Ruse, Bulgaria – June 4, 2024 — The legendary Orient Express, famed for its historical significance and luxurious accommodations, made a grand arrival in the Danube city of Ruse yesterday.
The train, immortalized in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,“ attracted dozens of enthusiasts to the main train station, eager to capture the moment with photographs.
The Orient Express, a symbol of opulence and romance, is hosting 48 passengers from four continents on this journey. An employee from the train’s boutique shop revealed that these passengers are spread across eight of the train’s 15 carriages.
Notably, two carriages house three luxury apartments that have previously accommodated high-profile individuals, including Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and various members of royal families.
This iconic train includes a range of facilities to ensure a luxurious experience. There are three exquisite restaurants, a bar carriage, and three staff carriages, all maintained by a crew of 45 to 50 people.
Senior steward Nikolay Simeonov, hailing from Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, is on board for his fifth journey with the Orient Express.
Simeonov mentioned that his colleagues predominantly come from France and Italy, while the passengers originate from countries such as the USA, England, Australia, and Singapore, with a few Bulgarians among them.
“This historic train, with an interior created in 1930, is meticulously maintained. Our cuisine is exclusive, mainly French-Italian, with some Bulgarian and Turkish influences,“ Simeonov shared, as reported by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).
During its stop in Ruse, the Orient Express underwent several essential procedures. The train was refilled with water, subjected to a thorough technical inspection, and completed a border check.
Following these checks, it proceeded towards Varna, pulled by a Bulgarian locomotive. The train was driven by Vladimir Kaharkov, a fourth-generation railway worker, who expressed his pride and pleasure in being part of this historic journey for the second time.
“This is my second time as an Orient Express driver. It’s a responsibility and a pleasure,“ Kaharkov remarked.
The assistant driver in Bulgaria, Desislava Kumanska, played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the journey.
After departing Ruse, the train is scheduled to reach Istanbul today, where it will rest for a day before beginning its return trip to Paris.
The Orient Express’s annual journey continues to capture the imagination and admiration of people worldwide.
Its passage through Ruse is a significant event, drawing attention not only from locals but also from international visitors and railway enthusiasts.
The Orient Express is expected to pass through Ruse again in late August as part of its return route from Paris to Turkey.
This historical train journey offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era of luxury travel while also celebrating the timeless allure and cultural significance of one of the world’s most famous trains.
For those who missed this visit, the anticipation builds for the Orient Express’s return later in the year, promising another opportunity to witness a living piece of history traversing through the picturesque landscapes of Bulgaria.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members