Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Istanbul - Paris

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.   

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

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.

Yes, the train continually moves throughout the night. 

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.

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.

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.  

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.     

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.

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

Phone: 609-683-5018, Email: travel@palacetours.com

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