The Orient Express Defies Economic Crisis

The famed Orient Express long-distance train connecting Paris to Istanbul does not seem affected by the ongoing economic crisis, as customers often need to sign up on a waiting list for the journey. The train entered Romania on Sunday night through the Curtici Border Crossing Point in Arad County, carrying celebrities, wealthy globetrotters and even royalties: 60 English, 18 French, 15 Italian and 3 German, residing or having businesses in Argentina, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Denmark, France and England.

A six-day trip on the Orient Express costs a hefty 7,500 EUR. The train travels from Paris to Istanbul via Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest. On Monday, the passengers stopped in Sinaia to visit Peles Castle and the Sinaia Monastery before continuing their journey to Bucharest.

The train has three restaurants, renowned for their exquisite gourmet dishes and impeccable service: the Oriental, the Northern Star and the Cote d"Ivoire. The menu includes smoked salmon (36 EUR), escalope de foie gras (32 EUR), Beluga caviar (390 EUR / 50 grams) and a dish based on Baccari caviar (220 EUR / 75 grams). For dessert, the passengers enjoyed a banana and chocolate pyramid (14 EUR). An extensive selection of aged wines and original Colombian coffee are suitable complements to quite a worthy meal.

"We offer our guests a journey that preserves the scent of 200 years ago, good music, fine cuisine and trips to some beautiful cities," said train manager Bruno Jenssen. Among others, the train has a souvenir boutique.