Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Two highly-coveted rail tours run from Western Europe to Istanbul. Which to choose?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) is world-famous, with its historic collection of restored 1920s and 1930s era cars. Its high prices are worth every penny, given the train’s history, stellar service, cuisine, off-train tours and all-round attention to detail.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Innsbruck, Austria. IRT Photo by R. Hardy
Plus, it oozes romance and glamour.
But the cost for a twin cabin on its most iconic departure, the once-a-year Paris-Istanbul journey, is about £15,500 per person in 2020. You don’t even want to know what that is in US dollars!
Golden Eagle Danube Express. IRT Photo by Eleanor Hardy.
Enter Golden Eagle Danube Express, based in Budapest. It’s a very different train — and also on our World’s Top 25 Trains® list. Its style is more laid-back and comfortable. No tuxes required.
Lounge car in the Golden Eagle Danube Express. IRT Photo by Angela Walker.
It offers a generous drinks allowance, including wine with lunch and dinner. It also features intimate, behind-the-scenes sightseeing off the train. What’s more, most cabins on the GEDE feature private bathroom and shower (something that all but 3 of the priciest suites on the VSOE are lacking).
Superior Deluxe Cabin on the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
And, on its Balkan Explorer itinerary (running June 23-July 3, 2020) the Golden Eagle Danube Express covers nine countries in 11 days as it meanders from Venice to Istanbul. (The countries are Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Boznia & Herzegovena, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey.)
Pricing for the 2020 Balkan Explorer journey starts at $9,395 per person — $17,995 per person for the largest and most luxurious accommodation, the Superior Deluxe cabin, pictured above.
Stari Most, or Mostar Bridge, in Bosnia & Herzegovina, a highlight on the Balkan Explorer itinerary. IRT Photo by Angela Walker.
Nothing breathes “romance” like the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
But if you prefer to kick back and relax in between high-octane “off-shore” touring — go for the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
Whichever tour you choose, know that the best spots go up to a year in advance, or more.
The Balkan Explorer journey runs June 23-July 3, 2020. Click here for full itinerary, details and pricing. Click here for details of the Golden Eagle Danube Express train.
The Paris-Istanbul journey runs August 28-September 2, 2020. Click here for full itinerary details and pricing. Click here for details of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train.
To book: call us at (800) 478-4881, +1 (502) 897-1725 outside of USA / Canada. Or e-mail us at tourdesk@irtsociety.com.
Owen C. Hardy is CEO, founder, and co-owner of The Society of International Railway Travelers.