Travel from Istanbul to Paris on the new Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express
- Featured Travel & Hospitality
Arushi Sakhuja- 12 minutes read
Travelling from Istanbul to Paris by train is a pretty magical experience in itself. But, making this journey a lot more special is the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express from Istanbul to Paris. The five-night experience is a journey through history, culture, and pure old-world glamour. Winding its way across five countries, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, and finally France. Enroute, it is all about slowing down, soaking in the moment, and indulging in the romance of rail travel at its finest.
The journey begins in Istanbul, a city where East meets West. You can wander through colourful bazaars, admire the grand old mosques, and enjoy a strong cup of Turkish tea. When you arrive at Sirkeci Station—the same station where the original Orient Express used to depart from—you can feel the magic in the air. It’s the perfect place to begin your luxury adventure.
Once on board the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express, everything feels like a dream. Each day on the train is relaxed and enjoyable. Your cabin is cosy and elegant, with soft lights, polished wood, and fancy fabrics. You even have your own steward who helps with anything you need, from bringing breakfast to helping you get ready for dinner. It feels like you’re in an old movie, travelling in style and comfort. In the morning, breakfast is brought to your cabin,think croissants, coffee, and juice. Lunch and dinner are served in beautiful dining cars, where the food is freshly prepared by top chefs using local ingredients. Everything is served on fine china, and the meals are paired with delicious wines.
As the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express rolls through the countryside, you’ll see stunning views of mountains, forests, small towns, and grand cities, allowing you to reconnect with nature. And you also have the chance to stop at some unique places and carry back a bag full of memories. For instance, in Bucharest, you’ll explore Romania’s capital and spend the night there. Then, in the pretty mountain town of Sinaia, you’ll visit Peles Castle, a real-life fairytale castle that even the first Orient Express passengers visited back in 1883. Next, the train takes you to Budapest, where you can enjoy a lovely river cruise on the Danube and visit the famous Parliament building, which looks a bit like London’s Big Ben. You’ll also have some free time to explore the city’s castles, gardens and thermal baths before having a special dinner in a beautiful private venue
After dinner, you can head to the Bar Car ‘3674’, where you can sip on cocktails, listen to the pianist play, and chat with other guests. It’s the perfect way to end each day. The bar feels like something from a classic film—velvet seats, soft lighting, and a lovely, old-world atmosphere. On the final day, you wake up to breakfast as the train travels through Austria and into France. A farewell lunch is served with a champagne tasting, and by the time you arrive in Paris, you’ll feel like you’ve been part of something truly magical.
The Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express from Istanbul to Paris departs on 6–11 June 2025. If you’re looking to do something really special and unforgettable, this could be the perfect trip.
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