Meetup on Orient Express. Autumn in Paris Venice Prague Vienna Budapest Istanbul
About the event
The Orient Express... you heard about it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course - the opulence too!
*While the original Orient Express train is now part of history, our journey revives its spirit—crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul, echoing the legendary route that once defined luxury rail travel.*
This experience brings back the magic of the rails—without the inflated cost of old-world extravagance. Instead, we focus on service, comfort, and contemporary refinement, blending iconic train travel with thoughtfully curated experiences.
We retrace the route of the original Orient Express using a mix of modern night trains, high-speed day trains, and select short flights, creating a seamless and unforgettable journey. Our route takes us to: Paris → Venice → Vienna → Prague → Budapest → Istanbul
Included:
• Train transportation between 4 cities. • 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment • Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul • 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations • Daily breakfast + select lunches and dinners • All transfers (hotels, train stations, airports) • Guided tours in every city • Entrances to many museums. • And more thoughtful touches throughout the journey
We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you can enjoy complete independence. The trip is designed for curious, like-minded travelers who value both freedom and shared experiences. It is all included in the price!
You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it.
The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories... without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula.
Here is a basic thumbnail: · Paris – 3 nights Evening flight to Venice · Venice – 1 night Night train to Vienna · Vienna – 1 night Evening train to Prague · Prague – 2 nights Night train to Budapest · Budapest – 1 night Evening flight to Istanbul · Istanbul – 3 nights. Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class centrally located hotels in each city.
*What was The Orient Express?* *It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.* *In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodation at the terminus. And we are staying in it!*
*The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.*
EVERY aspect of this trip is epic.
• Visit picturesque and storied cities. • Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails. • In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey!
The tour starts in Paris on Sep 20 and ends in Istanbul on Oct 03. *$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.* *$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.* PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. This allows for your flexibility and convenience. We are happy to give you an airfare quote.
To attend: $500 deposit. [CLICK HERE for a Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/FXWZ8KNQ95EFJ) Your Deposit is Fully refundable to 90 days before the event (less any PayPal fees). Final payment due 60 days before departure.
[CLICK HERE](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) To receive detailed itinerary and inclusions. [CLICK HERE ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/281542406/)for the main link for this event RSVP there to get notice on any conversations or discussions.
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