The Ultimate 125-Hour Journey — Paris to Istanbul on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Few experiences in life blend history, luxury, and storytelling like this one. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express takes travelers from Paris to Istanbul across five unforgettable nights and 125 hours of pure wonder. It’s not simply a train — it’s a time capsule rolling through the soul of Europe.

Route & Highlights

Departing September 26, 2025, from Paris Gare de l’Est, this legendary route carries guests through:
Paris → Budapest → Bucharest → Varna (Bulgaria) → Istanbul, pausing in grand capitals and along the Black Sea coast.

  • Day 1: Board in Paris mid-afternoon. Dinner onboard as the train glides through France toward Austria.

  • Day 2: Arrive in Budapest for a private city tour and an overnight stay along the Danube.

  • Day 3: Continue into Romania, with fine dining and onboard entertainment.

  • Day 4: Stop in Sinaia to explore the breathtaking Peles Castle, then travel to Bucharest for an elegant hotel stay.

  • Day 5: Journey through Bulgaria, pausing in Varna on the Black Sea before your final gala dinner onboard.

  • Day 6: Cross into Turkey and arrive in Istanbul to a Turkish breakfast and a champagne welcome.

Before and After the Journey

Start your adventure with a stay at Hotel Whistler (steps from Gare de l’Est) or indulge in true Parisian glamour at The Ritz Paris.
End it where the legend lives on — at the Pera Palace Hotel, built for original Orient Express passengers, or the Four Seasons Sultanahmet, just steps from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Pricing & Exclusivity

Historic Cabins begin around US $24,100 per person, while opulent suites can exceed US $48,000–$80,000, offering private en-suite baths, personal service, and 1920s Art Deco elegance.

Watch the Journey

Click here for the video: https://tinyurl.com/26a2ect4

Why It Belongs on Your Incentive Travel List

For corporate leaders and incentive planners, this voyage defines experiential reward — combining cultural discovery, exclusivity, and the artistry of travel itself. It’s a perfect example of how luxury experiences can inspire teams, strengthen loyalty, and turn recognition into lifelong memory.

At Summit Management Services, we design custom incentive programs that elevate success into story — where every journey, from Paris to Istanbul or beyond, reflects the people and purpose behind it.

📩 Plan your next incentive journey with Summit Management. Let’s turn performance into experience — and travel into legacy. Call Joe 973-390-1736

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