Paris to Istanbul
The Journey
Embark on this luxury train journey and explore an array of romantic cities aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, including Paris, Budapest, Bucharest and Istanbul.
On board, moments to treasure follow one after another. Savour stunning regional cuisine in the restaurant car. Or simply relax in your vintage cabin and watch the scenery unfold.
Life aboard our iconic train
Chapter One: All Aboard
Your voyage begins on the platform of a famed European city, where historic carriages await your arrival. Meet the conductor, check your bags with our porters, and feel the excitement build. Then step aboard a world of timeless glamour. We depart shortly.
Includes
Complimentary Transfers
We'll collect you from your Paris accommodation and transfer you to the train station for check-in and departure; on arrival into Istanbul, 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
Depart the City of Love
Step aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l’Est Station. Settle into your cabin as our famous train departs for the first leg of your historic itinerary to Istanbul.
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 cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom. During the night, the train courses through France and Germany.
Day Two
A Fine Way To Pass The Day
Wake up to French breakfast, served in your cabin by your steward. Admire the changing views 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. There, our local guides will be waiting to escort you by coach to your hotel.
Prepare for a wonderful cocktail reception and dinner on the River Danube this evening.
Day Three
Exploring Budapest
Discover some of the fascinating sights of historic Budapest with our guides before sitting down to a lunch of Hungarian specialties. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building, which was inspired by London’s Houses of Parliament.
Re-board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and continue your journey. In the evening, linger over a delectable dinner as the train travels towards Romania, before sipping on a classic cocktail in our Bar Car.
Day Four
A Fairytale Castle Awaits
Savour French breakfast in your cabin as the train glides into Romania. A delicious brunch is served in the dining cars as you approach 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. We recommend comfortable shoes and a sweater for your visit.
Rejoin the train and continue towards Bucharest. On arrival, our local guides will escort you to your hotel. Later, enjoy dinner with musical entertainment at a private venue.
Day Five
Final Celebrations
Back on board, begin the final leg of your journey to Istanbul. Relax and enjoy the views as you travel south across the mighty River Danube and into Bulgaria. Make your way to one of the dining cars for lunch. During the afternoon, a stop is made at the delightful seaside resort of Varna on the Black Sea coast, where you alight for an aperitif on a private estate.
A final unforgettable dinner is served as the train crosses the ancient Thracian Plain. Celebrate your last night with a glass of something special in the Bar Car, and enjoy the music of our resident pianist as you chat to fellow guests and new friends.
Day Six
Fond Farewell
French breakfast is served in your cabin as we travel onwards to Turkey. The train will stop at the border crossing point of Kapikule for customs formalities. Take the opportunity to stroll along to our onboard boutique to browse an exclusive range of elegant gifts and mementos or have one final lounge in your private cabin or suite. Today’s lunch in the dining cars introduces you to exquisite Turkish flavours.
All too soon, your journey draws to a close as the train pulls into Istanbul. Alight for a complimentary shared transfer to your city centre hotel.
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.