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The Iconic Journey – Istanbul to Paris aboard The Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Embark on this classic journey and explore an array of romantic cities aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, including Paris, Budapest, Bucharest and Istanbul.
This 8 night / 9 day holiday to Istanbul, which includes the journey on board the legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express train, has very limited availability – so please contact us now to secure your place or to register your interest for travel.
The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a unique travel experience.
For your trip of a lifetime embark on the classic journey from the magical city of Paris through to Istanbul.
Step aboard the Orient Express and you step back in time to a bygone age of luxury rail travel.
Travelling on the Orient Express offers so much more; your personal steward is on hand to attend to your every comfort and show you to your exquisite compartment of wooden marquetry and polished brass fittings in original 1920’s detail, with soft towels and crisp linen. Experience fine dining as white linen, French silverware and heavy crystal create a marvellous setting for your gourmet meals. All the while you travel across Europe viewing magnificent scenery and ever-changing landscapes from the comfort of this classic train.
Depart from the magnificent city of Paris on board one of the world’s most iconic trains as you travel in the immaculate blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and journey through central and Eastern Europe stopping over in the cities of Budapest and Bucharest before arriving in Istanbul.
8 night / 9 day holiday including First Class rail from London St. Pancras to Paris, the legendary Orient Express train from Paris to Istanbul in a twin/double compartment including overnight stays en route in the Gresham Four Seasons in Budapest and the Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in Bucharest, 3 nights at the Amira Hotel (4 star) in Istanbul and a flight back from Istanbul to London from £17,995 per person, based on 2 people travelling together.
Alternatively stay in a twin/double room at the Sultania Hotel (4 star) from £18,250 per person.
,Or in a deluxe room with city view at the Shangri-La the Bosphorus (5 star) from £18,995 per person
Step back in time with this classic and iconic journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Departing from the hustle and bustle of Paris, you’ll travel through France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria & Turkey as you experience the romance and charm of four stunning cities;Paris, Budapest, Bucharest and Istanbul.
Your time aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express promises to be every bit as enchanting as the locations you’ll be visiting. From the moment you settle into your private cabin you will be greeted by a world of luxury, marked by stunning cuisine and peerless levels of service.
Your Orient Express holiday includes:
Your holiday begins as you enter the stunningly restored London St. Pancras International station.
Let the holiday mood take over as you board the Eurostar service for the high-speed journey to Paris in little over two hours.
Sit back and relax in your spacious Standard Premier Class seat and make the most of the light meal and drinks. On arrival in Paris you make your own way the short distance from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l’Est.
Here you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Your steward will show you to your private cabin and will attend to you throughout your journey.
Spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfort of your cabin gazing at the beautiful passing scenery through France and towards Germany, or chatting with fellow travellers in the Bar Car.
After further relaxation it will soon be time to dress for dinner.
Why not sip a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars?
Here you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs.
After dinner you may want to linger in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano.
When you are ready, retire to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.
This morning enjoy a continental breakfast in your cabin and relish the views through your window as the train winds its way through Austria and into Hungary.
A delicious three-course lunch will be served prior to your arrival in Budapest.
On arrival in Budapest, local guides will be waiting to take you by coach to the Gresham Four Seasons Hotel, located at the end of Budapest’s renowned Chain Bridge, boasting panoramic views of the River Danube and the hills of Buda.
In the evening you will be escorted to a nearby private venue for dinner (suggested dress code is smart casual).
This morning enjoy the hotel’s buffet breakfast before departing on foot to discover the historic sights of Buda.
Enjoy lunch at an authentic local Hungarian Restaurant.
The tour ends at the station where you reboard the train.
Once aboard relax over a cocktail or aperitif in the Bar Car before sitting down to a delectable dinner as the train travels into Romania.
Retire to your cabin, which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom for the night.
You wake this morning to a continental breakfast served in your cabin as you enjoy the passing scenery.
A delicious brunch is served in the restaurant cars before the train arrives at the mountain town of Sinaia.
You will be escorted by coach the short distance to Peles Castle, the fairy-tale palace built by Romania’s first king as the royal family’s summer retreat.
Visitors may be interested to know that the inaugural Orient Express guests visited this magnificent residence in 1883 at the personal invitation of the King.
The Orient Express recommends comfortable shoes and a sweater or an overcoat for your visit.
Re-join the train as the train continues its journey to Bucharest.
On arrival in Bucharest, you are escorted by local guides to your hotel, the Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, located next door to the Palace of the Parliament and a few moments from the Old Town.
Dinner is served at a private venue (suggested dress code is a jacket and tie for gentlemen and equivalent for ladies).
This morning after a buffet breakfast at your hotel, the train awaits you for the final part of your journey to Turkey.
Relax on board as you travel south across the mighty River Danube and into Bulgaria.
During the afternoon, a stop is made at the delightful seaside resort of Varna on the Black Sea coast before the train continues its journey.
A delectable lunch and sumptuous dinner are served in the train’s beautifully restored restaurant cars.
Enjoy your final night on board as the train crosses the ancient Thracian Plain.
You awake this morning to a continental breakfast served in your cabin as the train journeys through Turkey.
Spend the morning admiring vistas through your window before enjoying a delicious lunch in one of the restaurant cars, introducing you to Turkish flavours.
All too soon your journey draws to a close as the train arrives into Istanbul Sirkeci station.
From here you make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights, the highly-rated Hotel Amira.
Enjoy two full days to take in the many attractions of Istanbul, the Turkish metropolis which marks the meeting point of Europe and Asia, and actually sprawls across both continents.
Highlights of this fascinating city include the Blue Mosque (pictured), Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Savour your final morning in Istanbul before you make your one way to the airport for your flight by British Airways back to London Heathrow and onwards for the final leg of your journey home.
On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express you travel in a private compartment, attended by Cabin Stewards throughout your journey, where you are assured of attentive yet discreet service.
Each stunning compartment has its own original washbasin cabinet with hot and cold water with soft towels and toiletries provided.
A private lounge during the day with a banquette sofa, footstool and small table, your compartment is transformed in moments to a comfortable bedroom with an upper and lower bed and crisp linen.
Located at the end of Budapest’s renowned Chain Bridge, the Gresham Four Seasons (5 star) boasts panoramic views of the River Danube and hills of Buda. Exquisitely restored Art Nouveau features, including stained glass, wrought iron and mosaics, blend seamlessly with palatial guest rooms and a top floor spa and infinity pool. A number of the city’s most ornate, quirky and historical landmarks are an easy stroll away.
Located next door to the Palace of the Parliament and a few moments from the legendary Old Town, the Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel (4 star superior) is a destination in itself with carefully considered amenities and world-class service. The bedrooms boast luxuries such as oversized smart television, pillowtop beds and marble bathrooms. The hotel benefits from a luxurious spa, indoor pool, shopping gallery and casino.
Hotel Amira (4 star) is a boutique hotel located at the heart of the centuries-old capital. Close by are the magnificent Blue Mosque, the imperial Topkapi Palace and the colourful Grand Bazaar. The lounge terrace boasts sweeping views of the Marmara Sea and the restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine in a modern environment. The bedrooms feature local touches such as ottoman style hand-made ceiling paintings.
What’s Included
Holiday duration 9 days.
For information Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
You may wish to upgrade your twin/double cabin on board the Venice Simplon Orient Express to a suite.
Formed of two interconnecting double cabins, the suite offers additional comfort and extra space.
By day, guests can stretch out and relax with two lounges, and by night a choice of bed configurations are available depending on your preferences.
Why not make your journey of a lifetime on the world’s most famous train even more special, by travelling in one of just three exclusive Grand Suites?
Each luxurious suite is beautifully appointed with its own individual theme, and comes with its own private bathroom, double bed and spacious living area. Other additional touches are also included.
If you have a specific Venice Simplon-Orient Express question – why not review our Venice Simplon Orient Express FAQs here?
For information and booking:
Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
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