A DOSE of NOSTALGIA and OLD-WORLD GLAMOUR
Among the most sought-after experiences is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. With routes from Paris to Venice and other quintessential European destinations, this legendary train transports passengers back to the golden age of travel with its meticulously restored 1920s carriages, rich Art Deco details and impeccable service. Guests indulge in gourmet multi-course meals, sip cocktails in the iconic Bar Car, and cap off their evening with a decadent midnight brunch. “Historical trains can be an invitation to step back in time [to an era] when men wore tuxedos to dinner and women wore gowns. You feel like you’re playing a part in a movie,” says Thornton. New to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is L’Observatoire, an extraordinary sleeper carriage designed by French artist JR. Featuring incredible craftsmanship, 24-hour butler service, a secret tearoom and a striking oculus for stargazing, the suite is priced at over $100,000 per night, making it the most expensive train cabin ever.
I f the fictional Jay Gatsby were alive today, you wouldn’t find him on a private jet – he would be sipping champagne in a lavishly appointed train carriage, gliding through the countryside. You could say that the Roaring Twenties are back, at least in the world of travel, as luxury train experiences continue to grow in popularity. “Many travelers want to slow down and savor the journey instead of rushing from one destination to the next,” says Jennifer Bitting, Manager at Lake Shore Travel in Glencoe. Beyond the desire to take the scenic route, there’s a growing appetite for unique and new experiences. “Americans don’t get to enjoy train rides regularly like people in other parts of the world, so there is a curiosity about it,” adds Kendra Thornton, President & CEO of Royal Travel in Winnetka.
22 // ASPIRE ON THE SHORE “Many travelers want to slow down and savor the journey instead of rushing from one destination to the next.” — JENNIFER BITTING, LAKE SHORE TRAVEL
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