Mention the Orient Express to most people, and you're likely to conjure up visions of the private five-star luxury train — Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — whose meticulously restored coaches feature every conceivable Belle Epoque bell and whistle: acres of mirror-finish mahogany, sophisticated silver service, a pianist taking after-dinner requests at the lounge car's...

Michael Harmon , Tony Cenicola.