Firstly let’s be clear about what the new Orient Express actually is.

The Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express (VSOE) has been running luxury rail journeys in Europe, using 1920s/30s carriages. But this will be the first time the ‘OG’ Orient Express has run for a very long time. I’m talking about the original Orient Express service (Paris to Istanbul, etc) in its historic form. But all that is about to change. And I am planning to sell at least half my belongings, some of my family, and quite possibly a kidney to ride this beautiful train, on this beautiful route. It’s absolutely the top of my bucket list.

The Orient Express is back – and with some considerable pizzazz. The new train uses 17 original 1920s and 30s carriages that have been tracked down, rescued, and restored to their former splendour.

Rather than a standard rail timetable, it will offer a luxury travel experience, designed for discerning travellers who want to relive the romance and elegance of the golden age of train travel.

Restored Art Deco carriages, exquisite craftsmanship, and that nostalgic and beautiful sense of luxury you’d expect from the Orient Express means this is going to be one of the most elegant travel experiences of our time.

A legend reborn

The Orient Express will return to the rails, rekindling the glamour and grace of early 20th-century travel. Unveiled at the 1925–2025: A Century of Art Deco exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the train design represents a bridge between past and present. A celebration of timeless history and contemporary luxury.

The new design

The revival has been led by architect Maxime d’Angeac, known for restoring icons such as Maison Guerlain in Paris. His vision captures the romance of the original carriages while re-imagining them for a new generation.

Each carriage pays tribute to Art Deco masters Ruhlmann, Dunand, and Lalique, blending their influences with 21st-century materials, lighting and technology.

D’Angeac is a man with a passion for literature, and a collector of old books, with his interests very much extending into travel novels. In his library, you can read stories by Paul Morand, Henry Miller and Ernest Hemingway. You’ll also find Wagon-Lit by Joseph Kessel, Prose on the Trans-Siberian Railway by the poet Blaise Cendrars, and (most importantly as far as I’m concerned), a collection of Agatha Christie novels. He is clearly the right man for the job.

Craftsmanship and detail

More than thirty specialist artisans have been involved. Glassmakers, cabinetmakers, embroiderers and upholsterers… all working together to create a new standard of elegance.

The interiors feature restored Morrison & Nelson marquetry, original Lalique glass panels, and rich fabrics woven in French ateliers. The result is unmistakably Orient Express: refined, indulgent, and beautifully made.

A remarkable rediscovery

The rebirth of the train began with a detective story. Historian Arthur Mettetal spent years tracing the whereabouts of the missing Orient Express carriages, thought to have disappeared decades ago. Using Google Maps and 3D satellite images, he located 17 original 1920s cars abandoned on the Poland–Belarus border.

They were transported back to France, where renowned workshops – including Rinck, Ateliers Jouffre, and the Tapestry Manufacture of Burgundy – undertook a meticulous restoration.

Back on track

From mid-2026, travellers will once again be able to board the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express.

The relaunch forms part of a broader revival under Accor, which acquired the Orient Express brand in 2022. Alongside the new train, the group is developing an exclusive collection of hotels and experiences. La Dolce Vita Orient Express is already in service; a new luxury train experience in Italy, launched in 2025, offering one to three nights through Italy. Think Rome, Venice, Sicily, with deluxe cabins and suites, gourmet cuisine, and Italian design rooted in the 1960s and 70s.

Orient Express Venice opens in April 2026; and the Corinthian sailing yacht will debut later that summer.

The enduring appeal of the world’s most famous train

A century after it first captured the world’s imagination, the Orient Express remains a symbol of adventure, nostalgia, and sophistication. Its return offers something increasingly rare – the chance to slow down, settle into a beautifully crafted carriage, and watch the world unfold beyond the window in true style.

If I have to kill someone to bag a ride on this beautiful train, I will. And then of course it will be, ahem, murder…

More about the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post The new Orient Express: return to the golden age of travel appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Stephen ‘Paynie’ Payne talks about how he threw caution to the wind – quite literally – by impulse-buying a boat, setting sail on a European adventure, and completely changing his life in the process. Proving you’re never too old to learn new things. Either that, or hurrah for a brilliant midlife adventure/crisis!

[All images provided by Stephen Payne]

Stephen Payne

To be honest, I’m not doing well with this whole ‘silver’ thing. Not long ago, I got an email inviting me to join the AARP. For those who don’t know, that’s the American Association of Retired Persons – worst of all, I’m not even American.

And the other day, a damn teenager offered me their seat on a bus. This does not make me happy. In my mind, I’m still 38. But if I write this, I guess there’s no going back and I’ll be officially old. Excuse me while I shake my stick in the air.

My impulse purchase

In January 2020, I was relatively unhappy with UK politics. I’m not one to sit on my laurels and fret, so I bought a boat. Before I took this action, my knowledge of boating could be written on a relatively small postcard, but on 7 January 2020, I made a silly offer on a boat and, lo and behold, it was accepted.

Before I took this action, my knowledge of boating could be written on a relatively small postcard

By “boat”, I don’t mean a real boat. I mean a boat with motors. No stick. No rag. But you can’t really sail on the River Thames anyway, so it fitted my needs well. Then it occurred to me that I needed to take the boat somewhere that wasn’t England. France was only 21 miles away.

Bray Marina, UK

So, I started the process of gaining the documentation and knowledge required to exit the UK, cross the channel, and traverse France all the way to the Mediterranean. You need appropriate insurance, an International Certificate of Competence, which is attained by passing the CEVNI test (that stands for Code Europeen des Voies de Navigation Interieure, in case you’re interested). And a resounding belief that anything is possible. Simples.

So… I’m doing the impossible…

At 2:30pm on Saturday 26 June, I exited Ramsgate Marina for the last time. My adventure had officially commenced. Four hours later, I was in France. I paused in the lovely town of Calais for a few days to get my bearings, before setting off south towards Paris. On the boat.

Crossing to Calais

Crossing to Calais

My adventure was paused slightly in the city of St Omer because a large lock gate was being replaced, so I took the opportunity to get to know France better. I bought a bicycle and explored the local hood. A major problem with France is that the bread and baguettes are so delicious that it’s tempting to just eat them instead of actual meals. But I have almost infinite willpower and ate some other foodstuffs as well.

While I was there, I shot a music video for one of my neighbours. And that ended up paying for my entire stay and a full tank of diesel.

St Omer

On Thursday 19 August 2021, I arrived in Paris. My intention was to spend one week there, but it was so nice, I stayed for six weeks. My home base was the Paris Arsenal Marina, just south of the Bastille. It costs about €45 a night, but considering my location, that seemed relatively inexpensive. While I was there, I shot a music video for one of my neighbours. And that ended up paying for my entire stay and a full tank of diesel.

Before embarking on this adventure, I tuned up my filmmaking skills and created a YouTube channel. I did this because I like making little films. And I like to encourage people to do stuff out of their comfort zone. No one ever died thinking they should have been less adventurous. Well, maybe a couple of people, but they’re probably not with us anymore, and at least they died happy(ish).

Just north of Paris

The high point of Paris was a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I’ve been to Paris many times before, but never made it up there. It’s mind-blowingly beautiful.

You’ve probably heard that the French are not as friendly as they could be. Let me dispel that myth right away. The French people were amazingly friendly and helpful. I never came across one bad attitude the whole time I was there. However, the thing about journeys is you have to keep moving. By the end of September, it was time to leave my new favourite city and continue the voyage south.

Time to leave Paris…

I paused in Chartrettes in the Île-de-France region, waiting for my friend Beanie to join me, then we headed south again. You do not need two people on board to negotiate French waterways, but a second pair of hands is useful when transiting through locks. Useful, but not essential.

I became quite adept at manoeuvring through locks solo. I’d probably only negotiated four or five locks before I hit France. I scooted my way through 216 of them before I got to the Mediterranean.

Central France

Another pause was taken in Montargis in the Centre-Val de Loire Région because of bridge maintenance. We nabbed a great mooring spot in the middle of town. Someone from the VNF, France’s navigation authority, popped by to let me know I could stay as long as I needed and they would provide free power and water. To use French waterways, you need a vignette that costs €126 per month. Total bargain.

Montargis

Many people have asked me how much I spent on diesel and the answer is that I really don’t know. I never kept track of it because what would be the point? It’s not like I could do it cheaper, so I saved time by not bothering to work it out. If I had to guess, I probably used less than one litre per kilometre. If there was some distance between locks, I turned off one motor. It really didn’t need much throttle to stick to the four-knot speed limit.

Finally hitting the sea down South…

Other notable stops along the way were Briare, Nevers, Chalon-sur-Saone, Lyon and Viviers. France is a wonderful country and I highly recommend it, especially by boat. Don’t worry if, like me, your initial boating skills could be written on a postcard. It’s quite easy to rent a boat and spend a week on the water learning a new skill.

It took me a year to reach salty water again. It could’ve taken less time to reach the Mediterranean, but I didn’t buy a boat to get places fast. I might be a little old, but I’m not dead yet and have more skills to learn. Maybe I’ll try BASE jumping. Maybe not.

Despite my earlier remarks, I might not actually have unlimited willpower. It might be safer to stick to boating, filmmaking, and photography…

Photography: Paynie.net

Stephen Payne

Stephen J Payne was born in Torquay Devon, quite a long time ago. He got out of there fast and moved to London, becoming a photographer for the music papers and the London Evening Standard. Retaining his love of music, he directed many music videos and live concert films, eventually moving to Los Angeles in 1991. He returned to Blighty in 2018, and after drinking too much coffee, or cocktails, he bought a boat.

The post You’re never too old, and it’s never too late appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The weather is mild, school holidays are over, and the days are still long. A September city break is the perfect short trip to satisfy your travel cravings. These extraordinary European capitals are easy to get to, and full of rich culture to fill a weekend.

Read more: Four of the best destinations for your must-see list

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Just 250 miles from the UK coastline, Amsterdam is one of the most convenient options for a European city break. You can reach Amsterdam via cruises from Southampton and by ferry from the east coast, or flights run frequently from most UK airports.

With a reasonably small centre, Amsterdam is easily explored during a long weekend. Cycling is a popular mode of transport here, or you can sail your way around the city on the iconic canal network. There is a variety of museums and galleries to visit including Anne Frank’s house and the Van Gogh Museum, while just outside of the centre you will find idyllic windmill-dotted countryside. 

Paris, France

Also easily reached is Paris. Flights and ferries are again an option, or Londoners can take advantage of the Eurostar train from St. Pancras which reaches Paris in just 2.5 hours.

France’s capital is utterly magnificent, from the grandiose buildings that lines the wide boulevards, to the exquisite cuisine that is praised the world over. Climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a must for your itinerary, as is a trip to the Louvre and the city’s other world-class art galleries. Break up your sightseeing with strolls in the picturesque city parks, and a delicious cake at an authentic patisserie.

Budapest, Hungary

Slightly further afield but well-worth the flight is Budapest, capital of Hungary. This destination has risen in popularity in recent years and has benefitted greatly from the influx of tourists.

The city is divided down the middle by a broad river, with ‘Buda’ on one side and ‘Pest’ on the other. Elaborate bridges connect one to the other, and you can even stand between them by visiting the tranquil Margaret Island. Highlights of a city break in Budapest include the majestic architecture, notably the parliament building and St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the huge Szechenyi thermal baths.

Lisbon, Portugal

Seeking the catch the last of the summer sunshine? Get on a plane to Lisbon which enjoys temperatures up to the mid-twenties all the way into October. 

Portugal’s coastal capital is another destination that has seen a spike in visitors in recent years. Its sheer beauty attracts tourists of all ages, although older travellers may find the hilly terrain tiring. The riverside region of Belém is a favourite spot because of its laidback atmosphere and historic highlights such as the gothic Jerónimos Monastery. Make sure to stop off for a traditional Portuguese custard tart at the popular Pastéis de Belém.

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Mrs Harris Goes to Paris hits cinemas this Friday, 30 September. We’re here to share some exclusive behind the scenes shots from the film. Plus, we’ve got some special editions of the book to give away.

The comedy-drama is based on the beloved 1958 novel, Mrs ‘Arris Goes to Paris. The story follows Ada Harris after receiving her war widow’s pension. The London housekeeper, who’s long admired her employer’s own Christian Dior dress, dreams of having one of her own. Watch her adventure as she travels to Paris to achieve her dream.

This charming film stars Lesley Manville, Jason Isaacs, and Matrix actor, Lambert Wilson. It’ll be the third screen adaptation of this beloved Paul Gallico novel, and the first to feature in cinemas.

To celebrate Mrs Harris Goes to Paris opening in cinemas later this week, we’re running a giveaway. We have some limited edition special film branded copies of the book to give away to five of our readers. 

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of the book, scroll to the bottom to fill in our entry form!

Credit: Dávid Lukács / © 2021 Ada Films Ltd – Harris Squared Kft

A behind the scenes look:

The Caracas dress from the Christian Dior show 

Actor Lucas Bravo, director Tony Fabian, and actor Lesley Manville on the set of Mrs Harris Goes to Paris

Lucas Bravo stars as André Fauvel, Lesley Manville as Mrs. Harris, and Alba Baptista as Natasha 

Costume designer Jenny Beavan and director Tony Fabian on the set of Mrs Harris Goes to Paris

Ellen Thomas stars as Vi, and Jason Isaacs as Archie

Roxane Duran stars as Marguerite, Bertrand Poncet as Monsieur Carré, and Lesley Manville as Mrs. Harris 

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris hits cinemas Friday 30 September.

Complete the form to win a copy of Mrs Harris Goes to Paris 

We have five copies of Paul Gallico’s novel, Mrs ‘Arris Goes to Paris. The perfect companion to the film. Drop your details into the form below to enter. Entries to the giveaway are open until 5pm Thursday 6 October. 

We are also running the giveaway over on our Instagram. With one entry per person, per platform. So head over to our there for an extra chance of securing yourself a book!

No cash alternative. T&Cs apply. Please see the Privacy Policy for handling your data. Winners will be required to provide a postal address for delivery.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Mrs Harris goes to Paris: behind the scenes look and giveaway! appeared first on Silver Magazine.