An 8-Day Elegant European Rail Journey from Budapest to Paris
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day luxury rail holiday from Budapest to Paris, featuring elegant stays in Budapest and Vienna, and culminating in the timeless glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Overview
Embark on a glamorous 8-day rail adventure from the vibrant streets of Budapest to the elegant boulevards of Paris, offering an unparalleled blend of culture, history, and luxury, with the unforgettable experience of travelling aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Begin your journey with 3 nights in Budapest, home to stunning architecture, historic thermal baths and a vibrant local culture. Travel on to Vienna, and marvel at its opulent palaces, world-class museums and rich musical heritage. Then onwards to experience the epitome of luxury rail travel, with an overnight journey to Paris on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the journey of a lifetime on board one of the most iconic trains in the world.
- Explore the city of music - Vienna with its rich blend of culture, history and gastronomy.
- Discover the vibrant culture and stunning architecture of Budapest
- Explore the city of music - Vienna with its rich blend of culture, history, and gastronomy
What's Included
Accommodation
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Budapest with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna with breakfast included
- Overnight accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Transport
- Flights from the UK to Budapest and return aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris.
- Direct highspeed rail journey from Budapest to Vienna
- Private transfers in Budapest and Vienna
- Secure reservation for the Eurostar to London
Excursions & Activities
- 48 Hour Hop-On, Hop-Off bus and boat tour in Budapest
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesBudapest
Embark on your journey today from the UK to Budapest. On arrival you’ll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. (Overnight in Budapest)
Budapest
Explore Budapest today with your included 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Budapest, you can explore the city's most iconic sights at your own pace. Marvel at the grandeur of the Parliament Building, one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings, and admire the stunning architecture of St. Stephen's Basilica. Cross the historic Chain Bridge to visit Buda Castle, perched on Castle Hill with panoramic views of the Danube River. Discover the vibrant Central Market Hall, a bustling hub of local culture and cuisine, and stroll along Andrássy Avenue, lined with elegant buildings and boutiques. Don't miss the chance to relax at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath or take in the beauty of Heroes' Square, a tribute to Hungary's national leaders. With the added boat tour, enjoy a unique perspective of Budapest's landmarks from the water, making this a great way to experience the city's rich history and vibrant atmosphere. (Overnight in Budapest)
Budapest
Spend the day exploring Budapest at your own pace today, on your final full day in the city. The city is yours to discover and enjoy. (Overnight in Budapest)
Vienna
After enjoying your final breakfast in Budapest, a private transfer will take you to the railway station for your next adventure. Relax in comfort aboard a first-class direct rail service to Vienna, enjoying the scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of Hungary and Austria. Upon arrival in Vienna, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening immersing yourself in the elegance and charm of Austria's capital, perhaps starting with a leisurely stroll through its historic streets or enjoying a classic Viennese dinner. (Overnight in Vienna)
Vienna
Start your day in Vienna with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore the city at your own pace. Discover landmark sites such as the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the historic Hofburg, and the striking St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Stroll through the Museum Quarter, admire the grandeur of the State Opera House, and perhaps treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional Viennese café. (Overnight in Vienna)
Vienna
Spend the day exploring Vienna at your own pace today, on your final full day in the city. The city is yours to discover and enjoy. (Overnight in Vienna)
Depart Vienna
Today, you'll begin your unforgettable journey with a shared transfer service to board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It’s time to get ready for your journey on one of the world’s most luxurious trains that will whisk you away to Paris. Get comfortable in your cabin and enjoy the views through your window. Your steward will bring a variety of delicious pastries for you to enjoy. As evening approaches, it’s time to dress for dinner. Start with an aperitif in Bar Car ‘3674’ before heading to one of the dining cars. Here, celebrated chef Jean Imbert’s creativity shines through both the décor and the seasonal specialties on the menu, paired with exceptional wines from the sommelier selection. After dinner, head back to the bar for a lively atmosphere. Enjoy the resident pianist playing the baby grand as you enjoy evening drinks. (Overnight onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express)
Paris/Return home
Unwind in your cabin this morning with a French breakfast served by your steward. As the train arrives in Paris, prepare to disembark and continue your journey home. If you would like to extend your time in France, or travel elsewhere in Europe, the Marvellous Escapes team are on hand to assist you.
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Testimonials & Reviews
Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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