Oriental Desert Express: A Luxurious Train Journey Through the Arabian Desert
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
The Oriental Desert Express is a privately chartered tourist train that runs along a little-used railway line in Morocco. It is a popular option for tourists looking for a unique and luxurious way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. The train offers a variety of tours that include visits to imperial cities, sand dunes, palm groves, villages, and kasbahs built on the land of southern Morocco.
The train’s exceptional route takes passengers through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of Morocco, offering stunning views of the desert, mountains, and coast. The train is equipped with all the amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel, including comfortable beds, private bathrooms, gourmet meals, and attentive staff.
The train’s day trip into the desert is full of activities, excitement, and discovery, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers.
The Oriental Desert Express is a privately chartered tourist train that offers a unique and luxurious experience to travelers who wish to explore the Moroccan desert. The train is operated by Supratravel, a leading travel agency that specializes in organizing tours in Morocco. The Oriental Desert Express is a perfect choice for those who want to discover the beauty of the Moroccan desert in style and comfort.
What is the Oriental Desert Express?
The Oriental Desert Express is a tourist train that runs along a little-used railway line in Morocco. The train offers a unique opportunity to explore the Moroccan desert in style and comfort. The train is equipped with luxurious cabins, a restaurant car, and a lounge car.
The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and they offer all the amenities that you would expect from a luxury hotel. The restaurant car serves delicious Moroccan cuisine, and the lounge car is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the desert.
History of the Oriental Desert Express
The Oriental Desert Express was launched in 2015, and it quickly became one of the most popular tourist trains in Morocco. The train was featured in the 2015 James Bond movie Spectre, which helped to increase its popularity.
The train is operated by Supratravel, a leading travel agency that has been organizing tours in Morocco for over 20 years. Supratravel is known for its high-quality services and attention to detail, and the Oriental Desert Express is no exception.
Routes and Destinations
The Oriental Desert Express offers several routes and destinations for travelers to choose from. The most popular route is the one that runs from Oujda to Bouarfa, which takes travelers through the stunning landscapes of the Moroccan desert.
The train stops at several destinations along the way, including the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech. The train also stops at Merzouga, where travelers can climb the high sand dunes and enjoy the breathtaking views of the desert.
The Oriental Desert Express also offers customized tours for travelers who want to explore the Moroccan desert in a more personalized way. These tours can be tailored to suit the needs and preferences of individual travelers, and they offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Experience on Board
The Oriental Desert Express offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to explore the Moroccan desert in style. The train is equipped with all the modern amenities and facilities that one would expect from a luxury train, making the journey comfortable and enjoyable.
Cabins and Amenities
The cabins on board the train are spacious and well-appointed, providing passengers with a comfortable and relaxing environment to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a comfortable bed, ensuring a good night’s sleep for all passengers.
In addition to the cabins, the train also offers a range of amenities to make the journey even more enjoyable. These include a lounge car, a bar car, and a restaurant car, where passengers can relax and socialize with fellow travelers.
Dining Options
The dining experience on board the Oriental Desert Express is truly exceptional. The train’s restaurant car offers a range of gourmet dishes, prepared by expert chefs using the freshest local ingredients. Passengers can choose from a range of options, including traditional Moroccan cuisine and international dishes.
The train also offers a range of dining options outside of the restaurant car. For example, passengers can enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars in the middle of the desert, complete with a live band and entertainment.
Entertainment and Activities
Passengers on board the Oriental Desert Express can enjoy a range of entertainment and activities during their journey. The train’s lounge car is the perfect place to relax with a book, play a game of cards, or enjoy a drink with friends.
The train also offers a range of activities outside of the train. For example, passengers can take a camel ride through the desert, explore local markets and villages, or visit historic landmarks and attractions.
Overall, the Oriental Desert Express offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to explore the Moroccan desert in style. With its comfortable cabins, gourmet dining options, and range of entertainment and activities, the train is the perfect way to experience the beauty and wonder of this incredible region.
Booking and Pricing
Booking a trip on the Oriental Desert Express is straightforward and can be done online or through a travel agent. The tour is operated by Supratravel, and their website provides detailed information on the itinerary, dates, and prices.
The price of the tour varies depending on the season and the type of accommodation chosen. The tour offers three types of accommodation: Standard, Comfort, and Deluxe. The Standard option is the most economical, while the Deluxe option provides the most luxurious experience.
For those who prefer a private experience, the tour offers the option of booking a private cabin. Private cabins can accommodate up to two people and come with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and a seating area. The cost of a private cabin is higher than the cost of shared accommodation, but it provides more privacy and comfort.
It is important to note that the price of the tour includes all transportation, accommodation, and meals during the trip. However, it does not include airfare or any additional activities or excursions.
Supratravel offers a flexible payment plan, allowing customers to pay a deposit to secure their booking and pay the balance closer to the departure date. They also offer a cancellation policy that allows customers to cancel their trip and receive a refund, subject to certain conditions.
FAQs for Oriental Express in Morocco
Is Oriental Express still operating?
While the original Orient Express, which connected Paris to Istanbul, ceased operations in 2009, luxury train journeys inspired by the legendary train are still available. However, these train experiences are not directly associated with Morocco. The name “Oriental Express” may be used informally to refer to various train routes or experiences in the region, but it is not an official service in Morocco.
Where is the train station in Spectre?
The train station featured in the 2015 James Bond film, “Spectre,” is not in Morocco but rather in Oujda, a city in northeastern Morocco near the border with Algeria. The specific location is the Oujda railway station, which is a part of the Moroccan railway network, managed by the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF).
How much is the Desert Express Namibia?
The Desert Express in Namibia is a luxury train experience that offers scenic journeys through the Namibian landscape. The cost of the journey depends on the route, duration, and the type of accommodation you choose. As prices can change over time and may be subject to seasonal variations, it is best to consult the official website or contact a travel agent for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Can you travel by train in Morocco?
Yes, you can travel by train in Morocco. The country has an extensive railway network operated by the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), connecting major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Tangier.
Travelling by train is a comfortable and efficient way to explore the country, offering various classes of service to suit different budgets. However, note that some remote or desert areas, like the Sahara, are not accessible by train, and alternative modes of transport, such as buses or organised tours, may be required.
Where does the L’Oriental Desert Express Train journey begin?
The L’Oriental Desert Express Train journey begins in Oujda, a city in northeastern Morocco. From there, passengers can board the train and relax in their reserved first-class air-conditioned passenger coach, which is coupled with a viewing coach, offering panoramic views of the stunning Moroccan landscapes.
How often does the L’Oriental Desert Express Train operate?
The Oriental Desert Express runs just a handful of times each year, making it a rare and special experience for those who are able to join the journey. As the train runs infrequently, it is essential to plan and book your trip well in advance to secure a spot on this extraordinary adventure.
What is the average speed of the L’Oriental Desert Express Train?
The L’Oriental Desert Express Train generally travels at a speed of about 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph). However, the travel time between Tendrara and Bouarfa may vary due to unplanned stops, which can occur for various reasons, such as clearing sand from the railroad track (train carries diagonal shovels for this) or encountering nomadic tribes (who have lived over a thousand years) along the route.
