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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 combines the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with a wonderful journey through Europe to Istanbul. However, availability is extremely limited, so please contact us to secure your place or register your interest.
Experience the magic of the classic Paris to Istanbul journey aboard one of the world’s most iconic trains.
Begin in Paris before travelling through central and eastern Europe, with overnight stays in Budapest and Bucharest along the way. From there, continue towards Istanbul, where you will spend three nights in this fascinating city.
On board, your personal steward takes care of your every comfort. Meanwhile, settle into an exquisite compartment featuring wooden marquetry, polished brass fittings and original 1920s details. Soft towels and crisp linen complete the elegant surroundings.
In addition, fine dining forms a central part of the experience. White linen, French silverware and heavy crystal provide the perfect setting for gourmet meals. As the train travels across Europe, magnificent scenery and ever-changing landscapes unfold beyond your window.
Your holiday begins in London, with First Class rail from London St Pancras to Paris. From there, board the immaculate blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and travel through Europe towards Istanbul.
Throughout the journey, you will enjoy a carefully arranged itinerary combining luxury rail travel, elegant hotels and unforgettable experiences. The 8-night, 9-day holiday includes First Class rail from London St Pancras to Paris, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Istanbul in a twin or double compartment, overnight stays at the Gresham Four Seasons in Budapest and Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, three nights at the 4-star Amira Hotel in Istanbul, and a flight back to London.
From £21,995 per person, based on two people travelling together.
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 journey begins at the beautifully restored London St Pancras International. First, board the Eurostar for the high-speed journey to Paris, taking just over two hours.
Relax in your Standard Premier seat and enjoy a light meal and drinks. On arrival, make your own way from Gare du Nord to nearby Gare de l’Est.
Here, board the magnificent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will welcome you to your private cabin and look after you throughout the journey.
Meanwhile, relax as the train travels through France towards Germany. Admire the passing scenery or enjoy a drink in the Bar Car with fellow travellers.
Later, dress for dinner and perhaps enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. Then, take your seat in one of the elegant restaurant cars for a delicious four-course dinner.
Finally, relax in the Bar Car to the sound of the baby grand piano before retiring to your cabin, now 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.
Wake to a continental breakfast in your cabin as the train travels through the Romanian countryside. Meanwhile, enjoy a delicious brunch in the restaurant cars before arriving in the mountain town of Sinaia.
From here, a short coach transfer takes you to Peles Castle, the fairy-tale palace built by Romania’s first king as a summer retreat. Interestingly, the first Orient Express guests visited the palace in 1883 at the King’s personal invitation.
After your visit, return to the train and continue towards Bucharest. On arrival, local guides escort you to the Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, next to the Palace of the Parliament and close to the Old Town.
Finally, enjoy dinner at a private venue. Gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket and tie, with equivalent evening dress for ladies.
This morning, after a buffet breakfast at your hotel, return to the train for the final part of your journey to Turkey.
As you travel south, relax on board while crossing the mighty River Danube and entering Bulgaria. Meanwhile, enjoy the changing scenery as the train continues towards the Black Sea.
During the afternoon, the train stops at the delightful seaside resort of Varna. Here, you can appreciate the coastal scenery before continuing your journey.
Along the way, enjoy a delectable lunch and sumptuous dinner in the beautifully restored restaurant cars. Finally, spend your last night on board as the train crosses the ancient Thracian Plain towards Turkey.
Wake to a continental breakfast served in your cabin as the train travels through Turkey.
Meanwhile, spend the morning admiring the changing scenery from your window. Later, enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the restaurant cars, introducing you to the flavours of Turkish cuisine.
All too soon, your journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express draws to a close as the train arrives at Istanbul Sirkeci station.
From here, make your own way to the highly rated Hotel Amira, where you will stay for the next three nights. Finally, settle in and begin exploring this fascinating city.
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
First Class rail from London to Paris (Standard Premier on Eurostar)
5 nights hotel accommodation in 4 & 5 star hotels with breakfast each day including overnight stays at the Gresham Four Seasons in Budapest and the Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in Bucharest and 3 nights at the Amira Hotel (4 star) in Istanbul.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Istanbul with all meals on board
British Airways flight from Istanbul to London Heathrow
Holiday duration 9 days.
For information Tel: 01347 665333 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 665333 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
