Vienna and Budapest
Overview
The Highlights
- Two nights aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, luxuriating in the train’s amenities and atmosphere
- Spending the evening in the lovely bar car, sipping your favorite drink while listening to live piano music
- A gourmet four-course formal dinner prepared by skilled French chefs, served in one of the train’s three dining cars
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- Pampering by your personal steward
- For departures starting in Paris, enjoy a complimentary private transfer from your hotel to the train station.
- Sumptuous brunch on the Belmond British Pullman while traveling through the English countryside (select London arrivals only)
- Wine and champagne included with meals (top-shelf liquors and drinks in the bar car at additional cost)
- Grand Suite passengers enjoy free-flowing champagne in their cabins and included private arrival and departure transfers to/from the train station, among several other special benefits.
- Enjoying the beauty, artistry and history of these unique trains, lovingly restored in every detail
The Tour
Take a step back in time on this overnight trip aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This fabulous journey includes two nights on the train, plus, for those 2023 passengers traveling on to London, a glorious afternoon on the Belmond British Pullman luxury day train.
Beginning in 2024, this journey will begin in Paris only.
See Dates & Prices section for more information about different routings offered.
Ask us how you can combine back-to-back train rides for a 5-day roundtrip experience.
For 2023, the trip is also available London-Vienna or Paris-Vienna only, or Vienna-Paris or Vienna-London only.
Countries Visited
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Austria
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart London or Paris
Depart London St Pancras station aboard a Eurostar train set for Lille. On arrival, transfer with your fellow guests to Calais Ville station, where the legendary Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express await.
There is a brief stop at Vienna to change passengers.
Settle into your comfortable private cabin before enjoying a sumptuous dinner in one of the magnificent dining cars. 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.
For 2023 departures, you may also choose to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris, around 9 p.m., with a late dinner served upon boarding.
For 2024 departures, your journey begins in Paris and does not include London.
Day 2: Arrive Vienna or Budapest
Breakfast is served in your cabin before arriving at Vienna station in the morning.
For those continuing onwards, the Alpine peaks, undulating meadows and crystal-clear lakes continue as you relax over a leisurely three-course lunch. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to browse our onboard boutique for an exclusive memento of your journey. As the picturesque Hungarian countryside glides by, soak up the views over pastries, tea and coffee before arriving into Budapest.
Day 1: Depart Budapest or Vienna
Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train at Budapest. Enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the beautiful dining cars and relax on board as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. A selection of pastries are served by your steward in the comfort of your cabin.
There is a brief stop at Vienna to change passengers.
Enjoy your comfortable private cabin before enjoying a sumptuous dinner in one of the magnificent dining cars. Later, you may wish to linger in Bar Car ‘3674’, listening to the resident pianist play the baby grand and chatting to fellow passengers.
After dinner you may want to stroll through the carriages to admire the details before you retire to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cozy bedroom.
Day 2: Arrive Paris or London
Continental breakfast is brought to you by your steward to enjoy in your cabin at a time of your choosing. The train pulls into Paris Gare de l’Est Station late morning.
For those continuing onwards, a delicious brunch is served in the restaurant cars as you travel on towards the Channel. After crossing the Channel board The British Pullman for the journey to London.
A traditional afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of English sparkling wine is served before arriving at your destination, London Victoria station.
Dates & Prices
2023 Dates
December 18 - 19 *
December 19 - 20 *
*2023 departures will run as follows:
- May 2-3: London or Paris to Vienna or Budapest
- May 5-6: Budapest or Vienna to Paris or London
- September 28-29: London or Paris to Vienna or Budapest
- October 1-2: Budapest or Vienna to Paris or London
- December 18-19: Paris to Vienna
- December 19-20: Vienna to Paris
| ACCOMMODATION | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Twin/Double Cabin | From £4,120 | From £8,240 | 15% |
| Suite | Waitlist Only | Waitlist Only | 15% |
| Grand Suite | From £11,500 | From £23,000 | 15% |
- Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
- Prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
- Ask us how you can combine back-to-back train rides for a 5-day roundtrip experience.
2024 Dates
May 16 - 17 *
May 19 - 20 *
October 2 - 3 *
October 5 - 6 *
December 15 - 16 *
December 16 - 17 *
*2024 departures will run as follows:
- May 16-17: Paris to Vienna or Budapest
- May 19-20: Budapest or Vienna to Paris
- July 7-8: Paris to Vienna or Budapest
- July 10-11: Budapest or Vienna to Paris
- Dec 15-16: Paris to Vienna
- Dec 16-17: Vienna to Paris
| ACCOMMODATION | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Twin/Double Cabin | From £3,885 | From £7,770 | 15% |
| Suite | From £7,260 | From £14,520 | 15% |
| Grand Suite | From £10,165 | From £20,330 | 15% |
- Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
- Prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
- Ask us how you can combine back-to-back train rides for a 5-day roundtrip experience.
Book Your Journey
Reviews From Our Travelers
I cannot praise Eleanor Hardy's company highly enough. She took care of all the planning, paying attention to every detail and thus this trip was smooth running and fabulous. I hope to travel with this company again.
Every year I think this will be my final trip. But the trips you offer are so glorious I can’t stop. You may have to have me committed somewhere to get me to stop.
My husband and I had the most incredible trip ever. Our experience on the Orient Express was so special and David our stewart was so competent. We loved the food and the people we met on board. I certainly have a greater understanding of Turkey and her people now thanks to him. We are so pleased we went!
More
We are delighted to arrange your hotels in Vienna, Paris, or London, as well as transfers and touring, to meet your requirements. Contact us for more information about this concierge service.
Special Report: View travel notes by Society owners Owen & Eleanor Hardy, who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice-Paris-London.
Inquire About This Journey
For dates and prices, please click here.
Questions? Our experienced luxury rail travel consultants are ready to help.