Inauguration of the 'Orient Express' service

The Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits launched the Orient Express on June 23, 1883, under the vision of Belgian entrepreneur Georges Nagelmackers. Departing from Paris's Gare de l'Est, the train featured opulent sleeping cars, dining facilities, and connected major cities across Europe to Constantinople. It navigated diverse terrains including the Alps and Balkans, using advanced bogie technology for smoother rides. The service became iconic in literature and diplomacy, facilitating cultural exchange until its decline post-WWII. Its legacy endures in modern rail tourism and inspired countless stories of intrigue.