Adriatic in style with SeaDream & the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Your journey begins with a Business Premier Eurostar hop from London St Pancras Station, across the English Channel to Paris. On arrival in the 'City of Light', a private transfer will see you to the 5-star boutique Hotel Bowmann for a relaxing and stylish overnight stay. If you prefer, your specialist can arrange a flight to Paris from your local UK airport. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and some time to explore the city before a private transfer will take you to your departure station to the famed blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll be escorted to your elegant 1920's cabin where wood-framed picture windows invite in the view and oak panelled luxury recalls the golden age of travel. Change for dinner or perhaps visit the bar car for a choice of aperitif before your four-course dinner, complemented by superb vintages and the twinkling ivories of a baby grand piano. Expect menus to reflect the train’s routes in such delicacies as Brittany lobsters and Mont St Michel saltmarsh lamb. After dinner you’ll find your private cabin transformed into sleeping berths, complete with crisp damask sheets.

Wake to the scenery of the magnificent Swiss Alps and enjoy a continental breakfast in your carriage as the beauty of rural Austria speeds by. A three-course lunch is then served while crossing into Italy, leaving time to browse the boutique as you pass through the Italian Dolomites, marvelling at their armoured peaks. An afternoon tea is then taken as you cross the Venetian Lagoon.

On arrival, you'll board one of those emblematic water taxis, all polished timber and sweeping curves, to transfer right to the pier of your Venetian palace hotel. The Baglioni is particularly impressive; it's the oldest hotel in Venice and features a rooftop terrace with spectacular views over the lagoon. And, you'll be perfectly poised to visit Harry's Bar, Hemingway's iconic haunt. However, we recommend a visit to Hotel Metropole for your Bellini – the service is better and the man himself preferred it.

Take the morning to explore Venice, perhaps visiting the magnificent Doge's Palace and spectacularly-carved Rialto Bridge dotted among the warren of cobbled alleys and canals. Then, in the afternoon an included private transfer will whisk you to your luxurious yacht. Settle in to your elegant stateroom before indulging in the first of your included gourmet dinners, served in the elegant dining room, with dishes such as filet mignon and lobster.

Stay: SeaDream I or II

Sail to Slovenia’s largest town, Koper. While it remains something of a hidden gem, its historic centre is packed full of medieval delights. Tale the chance to visit the coastal its picturesque peninsulas or get lost in Tito Square as you wander down towards the water's edge.

The next day, you'll sail onto the island of Krk in neighbouring Croatia. Covering an area of 157 square miles, it's the largest island in the Adriatic, home to sprawling forests, dramatic ridges and some glorious stretches of coast. Be sure to visit the 12th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral, the seat of the Krk bishopric, and The Frankopan Castle which, built over several centuries, long acted as a fortress to protect against attacks from the sea.

Stay: SeaDream I or II

Sail on to Zadar, the oldest inhabited city in Croatia, full of ancient Roman ruins and medieval churches. Don't miss the chance for a stroll around the charming Old Town and a visit to the famous Sea Organ, which plays music through sea waves and tubes that lie beneath marble steps. Of course, you could always simply relax on one of the Balinese-style sun beds onboard the ship, taking the chance to for a glass of wine and a delicious seafood lunch. 

Stay: SeaDream I or II

Over the next two days, you'll have the chance to explore one of the Adriatic's most fascinating historical centres, and one of its prettiest islands. You'll begin with a day in the city of Split, host to the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace – one of the Roman Empire's most impressive architectural feats – and a museum dedicated entirely to the work of the 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. You'll have the chance to explore both on an expert-led city tour, or choose from a rafting trip on the nearby Cetina River, or a speedboat tour of the Split Archipelago.

Stay: SeaDream I or II

Arrive at your final stop today – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Dubrovnik. Enjoy everything from tours around the ancient walled city to kayaking trips around neighbouring Lokrum Island and panoramic cable car rides above the city. For your last evening on board, enjoy a final gourmet dinner before a farewell drink at the Piano Bar and a last toast to new-found friends.

Stay: SeaDream I or II

After breakfast, disembark and take your included private transfer to the airport for your flight home.