Planet Rail
2026 Departures - Paris to Istanbul aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express
9 daysfrom $24,032
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
2026 Departures - Istanbul to Paris aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Relive the golden age of travel with a grand journey from Istanbul to Paris on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Istanbul
London to Istanbul
Your holiday begins as you take to the skies and fly from London to Istanbul with British Airways. On arrival, make your way to the highly-rated Sultania Hotel (4 star) for a three-night stay.
- Day 2overnight: Istanbul
Exploring Istanbul
A full day to take in the many attractions of Istanbul, the Turkish metropolis which marks the meeting point of Europe and Asia and sprawls across both continents. Highlights include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
- Day 3overnight: Istanbul
Exploring Istanbul
A second full day to explore Istanbul at your own pace.
- Day 4railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Board the Venice Simplon Orient Express in Istanbul
Check in at Istanbul's Sirkeci station and board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train. Dinner is served in one of the luxurious restaurant cars. Choose to enjoy a nightcap in the Bar Car, set to the sound of the resident pianist, before retiring to your cabin for the evening.
- Day 5railovernight: Bucharest
The Venice Simplon Orient Express to Bucharest
Delicious continental breakfast is served in your cabin as the train travels through Bulgaria and onwards into Romania. After lunch on board, you arrive in historic Bucharest. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city on the way to your hotel. Dinner this evening is at a private venue, after which you return to the Athenee Palace Hilton Hotel for your overnight stay.
- Day 6railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon Orient Express towards Hungary
Rejoin the train for the short journey to the mountain town of Sinaia, enjoying a delicious three-course lunch en route. Visit Peles Castle, the summer home of the former King Carol. Return to the station late afternoon as your journey continues towards Hungary. A leisurely four-course dinner is served, prepared on board by skilled French chefs, then enjoy a liqueur in the Bar Car before retiring for the night.
- Day 7overnight: Budapest
Arrival in Budapest
Continental breakfast is brought to your private cabin before arrival in Budapest this morning. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this city split into two parts by the Danube river, then relax on a Danube cruise with lunch before transferring to your hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner is taken at a private venue in the city.
- Day 8railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon Orient Express through Hungary
Transfer to the station mid-morning to rejoin the train. Lunch is served as the train makes its way to Lake Balaton in the Transdanubian region of Hungary, through vineyards and forests. Later this afternoon you are invited to disembark for an aperitif by the lake at sunset before re-joining the train for dinner and your final night on board.
- Day 9rail
Travelling Through Austria, Germany & homeward bound
Enjoy your final breakfast in your cabin while the train travels through Austria and Germany before entering France. A delicious farewell lunch is prepared by your skilled chefs before the train arrives into Paris Gare de l'Est. From here it is a short change to the Gare du Nord for your onward arrangements on Eurostar in Standard Premier Class to London and the end of your iconic Orient Express adventure.
Included
- Economy-class flights with British Airways from London Heathrow to Istanbul
- 3 nights' accommodation with breakfast in a deluxe room at the Sultania Hotel (4 star) in Istanbul
- Three nights aboard the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in an historic twin compartment from Istanbul to Paris
- Dedicated Venice Simplon Orient Express steward service
- Welcome glass of champagne
- Exquisite four-course dinner each night aboard the train: seasonal table d'hote menu including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours
- Continental breakfasts served in your cabin
- Delicious three-course lunch each day aboard the train
- All meals from Istanbul to Paris, on the train or at hotels/restaurants
- Bucharest city tour, private dinner and overnight hotel accommodation
- Delightful three-course brunch
- Visit to Peles Castle
- Budapest city tour, Danube cruise with lunch, private dinner and overnight hotel accommodation
- Sunset aperitifs at Lake Balaton
- Sightseeing and transfers in Bucharest and Budapest
- Eurostar in Standard Premier Class from Paris to London
