Orient-Express Announces Grand Voyages of Discovery

In Europe the world's most famous train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, continues to evoke the style of the Golden Age of Travel with its beautifully restored 1920's and 1930's carriages: relaxing onboard in sumptuously appointed cabins, eating exquisite French culinary creations, enjoying exceptional service and listening to delicate tunes played on a baby grand piano, all set the scene for a journey of a lifetime.

Following the popularity of the recently introduced departure onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Poland, 2010 sees a repeat journey but this time, the voyage to Krakow will incorporate, for the first time, the addition of a two night stopover in Dresden. The seven night journey departs from Venice travelling to Krakow and onto Dresden, finally arriving at London Victoria. The journey departs on 8th July and costs from USD$5,400 per person.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will also offer its signature journey to Istanbul. This famous route sees the five night voyage transporting guests in style through continental Europe and includes visits to Budapest and Bucharest before arriving in 'Europe's capital of culture for 2010', Istanbul. The journey departs Paris on 27th August and costs from USD$9,190.

Up in the beautiful mountainous highlights of Scotland in the UK, The Royal Scotsman brings to life the majesty of the location with many informative off board excursions in an intimate house party environment with just 36 guests on board. A journey aboard The Royal Scotsman offers luxurious surroundings including en-suite facilities, a fully stocked bar containing 36 whisky varieties and sumptuous cuisine using local ingredients.

2010 sees the introduction of the Grand Tour of Great Britain aboard The Royal Scotsman. For the first time, the train ventures out of Scotland through Wales and England on a seven night exploration of Great Britain. The train travels to towns, cities, stately homes and castles including Inverness, Dundee, Chester, Llandudno, Portmeirion, Bath, Cambridge, York, Oxford and Alnwick. The journey departs from Edinburgh Waverley on 9th July and costs from USD$12,800.

The Afloat In France peniché-hotels by Orient-Express are a collection of five lavishly appointed barges which ply the waterways and canals of France. Ranging in capacity from just four to twelve, the staff to guest ratio is two to one ensuring impeccable service from the onboard team. Delicious cuisine using ingredients sourced from local markets and wine producers whets the taste buds for a gourmet floating experience. Personalised cruise itineraries absorb the best of France with exclusive visits to vineyards, golfing and cycling itineraries as well as cookery classes.

Due to its popularity over the past two years since its launch, Afloat in France is repeating the Grand Cru Cruise in 2010. The special wine indulgent trip is hosted for the first time aboard the Amaryllis barge, which houses a heated swimming pool and bicycles on board. The cruise includes a taste of the 33 Grand Crus and exclusive visits to private family owned vineyards. The journey departs from Dijon on 18th July and costs USD$9,800 per person.

Tailor-made six night itineraries ensure there is an experience to suit all tastes aboard Afloat In France.

A new addition to the Eastern & Oriental Express schedule is the trip to Vientiane, when the train makes its first crossing over the newly built Friendship Bridge, which spans the Mekong River between Thailand and Laos. The three night itinerary includes an excursion to the World Heritage Site at Phimai with its meticulously restored Khmer temples, and a visit to the picturesque Khao Yai wine region for a tour of the vineyards, with a chance to sample some "new latitude" wines. The highlight of the trip will come on February 25th when the Eastern & Oriental Express makes its stately voyage towards Vientiane, crossing the Mekong River via the Friendship Bridge and arriving into the newly-opened Thanaleng Station – the first railway station in Laos. This inaugural journey departs from Bangkok on 23rd February and prices start from US$1,950 in a Pullman cabin.

Also offered aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express are the year round regular journeys from Singapore to Bangkok and visa versa, as well as further north to Chiang Mai.

Following the complete refurbishment and re-launch of the Road To Mandalay river cruiser in Burma in August 2009, the Ayeyarwady River reaching into the heart of the country, is once again its home. With a capacity of only 82, the cruises offer a real glimpse into Burmese life with fascinating guided off-board excursions to ancient pagodas and rural villages steeped in history.

An 11-night explorative voyage to Bhamo aboard the Road To Mandalay offers the perfect vantage point to delve into this undiscovered country. The journey departs from Mandalay on 11th, 25th August and 8th September travelling as far north as Bhamo returning to Bagan and costs from USD $3,030 per person.

The 2010 Voyages of Discovery brochure is available by request, please visit www.orient-express.com for further information.