Iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Istanbul
- 10 Days
- £19,999
- Turkey
- Take the Eurostar to Paris and stay overnight
- Board the unrivalled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a journey to Istanbul
- Stop for nights in Budapest and Bucharest with tours and experiences included
- Spend two days at leisure in Istanbul before your return to the UK
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Upgrade your cabin and flight
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Take this journey in the opposite direction, with a flight out to Istanbul on 1 June 2026 or 4 June 2027
- Eurostar Plus Class service from London to Paris
- Historic cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Istanbul with 3 nights onboard
- All table d’hôte meals onboard the train
- Dedicated steward service on board
- 6 nights 5* hotel accommodation with breakfast
- A city tour in Bucharest and Budapest, a Danube cruise and a visit to Peleș Castle in Romania
- Lunch and dinner in Budapest and dinner in Bucharest
- All transfers in Paris, Budapest, Bucharest and Istanbul
- Return flight from Istanbul to London in Economy Class
- Despatch of tickets by email
Suggested Itinerary
Leave London today, travelling in Eurostar Plus to Paris. On arrival, you’ll meet a transfer driver who will take you to your overnight accommodation at the Sofitel le Faubourg (or similar).
Enjoy an evening at leisure in the heart of Paris, in anticipation of your upcoming journey.
Enjoy a free morning in Paris and then, back at your hotel, meet your transfer driver, who will take you to the Gare de l’Est. Here, step aboard the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and settle into your elegant cabin as the train heads out of the city, marking the beginning of your historic journey to Istanbul.
As evening falls, enjoy a lavish dinner crafted by the train’s skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored dining cars, accompanied by gentle music from the resident pianist. Later, linger in Bar Car ‘3674’ to hear the baby grand, mingle with fellow passengers and savour a nightcap before retiring to your cabin, which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom. Overnight, the train continues through the French and German countryside.
Wake to a continental breakfast served in your cabin by your steward, and take a moment to enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the train rolls through Austria and into Hungary. A leisurely three-course lunch is served on board before the train pulls into Budapest, where local guides will be ready to escort you by coach to the Gresham Four Seasons Hotel (or similar)for your overnight stay.
This evening, look forward to a special cocktail reception and dinner on the River Danube — a perfect way to begin your visit to this remarkable city.
Spend the morning exploring some of Budapest’s most captivating historic sights with expert guides, followed by a lunch showcasing traditional Hungarian flavours. Afterwards, enjoy a guided visit to the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, an architectural masterpiece inspired by London’s Houses of Parliament.
Later, re-board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to continue your journey east. As evening falls, settle into one of the elegant dining cars for a lingering, sumptuous dinner while the train makes its way towards Romania.
Begin the day with a continental breakfast served in your cabin as the train crosses into Romania. A delicious brunch follows in the dining cars as you approach the mountain town of Sinaia. From here, board a coach for the short journey to Peles Castle, the fairytale palace built by King Carol as his summer retreat. The very first Orient Express passengers visited this exquisite residence in October 1883, at the King’s personal invitation. Comfortable shoes and a sweater are recommended for your visit.
Return to the train and continue towards Bucharest, where local guides will escort you to your accommodation, the Marriott Bucharest Grand (or similar). In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner accompanied by live musical entertainment at a private venue.
Re-board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the final leg of your journey to Istanbul. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the train travels south along the mighty Danube and into Bulgaria. Pause for a leisurely lunch in one of the elegant dining cars.
In the afternoon, the train stops at the charming seaside resort of Varna on the Black Sea, where you alight to enjoy an aperitif on a private estate. As evening falls, a final, unforgettable dinner is served while the train crosses the ancient Thracian Plain. Celebrate your last night with a glass of something special, accompanied by the music of the resident pianist, as you share stories and laughter with fellow guests and new friends.
Begin your day with a continental breakfast served in your cabin as the train makes its way into Turkey. The train pauses at the Kapikule border crossing for customs formalities. Take a moment to browse the onboard boutique, where an exclusive range of elegant gifts and mementos awaits. Lunch in the dining cars showcases the rich and vibrant flavours of Turkish cuisine, a perfect introduction to your destination.
All too soon, your journey comes to an end as the train glides into Istanbul. Disembark for a complimentary shared transfer to your city-centre hotel, ready to begin the next chapter of your adventure.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Istanbul during your two days of independent exploration. Wander the winding streets of the Old City, where the soaring domes of the Hagia Sophia and the majestic Blue Mosque rise above bustling markets and historic squares. Take time to browse the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, discovering handcrafted treasures, colourful textiles, and aromatic spices. Pause at a café to savour Turkish tea or a rich coffee while watching the world go by, and let the city’s mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences unfold at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Istanbul’s many rooftop restaurants, where the lights of the Bosphorus shimmer across the water, completing your independent city adventure.
It’s time to leave Istanbul today and meet your transfer in the hotel lobby. You’ll be taken to Istanbul’s main airport where you’ll check in for your flight back to London at the end of an unforgettable holiday.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Paris
The Intercontinental Paris Le Grand is located in the fashionable Opera District of Paris. Bedrooms are equipped with all the amenities you would expect from a 5* hotel including an iPad dock, coffee machine and satellite/ cable TV. There is a choice of two restaurants along with a health club featuring sauna facilities and massage treatments.
Istanbul
Opened in 1895, the Pera Palace is a museum hotel designed in art-nouveau, neoclassical and oriental styles. The spacious rooms are furnished in a classical style, combining European and Ottoman influences. Featuring hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, they all come equipped with a TV and a minibar.
