New York- May 10, 2007:- Ever since its creation 125 years ago next year, the Orient-Express train has been a symbol both of luxury and of pioneering routes to distant parts. In 2007, it still is. This year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will make its first foray into Poland, on an elegant 8-day, 7-night journey from Venice to Vienna, Krakow, Warsaw and Prague. “This will be a real voyage of adventure and discovery for many people who have yet to explore the hidden treasures this part of Europe has to offer,” says Nick Varian, Chief Executive of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The five-country journey will take the Orient-Express for the first time ever to Krakow, whose historic old city was first named a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 1978, and to Warsaw, Poland‘s dynamic capital virtually destroyed in World War II, whose old town has been painstakingly restored. The scenery en route includes the marvels of the High Tatras Mountains that link Slovakia and Poland and days and nights aboard the train are interspersed with stays in elegant hotels in Vienna, Krakow and Warsaw. A rich touring program includes a Polish feast 375 feet underground in the Wieliczka Salt Mines (also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978) and a private Chopin piano-recital in Warsaw. During the train’s three-day stay in Krakow, optional tours are available to Wadowice – birthplace of Pope John Paul II, to the mountain resort of Zakopane or to the Nazis’ Auschwitz concentration camp.

The 7-night itinerary departs Venice July 9, 2007, and starts at US$7,280 per person double occupancy. A 5-night version commencing in Vienna on July 11 starts at $6,645 per person. Prices include all meals on board, the comprehensive program of touring and special events as well as bed-and-breakfast accommodations at the Grand Hotel Wien in Vienna, the Sheraton Krakow and at the Le Royal Méridien Bristol in Warsaw. The journey can be extended with two nights in Prague, then continuing on July 18 aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris or London.

For more information, please go to www.orient-express.com

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