Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aboard this icon of art deco design, guests are transported back in time as they travel between Europe’s most captivating cities. Classic one-night journeys glide between London, Paris and Venice. Further routes take in Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Istanbul, Innsbruck, Florence and Amsterdam, with the longer tours including overnight hotel stays.
By day, private cabins of polished wood and plush upholstery offer comfortable banquette seating. Large picture windows afford changing views of Alpine peaks and verdant valleys. At night, stewards transform the cabins into cosy bedrooms.
For unbridled indulgence, there are six individually designed Grand Suites. A group of six guests can occupy three suites – an entire carriage – and enjoy an exclusive dining coupé. The chef will create a personalised menu based on guests’ preferences.
The cuisine is a major highlight of the onboard experience. Local, seasonal specialities such as salt marsh lamb and Brittany lobsters become works of art in the hands of the onboard culinary team. The wine list features labels handpicked by the sommelier. Three 1920s restaurant cars offer distinctly different ambiences. Decorative features range from Lalique glass panels and intricate marquetry to stunning black lacquer. It’s impossible to be overdressed aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Diners are invited to wear attire that complements the glamorous mood.
For those who love a touch of the theatrical, this is experiential travel at its finest.
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info@bonfiretravel.ch
Day 1: Adventure Awaits You
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. As you dine, soothing classic tunes from our 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. Overnight, the train crosses into Bulgaria.
Day 2: A Fine Way to Pass The Day
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 3: Stunning Sinaia
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 4: Queen of the Danube
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 5: Final Celebrations
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. As our pianists entertains on the baby grand, carouse with your fellow guests and new friends.
Day 6: Fond Farewell
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. All too soon, the train arrives into Paris, your journey’s end.
Inclusions
– Luxurious Accommodation: Three nights aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, and overnight accommodation in Bucharest and Budapest
– Exciting Excursions: A city tour in Bucharest and Budapest, a Danube cruise and a visit to Peleș Castle in Romania
– Authentic Local cuisine: Lunch and dinner in Budapest and dinner in Bucharest
– Sumptuous four-course dinners: Each night you are aboard the train, feast on our seasonal table d’hôte menu which includes biscuits, cheeseboard and chutney
– French breakfasts: Served in your cabin each morning for ultimate comfort
– Delicious lunch: When you are aboard the train, enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch as the world passes by your window
– Dedicated Steward service: To attend to your every request as you unwind in style
Impressions
