Paris-Istanbul Annual Journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
6-day Escorted Tour
This once-a-year, week-long luxury rail voyage from Paris to Istanbul on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a true 'trip of a lifetime'. Travel through seven countries in elegant style. Food, wine, service, off-train tours, atmosphere: everything is over-the-top. Especially if you book one of the new Grand Suites on board this iconic luxury train. Read Rachel Hardy's enthusiastic blog post and see her magnificent photos.
There is palpable excitement at every stop as the VSOE luxury train travels through France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. The world's most authentic luxury train, the VSOE is the real deal, complete with coal-heated sleeping cars and windows that open. Enjoy gourmet meals in one of the train's three sumptuous diners, or a late-night drink in the classy bar car.
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 Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train arrives in Istanbul.
Istanbul-Paris: Click here to see the the itinerary in the reverse direction (Istanbul-Paris).