Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Paris To Istanbul

Overview

Set out on this timeless voyage and discover a collection of charming cities as you travel aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, encompassing Paris, Budapest, Bucharest, and Istanbul.

During your journey, you'll be treated to a succession of unforgettable moments. Indulge in exquisite regional dishes in the dining car or unwind in your vintage cabin, observing the ever-changing landscapes passing by.

Inclusions

3-nights aboard Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Complimentary transfer from your Paris accommodation and transfer to the train station for check-in and departure

A city tour in Bucharest and Budapest, a Danube cruise and a visit to Peles Castle in Romania

Complimentary transfer on arrival into Istanbul – guests will be transferred from the station to accommodation in the city

A three-course lunch onboard the train

A sumptuous four-course dinner – Each night you are aboard the train, feast on a seasonal table d'hôte menu which includes biscuits, cheeseboard and chutney

Overnight hotel accommodation in Bucharest and Budapest

All table d'hôte meals include sommelier's selection of wines when served in the restaurant cars

Lunch and dinner in Budapest

Dinner in Bucharest

Dedicated steward service to attend to your every request as you unwind in style

French breakfast served in your cabin each morning

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Depart Paris

Step aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l’Est Station. Settle into your cabin as the train departs for the first leg of your historic journey to Istanbul.

Dinner is a sumptuous affair, prepared on board by skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. As you dine, soothing classic tunes from the resident pianist will delight your senses. 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. When you are ready, retire to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom. During the night, the train courses through France and Germany.

Dinner

Day 2 Travel through Austria and into Hungary

Wake up to French breakfast, served in your cabin by your steward. Admire the changing views through your window as the train winds its way through Austria and into Hungary. Enjoy a delicious three-course lunch prior to your arrival in Budapest. There, local guides will be waiting to escort you by coach to your hotel.

Prepare for a wonderful cocktail reception and dinner on the river Danube this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Exploring Budapest

Discover some of the fascinating sights of historic Budapest with tour guides before sitting down to a lunch of Hungarian specialties. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building, which was inspired by London’s Houses of Parliament.

Re-board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and continue your journey. In the evening, linger over a delectable dinner as the train travels towards Romania.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 A fairy-tale castle awaits

Savour French breakfast in your cabin as the train glides into Romania. A delicious brunch is served in the dining cars as you approach the mountain town of Sinaia. Board a coach for the short journey to Peles Castle, the fairy-tale palace built by Romania’s King Carol as his summer retreat. The very first Orient Express passengers visited this beautiful residence in October 1883, at the King’s personal invitation. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and a sweater for your visit.

Rejoin the train and continue towards Bucharest. On arrival, local guides will escort you to your hotel. Later, enjoy dinner with musical entertainment at a private venue.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Final celebrations

Back on board, begin the final leg of your journey to Istanbul. Relax and enjoy the views as you travel south across the mighty River Danube and into Bulgaria. Make your way to one of the dining cars for lunch. During the afternoon, a stop is made at the delightful seaside resort of Varna on the Black Sea coast, where you alight for an aperitif on a private estate.

A final unforgettable dinner is served as the train crosses the ancient Thracian Plain. Celebrate your last night with a glass of something special and enjoy the music of the resident pianist as you chat to fellow guests and new friends.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Farewell

French breakfast is served in your cabin as the train travels onwards to Turkey. The train will stop at the border crossing point of Kapikule for customs formalities. Take the opportunity to stroll along to the onboard boutique to browse an exclusive range of elegant gifts and mementos. Today’s lunch in the dining cars introduces you to exquisite Turkish flavours.

All too soon, your journey draws to a close as the train pulls into Istanbul. Alight for a complimentary shared transfer to your city centre hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Upgrade available

Historic Cabins are a luxurious place to rest after a day’s adventure on the rails.

Whether it’s unwinding as Europe passes your window, or retreating after an evening in the bar car, even the most convivial traveller will require a quiet space to retire. And where better than your own private cabin.

Lay amid plush furnishings, fresh linens, and handcrafted furniture in our magnificently restored 1920s cabins. Order morning coffee to your bed, or a cocktail while you dress for dinner. Our stewards are only ever a short call away.

Take in Europe from the romantic setting it deserves with your own private historic twin cabin. Banquette seating offers the perfect vantage point to watch the landscape by day, while convertible sleeping berths — with soft, luxurious bedding — transform the cabin into an intimate retreat by night. Morning breakfast can even be served to your bed, should you desire.

Day time sofa setting
Small table and lamp next to the window
Wash basin and mirror concealed inside a vanity unit (no ensuite shower)
Plug sockets (European adaptor required) and razor point
Complimentary leather amenity kit
Complimentary bottled water
Brass luggage rack to pop your overnight bag on
Velvet hangers to hang your black tie and dress on
Upper and lower berth bunk beds (night-time configuration)
Wooden ladder for the upper berth occupant
Robes and slippers

Room Upgrades

Suites

Each of our suites is inspired by a fusion of the landscape our train travels through and design from the Art Deco period.

Each will immerse guests in diverse European scenery through glorious colours, patterns and textures. Plush fabrics and furnishings channel famed Art Deco designers, such as Dufrene and Lalique.

These reimagined suites were fully restored by expert craftsmen in France and complement the existing Grand Suites and Historic Twins that make up our sumptuous on board experience.

Double bed or twin beds
Private marble en-suite bathroom with shower, basin and WC
24-hour steward service
Lounge area by day, as your bed converts to seating area
Complimentary amenities including a kimono and slippers to take home

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Grand Suites

Encounter the decadent world of Grand Suites — where handcrafted interiors and free-flowing champagne are simply a way of life — and be swept away in an indulgence known only to the royalty of travel’s golden age.

Inside, the Grand Suites’ living quarters allow you to dine in private, should you wish. Meanwhile, marbled en-suite bathrooms mean you can refresh in style. For any craving that strikes, a 24-hour butler service is on hand to make your dreams a reality.

Double queen-sized bed or Twin beds
Private en-suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and WC
Plush lounging area with sofa
24-hour steward service
Guaranteed table for two at guest's chosen sitting time for lunch and dinner in preferred dininig car; option of private in-suite dining
Champagne celebration breakfast in your suite and free-flowing champagne throughout
Caviar on arrival
Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
Exclusive turndown gift
Exclusive car or boat transfers between station and city centre accommodation (or v.v) at the start and end of your train journey

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

• You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
For dinner, we ask for formal evening attire and many guests like to don black tie and wear their most glamorous finery for the occasion. Smart daywear is appropriate during the day. At lunch, for example, a jacket/tie or equivalent is suitable. Jeans are not acceptable at any time.

• If a detailed request is made at the time of booking, special dietary needs such as vegetarian or vegan can be accommodated. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do, however, regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

• Istanbul accommodation is under guests own arrangement and not included in price of package.

Departure dates:

• 31 May 2024 – 05 June 2024
• 23 August 2024 – 28 August 2024

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

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How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

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To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

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Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

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Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Paris To Istanbul (Tour code: 13567)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions