Murder on The Orient Express

A 1920s Murder Mystery Experience Recreates Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mystery of the Blue Train’ on The Orient Express A

fully immersive murder-mystery onboard The Orient Express, the iconic and historic train, has been announced and will take place on the 26th May 2022. This rare and exclusive one-day adventure has been crafted by Ariodante, the travel alchemist.

Departing from Paris and travelling to Nice in the French Riviera, it will combine a murder mystery with immersive theatre and escape room drama, against the backdrop of a 1920s theme with all the splendour, glamour and excesses of those times. The trip has been timed to arrive in time for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Ricardo Araujo, founder of Ariodante explains “Never before has such a complex and immersive murder mystery ever been attempted, especially in a moving train. The world-class cast in this event is absolutely unique and it took us months of planning to be able to bring together such an incredible team.”

The Mystery

Based on Agatha Christie’s novel, Mystery of the Blue Train, guests will be transported back in time, looking the part themselves donning 1920s costumes, on an unforgettable adventure across France. With a passenger ‘murdered’, they will step into Poirot’s shoes tasked with finding out who did it, how and why. Spread across the whole train with actors disguised as guests and train staff, no one will know who is for real, and guests themselves may unknowingly become a suspect. Mobile phones and laptops will be strictly prohibited, ensuring that passengers rely on their imagination and detective skills. The winner will be announced at the end of the day during a champagne party and receive a reward worth £100,000 including a 1920s original Lalique piece.

The Itinerary

The mystery will start at the aptly named and historic Train Bleu restaurant at Gare de Lyon in Paris where the rules of the game will be explained. Once onboard passengers will enjoy a Burgundian 5 course gastronomic lunch prepared by one of the world’s best French chefs (3* Michelin stars in Paris and several times awarded ‘Best chef in the World’), which will be paired with 5 rare vintage Krug champagnes. In the afternoon there is a French inspired tea with desserts and patisseries prepared by a renowned French pastry chef, and dinner is a 3-course light Provencal gastronomic dinner paired with fine wines, accompanied by a 1920s style jazz band.

The Train

The Orient Express train was chosen as it epitomises the glamour and elegance of the 1920s. It is a French national monument that travels only exceptionally (not to be confused with the Venice-Simplon Orient-Express, a Belmond Train) having been recently restored to its former glory. In fact, it will be the first time this train will travel to the French Riviera since the Blue Train stopped in the early 70s. It was known whilst in operation as the ‘Millionaire’s Train’ carrying famous passengers such as Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, Winston Churchill and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Blue Train will be recreated specifically for this experience, ensuring that every detail is true to the book, but taking the hospitality to a whole new level.

Dates for further Murder Mystery adventures in different locations around the World will be announced shortly. Each adventure is unique and is crafted specifically around the story and in the context of the time it was originally based.

BOOK IT

Ticket price: £19,980 (or €23,980 or USD$ 27,590).

This includes the full day experience including the gastronomic experiences, the cocktail and the champagne party. It also includes a luxury car in Paris to travel to the train station and the same in Nice to reach the hotel and a special luggage service, where the guest’s luggage is packed, transported to the hotel in Nice and unpacked.

VIP Package (for 2): £45,980 (or €55,190 or USD$ 63,460)

This includes 2 tickets + luxury costume experience in Paris (for 2) + luxury hairdresser (one of the best in Paris) + transfer in Paris in a classic 1920s car.

Main Additional Options:

• Game Assistant: £3,980 (or €4,790 or USD$5,500) - To help solve the mystery and win the game •. Hotels Package (for 2): Starting price £17,600 (or €21,120 or USD$ 24,290). This comprises car transfers (airport-hotel) in Paris and the Riviera, 2 nights in Paris in Suite and 3 nights in the Riviera in suite + spa treatment in Paris + gifts. Price depends on which hotel the person choses, the level of suites and length. Hotels will be proposed upon availability. •. Villa Package (for 2): Starting at £50,000 (2 nights in Paris + 1 week in Villa in the Riviera) • Yacht Package (for 2) Starting at £65,000 (2 nights in Paris + 1 week in a luxury yacht in the Riviera) •. Bespoke experiences can be arranged in Paris and in the Riviera.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit

www.ariodantetravel.com/orient-express

ENJOY A SPRING ESCAPE at THE GATEHOUSE

Wolterton Park, a stunning 18th century estate in North Norfolk has introduced its latest renovated holiday property; The Gate House, a charming Georgian cottage located at the entrance to the park.

The Gatehouse is the fifth holiday home to be renovated on the 500-acre estate that has been lovingly restored to its former splendour over the past five years.

Accommodating up to five guests in two double bedrooms and one single bedroom, the cottage has been beautifully appointed by owners Peter Sheppard and Keith Day, including two en-suite bathrooms with cast iron baths and Burlington basins.

Offering the perfect country retreat, the cosy sitting room is decorated with period furniture, Persian rugs and an open fire with logs supplied. It's perfect for relaxing in after exploring North Norfolk's beautiful beaches or horse riding around the estate.

There is also a private garden to enjoy, with outdoor seating and a BBQ area. Wolterton Park helps guests plan their stay through its impressive concierge service. This includes booking guests' deliveries, organising activities on site such as clay pigeon shooting or booking Wolterton Park's executive chef to enjoy Norfolk's finest seasonal produce.

Visitors are also invited to take a complimentary, private tour of the Main Hall to discover the true extent of the restoration, history and beauty of this magnificent house. And see how they are directly ensuring the long-term sustainability of the estate.

Guests can also roam in the 120-acre park, and canoe or enjoy wild swimming from the new pontoon on our ten-acre lake.

BOOK IT

The Gate House sleeps 5 with 3 bedrooms. Prices start from £1,132 for a three-night stay and two dogs are welcome for an additional £50 each.