Journeys on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)

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).

Looking for the most glamorous way to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday? This is definitely it. 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. Travel through six countries on this epic, annual six-day journey from Istanbul to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Enjoy luxury-class food, wine, service, off-train tours and musical events and romantic, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express atmosphere on board the train. After departing Istanbul, travel through Turkey and Bulgaria, arriving next day in Bucharest for a one-night stay in a 5-star hotel. Continue your journey into Budapest, where you overnight, again in a grand hotel. The next day, drink in the scenery as the train makes its way to Balaton Lake in Hungary, winding through vineyards and forests. Then, re-board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an elegant farewell dinner, before your overnight journey through Germany and into France. Enjoy a delicious farewell lunch on board before the train arrives into Paris Gare de L'est Station, where your tour ends. Paris-Istanbul: Click here to see the the itinerary in the reverse direction (Paris-Istanbul).

Venice, Prague, and London are yours on this fabulous journey offering two nights on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and two nights Prague (independently), plus a glorious afternoon on the Belmond British Pullman luxury day train. Soon after departing Venice, it's time to dress for dinner on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The next day, travel through Austria into the Czech Republic, and then into Prague, where you spend two nights (hotel accommodations not included). Continue your journey through the Czech Republic and into Germany. Depart Paris the following morning for the French coast. After crossing the Channel, board the Belmond British Pullman luxury day train for your journey into London. Single travelers, good news! No single supplement for a single cabin. Trip is also available to Paris only -- or to Prague only.

Depart from Venice aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the late afternoon for your overnight journey to Vienna, where you arrive in the morning for a two-night stay. (Hotel can be added to your package.) Rejoin the train in the afternoon for your overnight journey to London, where you arrive late afternoon the following day. Dine on world-class cuisine, enjoy peerless service from your personal cabin steward, and watch the scenery unfold from the comfort of the beautiful old-world Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Trip is also available to Vienna or Paris only.

We love departing from Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the late afternoon for your overnight journey to Budapest, where you arrive the following morning for a two-night stay. After your stay in Budapest, rejoin the train in the morning for your overnight journey to London, where you arrive the following evening. World-class cuisine, fine wines, spectacular scenery, faultless service, and old-world elegance combine to make this journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express one to remember.

Take a step back in time on this overnight trip from Venice to Paris (or on to London) aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Luxuriate in the train's ambience, gourmet meals and superior service while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps. Disembark in Paris. Or, we highly recommend you extend the experience as you continue your journey to London on another of our World's Top 25 Trains, The British Pullman. On the other end, extend your journey from Venice to Rome. Southbound tour also available. Click here for details.

Take a step back in time on this overnight trip from London (or Paris) to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Depart London mid-morning (or Paris just before dinner) for your luxurious overnight journey to Venice, where you arrive late afternoon the next day. Luxuriate in the train's ambience, gourmet meals and superior service while taking in Europe's beautiful and historic scenery. This is the centerpiece of our wonderful Romantic Italian Holiday itinerary. If you're celebrating an anniversary or any special occasion, IRT can customize your luxury rail journey with iconic hotels, special sightseeing, and private transfers. Call or email us for details. And if you're thinking of the grandest celebration of all, check out the Grand Suites -- info on our blog. "We are having a fabulous time! Hotel Cipriani is such a great location to have a relaxing start to our trip." - IRT guest B. Merkely, writing from Venice, May 2016.

Try this for Romance: two nights in Florence at the Belmond Villa San Michele, a former monastery turned five-star hotel; two nights in Venice at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, iconic waterside pleasure palace overlooking the Grand Canal; two days and a night on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, capped off by afternoon tea on the British Pullman into London. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, or any other occasion demanding over-the-top luxury and romance. Package includes hotels, breakfast daily, railway station/airport/hotel transfers, tours, Florence-Venice high-speed rail transfer, and more. Extend your celebration: add London's romantic Milestone Hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy complimentary afternoon tea for two. Special Report: Click here for travel notes by Society owners Owen & Eleanor Hardy, who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on the Orient-Express Venice-Paris-London.

Located in northeastern Germany on the banks of the River Spree, Berlin is the country's capital as well as its largest city, covering approximately 550 square miles. It is a city of culture, politics, media and science. The VSOE now visits this historic city. Berlin is home to renowned universities, orchestras, museums and is well-known for its festivals, diverse architecture and contemporary arts. Dramatic history, eclectic architecture and a thriving social scene await in Berlin.

From the cobbles of fashionable Carnaby Street to the romantic arches of Piazza dei Signori, travel between two historic cities aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Tour is also available between Paris-Verona and Verona-Paris. Your time aboard the train promises to be as enchanting as the destination. Whether sampling world-class cuisine, listening to the resident pianist or admiring the passing scenery, every moment promises multi-sensory delight.