Paris-Budapest-Bucharest-Istanbul aboard Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
*Please note spaces are extremely limited on this popular route Contact Us to BookThe iconic rail journey of Paris to Constantinople is faithully recreated just twice a year aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
You need only glimpse its gleaming carriages and be greeted by the steward in his distinctive uniform to know that the most memorable journey of your life has begun.
The classic “Orient Express” journey is recreated just twice a year. Begin this 6 day itinerary by departing Paris aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. A total of 3 nights on board and 5 star hotel stays in Budapest and Bucharest with arrival into Istanbul the afternoon of the 6th day.
This route is extremely popular, sells out quickly and demands a price premium.FIND OUT MORE
- Fine Dining
- Food Included
- Unique Experiences
- Authentic Vintage Cabins
- Runs twice a year
- Available as Inclusive Tour
- Cabins and Suites available
Guide Price £POA
- Map & Timing Guide
- Detailed Itinerary

PARIS – ISTANBUL
- VSOE Journey from Paris to Istanbul via Budapest and Bucharest
- 3 Night Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- 2 Nights in Budapest and Bucharest
- Day 1 – Depart Paris 11:00*
- Day 6 – Arrive Istanbul 17:30*
Train Itinerary & Timetable – See What’s Included
Depart Paris and begin a 6 day journey of a lifetime aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train.
Day One: Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train at Paris Gare de l’Est. After being greeted by your steward, settle into your cabin and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.
- Enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner, prepared by our skilled French chefs.
- After dinner retire to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.
Day Two: Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Enjoy the sublime scenery as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train travels into Hungary.
- Continental breakfast is served in your cabin and lunch will be taken in one of the opulent dining cars..
- On arrival in Budapest transfer to your luxury hotel.
- Prepare for a wonderful cocktail reception and dinner on the River Danube this evening.
Day Three – Explore Budapest
- After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a private guided tour of the city Budapest, with lunch at a local restaurant included.
- 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.
- Dinner is served onboard in one of the restaurant cars this evening.
Day Four – Romania
- The train arrives at the mountain town of Sinaia, after breakfast, disembark for a visit to beautiful Peles Castle.
- Rejoin the train and complete the short journey to Bucharest.
- On arrival transfer to the Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel.
- Later, enjoy dinner with musical entertainment at a private venue.
Day Five – Cross River Danube and into Bulgaria
- This morning, rejoin the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train as the train travels south across the Danube and into Bulgaria.
- During the afternoon, a stop is made to enjoy this pretty, rural country.
- Lunch and dinner are served on board the train, as your journey continues.
- This final and unforgettable night is spent on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train.
Day Six – Enter Turkey for the final leg to Istanbul
- Early this morning the train enters Turkey and crosses the beautiful Thracian Plain.
- After breakfast and lunch on board, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train arrives at Istanbul.