Istanbul to Paris
The Journey
From the colourful bazaars of Istanbul to the enchanting lights of Paris, embark on a breathtaking adventure across Europe aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Embark on an unforgettable five-night adventure aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, retracing the train's fabled route from Istanbul to Paris. Indulge in timeless luxury as you journey through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria and France – witnessing hidden landscapes and cultural treasures while savouring exceptional cuisine and hospitality. Embrace a rich array of cultures as you travel from East to West, alighting to explore time-honoured destinations such as Bucharest and Budapest. Carve your own beguiling story aboard a legend in motion.
Includes
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS
We'll collect you from your Istanbul accommodation and transfer you to the train station for check-in and departure; on arrival into Paris, we'll transfer you from the station to your accommodation in the city.
Luxurious ACCOMMODATION
Three nights aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, and overnight accommodation in Bucharest and Budapest
Exciting excursions
A city tour in Bucharest and Budapest, a Danube cruise and a visit to Peleș Castle in Romania
Authentic local cuisine
Lunch and dinner in Budapest and dinner in Bucharest
Sumptuous Four-course dinners
Each night you are aboard the train, feast on our seasonal table d'hôte menu which includes biscuits, cheeseboard and chutney
SOMMELIER WINES
All table d'hôte meals include our sommelier's selection of wines when served in the restaurant cars
French Breakfasts
Served in your cabin each morning for ultimate comfort
Delicious Lunch
When you are aboard the train, enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch as the world passes by your window
Dedicated Steward service
To attend to your every request as you unwind in style
Please note:
Our signature Istanbul journeys are subject to a 50% non-refundable deposit in order to confirm your booking. If booked via the website, a 15% deposit is charged as standard during the check-out process; one of our dedicated Reservations agents will telephone you to collect the remaining 35% to secure your booking, in line with these special booking terms.
Day One
Istanbul
Feel the thrill of anticipation as you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Istanbul. Your steward escorts you to your cabin, a cocoon of luxurious upholstery, polished marquetry and soft lighting. Where countless stories have unfolded, it's time to write your own mystery.
Dress to the nines and anticipate a glittering evening ahead. Whet your appetite with an aperitif in Bar Car '3674' before making your way to one of the magnificent dining cars. Here, the imagination of celebrated chef Jean Imbert influences both the décor and the menu. Seasonal specialities, sourced from producers along the route, are accompanied by exceptional wines. After dinner, a lively ambience awaits back at the bar. Listen to the resident pianist play the baby grand as you sip sublime and inventive cocktails. As you retire for the first night in your comfortable cabin, the train crosses into Bulgaria.
Day Two
Romania
Relax in your cabin as your steward serves a French breakfast. Melt-in-the-mouth pastries, fresh juice and aromatic coffee are the perfect way to begin the day as the train winds its way towards Romania. Soak up the scenery through the windows before enjoying a delicious lunch. Soon, you arrive in Bucharest and alight. Our local guides accompany you by coach to your hotel, allowing you to take in some of the city sights on the way. There's time to refresh before heading out to a typical Romanian evening with musical entertainment.
Day Three
Romania
This morning, after a walking tour in the old city, rejoin the train and relax over brunch in one of the elegant dining cars as you journey towards the mountain town of Sinaia. Board a coach for the short journey to Peles Castle, the Neo-Renaissance palace built by King Carol as his summer retreat. You're following in historic footsteps: the inaugural Orient Express passengers visited the castle at the King's personal invitation in October 1883. Return to the train in the late afternoon for a leisurely journey towards Hungary. A delectable dinner and captivating night on board await.
Day Four
Budapest
Arrive in majestic Budapest this morning and disembark for your overnight stay. After an orientation ride through the city, enjoy a panoramic cruise along the River Danube, soaking up the city's graceful architecture and timeless beauty. Enjoy a lunch of Hungarian specialities before embarking on a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building, famously inspired by London's Houses of Parliament. Afterwards, you will be escorted to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital at your leisure, with highlights including the imposing Buda Castle, renowned thermal baths and enchanting botanical gardens. In the evening, prepare for a dinner at a private venue.
Day Five
Budapest
Take a leisurely morning to explore the city at your own pace. Reboard the train and enjoy lunch as you glide through the picturesque Hungarian countryside. A final fabulous dinner, curated by our visionary chef, is served to celebrate your last night on board. Relax in Bar Car '3674' listening to music as you swap stories with new-found friends.
Day Six
Paris
Linger over a French breakfast in your cabin as the train travels through Austria and France. Take the opportunity to browse our boutique for some last-minute mementos. Afterwards, proceed to one of the elegant restaurant cars for a sumptuous farewell lunch, accompanied by a delightful champagne tasting experience expertly guided by our attentive waiters. When the train pulls into Paris, disembark for a complimentary transfer to your city centre hotel or onward connection – and your next adventure.
Common Questions From Our Passengers
What do I wear on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train?
You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train! For dinner, we ask for formal evening attire and many guests like to don black tie and wear their most glamorous finery for the occasion. Smart daywear is appropriate during the day. At lunch, for example, a jacket/tie or equivalent is suitable. Jeans are not acceptable at any time.
Can the Venice Simplon-Orient Express accommodate special dietary preferences?
We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan etc, provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do, however, regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Are children permitted on board?
Children are welcome to join us on board, and infants under the age of two at the time of departure travel free. Parents must provide their own food and a bassinet for sleeping. Given the space constraints of a Twin Cabin, we always recommend booking an interconnecting cabin or Grand Suite for our guests' comfort. The ambiance aboard the train is geared towards our adult passengers. For this reason, it is at the Train Manager’s discretion that children may accompany their parents in the bar and restaurant cars.