Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Golden Eagle Danube Express Grand Tour of Europe

Deparrt from  London’s Victoria Station, begin your journey in style as you sip champagne at a private reception and board the resplendent carriages of Belmond’s British Pullman. Speed through the charming Kent countryside alongside a gourmet lunch before arriving in Calais for your first glimpse of those iconic blue-and-gold train carts. As you step through each painstakingly-restored carriage, notice the exquisite marquetry, their splendour truly taking you back to the roaring 20s. Settle in to your oak-panelled cabin – or for an indulgent upgrade, opt for a spectacular Grand Suite, each themed to represent the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ most iconic destinations – Istanbul, Paris and, of course, Venice. This is a wonderful opportunity to get dressed to the nines as you meet your fellow passengers in the opulent Bar Car, the tinkle of the onboard pianist your accompaniment, alongside pre-dinner signature cocktails or a glass of vintage champagne. Then the feast begins in one of three lovingly-restored restaurant cars, where everything from Brittany lobsters to salt marsh lamb from Mont St Michel is offered alongside only the best wines. After a nightcap, retire to your cabin which will have been expertly converted into a sleeping compartment as you head overnight towards the snow-dusted Alps. 

Wake to an indulgent breakfast served in your cabin before peering outside to witness the rolling hills and jagged peaks of the Swiss Alps rush past. Later, head back to the dining car, enjoying a gourmet three-course lunch as the peaks of the Dolomites introduce you to Italy. Afternoon tea is the final indulgent treat before you arrive in Venice and, on arrival, are whisked away to one of Venice’s most spectacular hotels, the Baglioni Luna. As a Leading Hotel of the World, expect fine service and Michelin-star chefs among exquisite frescoes and chandeliers. You’re perfectly poised to explore Venice, from the Bridge of Sighs to the Piazza San Marco, but you’ll definitely want to make time to indulge at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Canova. A wonderful fusion of tradition and modernism, dishes such as egg yolk tagliolini, crispy shrimps and octopus salad are served in the grandest of ballrooms alongside a world-class selection of wines.

After breakfast, transfer to Venice airport for your flight to Catania. On arrival you'll be met and transferred to the luxurious Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, located on the Bay of Mazzaro in Taormina, for a one-night stay. Old-world glamour is the order of the day here; take advantage of your private balcony that looks over the bay, pebbled beach or stunning terraced garden, accompanied by the gentle clink of the harbour's yachts. A cocktail reception and welcome dinner in the elegant surroundings of the hotel makes for a wonderful introduction to the beginning of your Italian adventure.

After breakfast you’ll begin your journey on the Golden Eagle Danube Express as you embark and leave Taormina. Unpack and settle in to your sparkling wood cabin, your own personal butler on hand at all times. Sprawling seating areas and panoramic windows allow you the best views of the stunning Italian shores as you're truly filled with nostalgic allure for the Golden Age of Travel, traversing the ultra-scenic coastal line across southern Italy to arrive in the turquoise Adriatic port of Bari alongside champagne drinks and a delicious lunch. Later, enjoy dinner in Bari's beautiful old town, Barivecchia, all ancient boulevards, opera houses and pebbled beaches dotted with traditional trattorias.

After breakfast, you'll head to the mountains of San Marino and its UNESCO-listed capital, where narrow cobblestone streets make up a charmingly medieval walled Old Town. A visit to The Three Towers, castle-like citadels from the 11th century, are a particular highlight, perched atop Titano’s rolling hills. It’s a spectacular setting for lunch where you’ll enjoy the country’s famous Torta Tre Monti or ‘Cake of the Three Towers’. Tonight, dig out your finery and head to the intimate Bar Lounge Car, the convivial hub of the train and the perfect place to enjoy a glass of fine champagne. Get to know your fellow guests before enjoying a gourmet, three-course meal prepared by the onboard executive chef.

After a gourmet breakfast this morning in the comfort of your cabin, cross the border into Slovenia and let rolling hills and old towns introduce you to Ljubljana, all green spaces, curving rivers and charming outdoor cafes. For history and art buffs there are also several museums, from the country's National Museum to the Museum of Modern Art. Highlights today include visits to the bustling Preseren Square, medieval Three Bridges and icon of the city, the Dragon Bridge, before you return to the Golden Eagle Danube Express for an indulgent three-course lunch as you begin the final part of the journey across Slovenia to Budapest. Tonight, take the chance to dress up and enjoy mingling in the bar car with a cocktail before a final farewell dinner on board. The delights don't end there, though, as you arrive into Budapest to the five-star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus in the centre of the city, just moments from all the main attractions and home to two splendid restaurants.

Stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 

Today you’ve got a day to explore Budapest and its delights. Perhaps head on a private tour of the city’s halves – the rolling hills of Buda and its iconic Fisherman's Bastion and the vibrant buzz of Pest. Budapest’s baths are iconic and easily reached throughout the city, making for a wonderfully relaxing few hours. Your hotel's luxury offering doesn't disappoint, either – perhaps indulge in a treatment before your final night of the holiday. Start the night off with a pre-dinner tipple in the intimate lighting of the Blue Fox The Bar or the elegant Nobu Lounge before perhaps indulging at its next-door restaurant of the same name, offering refined Japanese classics, or ÉS Bisztró, all creative interiors perfectly matched with contemporary Hungarian-Viennese dishes. There's myriad restaurant offerings in the city too, with everything from fine dining to traditional goulash in cosy family eateries.

Stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 

After breakfast, transfer to Budapest airport for your flight back to the UK.