Istanbul to Paris
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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.
Every moment aboard the train promises memories to last a lifetime. Dine sensationally in the beautifully restored restaurant carriages on our luxury train. Trade stories with fellow travellers as the pianist plays. Or simply sit back in your elegant cabin, take a deep breath, and watch the scenery unfold.
This classic train route spirits you through some of the continent’s most enchanting sights, fit for a glamorous Agatha Christie whodunnit. Lose yourself to the fairytale wonder of Peles Castle, take a fascinating cruise along the Danube, and enjoy indulgent overnight stays in Bucharest and Budapest.
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Life aboard our iconic train
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.
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Day One
Adventure awaits…
Step aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and settle into your cabin as the train departs for the first leg of your historic journey to Paris.
Dinner is a sumptuous affair, prepared on board by our skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. As you dine, soothing classic tunes from our resident pianist will delight your senses. Later, you may wish to linger in Bar Car '3674', listening to the resident pianist play the baby grand and chatting to fellow passengers before you retire for the night. When you are ready, retire to your sleeping car and cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom. Overnight, the train crosses into Bulgaria.
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Day Two
A Fine Way To Pass The Day
Your steward serves French breakfast in your cabin as the train winds its way to 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 directly to your hotel. Dinner with musical entertainment this evening is in a private venue.
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Day Three
Stunning Sinaia
This morning, rejoin the train and relax over a delicious 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 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.
Return to the train in the late afternoon for a leisurely journey towards Hungary. Enjoy another delectable dinner and relaxing night on board.
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Day Four
Queen of the Danube
On arrival in Budapest, enjoy a short orientation coach ride through the city followed by a panoramic cruise along the River Danube, soaking up the city’s graceful architecture and timeless beauty. Arrive at your hotel after lunch.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Hungarian capital before preparing for a delightful evening at a nearby private venue, where you’ll be served a feast of local specialties.
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Day Five
Final Celebrations
The day starts with a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building, which was famously inspired by London’s Houses of Parliament. Re-board our luxury train in the late morning. Linger over lunch as you glide through the picturesque Hungarian countryside. A final fabulous dinner is served to celebrate your last night on board. As our pianists entertains on the baby grand, carouse with your fellow guests and new friends.
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Day Six
Fond Farewell
Enjoy French breakfast in your cabin as the train travels through Switzerland prior to entering France. Early morning, alight to take a stroll around a celebrated champagne house. Re-board the train in time for a delicious farewell lunch prepared by our skilled chefs. All too soon, the train arrives into Paris, your journey’s end.
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.