Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Paris - Budapest - Bucharest - Istanbul

A route rife with intrigue and brimming with the allures of Western and Central Europe, the fabled course of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express comes to life once more as you board the prestigious train at Paris Gare de l' Est this afternoon. A steward greets you as you step aboard, escorting you to your cabin. A world of polished marquetry, luxurious upholstery, soft lighting, and elegant decor unfurls as you make your way through the train. Each detail shows a commitment to artistry and hints at the luxury to come during your journey. 

Enjoy afternoon tea and soak in the changing views as the train begins its trek. As the sun sets, dress in your finest and join the rest of the guests for a gourmet dinner. Begin with an aperitif in the Bar Car "3674," then transfer to one of the gorgeous dining cars to taste the chef's seasonal specialties. The menu is composed using artisan ingredients procured along the route and features thoughtful pairings of exceptional wines. The evening continues in the bar, where the resident pianist's tunes set the tone for a wonderful evening of stimulating conversation and outstanding cocktails as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express weaves through France and Germany. Overnight train.

Wake this morning surrounded by sublime scenery as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues its route through Austria and into Hungary. Relax in the comfort of your cabin, wrapped in sumptuous linens, while nibbling on a continental breakfast composed of French pastries, fresh juice, hot coffee, and more. Lunch is served in the dining car before the train pulls into the station in beautiful Budapest. 

This capital city is rich in history and has an incredible positioning alongside the Danube River. You are welcomed to the city by local guides, who await at the train station and act as your escorts, taking you by coach to the banks of the Danube. Look upon the city's bridges and centuries of ornate architecture as you cruise the legendary waters aboard a riverboat. The evening continues as you are transferred to your hotel to check in and change into smart, elegant evening wear for an exceptional private dinner at the Museum of Fine Arts. Overnight Budapest.

Breakfast is served at your hotel ahead of this morning's private guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building. This riverside gem was inaugurated on the country's 1000th anniversary in 1896, with construction completed in 1906. Inspired by London's Houses of Parliament, the building sits as the largest in Hungary and the tallest in the city. From its gold decorations to its lavish grand stairway, ornate ceilings, and carved statues, there is much to discover as you explore its impressive interiors. 

Rejoin the train at Budapest's station later this morning, and settle in with incredible views of the city and hills fading into the breathtaking countryside. Enjoy lunch in the dining room and time to marvel at the enchanting scenery as the train presses on toward Romania. This evening, join the train's other passengers in Bar Car "3674" for cocktails and conversation ahead of another inspired dinner. Overnight train. 

With the scent of coffee and French pastries in the air, wake this morning wrapped in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's undeniable luxury. Look out your cabin's window as you dine to see forests and mountains as the train climbs toward Sinaia. Your journey pauses here to allow you to follow in the footsteps of the very first Orient Express passengers while visiting Peleș Castle. A coach takes you from the station and into the Carpathian Mountains, where this Neo-Renaissance fortress, built by Romania's King Carol, shines amongst the trees. The king personally invited the first passengers to his residence in October 1883, and you, too, are invited to explore its gorgeous grounds and interior. 

Reboard the train following your visit, and savor a delicious brunch as the train nears Bucharest, called the "Little Paris of the East." Escorts guide you to your hotel, where you have time to settle in and enjoy your new surroundings before tonight's dinner at a private venue. Musical entertainment accompanies the cuisine to immerse you in Romania's culture. Overnight Bucharest.

Pretty rural scenery and views of the mighty Danube River guide the way for the last leg of your journey toward Istanbul. Rejoin the train this morning in anticipation of these panoramas and all the beautiful things that lie between on the southerly route. Take lunch alongside new-found friends in the dining cars, and this afternoon, enjoy a chance to alight in the seaside resort town of Varna, Bulgaria. This destination has an idyllic location alongside the Bulgarian Black Sea and is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif with the sand under your toes. Back aboard, get ready for your final dinner aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Toast to a timeless journey filled with adventure in the Bar Car, and savor course upon course of delectable cuisine as the train makes its way across the Thracian Plain. Venture back to Bar Car "3674" for an evening of conviviality, cocktails, and fantastic ambiance, as the pianist plays well into the night. Overnight train.

The train enters Turkey early this morning, putting the final miles of this incredible trip within reach. Watch as the panoramas continue to transform as you relax in your cabin with a divine French breakfast. After a brief customs pause at the border town of Kapikule, make your way to the dining car for a final lunch filled with Turkish flavors and ingredients. Istanbul nears on the horizon, marking the end of your time on the elegant Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Reminisce on the joys of this memorable expedition as you join a complimentary shared transfer from the station to your hotel in Instanbul's city center, where your tour concludes.