Istanbul to London on The Venice Simplon-Orient Express

A unique opportunity to traverse Europe in style, we are delighted to be able to offer a limited number of places on this very special five-night journey from Istanbul to Paris in Autumn 2021 – combined with a stay in both cities and first-class Eurostar from Paris to London. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express makes one journey each autumn across Europe on this historic route – and while places are normally reserved years in advance, recent cancellations mean that there is a rare opportunity to treat yourself to this magnificent travel experience.

Flying from London to Istanbul you will stay for two nights at the landmark Hotel Pera Palace (5*), the official hotel for guests on the original Orient-Express journey in the 1920s, and a favourite with Agatha Christie. Step aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice SimplonOrient-Express and enjoy dinner and the first night onboard as you travel through Bulgaria and Romania. The second night is spent at a luxury hotel in Bucharest where there will be time to explore before rejoining the train to travel onwards through Transylvania. You will visit Sinaia and Peles Castle, then cross into Hungary overnight and spend a day in Budapest. Enjoy a final night on board with a celebratory dinner before waking to breakfast as the train travels through the Swiss Alps. Arriving after lunch in Paris, you will enjoy two nights in the French capital before returning to London by Eurostar.

The Itinerary

• DAY 1 - FLY TO ISTANBUL
  Fly from London to Istanbul this morning, where you will be met by your driver for a private transfer to the landmark Hotel Pera Palace (5*), overlooking the Golden Horn. This was the official hotel for guests on the original Orient-Express journey in the 1920s, and a favourite with Agatha Christie who stayed in room 411.

• DAY 2 - WALKING TOUR OF THE SULTANAHMET
  Meet your expert local guide this morning for a half day private walking tour of the historic Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, the Haghia Sofia, and the former Byzantine Hippodrome. You will have the afternoon to explore at leisure.

• DAY 3 - BOARD THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
  Step aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and settle into your cabin as the train departs for the first leg of your historic journey to Paris. Dinner is a sumptuous affair, prepared on board by our skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. Afterwards, perhaps linger over a liqueur in Bar Car ‘3674’, listening to the pianist tinkle the ivories of the baby grand. As you retire for the first night in your comfortable cabin, the train crosses into Bulgaria.

• DAY 4 - ONWARDS TO ROMANIA
  Your steward serves Continental breakfast in your cabin as the train winds its way to Romania. Soak up the scenery through the windows before enjoying a delicious lunch. Soon you arrive in Bucharest and alight. Our local guides accompany you by coach directly to your hotel. Dinner with musical entertainment this evening is in a private venue.

• DAY 5 - SINAIA & PELES CASTLE
  This morning, rejoin the train and relax over a delicious brunch in one of the elegant dining cars as you journey towards the mountain town of Sinaia. Board a coach for the short journey to Peles Castle, the fairytale 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. Return to the train in the late afternoon for a leisurely journey towards Hungary. Enjoy another delectable dinner and relaxing night on board.

• DAY 6 - BUDAPEST
  On arrival in Budapest, enjoy a short orientation coach ride through the city followed by a panoramic cruise along the River Danube, soaking up the city’s graceful architecture and timeless beauty. Arrive at your hotel after lunch. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Hungarian capital before preparing for a delightful evening at a nearby private venue, where you’ll be served a feast of local specialties.

• DAY 7 - HUNGARIAN COUNTRYSIDE
  Re-board the train in the late morning. Linger over lunch as you glide through the picturesque Hungarian countryside. A final fabulous dinner is served to celebrate your last night on board. Relax in Bar Car ‘3674’ listening to music as you chat to your fellow guests and new friends.

• DAY 8 - SWITZERLAND & FRANCE
  Enjoy Continental breakfast in your cabin as the train travels through Switzerland prior to entering France. Early morning, alight to take a stroll around a celebrated champagne house. Re-board the train in time for a delicious farewell lunch prepared by our skilled chefs, before the train arrives in Paris. Your will be met on the platform by your Kirker driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Paris for a two night stay.

• DAY 9 - EXPLORE PARIS
  Explore the museums, galleries and restaurants of Paris at your leisure, or ask the Concierge to help with a private excursion to Versailles, a walking tour of the Left Bank, or tickets for a concert, ballet or opera at the fabulous Palais Garnier.

• DAY 10 - AFTERNOON EUROSTAR TO LONDON
  After a leisurely morning in Paris you will be met by your Kirker driver for a transfer to the Gare du Nord, to board a Eurostar train to London this afternoon.

Included Hotels

Pera Palace 5* - Istanbul, Turkey

Once the original grand hotel of Istanbul the Pera Palace reopened in 2010 after a painstaking restoration, it first opened in 1892 to accommodate passengers from the Orient-Express.

Grand Powers 5* - Paris, France

Welcoming guests since 1920, the Grand Powers opened in December 2018 as a member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World.’ Following a sensitive restoration, the Powers balances contemporary Parisian chic with the Art Deco touches of its previous heyday within the Haussmann building so typical of the 8th arrondissement.