If there is one rail trip that could claim to trump them all for glamour and grandeur, then this timeless journey from Istanbul to Paris on board the opulent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has to be it.
This seven-day adventure will see you pass through seven countries - Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and finally France - in the most salubrious of surroundings. With only one departure in 2023, this is your chance to experience a journey that recreates the Golden Age of travel and evokes memories of Agatha Christie and more.
After a private door-to-door transfer from your home, you will fly with BA Club Europe to Istanbul, where you will enjoy a night in this captivating city staying at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus. The next day you will board this magnificent Belmond train and settle into your Historic Cabin where you will spend three of the remaining five nights of the trip. You will settle back with perfectly-mixed cocktail in hand before taking you seat for dinner in the Dining Carriage. You will enjoy lavish breakfasts, three-course lunches and four-course dinners, with an expert sommelier on hand to find that perfect Champagne or wine pairing. You will return to Bar Car 3674 for post dinner drinks with pianist on hand to provide the entertainment, while at the stroke of midnight a special "brunch" is served.
Away from the train you will enjoy a range of special experiences - from a cruise along the Danube and city tours in Bucharest and Budapest to a private visit to Peles Castle in Romania and a Champagne House in France. You will also enjoy two luxurious hotel stays in Budapest and Bucharest.
On arrival in Paris, you will board the Eurostar (business-premier) for the journey to London where you will be met for your private transfer home.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a historic cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **Up to 100 miles each way from home. The Orient express is not wheelchair accessible. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
A transfer will collect you from home to take you to the airport for your Club Europe flight to Istanbul with British Airways. You'll take a private transfer to the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus on arrival.
The morning is yours to explore Istanbul. You'll be collected in plenty of time to get to the train station, ready to step aboard the iconic blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Once onboard, a steward will show you to your Historic Cabin. The train pulls away as you settle down to dinner in one of the dining cars as the resident pianist sets an elegant mood. Tonight the train crosses into Bulgaria as you sleep comfortably in your cabin.
When you wake, your steward will serve breakfast in your cabin as you watch the scenery pass by outside. You'll have the morning to enjoy the views before lunch is served and you arrive in Bucharest. You'll disembark here and be taken to a hotel by coach.
Tonight, there's a sophisticated musical evening in a private venue in Bucharest.
You'll rejoin the train this morning, relaxing over a sumptuous brunch as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express makes its way to Sinaia, a mountain town in Romania. You'll disembark to visit Peles Castle, a splendid palace built as a summer retreat for King Carol. You'll return to the train later, ready for dinner and a night onboard as the train makes its way towards Hungary.
You'll rejoin the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express before lunch. The train makes its way through the Hungarian countryside today. A fabulous farewell dinner is planned for your final night onboard.
A French breakfast is served in your cabin before you disembark to visit a renowned champagne house. You re-board for lunch as the train pulls into Paris.
After bidding a final farewell to the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you'll transfer to Paris Gard du Nord to board the Eurostar to London, travelling in the Business Premier carriage. On arrival in London, a private transfer will meet you to take you on the final leg of your journey home.
Escape into a world of timeless glamour
Enter a world of timeless glamour, where each meticulously restored 1920s carriage holds a new experience. Wine and dine in plush dining cars, and raise a toast in the iconic Bar Car '3674' as a pianist plays the baby grand. Historic Cabins are beautifully designed and finished, transforming from a banquette seating area to a sleeping berth overnight. Upgrades may be available on request.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a historic cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **Up to 100 miles each way from home. The Orient express is not wheelchair accessible. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).