A legendary journey: Travel from Budapest to the City of Light in one day on the Orient Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express, a name synonymous with luxury and nostalgia, offers travellers the chance to experience the romance of the Golden Age of Travel. One of its most iconic routes connects Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” to Paris, the “City of Light,” in a journey that blends opulence, history, and breathtaking scenery.

A step back in time

Boarding the Orient Express in Budapest is like stepping into a time machine. The train’s 17 original carriages, meticulously restored to their 1920s splendor, transport passengers to an era when travel was as much about the journey as the destination. According to the website of Luxury Train Tickets, each carriage is uniquely decorated, featuring polished wood, plush upholstery, and Art Deco details. The train boasts three elegant restaurant cars, a bar car with a resident pianist, and luxurious cabins that transform into cozy bedrooms by night.

Your journey on the Orient Express

The journey begins late morning in Budapest, where stewards welcome passengers aboard and escort them to their cabins. As the train departs the city’s historic Keleti station, guests are treated to a three-course lunch in one of the restaurant cars. The ever-changing views of Hungary’s countryside unfold through large windows as passengers relax and unwind. In the evening, dinner is a glamorous affair—a four-course meal prepared by world-class chefs using fresh ingredients sourced along the route.