The Orient Express: A Golden Era of Travel

Calling all train lovers and history enthusiasts! Channel 4’s new four-part series, The Orient Express: A Golden Era of Travel, launches on 3rd September on More4 and promises to take viewers on an unforgettable journey along one of the most iconic rail routes in the world.

The series retraces the legendary 1,700-mile route from London to Istanbul, stopping at key destinations including Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest and Sofia. More than just a travelogue, it dives into the fascinating history of the Orient Express – a train that, since its launch in 1883, has been synonymous with glamour, intrigue and adventure. The series will also feature the Golden Eagle Danube Express' maiden Paris to Istanbul route.

A Journey Through Time

At the height of its fame, the Orient Express wasn’t simply a way to cross Europe – it was a world of its own. Royals, statesmen, film stars and even spies made it their preferred mode of travel. It was immortalised by Agatha Christie in Murder on the Orient Express, while countless real-life dramas unfolded within its elegant carriages.

The series will also explore how the train adapted through periods of war and political upheaval, connecting countries and cultures through some of Europe’s most turbulent decades.

The Modern Legacy of the Orient Express

While the original service has long since ceased, the spirit of the Orient Express lives on today in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Operated by Belmond, this beautifully restored train features historic 1920s and 30s carriages, offering guests the chance to experience the golden age of rail travel in true style. Routes stretch across Europe, from Venice and Paris to Prague, Vienna and beyond – each journey as magical as it is luxurious.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eagle Danube Express continues the tradition of cross-continental luxury rail travel. Often referred to as a “hotel on wheels,” it blends modern comfort with classic style, taking passengers on epic adventures through Central and Eastern Europe. In fact, the new Channel 4 series features the inaugural run of the Golden Eagle’s Paris to Istanbul service – a direct nod to the continuing allure of this timeless route.

For those captivated by A Golden Era of Travel, there is no better way to follow in the footsteps of the original Orient Express than by stepping aboard its modern counterparts. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Golden Eagle Danube Express both offer travellers the opportunity to relive the romance of the rails – but with all the comforts and luxuries of today.

Whether it’s sipping champagne in an Art Deco dining car, gazing out at the Alps, or arriving in the grand capitals of Europe in style, these trains ensure that the legacy of the Orient Express is not just remembered – it’s experienced.