're in for a treat as the historic train pulls into the station. Unlike the sleek looks of today's modern trains, the Orient-Express train has a character all it's own. It moves majestically down the track with each umber and cream train car bearing it's own name and identity. As you move to board, you enter a world of glamour and luxury missing from the modern trains of today.

Your first impression will be one of affluence and comfort as you view the exquisite decor of each meticulously restored train car. Some are masterfully done with Italian inlaid wood, others reflect an art deco feeling of the 1920's. And every one exudes a feeling of comfort and sophistication. Fashionably upholstered wing chairs face each other at tables lining your beautifully draped window to the adventure before you. The tables are set for two with a lovely lamp in the center by the window. Other cars have tables set for 4 in coupes (compartment cars). It's like settling in to an impeccably decorated parlor of a stately home. You know that you have entered the golden age of travel.

Every trip you take will have a gourmet brunch, lunch or supper associated with it. You will dine on fine wine and delicious cuisines prepared by their master chefs. You will be attended to like royalty as your train rolls through the scenic countryside. And when you arrive at your destination you will be relaxed and ready for the next part of the adventure. Each of the trips has been designed to provide you with an informative narration on where you are going and what you will see. All of the trips go to the most desirable of destinations, except of course, THE DINNER, which is a train to nowhere traveling for 3 hours while you enjoy one of the most sought after gastronomic meals to be had in London.

The schedule of trips changes by month and there is a new destination almost every day. The months of March through October offer the widest range of choices. To view the choices when you are in London select the month and review the range of possibilities. These are popular trips so do book in advance to be sure you will not be disappointed. The destinations include places like Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House, Churchill's Chartwell House, the aviation museum at Duxford, Hever Castle, the Beaulieu Motor Museum, Sissinghurst Gardens and much more. Whichever you choose, it will prove to be the most romantic train ride and experience of your life. Orient-Express goes out of their way to plan a trip which will take care of every detail of your journey.

The only trip better than a day out on the Orient-Express is a "Week on the Orient-Express" seeing England, Scotland and Wales. Imagine extending the day trips above to a week, traversing the most scenic countryside of the UK, ending each day in a new destination with a stay in the finest hotels in the country. Even the daily sightseeing is not your standard fare. Orient-Express has peppered the trip with unique visual and cultural experiences to make your trip really special. You will see the popular, and those out of the way places that are more difficult to get to, without ever having to drive on the left yourself. Your host train is the Northern Belle, sister to the British Pullman used for the day trips above, and just as scrumptious. You will know you are in for a treat as the Scottish pipers accompany you down the walkway to your train car as you board the Orient-Express at Victoria Station and it only gets better from there.

You will head to York and visit the Castle Howard known by some as the Versailles of the North Country. In Edinburgh you will end your day touring with an evening tour and dinner aboard the royal yacht Britannia. It is truly a night to remember as this ship is steeped in history. You will dine in the same room, on the same dinnerware as many heads of state had not so many years ago. On day three you will head to the highlands and explore Blair Castle culminating your tour there with entertainment by Scottish dancers. Afterwards, shopping, distillery tasting and even golfing on the historic courses are the possibilities. Your train will take you across the soaring viaducts over the Yorkshire Dales and into Wales--the land of song.

Your touring of Wales will be done from a base in the wonderfully preserved walled city of Chester. From here you will journey through north Wales to the Italianate village of Portmeirion on the shores of Cardigan Bay. While enjoying afternoon tea you will be entertained by one of the champions of the Sheep Trials who will put on a short display. In the afternoon you will arrive on the Island of Angelsey to tour Plas Newydd, a magnificent house with connections to the artist Wistler. As you tour concludes you will hear a performance by the Welch Choir. On day 6 you will have time to further explore Chester before you journey on to Bath. The Roman Baths here are exceptionally well preserved. In true Orient-Express style you will have a private viewing of the Baths followed by a gala dinner in the Pump Room. On day 7 you will train it back to London after enjoying many miles of luxurious transport, delicious meals and wonderful memories!