Orient Express: Paris - Istanbul

Arrival 

Arrival in Paris marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to the train station, where you will board the legendary train to explore romantic cities including Paris, Budapest, Bucharest, and Istanbul.

Departing from Paris Gare de l’Est, step aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages and settle into your elegant cabin. As the train begins its journey, enjoy regional cuisine in the restaurant car or relax in your vintage cabin while taking in the passing scenery.

Luxurious accommodation includes three nights aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, along with overnight stays in Bucharest and Budapest. Exciting excursions feature city tours in Bucharest and Budapest, a Danube cruise, and a visit to Peleș Castle in Romania. Authentic local cuisine includes lunch and dinner in Budapest and dinner in Bucharest. Onboard dining offers four-course dinners with a seasonal table d'hôte menu, continental breakfasts served in your cabin, and three-course lunches while traveling. A dedicated steward is available to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

As the evening unfolds, enjoy soothing melodies from the resident pianist while savoring a nightcap in Bar Car '3674'. When you are ready, retire to your cabin, which has been transformed into a cozy bedroom, as the train continues its journey through France and Germany.

Arrival to Budapest

Wake up to Continental 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.

Exploring Budapest & Departure

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.

Arrival to Bucharest 

Savour Continental 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.

Departure  

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, and enjoy the music of our resident pianist as you chat to fellow guests and new friends.

Welcome to Istanbul 

Continental 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. 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.