Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Veuve Clicquot Journey

Begin your luxury journey with complimentary access to the airport lounge before a short flight to the Austrian capital, Vienna. You'll be met on arrival by your private driver who will transfer you to the Hotel Imperial, a renowned 5-star hotel set directly on the Ringstrasse boulevard in the heart of the city. With beautifully decorated palatial interiors, you'll get a true sense of arrival in the fairest of all Vienna's grand hotels, built for the Prince of Württemberg in 1863. In the evening, you will be escorted to one of the city’s most glittering venues for aperitifs, followed by an exclusive banquet showcasing the best of Viennese gastronomy. Afterwards, lounge beneath the starry sky, listening to sultry beats as you sip a nightcap.

Stay: Hotel Imperial, Vienna

Begin the day in decadent style with a magnificent breakfast selection featuring homemade Viennese pastries, cakes and breads. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic city before heading to the central station for your first meeting with the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Feast your eyes on the immaculately polished woods, sumptuous upholstery and delicate antique features as you're ushered on board this magnificent train, setting the scene as you are transported back to the 1920's where luxury rail began. Life on board begins in sparkling style with Bar Car 3674 open for aperitifs before lunch, which is served in the elegant restaurant cars. Here, both the décor and menus are infused with Chef Jean Imbert’s unparalleled imagination. Seasonality and provenance are key to his creations, with many specialities sourced from artisan producers along the route. 

After time to relax and soak up the views, you are invited back to the restaurant for a wine tasting with a Cellar Master and a quiz on Veuve Clicquot wines. Winners will be able to claim their prizes at the bar. The afternoon continues in a leisurely fashion with games until teatime. As evening falls, dress to the nines for an aperitif, followed by a spectacular gala dinner crafted by Chef Jean Imbert. Brimming with seasonal specialities and local flavours, the menu is complemented by exceptional wines. After dinner,  entertainment can be enjoyed until the early hours. 

Wake early to take in the early morning views from your window and savour a Veuve Clicquot Sunrise Moment. Then, breakfast will be served on board as you wind through the French countryside. Soon, you'll make a stop in Reims, an essential stop on France's Champagne trail. Alight and tour Veuve Clicquot's historic vineyards where you will enjoy a tasting in the pressing room, then on to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed crayères - labyrinthine limestone tunnels 20 metres below ground, the unique setting for an immersive gastronomic experience.  After lunch, return to the train for your final scenic journey, sipping exquisite French cocktails on the way. As the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express pulls into Paris where you'll disembark the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and make your way to our selected Paris accommodation.

This morning, you’ll have all the delights of the French capital at your fingertips. Between the headline acts of the Louvre, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower, be sure to find time to wander the city’s leafy boulevards and lanes, pausing at pavement cafés for a café creme or even a glass or two of wine. Your trip concludes as you depart Paris aboard the Eurostar on the way back to London.