All Aboard for a Special Way to Celebrate The Holidays with Orient Express

New York – August 9, 2010: When that festive sparkle is in the air, Orient-Express will be replacing the sound of sleigh bells with the exhilarating whoosh of the British Pullman and Northern Belle trains journeying across the UK with a schedule of exciting excursions and magical day trips.

Throughout the end of November and December, Orient-Express’ stunning British Pullman and Northern Belle trains will offer a full schedule of holiday lunches, dinners and day trips to festive markets, cities and carol concerts. Each excursion on these iconic trains includes an exquisite brunch served with a Bellini on the outward journey to set the mood for a sumptuous day out. A delicious four-course meal served with champagne and wines will finish off a memorable day on the return journey.

Highlights of this coming holiday season include:

The Lincoln Christmas Market: This festive market will make even the “grinchiest” Scrooge feel the spirit of the season. With millions of gifts to choose from, the trip promises to be as productive as it fun.

Visit Europe’s largest traditional festive market, with more than 300 stalls to choose from

Walk the cobbled streets under the Lincoln Cathedral

Listen to the songs of carolers in Victorian garb

December 3rd departure from London Victoria, starting around US$530 per person

Bath Christmas Market: Set in one of England’s most historic cities, this market offers historic authenticity mixed with modern creations.

More than 100 stalls to choose from

Surrounded by the historic Bath Abbey and renowned Roman Baths

December 1st departure from London Victoria; starts at around US$500 per person

Blenheim Palace: Guests can soak up the beautiful surroundings and enchanting adornments while learning about the Palace’s rich history.

Journey through the countryside to Oxford

Guided tour

Exclusive offer by the British Pullman

December 2nd departure from London Victoria, starting around US$500 per person

New Year’s Eve Dinner: For travelers seeking a culinary escape, the New Year’s Eve Dinner on either the British Pullman or Northern Belle is the perfect excursion.

On the Northern Belle, guests will start off the evening with a champagne dinner, plus:

Disembark to welcome the New Year at midnight before returning home

December 31st departure from Liverpool or Manchester; costs around US$380 per person

On the British Pullman, guests enjoy a five-course meal with champagne, wines, and liquors, plus:

At midnight, they will listen to the stirring sounds of a lone piper

December 31st departure from London Victoria; costs US$530 per person

Harrods and Knightsbridge Shopping: Visitors can explore the famous stores of London.

After traveling to London, guests explore boutiques and grand landmark stores including Harrods and Harvey Nichols

Departs on December 4th and 11th December from Birmingham, Crewe and Liverpool; October 9 from Birmingham, Crewe and Liverpool; October 16th from Doncaster, Leeds and York; November 6th from Birmingham, Crewe, Manchester Victoria and Stockport; and November 20th from Bath, Cardiff and Newport

Costs US$432 per person

Christmas Lunch and Dinner: Orient-Express’ festive Christmas lunch and dinner offer a way to enjoy fine cuisine while touring the British countryside.

The Christmas Lunch includes a five-course meal served with champagne, wine, and liquors

Costs around US$350 per person for a non-steam-hauled journey and about US$500 for a steam-hauled journey

Departure is on 17 dates in December, three of which are steam hauled, from either London Victoria or from other stations around the UK

The Christmas Dinner will be held only on the Northern Belle

Like the lunch, the dinner will allow guests to feasts while enjoying the beauty of the undeveloped countryside

Departure is on December 1st from Ipswich and Norwich; December 8th from Darlington, Durham and Newcastle; December 9th from Edinburgh and Glasgow; and December 14th from Birmingham and Coventry; costs around US$300 per person

To find out more or to book your holiday trip with Orient-Express, please contact reservations at 800-524-2420 (toll free) or 843-937-9068, e-mail: greatjourneys@oeh.com or visit the website at www.orient-express.com.

August 9, 2010   Posted in: Airlines & Railways