Picture it: An oversized Louis Vuitton steamer trunk being placed into your horse drawn carriage. Packed with imported lace petticoats,handcrafted leather shoes and made-to-order bonnets, the case must becarried by two porters. Finally loaded onto the Orient Express, a trackbound luxury hotel, you are heading toward some of Europe's most cosmopolitan locations.
While this scenario may seem more suited to a bygone era, the allure of vintage Louis Vuitton travel trunks is far from passé. To celebrate our outstanding new collection of exquisite steamers, Portero presents an exclusive ride through destinations on the Orient Express of today.
Budapest. The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a European hub with ancient roots. Make sure to visit Andrássy Avenue with its several sights including the Hungarian State Opera House, the Pest Broadway and the House of Terror. Great views are found along the banks of the Danube river, and near the the Buda Castle Quarter.
Istanbul. Did you know that this is Europe's most populous city? There's no way to skip out on seeing the Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and the local Turkish baths can't be beat for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. A jewelry mecca, Turkey is known for its exquisite craftspeople and 24-karat gold creations. Stopping in to see local artisans is a must.
Paris. It sounds cliche to tell you to visit Paris in the springtime, but it is absolutely true. With the trees budding and the sidewalk cafes packed, there is no better representation of a cosmopolitan European city. The city's most famous museum, the Louvre, is by far the world's most visited art museum. Paris' cathedrals are another attraction: its Notre-Dame cathedral and Basilique du Sacré-Cœur are truly masterpieces. The Eiffel Tower, the national symbol, offers unparalleled views of the city.
London. Although you can't stretch your dollar that far here right now, London offers friendly locals, fantastic pubs and great vintage shopping. Make your way to the West End to get a taste of the city's entertainment and shopping district which includes Oxford Street, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus.
Vienna. If you've seen The Sound of Music, you have just a small sense of the scale and beauty of Austria's capital city. Art and culture are at the center of Viennese life, with emphasis on theater, opera, classical music and fine arts. Plan for a stop at Burgtheater, considered one of the best theaters in the German-speaking world alongside its sister theater, the Akademietheater. The Volkstheater Wien and the Theater in der Josefstadt also come highly recommended.
Click right here to see Portero's exclusive selection of vintage Louis Vuitton trunks to get you ready for an extended journey. Don't need quite so much storage? Click right here to check out our wide variety of luxury travel items for your upcoming trip.
Image courtesy orientexpress.com
