Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris

Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. #107 Miami FL 33181 USA 800-724-5120 / 786-408-0610 Call Us 1-800-724-5120

Travel through Eastern and Central Europe on this unique journey on board the Orient-Express. On this tour you will explore the remarkable and enchanting cities of Bucharest or Budapest and traverse stunning landscapes of six countries. Spend three nights on the train and two nights in five-star hotels. While on the train enjoy fine cuisine, beautiful accommodations, and superior service. The Orient Express boasts three luxurious restaurant cars, a Bar Car, Champagne Bar, and comfortable, private accommodations for your overnight stays. Embarking from Istanbul, your trip will be complete with cultural immersion, comprehensive guided tours, and personal service to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Impressive opera houses, Turkish baths, mosques and churches line your journey. History and cultures are alive around you, as you visit top destinations like Peles Castle. Explore indulgence and luxury aboard the timeless Orient Express.

Itinerary Day 1 - Friday 30 Aug 2019: Board the Orient Express Step aboard the gleaming blue and gold Wagons-Lits carriages of the Orient Express as the train departs for the first part of your journey from the Istanbum Station at 15:00.

Dinner is a sumptuous affair, prepared on board by our skilled chefs and served in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars. Afterwards you may wish to linger in the Bar Car, listening to the pianist tickle the ivories of the baby grand, before retiring for the night.

Day 2 - Saturday 31 Aug 2019: Bustling Bucharest

The next morning Continental breakfast is served in your cabin as the train winds its way through Bulgaria and into Romania. Soak up the scenery through the windows before enjoying a delicious brunch. Soon afterwards the train arrives in Bucharest Nord Station at 13:36, where you alight. On arrival in Bucharest, enjoy an orientation tour of the city by coach escorted by local guides. Dinner this evening will be in a private venue. Overnight in Athenée Palace Hilton Hotel.

Day 3 - Sunday 01 Sep 2019: Journey into the Romanian Countryside

This morning rejoin the train and enjoy a delicious brunch in the restaurant cars as the train journeys towards the mountain town of Sinaia and its Peles Castle, the summer home of the former King Carol. This beautiful castle was also visited by the very first Orient Express guests in October 1883, at the personal invitation of the King. Return to the train in the late afternoon for a relaxing journey towards Hungary.

Enjoy another delectable dinner and night on board. Day 4 - Monday 02 Sep 2019: Encounter Beautiful Budapest On arrival in Budapest, local guides, after a short coach ride through the city take you on a river cruise along the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris(© www.palacetours.com) 1/8 On arrival in Budapest, local guides, after a short coach ride through the city take you on a river cruise along the Danube, ending after lunch.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as part of today's excursion will be on foot. In the evening you will be escorted to a nearby private venue for a typical Hungarian dinner.

Overnight in Gresham Four Seasons in Budapest. Day 5 - Tuesday 03 Sep 2019: Visit the Transdanubian Region

Lunch is served as the train makes its way to Balaton Lake in the Transdanubian region of Hungary, through vineyards and forests. Later this afternoon, you are invited to disembark for an aperitif by the lake at sunset before re-joining the train for dinner and your final night on board. Day 6 - Wednesday 04 Sep 2019: Arrive to Paris

Enjoy your final breakfast in your cabin while the train travel through Germany before entering into France. A delicious farewell lunch is prepared by our skilled chefs before all too soon the train arrives into Paris Gare de L'Est Station, your journey's end.

Destination Information Bucharest Bucharest is the capital city, industrial and commercial center of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, and lies on the banks of the Dâmbovita River. According to January 2006 official estimates, Bucharest proper has a population of 1,930,390. The urban area extends beyond the limits of Bucharest proper and has a population of 2.1 million people. In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the "Little Paris of the East". Economically, the city is the most prosperous in Romania and is one of the main industrial centers and transportation hubs of Eastern Europe. As the most developed city in Romania, Bucharest also has a broad range of educational facilities.

Budapest Budapest is the capital and largest city in Hungary, and it serves as the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation center. In 2008, Budapest had 1,702,297 inhabitants. Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the river Danube with unification on 17 November 1873 of right-bank Buda and Óbuda with left-bank Pest. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, its extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in Europe. Other highlights include a total of 80 geothermal springs, the world's largest thermal water cave system, second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris(© www.palacetours.com) 2/8 Istanbul Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, constituting the country's economic, cultural, and historical heart. Its commercial and historical centre lies in the European part of Eurasia, while about a third of its population lives in the Asian part. The city's biggest draw remains its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub can be found across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.

Paris Paris is the capital and most populous city in France. Paris is located on the Seine and an important cultural and historical city of Europe.

Sinaia Sinaia is a mountain resort in Romania. The town was named after Sinaia Monastery, around which it was built; the monastery in turn is named after the Biblical Mount Sinai. King Carol I of Romania built his summer home, Peles Castle, near the town. Sinaia is about 60 km northwest of Ploiesti and 50 km south of Brasov, in a mountainous area on the Prahova River valley, just east of the Bucegi Mountains. The altitude varies between 767 m and 860 m. The city is a popular destination for hiking and winter sports, especially downhill skiing. Among the tourist landmarks, the most important are Peles Castle, Pelisor Castle, Sinaia Monastery, Sinaia Casino, Sinaia train station, and the Franz Joseph and Saint Anne Cliffs.

Price Chart

The following is included in your tour cost:

Three nights aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train Dedicated steward service Welcome glass of champagne Sumptuous four-course dinner each night aboard the train: Seasonal table d’hôte menu, including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours Continental breakfast served in your cabin each morning Delicious three-course lunch each day aboard the train Bucharest city tour, private dinner and overnight hotel accommodation Delightful three-course brunch Visit to Peles Castle Budapest city tour, Danube cruise with lunch, private dinner and overnight hotel accommodation The following is excluded from your tour cost: Travel insurance Domestic or international airfare Transfers before or after your train journey Gratuities for crew members Items of a personal nature, souvenirs and any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Travel Tips & FAQ's

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris(© www.palacetours.com) 3/8 1 . What is the history of the train?

Board the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express and you are embarking on an adventure embraced by film stars, royalty and even spies. Under one man’s mission to bring the train back to life, the vintage carriages were bought in 1977 and carefully restored for the train’s relaunch in 1982. Today, it is still one of the most desirable travel experiences in the world. The carriages were created between 1926 and 1949 they echo the style of carriages previously introduced in the US by George Mortimer Pullman - whose surname remains a byword for luxury rail travel.

2 . What are the different trips offered by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express? Where do they run and for how long, and what are their costs?

Contact Palace Tours for more information at 609-683-5018 or email us at [email protected]. Trips range from one day to five nights and journey between top European cities such as Budapest, Istanbul, Paris, Venice, and London.

3 . Describe the cabin accommodations on board.

The train features Twin Cabins and Cabin Suites. Twin Ca. Singles are the most basic accommodation at one bed, while twins hold two beds in an upper and lower berth. During the day, these twin berths may be reconfigured into banquet seating for greater comfort. The cabin suites are the largest accommodation, and contain two of the twin beds. These give you the option to keep one twin set down for a larger living space during the day, and have the other side readied for bed. All three of these vintage cabin types feature rich oak paneling, which can be drawn back to bring forth a washbasin at one corner. Lavatories at the ends of each carriage are adorned by mosaic tiling for added luxury. Twin cabins feature upper and lower berths, and can be made up as single cabins to have one lower berth. Crisp damask sheets and fine blankets contribute to a cozy and restful atmosphere at night; during the day, the berths are transformed to offer comfortable banquette seating from which to admire the views. A Cabin Suite formed of two inter-connecting twin cabins can be reserved, using one cabin as a living area and the other for sleeping, or as a lower berth bed in each.

4 . Does the train travel at night?

Yes, the train continually moves throughout the night.

5 . Describe the lavatory and shower on board.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cars are the original 1920s carriages. Each cabin comes complete with its own washbasin with hot and cold water, towels, bathrobes and slippers. Lavatories are located at the either or both ends of each sleeping carriage. However, on longer journeys the train makes alternating stops at local hotels to accommodate showering. Nights on longer journeys alternate between hotel stays as the train does not keep passengers on board for more than one night at a time.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris(© www.palacetours.com) 4/8 6 . How many passengers does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express accommodate?

The train carries a maximum of 182 passengers. A private charter may also be arranged to allow for an exclusive experience for any special occasions or business trips a group may require.

7 . Describe the decor of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The current art-deco design of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carriages originated during the golden age of rail travel, the roaring 1920’s. As such, travelers will appreciate art-deco style as they are stepped into this elegant environment, where rich inheritances from the past meet modern luxury. There is a timeless allure and romantic quality present throughout the train.

8 . Describe the dining accommodations on board.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express contains three distinct restaurant carriages originally built in the 1920’s: Côte d’Azur, Etoile du Nord, and L'Oriental, each of which has been beautifully restored and decorated. In any of these carriages, guests can expect a unique dining experience on par with Europe’s top restaurants through terrific ambiance, service, and fresh ingredients picked up at stops along the journey. The Executive Chef Christian Bodiguel, has been preparing the finest French and European cuisines for over 30 years on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. To accompany Bodiguel’s culinary creations, the train stocks fine wines and other a la carte options at an additional charge.

9 . Does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express contain a bar car in addition to the restaurant carriages?

Yes. The “3674,” named for the car’s original numerical designation, serves as the bar carriage for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Here you can unwind with a cocktail as you chat with fellow guests, enjoying the sweet tones of the resident pianist on a baby grand. In addition to the 3674 carriage, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express recently added a Champagne Bar stocked with some of the finest French vintages. Here you may enjoy top brands such as Tattinger, Laurent Perrier, and Louis Roederer.

10 . Can the train accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, just notify Palace Tours before booking your trip, and your unique needs will be accommodated.

11 . What attire should I wear on the train and on any excursions?

You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. For dinner, we ask that men to wear a suit and tie and women dress in smart attire, but many guests like to don black tie or evening dress for the occasion. During the day the dress code is smart-casual. At lunch, for example, a jacket and tie is suitable for men. Jeans and sneakers are not recommended. For the excursions dress may be casual, but suited to weather conditions.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris(© www.palacetours.com) 5/8 12 . How much luggage can I bring?

Despite having luggage racks in our cabins, space constraints require that luggage is limited, per passenger, to: one suitable piece of hand luggage, one suit carrier or overnight bag (to be placed in your cabin), and one suitcase to be stored in the baggage car, where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.

13 . What are the typical weather conditions like throughout the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journeys?

Weather conditions are seasonal: warm temperatures throughout spring and autumn, hot temperatures throughout the summer, cold temperatures with snow throughout the winter. Be aware that the Venice Simplon- Orient-Express is not equipped with air conditioning, so be wary of this during the summer months especially.

14 . Do Venice Simplon-Orient-Express reservations fill quickly, and how far in advance should I book a journey?

Yes, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express reservations fill quickly so it is best to book a journey a year in advance. Refer to Palace Tours for a list of dates and journeys to plan ahead more easily.

15 . What currency do I need on board?

It is recommended that passengers have a small number of Euros for on board purchases. However, most major currencies are accepted, as well as travelers’ cheques, Eurocheques and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.

16 . Describe tipping on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, as well as the excursions.

Tipping is not required on the tour, regardless of the cities visited. You may feel free to do so as your tipping culture suggests, but it is ultimately discretionary.

17 . Which languages are spoken on board?

French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the continental train. If a passenger requires translation to other languages, notify Palace Tours upon booking and a translator can be arranged at an additional cost.

18 . Describe the demographics of the typical passenger on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is particularly popular among tourists over the age of 55. In recent years, younger clientele are becoming increasingly represented on the train as well.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris(© www.palacetours.com) 6/8 19 . Are children allowed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?

Yes, all children are welcome, but ages 7 and up are better recommended. A 20% price discount is also available for children under 12 years of age.

20 . Can I smoke on board?

No. To comply with Italian and other European regulations, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operates a no smoking policy on board both the Belmond British Pullman and the continental train.

21 . I’d like to contact Palace Tours directly, what is the phone number and email?

Phone: 609-683-5018, Email: [email protected]

22 . What type of staff assistance is available?

At any time of day and night there is one steward available for assistance in each carriage.

Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: (i) 15% of total tour cost due at the time of booking (ii) 85% or balance no later than 56 days prior to departure date. CANCELLATION FEES: (i) 15% of the total tour value if cancelled 56 days or more to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 30% of the total tour value if cancelled 56-21 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iii) 70% of the total tour value if cancelled 21-2 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iv) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 2 or less days prior to the date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS Cancellations should be intimated by FAX to the corporate office in Miami FL. The above times are based on European time. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes. An administration fees of 15% on any monies to be refunded to the client will be charged prior to refund.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

Our Corporate Offices are located in Miami, FL. Click here to schedule a phone call or visit to our Miami Office You can contact us by Phone or live chat on the website or feel free to walk in to our office where our Luxury Travel Experts are available to assist you during business hours. Office: Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #107 Miami, FL 33181 WEB: www.palacetours.com EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 1-800-724-5120 USA: Miami, FL: 786-408-0610 Princeton, NJ: 1-609-580-1372 New York, NY: 1-212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 1-832-446-2709 INTERNATIONAL: United Kingdom: 0330 808 4654 Australia: 1-800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510 FAX: 1-609-683-9772