LONDON, 2014-10-14 — /Travel PR News/ — Belmond, owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and authentic rail experiences is launching two new journeys with rich and diverse itineraries on the Eastern & Oriental Express in 2015. The five night ‘Fables of the Peninsula’ from Singapore to Bangkok on 29 March 2015 and the two night ‘The Ancient Temples of Lanna’ departs on its inaugural journey on 15 October 2015 from Bangkok to Chiang-Mai.
The Ancient Kingdom of Lanna overnight journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the northern Thai kingdom of Lanna, takes in a visit to Lampang for a tour of the city in its trademark horse-drawn carriages, originally imported from England for use by Thai nobility. Chiang Mai’s charming city atmosphere retains remnants of its historical architecture and sections of the original great brick walls and towering gates which protected the city from invading armies over 700 years ago. Tours include guided strolls through a quaint residential Soi (side-street); Thai cookery demonstrations; shopping in the traditional markets for arts and crafts that represent Chiang Mai’s Lanna heritage such as decorative mulberry-paper parasols; and a visit to the Dhara Dhevi Tea House.
The Fables of The Peninsula ‘land-cruise’ starts with an overnight stay at the legendary Raffles Singapore Hotel followed by a five-night journey throughout Malaysia and Thailand. This leisurely journey provides plenty of time for relaxation and enjoyment of the scenic panoramas of Southeast Asia viewed from the Observation Car and is exclusively for just 60 passengers. Daily excursions include the lively city of Kuala Lumpur followed by complete relaxation in the mystic, rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands with an overnight stay at the Cameron Highlands Resort in the famous tea plantation. There is also a visit to historic Penang; tours of the rural community of Huay Yang finished off with snorkelling and a beach BBQ at Koh Chaan before finishing the journey in Bangkok.
Eastern & Oriental Express is Asia’s most luxurious train, immaculately appointed and air-conditioned throughout, providing the perfect vantage point from which to view breathtaking scenery, meandering rivers and the lush tropical landscape of Southeast Asia. All en-suite accommodation for up to 132 guests; 3 elegant dining carriages serving delicious Euro-Asian cuisine and a Bar Car with nightly entertainment with a resident pianist plus local entertainment including musicians, dancers and fortune tellers. Prices start from £1,580 for the two-night The Ancient Kingdom of Lanna journey per person based on two people sharing a Pullman cabin and including all table d’hote meals.
Prices start from £4,800 per person for the longer five-night journey Fables of The Peninsulaexperience, which is for up to 60 passengers only, based on two sharing a State cabin, all beverages and table d’hote meals are also included for the longer itinerary.
For further information and images, please call Emma Wylde or Samantha Strawford at Belmond on 020 3117 1379 or email emma.wylde@belmond.com or samantha.strawford@belmond.com.
About Belmond Ltd.
Belmond Ltd. is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established almost 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Company owns and operates 45 unique and distinctive hotel, rail and river cruise experiences in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro;Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, six luxury tourist trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, three river cruises and ‘21’, one of New York’s most storied restaurants. Orient-Express is a trademark of SNCF.
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