|
Train Type: Luxury
The Tour
This once-a-year, week-long luxury rail voyage on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express recreates the original Orient Express Paris-Istanbul route. Traveling through seven countries like a period Broadway musical on wheels, there’s palpable excitement at every train stop. Board in Paris for your journey through France, Switzerland and Austria towards Budapest. Overnight at a five-star Budapest hotel, then continue through Hungary and into Romania. Enjoy the next day and night in Bucharest at yet another grand hotel. The next day, stop in Bulgaria before enjoying your last night and day on board as the VSOE train arrives in Istanbul. This classic luxury train tour is one of Europe's most popular journeys. Book now for 2011!
“…Whoever the mastermind was, he or she has a flair for the dramatic. At every stop, our train was met by everything from Budapest’s red-jacketed Hungarian military band to native-clad dancers at the Turkish border to the exotic, reedy whine of Ottoman-style Turkish musicians in Istanbul.”
— Owen Hardy, The International Railway Traveler
The Itinerary
Day 1: Board VSOE in Paris
Board the gleaming carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l’ Est this afternoon. Settle into your private compartment and enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight on board.
Day 2: Hungary
Relax with breakfast and lunch on board while traveling through Hungary. Arrival in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Budapest.
Day 3: Budapest
Guided tour of Budapest, with lunch included. The city is divided by the mighty Danube River into ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest.’ Rejoin the train late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and overnight as the train travels to Romania.
Day 4: Sinaia; Bucharest
Morning arrival in the mountain town of Sinaia for a visit to beautiful Peles Castle—also visited by the very first Orient Express passengers in 1883. Rejoin the train and continue to Bucharest. Transfer to Bucharest hotel for late lunch. Short city sightseeing tour followed by dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Bulgaria
Rejoin the train mid-morning and travel south across the Danube into Bulgaria. Stop in Varna to tour Euxinograd Palace. Lunch and dinner served on board. Overnight onboard.
Day 6: Istanbul
Train enters Turkey this morning and crosses the Thracian Plain. After breakfast and lunch on board, VSOE arrives in Istanbul about 4:15 p.m., completing a fascinating and unique journey across seven countries and cultures. A highlight of the trip: chugging into Istanbul, gazing out the open windows for a fabulous first view of the sparkling Sea of Marmara.
2010 Dates:
August 27-Sept. 1
2011 Dates:
September 2-7
The Prices
2010 rates
|
| Accommodations |
Price
|
Deposit
|
| Double |
$9,190
|
25%
|
| Single |
$13,870
|
25%
|
| Cabin Suite |
$13,870
|
25%
|
2011 rates
|
| Accommodations |
Price
|
Deposit
|
| Double |
$9,470
|
25%
|
| Single |
$14,290
|
25%
|
| Cabin Suite |
$14,290
|
25%
|
Other:
Prices are per person and include all table d'hôte meals and accommodation as noted.
Book now for 2011! This tour sells out very quickly.
Note Turkish visa required in advance for this journey.
IRT is happy to arrange any pre- or post-tour additions.
| Suggested tour extensions: |
| • |
Pre-tour stay in Paris with visit to Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Musee d'Orsay with private guide.
|
| • |
Three nights in Istanbul. Visit nearby Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cistern, nostalgic tram, spice market with private guide. |
| • |
Cruise opportunities from Istanbul abound. Please inquire. |
to top
|
 |
 |
The Highlights
| • |
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express itself, with lovingly restored 1920s-era cars, five-star dining and stellar service |
| • |
Stays at exclusive, five-star hotels in Budapest and Bucharest
|
| • |
Romania’s Peles Castle, built in 1883 and considered one of Europe’s finest royal palaces |
| • |
Musical events throughout
|
| • |
Tour of the Euxinograd Palace, set in beautiful gardens in Varna, Bulgaria, on the Black Sea |
| • |
A perfect blend of three overnights on luxury train and two nights in deluxe hotels |
| • |
All meals and off-train tours included except where noted. Traditional gratuities to train staff and on-board wine and liquor not included |
| • |
See "Other" for suggested tour extensions |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
The gleaming carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express await passengers. (Photo by Owen Hardy)
|
|
|
|
Eiffel Tower, Paris (Photo by Angela Walker)
|
|
|
|
A Venice Simplon-Orient-Express car attendant collects the local newspaper for on-board guests. (Photo by Owen Hardy)
|
|
|
|
Private compartment of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. (Photo courtesy of Orient Express)
|
|
