Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Istanbul

Arrival in Paris

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins at London St Pancras as you board the Eurostar. Travelling in spacious Plus class, enjoy a light meal at your seat as you dash through northern France enroute to Paris. On arrival in the 'City of Lights', you are transferred to your hotel and can enjoy a day exploring this most romantic of cities.

Meals: Light meal on Eurostar

Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Stepping aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l'Est station, your unforgettable experience begins. Welcomed on the world's most famous luxury train by the dedicated crew, you can settle into your cabin as the train departs for the first leg of your historic journey across Europe to Istanbul. Dinner is a sumptuous affair, prepared onboard by skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. Your culinary experience is accompanied by soothing music played by the resident pianist. Later, you may wish to unwind in the famous Bar Car 3674. During the night, the train continues its course through France and Germany.

Meals: Dinner

Travelling through Austria & Hungary – Arriving in Budapest

Wake up at leisure to enjoy new views while savouring a continental breakfast, served in your cabin by your steward. Admire the changing landscapes through your window as the train winds its way through Austria and into Hungary. Enjoy a delicious three-course lunch prior to your arrival in Budapest. On arrival in the Hungarian capital, expert local guides escort you to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a wonderful cocktail reception and dinner on the beautiful blue Danube.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring Budapest

Discover some of the fascinating sights of historic Budapest with guides this morning, including Heroes Square and Fishermen's Bastion. After your tour, sit down to a lunch of Hungarian specialities. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the majestic neo-Gothic Parliament building beside the river Danube. Back onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express this evening, your journey continues towards Romania. Indulge in a carefully created dinner and relax with a cocktail or glass of champagne as the train glides across the great Hungarian plains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visiting Fairytale Peleș Castle

Savour a continental breakfast in your cabin as the train glides through Romania. Soak up vistas of forested Transylvanian hillsides and peaceful villages before a delicious brunch is served in the dining cars. Nestled beside the wild Bucegi mountains, your destination is the historic town of Sinaia. Board a coach for the short journey to Peleș Castle, the fairytale palace built by Romania's King Carol as his summer retreat. The very first Orient Express passengers visited this beautiful residence in October 1883 at the king's personal invitation. Comfortable shoes and a sweater are recommended. Rejoin the train and continue towards Bucharest. On arrival in Romania's capital, expert guides escort you to your hotel. Later, enjoy dinner with musical entertainment at a private venue.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Along the Black Sea Coast to Turkey

The final leg of your journey to Istanbul begins today. Relax and enjoy the views as you travel south across the mighty Danube and into Bulgaria. Savour lunch in the dining car while the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express approaches the Black Sea coast. During the afternoon, a stop is made in the famed resort of Varna, where you alight for an aperitif on a private estate. This evening, a final unforgettable dinner is served as the train crosses the ancient Thracian Plain. Celebrate your last night aboard with a glass of something special, and enjoy the music of the resident pianist.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembarking in Istanbul

A continental breakfast is served in your cabin as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels onwards to its final country. The train stops at the Turkish border in Kapıkule for customs formalities. Browse the boutique for an exclusive range of elegant gifts and mementos. Today's lunch is served in dining cars and introduces you to exquisite Turkish flavours. Your journey aboard this exceptional train draws to a close as the elegant carriages pull into Istanbul. You enjoy a private transfer to your city centre hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Homeward Bound

Your unforgettable journey from Paris to the very edge of Europe has taken you through Budapest and Romania to the shores of the Black Sea. This morning, this once-in-a-lifetime holiday draws to a close as you transfer to the airport for your flight back home to London.