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Orient Express launches new cruise and rail brochure

Orient Express launches new cruise and rail brochure

Orient-Express has launched its new ‘Tailored Group Experiences’ brochure designed to showcase its portfolio of authentic and exhilarating train and cruise products highlighting an array of interesting departures and experiences perfect for all types of meeting, incentive events and corporate occasions.

There are few travel experiences that rival a journey on board the Orient-Express; with the Northern Belle, British Pullman and The Royal Scotsman trains in the UK, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe, the Eastern & Oriental Express in South East Asia, The Road To Mandalay river cruise ship in Burma and five deluxe Péniche-hotels which ply the canals and waterways of France, there is an itinerary to suit every corporate need.

Itineraries can be tailor-made to suit each group’s particular wishes and desires, whether travelling on an incentive business trip or personal celebration with friends and family. For an entirely exclusive journey, each of the worldwide trains & cruises can be chartered entirely or on a cabin-by-cabin or carriage basis. Attentive service, unique experiences, exquisite cuisine paired with fine wine are very much key to a journey with Orient-Express and there can be an itinerary made to fit in with each occasion.

The British Pullman and Northern Belle trains are based in the UK and offer an extensive range of luxurious dining experiences and days out. Guests can relax in the vintage 1920’s and 30’s carriages, that seat between 20 and 26 people, whilst attentive liveried stewards serve sumptuous cuisine and wine during the journey.

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, named the ‘King of Trains’, is the sister train to the UK Day Trains and travels from London to Venice (and vice versa) and other European destinations such as Prague, Krakow, Istanbul and Budapest. Guests stay overnight in vintage cabins and dine in original 1920’s carriages with stunning Lalique panels and Art Deco marquetry. Book on an individual cabin basis or charter the entire train for a completely exclusive journey.

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Departing from Edinburgh Waverley and offering the perfect ‘no fly’ escape is The Royal Scotsman. This elegant train sleeps up to 36 guests in twin and single cabins and is an effortless way to explore Scotland’s breathtaking scenery in luxury. The Edwardian style interior of the train is complemented by The Royal Scotsman’s very own tartan. Itineraries include exclusive visits to stately homes, distilleries and outdoor pursuits and back on board guests will enjoy delectable culinary delights using seasonal produce created by the Head Chef. Groups can also exclusively charter the train for any occasion and acustom their trip to a theme, for example, golf, shooting, fishing food and wine.

Slightly further afield and in warmer climes, the colonial style Eastern & Oriental Express wends its way through Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Groups can either choose from a Classic journey (up to 132 guests) for a two or three night trip between Bangkok and Singapore (or vice versa) or a ‘Chronicles of South-East Asia’ journey (up to 60 guests) ranging between three and six nights with a more in-depth itinerary.

For a different change of pace off the rails, The Road To Mandalay river cruiser in Burma and Afloat in France have a range of cruise experiences to choose from. The Road To Mandalay ship cruises along the Ayeyarwady River where guests will be immersed in Burma’s fascinating culture. Originally a traditional Rhine river cruiser, this deluxe ship accommodates up to 82 guests, has accommodation across four decks including a gourmet Restaurant, Piano Bar, Observation Lounge, Alfresco Café, Sundeck with Pool, Signature Boutique and Wellbeing Centre. Special arrangements including horse drawn carriage transfers, sunset pagoda barbecues, meditation services and hot air balloon rides can also be organised for groups on The Road To Mandalay.

Gently cruising along France’s beautiful rivers and cruises, Afloat in France is a fleet of five luxury péniche- hotels where guests on board are treated to a host of culinary delights prepared by the Head Chef and experience a range of unique excursions. Each journey can be tailor-made to suit any group’s preferences and each barge has a full team of staff. The barges accommodate between four and 12 guests and can be chartered singularly or in tandem, for a week at a time, so each party on board can plan their trip and make their journey extra special. Visits to the cellars of a vineyard, which are normally closed to the general public, and a behind the scenes tour of a local olive grove are just examples of the tours that can be arranged by the onboard staff.

“A trip on any of the Orient-Express train or cruise offers a unique setting to impress key clients,” said Orient-Express Trains & Cruises Managing Director, Gary Franklin. “It is a great way to incentivise staff, kick start/round off a corporate event or to launch a new product to industry partners or the media. It needs little theming, appeals to both sexes and with nowhere to go but down the track, ensures you have a captive audience.”

Travelling in the lap of luxury, corporate groups can board any Orient-Express scheduled departure or choose to charter the entire train/ship for an event and tailor make the journey. A dedicated sales team works closely with corporate clients to ensure that all special arrangements are catered for.