Belmond: 6D5N Paris to Istanbul @ Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Step aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l’Est Station. Settle into your cabin as the train departs for the first leg of your historic journey to Istanbul.

Dinner is a sumptuous affair, prepared on board by our skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. As you dine, soothing classic tunes from our resident pianist will delight your senses. Later, you may wish to linger in Bar Car '3674', listening to the resident pianist play the baby grand and chatting to fellow passengers before you retire for the night. When you are ready, retire to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom. During the night, the train courses through France and Germany.

Wake up to French 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.

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.

Savour French 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.

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.

French 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.