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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express + Vienna & Budapest

Budapest to Paris in eight days, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express sleeper

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express + Vienna & Budapest

Marvellous Escapes' eight-day rail journey combines three nights in Budapest and three in Vienna with a crown jewel finale: an overnight aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The trip begins with flights from the UK to Budapest, where a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus and boat tour covers Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Central Market Hall, and Széchenyi Thermal Bath. You then travel by first-class direct rail to Vienna for two days of independent exploration around Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. On Day 7, you board the legendary train in Vienna. Dinner, prepared by chef Jean Imbert, is served in the dining car, followed by an aperitif in Bar Car '3674' where a resident pianist performs. You sleep aboard the train and wake to a French breakfast as it pulls into Paris. The package includes hotels with breakfast, private transfers, and all rail fares. This itinerary suits luxury seekers, couples looking for romance, and history enthusiasts drawn to Vienna and Budapest's cultural landmarks.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour includes flights from the UK to Budapest and a return flight from Paris, making this a multi-mode journey rather than purely rail-based.
  • Prices shown are from GBP 5,199 per person; final accommodation in Vienna and Budapest depends on your hotel tier selection and availability.
  • This is a tailor-made holiday; confirm the exact departure dates and hotel choices with Marvellous Escapes before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Travel from the UK to Budapest. Private transfer to your hotel on arrival.

  2. Day 2overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour taking in the Parliament Building, St. Stephen's Basilica, Buda Castle, the Central Market Hall, Andrássy Avenue, Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Heroes' Square, plus a boat tour.

  3. Day 3overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Final full day exploring Budapest at your own pace.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Private transfer to the railway station for a first-class direct rail service to Vienna through Hungary and Austria.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Explore Vienna at your own pace - Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Museum Quarter.

  6. Day 6overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Final full day exploring Vienna at your own pace.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Depart Vienna

    Shared transfer to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Vienna to Paris. Pastries served by your steward. Dinner by chef Jean Imbert, with an aperitif in Bar Car '3674' and a resident pianist in the evening.

  8. Day 8rail

    Paris/Return home

    French breakfast served by your steward as the train arrives in Paris, concluding your journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: the 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus and boat tour covers Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Central Market Hall, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and Heroes' Square.
  • Day 4Day 4: a direct first-class rail journey from Budapest to Vienna through Hungary and Austria.
  • Day 7Day 7: board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Vienna; dinner prepared by chef Jean Imbert, aperitif in Bar Car '3674', and a resident pianist in the evening.
  • Day 8Day 8: French breakfast served aboard as the train arrives in Paris.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Budapest with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna with breakfast included
  • Overnight accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • Flights from the UK to Budapest and return aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris
  • Direct highspeed rail journey from Budapest to Vienna
  • Private transfers in Budapest and Vienna
  • Secure reservation for the Eurostar to London
  • 48 Hour Hop-On, Hop-Off bus and boat tour in Budapest

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes a direct first-class rail service from Budapest to Vienna on Day 4 and an overnight journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Vienna to Paris on Day 7, plus Eurostar to London.
What is included in the price?
Three nights hotel accommodation in Budapest and three nights in Vienna, both with breakfast. Overnight accommodation and meals aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, flights from the UK to Budapest and return, private transfers, a 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus and boat tour in Budapest, and a Eurostar reservation to London.
How much time is unguided?
Days 3, 5, and 6 are free to explore Budapest and Vienna at your own pace. Days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 include scheduled activities or transfers.
Who operates this tour?
Marvellous Escapes, which describes it as a tailor-made rail holiday.
What is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
A legendary luxury train running from Vienna to Paris. The overnight journey includes dinner prepared by chef Jean Imbert, cocktails in the Bar Car, a resident pianist, and breakfast served as the train arrives in Paris.
When does this tour run?
The operator publishes no specific departure dates in the available information; confirm scheduling directly with Marvellous Escapes.

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