Passengers travel in vintage rail cars that harken back to the hey-day of train travel. Six years later, when Paris was linked to Istanbul by rail, the train continued into Turkey. After World War II, interest in rail travel waned, and in 1977, the Orient-Express came to a halt. Just as it seemed the famous train would slip into oblivion, American businessman James B. Sherwood bought two of its vintage rail cars at a Sotheby's auction in Monaco. Next, he searched out and restored other vintage rail carriages from throughout Europe.
Clients can book part of a route or combine routes for a longer trip.
Most passengers dressed up rather than down, but black-tie attire is not required. Men can wear suits. When the train stops in Florence, clients have approximately four hours to sightsee, and a guided tour is scheduled. While the tour is acceptable, it doesn't necessarily include what a client might want to see. For example, Sunday morning is an ideal time to visit Michaelangelo's David in the Galleria Dell'Accademia, which isn't included on the tour.