The Adriatic, Mykonos & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

You can choose whether you’d prefer to depart from home in the UK today via Eurostar or a short flight. On arrival in Paris, you'll stay one night at the Hotel Bowmann (or similar) for the night. Explore Paris on your own with your time here. The Hotel Bowmann is ideally located for your discoveries, being close to the Golden Triangle and many of Paris’s most iconic sites. If you’d rather simply relax at the hotel ahead of your grand journey, enjoy a meal at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant or pamper yourself at the luxurious spa.

After a lovely breakfast the Hotel Bowmann, enjoy a few more hours to yourself to take in all Paris has to offer. Perhaps visit one of the city’s many celebrated museums before your afternoon transfer to the train station. Here, you will board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train.

The train departs Paris just before dinner. As you make your way across the European railways toward Venice, enjoy an extravagant meal onboard coupled with delectable cocktails in the train’s Bar Car. When your evening winds down, retreat to your cosy cabin for a rest on the rails.

Enjoy views of the Dolomites and northern Italy as you have a delicious breakfast and lunch onboard the train today. Simply savour the world going by and having nowhere to be but here. You’ll arrive in Venice this afternoon. A transfer will take you to the Hotel Metropole Venice, the city’s last independently owned five-star hotel. Settle in, relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps taking in the nearby St Mark’s Square, exploring hidden canals by gondola, or taking in the fascinating Doge's Palace.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. A private transfer will take you to the port in Fusina to board your Regent Seven Seas cruise. Settle into your comfortable suite as you prepare to sail. The ship will depart early this evening, with dinner served onboard.

Stay: Seven Seas Voyager

Your first foray into Croatia brings you to Rijeka, home to a rich history and vibrant culture. Visit Trsat Castle for magnificent views of the Old City. Korzo, the pedestrian promenade, is the perfect place to wander, people-watch, and discover buzzy cafés and bars. Discover the city’s long maritime history and its relationship with the sea at the impressive Maritime and History Museum. The museum is housed in the former palace of the Austro-Hungarian governor, so the building itself is a treat to take in. Rijeka truly is one of Europe’s hidden treasures, which you’re bound to find out as you take a wander today.

Stay: Seven Seas Voyager

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, and it’s the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. It came to fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian—who famously persecuted early Christians—had his retirement palace built here. The palace is still there today, and its spectacular stone edifice, grounds, and cellars are now a major highlight of any visit to Split. You might also like to see the Cathedral of St Duje, built on what is meant to be the oldest shrine in the world. Those interested in art will want to visit the Mestrovic Gallery, where works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are on show.

Stay: Seven Seas Voyager

Idylically located on the beautiful Montenegrin coast, Kotor  features an ancient UNESCO-listed port surrounded by impressively well-preserved city walls. This picturesque place welcomes you into Montenegro. Kotor is also home to the Cathedral of St Tryphon in the Old Town, dating back nearly 900 years. If you fancy a drink or a dance, Kotor is the place to be. The nightlife here is buzzy, with plenty of pubs, taverns, and nightclubs around for you to take your pick. 

Stay: Seven Seas Voyager

Enjoy a day of rest onboard as you cruise the Ionian Sea onboard the Regent Seven Seas Voyager toward Greece. You could while away most of the day simply relaxing on your private balcony, enjoying a coffee or a cocktail as you read and watch the world go by. Elsewhere on the ship, you can enjoy delectable dishes in the various eateries onboard, socialise in the shared spaces, or book yourself in for a spa treatment.

Stay: Seven Seas Voyager

Gythion once served as the seaport of Sparta. Its beautiful coastline and white-sand beaches have been welcoming visitors for centuries, and it’s still here for you to enjoy today. It's also a haven for those who are interested in history or classical Greece. The Theatre, located near the city’s entrance, still houses the ruins of the Temple of Athena and the Gates of Castorides. The Archaeological Museum features a vast collection made up of finds from excavations of the city’s many ancient sites. Once you’re finished taking in ancient Greece, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch al fresco in a traditional ouzerie.

Stay: Seven Seas Voyager

Your final cruise day will be spent in Mykonos, named after Apollo’s grandson and steeped in Greek mythology. It is said that Mykonos was the location of the clash between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, Mykonos is famous around the world for its postcard-perfect setting and lively nightlife. The island is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and even new buildings are required to conform to the whitewashed style by law. If you have time, take in Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archaeological dig at Delos.

Stay: Seven Seas Voyager

After one last breakfast onboard, you will be transferred from Athens’ Piraeus port to Athens airport for your flight back to the UK.