Channel 4 debuts The Orient Express: A Golden Era of Travel, a new four-part documentary series (4×60’) co-produced by Rumpus Media and High Rock Media. The series, airing on More4 on September 3rd, explores the history and enduring legacy of the world’s most iconic luxury rail journey.
Taking viewers on an epic 1,700-mile adventure from London to Istanbul, the programme retraces the original Orient Express route through some of Europe’s most captivating cities, including Paris, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest and Sofia. Along the way, it reveals how each destination shaped the train’s story and the wider history of the continent.
Fintan Maguire, MD and Creative Director at High Rock Media, said: “This series captures the Orient Express journey in the glory days, when passengers could start in London and fan out across Europe on an adventure of a lifetime. Packed with great archive and enlightening interviews as we retrace the journey today, the series gives viewers a brilliant sense of what Europe was like for Orient Express travellers, as well as how things are now – with plenty of surprises along the way.”
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains features prominently across Episodes 2, 3 and 4. A film crew from High Rock Media joined the inaugural run of Golden Eagle’s new-for-2025 Paris to Istanbul journey, alongside our Balkan Explorer itinerary, which traces much of the original Orient Express route. Viewers will step onboard to experience the atmosphere, fine dining, and elegance that continue to define the golden era of rail travel – reimagined for the modern age.
“We were delighted to welcome the film crew onboard to capture the romance and artistry of luxury train travel today,” said Natasha Baker, Managing Director at Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. “Our aim is to create an unforgettable rail experience where luxury, comfort and impeccable service come together – every cabin, every meal, every destination is designed to delight our guests.”
The series is co-produced by Rumpus Media (part of the STV Studios family of labels) and High Rock Media, who previously collaborated on Abandoned Railways From Above for Channel 4.
International audiences will also be able to enjoy the programme, with PBS airing the series in the US and SBS in Australia next month. Distribution is being handled by PBS International.
Tune in to More4 on Wednesday 3rd September at 9pm for Episode 1 of The Orient Express: A Golden Era of Travel, and don’t miss Episodes 2, 3 and 4 for an exclusive look at Golden Eagle Luxury Trains’ spectacular journeys across Europe.
Watch here on All4 on demand in the UK: Watch The Orient Express: A Golden Era of Travel | Stream free on Channel 4
