INTRODUCTION
Now, travel aboard The Orient - Express Northern Belle lets you experience and enjoy this variety.
To journey aboard the Orient - Express Northern Belles is to be transported back in time - to a golden age of railway travel when a train carried you not only to a destination but also to the fulfillment of a dream.
With travel abroad Northern Belle, these delightful new holidays feature stays at regional flagship hotels, ensuring unmatched comfort and ample time to explore the unique atmosphere of each area. You also enjoy exclusively arranged visits and events rich with the heritage and culture of Great Britain.
Northern Belle is designed to guarantee your every comfort, while at the same time impart an elegant sense of history. Each car bears the name of a significant stately home and is furnished with specially - commissioned designs, fabrics and furnishings that celebrate British heritage.
The Northern Belle's superb service and cuisine are enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort. Relax in armchairs besides large picture windows, surrounded by luxury. Sumptuous food, complemented by a selection of fine wines, is freshly prepared by expert chefs and served among settings of fine linen and sparkling crystal. When not dining on the train, you can enjoy meals in your hotel or at specially-selected venues.
Service aboard the Northern Belle is impeccable. Stewards are always on hand to ensure that all of the arrangements for your trip are seamless. Our tour guides are not only extremely knowledgeable but also captivating and entertaining. Through them, British history and culture are truly brought to life.
Overnight accommodations are in carefully-selected, exceptional hotels that offer an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding region. Stays of more than one night allow you ample time to absorb the atmosphere and countryside at your own pace.
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BRITISH PULLMAN
The British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offer a wide choice of day excursions and short breaks in Britain. Aboard the meticulously restored umber and cream 1920s and 30s carriages, passengers enjoy fine foods, wine and champagne as Britain's countryside unfolds at the window. Enjoy Britain at its best with a British Pullman classic journey. |
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Edinburgh, Chester, Wales, Bath, Stonehenge, Salisbury 7 days
DAY 1 London/York
Begin your trip in style boarding the gleaming carriages at London Victoria. After a champagne brunch on board, arrive at York in the afternoon and visit the wonderful stately home of Castle Howard. Home for 300 years to the Howard family, this estate was used as the setting for the movie "Brideshead Revisited." A private tour of the house, which includes artworks by Van Dyck and Gainsborough, is followed by Afternoon Tea in the Grecian Hall. Then enjoy dinner on board as the Northern Belle continues traveling north, offering spectacular views of the historic cities of Durham and Newcastle on the River Tyne. Upon arriving in Edinburgh transfer to the Balmaral Hotel for three nights.
DAY 2 Edinburgh
After breakfast at the hotel there is time to explore Scotland's capital city where you will find striking contrasts: tall, dark buildings in medieval Old Town and classical architecture in Georgian New Town. Take in such sights as Edinburgh Castle, the National Gallery and Holyrood House. For those wishing to explore further a guided Glasgow excursion is available. Scotland's second city is renown as a showcase of design and architecture, particularly with the distinctive influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Tonight, dine from a choice of select restaurants. Please note, Golf can be arranged as an optional extra.
DAY 3 Oban/Isle of Mull
Your journey begins early in the morning with breakfast served onboard Northern Belle while you're en route to the Inner Hebrides. The route along the West Highland way with views of Loch Lomand., valleys and hillsides inhabited by as abundance of wildlife will captivate you. After arriving at the Scottish seaside town of Oban, sail to the Isle of Mull where you'll be welcomed at Duart Castle, ancestral home of the Laird of Lachalan, head of the McLean clan. This 13th century castle, set high atop a cliff, offers remarkable views of three intersecting sea lochs and serves as the ideal backdrop for experiencing traditional Scottish Highland games and dancing. Enjoy Scottish liqueurs and local whisky before sailing back to the mainland, and then partake in a gourmet Scottish dinner aboard the Northern Belle as you travel back to Edinburgh.
DAY 4 Yorkshire/Chester
As you depart Edinburgh, journey along one of the world's most scenic routes: the Settle and Carlisle railway, known for its soaring viaducts over the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy brunch before leaving the train to visit Haworth, the heart of "Bronte country." Haworth, with its quaint cobbled main street, is the site of the parsonage - still preserved - that was home to the Bronte sisters. A local literary expert will guide you on a walking tour of the grounds, bringing the sisters' works vibrantly to life. You'll also visit nearby Saltaire. This Victorian "factory" town, developed in1853 as a social experiment, combined industry and beauty in Italian style buildings. The Mill now houses artworks by locally born David Hockney, arguably the best-known British artist of the 20th century, now based in California. Reboard the Northern Belle for dinner as you travel to the medieval walled town of Chester. Overnight at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel.
DAY 5 Wales/Bath
Following breakfast in your hotel, board the Northern Belles for a visit to the beautiful Bodnant Gardens. This resplendent garden, tended since 1875 and symbolic of one of Britain's greatest passions, id recognized for its variety of plantings, shrubs and mature trees, as well as its landscaped terraces and lawns. From the garden you'll also have a spectacular view of Snowdonia. While in Wales, you'll be treated to a demonstration of sheep dog trials which you're certain to find a fascinating event. Reboard the train and head south through the beautiful Costwolds and on to the city of Bath. Ablend of Roman and Georgian history and styles, Bath exudes the aura of a living museum while at the same time offering a delightful array of shops and activities. Enjoy a relaxing two-night stay at the Bath Spa Hotel.
DAY 6 Bath
Explore the many sites and points of interest in Bath: the Roman Baths, the Pump Room, the Assembly Rooms (at one time considered to be among the most elegant buildings in Europe), the Royal Crescent (part of which is now classified as a World Heritage Building), and the Museum of Costume which features displays from Tudor times to present day. Guides will be available to ensure that your tour is both enjoyable and informative. After lunch and some free time for shopping, you will depart for Sudelely Castle, a medieval fortress restored in the 19th century. A private tour of the castle followed by a sumptuous banquet are in store for you this evening.
DAY 7 Stonehenge/Salisbury
The Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous steam engine, joins the Northern Belle for a journey back to London that recalls the "grand tours" of the past. Stop along the way to visit dramatic Stonehenge as well as the cathedral city of Salisbury, where the original Magna Carta is displayed. Reboard Northern Belle for a late lunch and your return to London Victoria.