The legendary Orient Express will once again set off on its journey between Europe and Turkey. In 2026, travelers will be offered a luxurious route from Rome to Istanbul, with stops in several countries and service on par with a five-star hotel. Ticket prices are already being called among the highest in the rail tourism sector. Learn more about the route, prices, travel conditions, and why tickets for this train are considered some of the hardest to come by in Europe

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For decades, a journey on the legendary Orient Express has been considered a symbol of luxury, slow travel, and the “golden age” atmosphere of European travel. The train, which gained worldwide fame thanks to Agatha Christie’s novels, has once again taken center stage following the announcement of a new route between Rome and Istanbul.

The route operator, Belmond, has already opened ticket sales for the 2026 season. The route will pass through several European countries and last several days, and passengers are promised private compartments, a restaurant menu curated by chefs, city tours at stopover destinations, and luxury hotel-level service.

Interest in such trips is growing rapidly. According to Condé Nast Traveller, luxury rail tourism has become one of the most notable travel trends in recent years: tourists are increasingly choosing slow travel with an emphasis on comfort, experiences, and unique itineraries, rather than just speed.

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What is the Orient Express, and why has this train become a legend?

The Orient Express is one of the most famous trains in the history of global tourism. The route’s first journey took place as far back as 1883: at that time, the train connected Paris and Constantinople—modern-day Istanbul. For late 19th-century Europe, this was a true breakthrough: passengers could travel between major capitals without lengthy layovers or multi-day sea crossings.

Over the years, the route passed through France, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. The train quickly became a symbol of luxury: the cars featured private compartments, a restaurant with exquisite cuisine, opulent interiors, and service that, at the time, only the wealthiest travelers in Europe could afford.

The Orient Express also gained worldwide fame thanks to culture. It is this very train that is mentioned in Agatha Christie’s famous novel *Murder on the Orient Express*. Later, the route appeared repeatedly in films, TV series, and documentary projects about luxury travel.

The modern Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, owned by Belmond, has effectively revived the atmosphere of classic 20th-century European travel. The trains use historic cars from the 1920s and 1930s with restored Art Deco interiors, and some luxury compartments feature private bathrooms, marble finishes, and personalized service.

Interest in such routes has surged in recent years. Affluent travelers are increasingly opting for “slow travel,” where the journey itself becomes the main part of the vacation, rather than just the final destination. That is why tickets for Orient Express trips often sell out several months before departure.

In a previous article, we reported that Europe is launching a new international high-speed ICE train that will connect six popular cities in Germany and Belgium.

What will the route from Rome to Istanbul be like?

The new Orient Express route in 2026 will become one of the longest and most spectacular rail journeys in Europe. The train will depart from Rome and travel through several countries in the Balkan region to Istanbul. The journey will last several days, and passengers are promised not only luxury compartments and restaurant service but also sightseeing programs in the cities along the route.

Key stops along the route:

1. Rome, Italy – the start of the journey and boarding the signature Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cars with historic Art Deco interiors.

2. Northern Italy – part of the route will pass through the country’s picturesque mountain and lake regions, considered among the most beautiful railway routes in Europe.

3. Serbia – one of the key sections of the route through the Balkans. Short stops and culinary tours can be arranged for passengers.

4. Bulgaria – the train will pass through historic cities and regions featuring ancient architecture and traditional Balkan cuisine.

5. Istanbul, Turkey – the final destination of the route and the symbolic conclusion of the legendary journey, which retraces the historic route of the classic Orient Express from the late 19th century.

During the journey, passengers are promised restaurant service, evening entertainment with live music, private compartments, and excursions in the cities where the train stops. For many tourists, the main attraction of the route is the atmosphere of the journey itself. Unlike air travel, the Orient Express transforms the journey between countries into a distinct luxury experience featuring panoramic views and historic interiors.

We previously reported that the EU is introducing a single ticket for trains operated by different companies.

How much do tickets for the legendary train cost?

Travel on the Orient Express has long been part of the luxury travel segment, so ticket prices differ significantly from those of regular European rail routes. According to Belmond, the cost of the Rome–Istanbul route in 2026 will start at several thousand euros per passenger, depending on the type of compartment and the season.

The final price is influenced by:

- The category of the compartment or suite;

- The length of the route;

- The travel date;

- Additional excursions;

- The level of personal service.

The most expensive are the Grand Suites—luxury cars with a private bathroom, a double bed, and private service. In some cases, the cost of such a trip may exceed the price of a premium cruise or a few weeks’ stay at a five-star hotel.

Ticket prices usually include:

- Accommodation in a compartment;

- Meals in the train’s restaurants;

- Beverages;

- Part of the excursion program;

- Transfers in some cities along the route.

Due to high demand, tickets for certain trips may sell out within the first few weeks after sales begin. Winter and spring routes, which are considered the most popular among tourists from the U.S., the U.K., and Asian countries, book up particularly quickly.

In our previous article, we wrote about the most beautiful train routes for summer travel in Europe.

Why have luxury trains become popular again?

Just a few years ago, luxury rail routes were considered a niche form of travel for a very limited audience. However, following the pandemic, interest in such trips began to grow rapidly. Tourists are increasingly choosing comfort, privacy, and the travel experience itself over speed.

One of the main reasons is the trend toward slow travel. Its essence lies not simply in reaching the destination, but in enjoying the journey itself—the local cuisine, the scenery, and the atmosphere of the trip. That is why trains like the Orient Express have once again begun to attract the attention of tourists from various countries.

The popularity of luxury rail tourism is also driven by:

1. Tourists’ fatigue with mass air travel and overcrowded airports;

2. Growing demand for exclusive travel experiences;

3. The popularity of aesthetic travel videos on TikTok and Instagram;

4. Interest in historical routes and a retro atmosphere;

5. The development of premium tourism in Europe.

According to Euronews Travel, in 2025–2026, luxury trains made the list of the most notable tourism trends in Europe. Some routes are booked nearly a year in advance, and demand for luxury compartments exceeds the available number of seats.

The atmosphere of exclusivity also plays a significant role in the popularity of the Orient Express. For many tourists, it is not just a mode of transportation, but a status symbol and a “dream trip” that is often planned years. That is why such routes are increasingly compared to luxury cruises or premium-class private tours.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or problems with luggage can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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