It was introduced in 1997, to supplement the existing EuroCity train, the Sobieski, on the international route between Vienna, the capital of Austria, and Warsaw, the capital of Poland, via the Czech Republic.

As of 2013[update], the northbound train, EC 102, departs from Villach Hbf, in Villach, Austria, at shortly after 09:00, and the southbound train, EC 103, departs from Warszawa Wschodnia in Warsaw at shortly after 06:00.

Both trains arrive at their destinations after a journey time, via Vienna, of approximately twelve and a half hours.

[1][2] The train is composed of rolling stock of all three participating railways PKP, ČD and ÖBB and includes a dining car operated by PKP/WARS.

Some of the coaches only operate on certain days between Villach and Břeclav or Bohumín.