Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Istanbul

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins at London St Pancras as you board the Eurostar. Travelling in spacious Plus class, enjoy a light meal at your seat as you dash through northern France enroute to Paris.

On arrival in the 'City of Lights', you are transferred to your hotel and can enjoy a day exploring this most romantic of cities.

Stepping aboard the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l'Est station, your unforgettable experience begins.

Welcomed on the world's most famous luxury train by the dedicated crew, you can settle into your cabin as the train departs for the first leg of your historic journey across Europe to Istanbul.

Dinner is a sumptuous affair, prepared onboard by skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. Your culinary experience is accompanied by soothing music played by the resident pianist. Later, you may wish to unwind in the famous Bar Car 3674, chatting to fellow passengers before returning to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom. During the night, the train continues it course through France and Germany.

Wake up at leisure to enjoy new views while savouring a continental breakfast, served in your cabin by your steward. Admire the changing landscapes 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.

On arrival in the Hungarian capital, expert local guides will be waiting for you to depart the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and escort you to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a wonderful cocktail reception and dinner on beautiful blue Danube.

Discover some of the fascinating sights of historic Budapest with our guides this morning. Renowned for its Habsburg history, thermal spas and stunning riverside architecture, there are many treasures to uncover - from Heroes Square to the swirling turrets of Fishermen's Bastion.

After your tour, sit down to a lunch of Hungarian specialities to uncover a rich and unique cuisine that has inspired dishes in many neighbouring countries. This afternoon, embar on a guided tour of the majestic and symmetrical neo-Gothic Parliament building which pierces the sky with white and red spires and enjoys pride of place beside the graceful river Danube.

Back onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express this evening, your journey continues towards Romania. Indulge in a carefully created dinner and relax with a cocktail or glass of champagne as this world-famous train glides across the great Hungarian plains.

Savour a continental breakfast in your cabin as the train glides through Romania. Soak up vistas of forested Transylvanian hillsides and peaceful villages before a delicious brunch is served in the dining cars

Nestled beside the wild Bucegi mountains, your destination is the historic town of Sinaia. Board a coach for the short journey to Peleș 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. We would recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a sweater for your visit.

Rejoin the train and continue towards Bucharest. On arrival in Romania's capital, our experts guides will escort you to your hotel. Later, enjoy dinner with musical entertainment at a private venue.

The final leg of your journey to Istanbul begins today. Relax and enjoy the views as you travel south across the mighty Danube and into Bulgaria. Savour lunch in the dining car while the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express approaches the Black Sea coast.

During the afternoon, a stop is made in the famed resort of Varna, where you alight for an aperitif on a private estate.

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

A continental breakfast is served in your cabin as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travel onwards to its final country. The train will stop at the Turkish border in Kapıkule for customs formalities. Take the opportunity to stroll along to the boutique to browse an exclusive range of elegant gifts and mementos. Today's lunch is served in dining cars and introduces you to exquisite Turkish flavours.

Your journey aboard this exceptional train draws to a close as the elegant carriages pull into Istanbul. Alighting for the final time, you enjoy a private transfer to your city centre hotel.

Your unforgettable journey from Paris to the very edge of Europe has taken you through Budapest and Romania to the shores of the Black Sea. Travelling aboard the exceptional Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you have indulged in exquisite cuisine and have been able to socialise in the world-famous Bar Car 3674.

This morning, this once-in-a-lifetime holiday draws to a close as you transfer to the airport for your flight back home to London.