Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Annual Journey: Paris to Istanbul August 29-September 3, 2008

This once-a-year, week-long luxury trek recreates the original Orient Express Paris-Istanbul route, traveling through seven countries like a period Broadway musical on wheels, with palpable excitement at every stop.

 

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 the Sofitel 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 Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel for late lunch. Short city sightseeing tour followed by dinner and overnight at Athenée Palace.

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, completing a fascinating and unique journey across seven countries and cultures. A highlight of the trip: chugging into Istanbul, as IRT travelers gaze out the open windows for a fabulous first view of the sparkling Sea of Marmara.

 

Tour Summary:

Departs: Paris August 29, 2008
Arrives: Istanbul September 3, 2008

2008 Rates:

$8,350 per person, double occupancy
$11,810 per person, double occupancy -- cabin suite*
$11,810 single occupancy

*Accommodation on board the VSOE:

Double Compartment: A private lounge during the day with a sofa, footstool and small table converts to night configuration with an upper and lower bed. A washbasin with hot and cold water is enclosed in a cabinet and towels and toiletries are provided. (Click image for illustration.)

Cabin Suite: Combining two interconnecting cabins to create a private lounge with a sofa, footstool and small table and, separately, a sleeping compartment with an upper and lower bed. A washbasin with hot and cold water is enclosed in a cabinet and towels and toiletries are provided. (Click image for illustration.)

Rates include all accommdations as listed:
Budapest Sofitel Hotel, 1 night
Bucharest Athenée Palace, 1 night
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, 3 nights

Included Meals: All meals are included while on the train. Other meals as described in itinerary

Note
VSOE will require in advance full passport and travel details of all passengers in order to prepare border-crossing formalities.

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800-478-4881 or contact us by e-mail

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