Planet Rail
Istanbul to Paris aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express
9 daysfrom $29,374
Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday
Paris to Istanbul aboard the Venice Simplon Orient-Express
Embark on the most iconic rail journey in the world from Paris to Istanbul in unmatched luxury.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Paris through Germany
Step aboard the iconic blue-and-gold Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l'Est. Settle into your elegant cabin, savour a chef-prepared dinner in the dining car accompanied by piano melodies, and enjoy Bar Car '3674' before your cabin is transformed for the night as the train glides through France and Germany.
- Day 2railovernight: Budapest
Exploring Budapest
Awaken to a French breakfast served in your cabin with views of Austria. Enjoy a light three-course lunch as the train glides into Hungary, arriving in Budapest where local guides escort you to your hotel. This evening, a cocktail reception and dinner on the River Danube.
- Day 3railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Budapest to Bucharest
Explore Budapest's historic sights, take lunch of Hungarian specialities and enjoy a guided tour of the Parliament Building. Re-board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for dinner as the train drifts into Romania, ending the evening with a classic cocktail in the Bar Car.
- Day 4railovernight: Bucharest
Explore Bucharest
French breakfast in your cabin as the train enters Romania. After a light brunch, travel to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, once favoured by royalty. Rejoin the train to Bucharest, where local guides accompany you to your hotel; in the evening, dinner with live music in an intimate setting.
- Day 5railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Bulgaria to Istanbul
The final leg: the train crosses the Danube into Bulgaria. Enjoy a light lunch, then an aperitif at a private estate in Varna by the Black Sea. Back on board, a farewell dinner as the train glides across the Thracian Plain, with music and conversation in the Bar Car.
- Day 6railovernight: Istanbul
Arrival to Turkey
A French breakfast in your cabin as the train enters Turkey. While customs are completed at Kapikule, relax in your suite or browse the onboard boutique. A light lunch of refined Turkish flavours precedes arrival in Istanbul, where a shared transfer takes you to your city centre hotel.
Included
- 2 nights accommodation in Paris
- 2 nights accommodation in Istanbul
