Summary
Short description
Travel through Europe in the utmost style, beginning with a luxury stay in Budapest
Highlights
- Travel on the world’s most illustrious train
- Indulge with fine dining in the restaurant carriages
- Begin with a luxury stay in Budapest, accompanied by a curated tour
- Enjoy piano-accompanied drinks in the bar car
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | History & culture | Rail journey | Short break
Step back to the romance of yesteryear’s rail travel with one of the world’s greatest train journeys. It all begins in Budapest, where you’ll take in the Hungarian capital’s neoclassical beauty with a luxury spa stay and a curated guided tour. Then, plunging through some of Europe’s most arresting rural scenery, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will sweep you back towards London while you enjoy fine dining experiences and drinks in the champagne bar.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
Budapest
Begin your trip in style with complimentary airport-lounge access before flying out to Budapest. Make your own way to your central accommodation; choose from the Baroque elegance of our Superior option or opt for the fine-dining terraces and excellent spa of our Deluxe alternative. While you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own, we’ve included a guided walking tour to help you get your bearings. Wandering among the city’s neoclassical architecture, you’ll spot everything from medieval castles and ornate palaces to grand thermal baths that date back to the Romans. It’s all centred on the glittering Danube.
Stay: Prestige Hotel Budapest (Superior) or Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Today, after a last breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the station. Your personal steward, dressed in the train’s iconic blue, will be waiting for you on the platform to escort you to your private carriage. Here, you’ll settle in among the lacy detailing and darkwood panelling with a glass of sparkling wine and views of the Hungarian countryside. You’ll then be treated to the first of your indulgent meals with a multi-course lunch, served among the fine lacquerware and glasswork of the restaurant cars. Then, after changing for the evening and perhaps enjoying a piano-accompanied drink in the bar car, it’s time for dinner. Expect four extravagant courses that showcase ingredients from the train’s routes, including Brittany lobster and Mont Saint-Michel lamb.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Arrive London
You’ll wake this morning to views of the rural France and a Continental breakfast, served in the intimacy of your private cabin. You’ll then be treated to a gourmet brunch in one of the restaurant cars, before you arrive into Calais for a channel-tunnel hop. Then, on arriving into Folkestone, the Belmond British Pullman will be waiting for you. Every inch as glorious as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, its 1920s carriages have hosted the likes of the Queen Mother and the Duke of Edinburgh with plush armchairs and intricate marquetry. Following an indulgent afternoon tea and a glass of sparkling wine as Kent rushes past, you’ll then end your journey in London Victoria.
Meals: B L
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
4-day luxury rail journey from £2,960 incl. flights
Superior - Twin Cabin
Valid for travel:
2020 : Budapest to London (via Vienna & Paris) 09 May, 03 Oct, 31 Oct 2020
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- One way flight between UK and Budapest
- 2 nights accommodation at Prestige Hotel Budapest on a bed & breakfast basis
- 1 night on the Venice Simplon Orient-Express with all meals
- Small group walking tour of Budapest
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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