Great Rail Journeys
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Istanbul
8 daysfrom $26,089
railtour suisse · Luxury train journey
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris - Istanbul
The legendary route from Paris to Istanbul, only running twice a year.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Paris
You board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the afternoon at Paris at Gare de l'Est and move into your cabin. In the evening, enjoy a 4-course meal in the dining car.
- Day 2railovernight: Hotel, Budapest
Budapest
Breakfast is served at the allocated time in your cabin. Admire the changing views as the train travels through Austria and Hungary. Enjoy a delicious three-course-lunch in the opulent dining cars prior to your arrival in Budapest. There, local guides escort you by coach to your hotel. Dinner on the Danube and overnight stay in Budapest.
- Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Budapest
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Hungarian capital on a private city tour. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant en route. Afterwards enjoy a guided tour of the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building, which was inspired by London's House of Parliament. Back on board the train in the late afternoon, you can enjoy an aperitif before the delectable four-course-dinner in the dining car as the train travels towards Romania.
- Day 4railovernight: Hotel, Bucharest
Bucharest
Savour continental breakfast in your cabin as the train glides into Romania. A delicious brunch is then served in the dining car. In the mountain town of Sinaia, you board a coach for a short journey to Peles Castle. Visit of the fairytale palace built by Romania's King Carol in the late 19th century. Back to the train, the journey continues towards Bucharest. Transfer to your hotel on arrival in Bucharest. Dinner with musical entertainment and overnight stay in Bucharest.
- Day 5railovernight: Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
In the morning, you return to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You enjoy a three-course-lunch in the dining car as it travels along the Danube to Bulgaria. During the afternoon, a stop is made in Varna on the Black Sea coast where you alight for an aperitif on a private estate. A final unforgettable four-course-dinner is served on board the train. Enjoy your last night on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
- Day 6rail
Istanbul
You reach Turkey early in the morning. After breakfast in the cabin and a lunch of Turkish specialties, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express reaches Istanbul in the afternoon.
Included
- Travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the booked category; 3 nights aboard, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Budapest and Bucharest
- Meals on board: all table d'hôtes menus and wine are included
- Meals in Budapest and Bucharest as per itinerary
- City tours and excursions as per itinerary
- Travel documents
Not included
- Arrival and return journey
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Drinks and meals not mentioned
- Hotel accommodation on site
- Cancellation and travel insurance
