Orient-Express is already steaming ahead with its impressive 2011 schedule into a busy season in the UK.

The Northern Belle and British Pullman trains, sisters to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, will be whisking guests away on a variety of romantic and delightful journeys to stately homes, historic towns and seasonal events throughout the year.

For 2011, Orient-Express has made a number of exciting additions to the already varied collection of luxurious dining experiences and enchanting day trips: 

SPECIAL OCCASIONS:
A day trip on either the British Pullman or the Northern Belle is certainly an occasion in itself, but for those passengers who wish to mark a special anniversary or celebration, Orient-Express offers a great variety of memorable journeys.

Joining the celebratory journeys already on the schedule, both the Northern Belle and the British Pullman are introducing a Steam Hauled Father’s Day Lunch for 2011. Indulge your Dad with a delicious five-course meal onboard either train, and see the big kid in him come out at the sight of the powerful steam locomotive. Alternatively, why not surprise Dad with an Orient-Express gift voucher and let him choose from the wide range of trips. New journeys to tickle his fancy include Glorious Goodwood - a day at one of the world’s most beautiful race courses commences with a delicious brunch onboard the British Pullman, includes entrance to The Gordon Enclosure to watch the races and is rounded off with a sumptuous four-course dinner on the return journey. Clay Pigeon Shooting is sure to appeal as a boy’s day out, after enjoying brunch on the journey to Kent, guests will be kitted out in all the necessary gear for a day of shooting. A delicious four-course dinner is served on the return journey.

Guests in 2011 will certainly remember the 5th of November onboard the Northern Belle for the Guy Fawkes Dinner. A specially devised menu served alongside explosive themed entertainment will keep guests intrigued and delighted, whilst nestled away from the chill of the early November night.

HISTORY:
Guests step back in time to a more gracious and glamorous age when they board the British Pullman and Northern Belle, and with a schedule of day trips to historic palaces and stately homes, guests can escape the 21st century and lose themselves in the rich tapestry of Great Britain’s past. New journeys have been added to the Northern Belle schedule to tempt any history fanatic including a trip to Eltham Palace for a dose of pure 1930’s glamour. The stunning interiors reflect masterful design with influences in Art Deco and for those who like their history a bit older, a magnificent Tudor Palace, childhood home of Henry VIII, acts as a backdrop.

For those guests who are intrigued by the era of the industrial revolution, which led to the creation of the railways and later the birth of The Golden Age of Travel, a trip aboard the Northern Belle to see Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol, is surely a historical highlight of the 2011 schedule. A day steeped in history that allows guests to discover the true stories behind the creation of the ship that changed the world.

Dickens’ Rochester gives guests travelling on the Northern Belle an opportunity to discover the historic city of Rochester, childhood home of Charles Dickens and home to England’s second oldest Cathedral. Passengers will journey into the ‘Garden of England’ to explore this ancient cathedral city, with its wonderful mix of old and new.

THEMED:
Whether aboard the British Pullman or the Northern Belle, dining with Orient-Express is always a treat. Renowned for the fine dining experiences such as ‘The Dinner’, a twist will be added to a few of the dining journeys in 2011.

For the first time the British Pullman will be returning to its roots to host The 1920’s Dinner, an evening of flappers, jazz and old fashioned glamour. Ladies will be encouraged to get on their flapper dresses, jewelled headbands and feathers, while the gentlemen don their best cut suits topped with a trilby. Surrounded by vintage Art Deco panels, lamps and furnishings, guests can leave behind the 21st century for an evening of fine dining from a more glamorous era.

From the unrivalled glamour of the 1920’s to the swinging cool of the 1950’s and 1960’s, the Northern Belle will be hosting the Rat Pack on the Tracks Dinner. Inspired by, arguably, the coolest guys of all time; Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford, this unique dining experience invites guests so slip into the unforgettable heydays of smooth style, enjoying a delicious meal, served with Champagne and fine wines accompanied by themed entertainment.

WEEKENDS:
For those looking for a longer escape from the everyday world, the British Pullman and Northern Belle have added new weekend breaks to their schedules.

The British Pullman will be whisking guests down to Cornwall for a weekend exploring the beautiful gardens of the region on the Cornish Gardens Weekend. After enjoying brunch and a delicious three course lunch on board the British Pullman, guests will arrive in Cornwall in style and will be welcomed at either Royal Duchy Hotel or Greenbank Hotel, where they will enjoy two nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner during their stay. Saturday brings a choice of day trip either to Tresco or a combined trip to the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, both of which will delight guests of the green fingered persuasion. Those who are feeling a little adventurous may wish to travel to Tresco, where the day starts with an exciting helicopter ride from Penzance, followed by a tour round the Abbey Gardens that boast a wealth of rare plants. Sunday morning brings a time to relax in the hotel, before returning to Truro to rejoin the train for a delicious five–course lunch and high tea on the return journey to London Victoria.

The Northern Belle will be heading to the beautiful Scottish coastline of St Andrews and the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa. The St Andrews Golf or Spa weekend begins with a Bellini and brunch whilst relaxing into the beautiful décor of the Northern Belle carriages, as the train leisurely makes its way up to St Andrews. Minutes from the historic city of St Andrews is the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa where guests will stay, and after enjoying a full Scottish breakfast on Saturday, they will be able to indulge in a game of golf on the 18 hole golf course, enjoy a relaxing day in the Kohler Water Spa or walk into the historic city of St Andrews to explore the sights which include the cathedral and the Museum of the University of St Andrews. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel on Saturday night, and after a good night’s sleep, the Northern Belle waits to escort guests back on a leisurely journey, where brunch, lunch and a delicious supper will round off a memorable weekend.

Other weekend excursions in the 2011 schedule include the British Pullman South Devon Weekend, the Northern Belle Edinburgh Tattoo Weekend and Northern Belle Loch Lomond and the Highland Games Weekend.

These are but a few highlights of the 2011 schedule. Others include a new trip to Daylesford Organic Farm where, over the past 30 years, they have transformed their organic principles into a glamorous shopping experience. The return of the Laurent-Perrier Dinner and trips to the historic city of Bath are eagerly anticipated. Trips to some of the UK’s most famous Sporting and Social events including the Grand National, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon Tennis and RHS Chelsea Flower Show are sure to create some spectacular memories.

The vintage carriages of the British Pullman boast delicate Art Deco marquetry, Art Nouveau lamps and Liberty Print on the comfy armchairs. Departing from London Victoria all year round, the British Pullman encircles the British countryside in a truly elegant way.

The Northern Belle evokes the glamour and grace of the great ‘Belle’ trains of the 1930’s. Guests are nestled away in sumptuous carriages decorated in specially commissioned designs, fabrics and beautiful marquetry. The Northern Belle departs from around 65 stations across Great Britain, to destinations countrywide.