Throughout December, Orient-Express’ UK day trains the British Pullman and Northern Belle, are host to a collection of seasonal journeys that include some of Britain’s finest Christmas markets, carols at historic cathedrals, unique and exclusive shopping events and delicious festive fare. With each excursion, guests can look forward to enjoying delectable brunch served with a Bellini on the outward journey and a sumptuous four course meal with wine and champagne on the way home from a memorable day out.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVE SEASON 2011

New for 2011, and a first for the British Pullman, is the Shopping on the Rails experience, a unique twist on Christmas shopping that is designed to relieve the stresses and strains of battling the busy high streets to find the perfect gift. Guests will travel on the festively bedecked vintage carriages of the British Pullman, where a host of the very best of British luxury brands will be displaying their products and offering advice to guests looking for inspiration for presents for family and friends or simply to put on a wish list!

Cocooned amongst the Art Deco marquetry and brass fittings of the British Pullman, iconic and luxurious British brands including Harrods, Anya Hindmarch, Brora luxury cashmere, Cath Kidston, Ettinger leather gifts, Miller Harris perfumes, Liberty, gun makers Holland & Holland with a range of gifts and accessories, Astley Clarke jewellery and Daniel Sandler who is make-up artist to the stars, will all be displaying a selection of their products to guests and providing expert advice and inspiration.

Having found the perfect gifts guests will then be able to sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious four course festive meal and soak up the atmosphere of the exquisite vintage carriages. Price per person is £300 and departs from London Victoria on 1st December.

For a more traditional shopping experience, the Northern Belle will be whisking guests away to Edinburgh and London for a day at the famous shopping streets of these historic capital cities. Edinburgh Christmas Shopping offers a lively shopping experience with its many galleries and array of favourite high street shops and quirky boutiques awaiting exploration against the stately background of Edinburgh Castle, whilst London Christmas Shopping takes guests into the midst of some of the best Christmas shopping and festive atmosphere. With the streets and shops windows equally imaginative in their decorations, guests will be able to explore famous stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols at their leisure. The London Christmas Shopping costs are per person and departs from Macclesfield, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington on the 3rd December. Edinburgh Christmas Shopping trip departs from Crewe, Liverpool and Preston on the 10th December and also costs are per person.

Those looking for a truly magical Christmas experience that captures the true sentiment behind the festivities can look no further than a trip onboard the British Pullman to captivating cities of either Canterbury or Salisbury for an atmospheric carol concert in one of the famous and impressive cathedrals. After enjoying a journey onboard the British Pullman, guests are welcomed at the cathedral for a traditional carol service after which the cities are open to discover at their own leisure, before travelling back to London Victoria and enjoying the delicious festive fare served onboard. Prices are based per person is and trips depart from London Victoria on the 6th and 13th December for Canterbury and 15th December for Salisbury.

The British Pullman will also be visiting the historic towns of Bath and Lincoln for festive days out. The Lincoln Christmas Market is one of the most famous ‘traditional’ Christmas Markets in Europe where guests can wander the cobbled streets lined with stalls selling unique and unusual gifts, whilst admiring the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral. The air is rich with the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine and the sounds of hand bell ringers and carollers, making this a truly traditional Christmas outing. Prices are based per person and are departing from London Victoria on the 2nd December.

The spectacular Christmas Market in the historic city of Bath is held in beautiful surroundings between Bath Abbey and the renowned Roman Baths and offers over 100 stalls of unique gifts to tempt and delight. Prices are based per person and are departing from London Victoria on 7th December.

Of course the festive season would not be complete without the traditional Christmas meal. The British Pullman and Northern Belle will also be running a full schedule of Christmas Lunches throughout December, where a truly festive feast will be served whilst nestled in bedecked carriages and as guests will not disembark the train on this journey, they can sit back and enjoy the winter scenery of the British countryside rolling by through marquetry framed windows. Departing from various stations nationwide throughout December, the Christmas Lunch costs vary per person.

The Northern Belle will be hosting the Christmas Dinner, an evening of superb seasonal dining amongst the festive decorations of its carriages. Departing on the 16th December from Dundee and Perth, the Christmas Dinner on the Northern Belle costs are based per person.

If the festive season is already booked to the hilt with parties and family get-togethers, you could always treat a loved one to an Orient-Express Gift Certificate, set at a monetary amount of your choice which allows the lucky recipient to choose a luxurious experience on either the Northern Belle or British Pullman. Alternatively, a gift for someone truly special is the Orient-Express British Pullman Golden Age of Travel Gift Box (£600), which includes two tickets for the signature journey - ‘The Golden Age of Travel’ and specially selected keepsake items from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Signature Boutique including, a pair of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express silver-plated napkin rings, a British Pullman teddy bear and a Venice Simplon-Orient-Express silver plated and leather photo frame. The Golden Age of Travel Gift Box can also be added to any journey on the British Pullman or Northern Belle, which will feature memorable keepsake items, at an additional supplement.

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