Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Silversea: London to Athens

Embark the luxurious Belmond British Pullman at London Victoria and enjoy a three-course brunch as you speed past Kent's scenic Folkestone countryside. But the real excitement starts as you approach Calais, as you catch sight of the iconic blue and gold carriages of the world's most glamorous train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Marvel at the Art Deco influences and the marquestry on board the painstakingly-restored train carriages as as you enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before changing for dinner. The exquisite dining cart awaits, all glittering crystal and intricate furnishings, where you'll indulge in a four-course dinner, enjoying the likes of Brittany lobsters and fillet of beef with black truffle béarnaise. It's the perfect prelude to an expertly-mixed cocktail in the opulent bar cart before you head to your cabin which has been cosily transformed into a sleeping berth. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your cabin as rolling meadows and chocolate-box Swiss villages rush past. Then, it's emblematic Italian countryside that steals the show as you indulge in a three-course lunch before arriving in Venice's Santa Lucia Station, followed by a private water taxi transfer to the Bagliona Luna, located just off the Grand Canal. Expect the finest service among the silk walls and historic frescoes of your room, offset with Baroque prints and brushed-gold furniture. You’ve got the heritage beauty of St. Mark’s Square and the famed Bellini cocktails of Harry’s Bar on your doorstep, but tonight perhaps enjoy a meal at the award-winning Canova Restaurant, featuring dishes such as egg yolk tagliolini, crispy shrimps and octopus salad. You’ve then got two full days to enjoy Venice. Your hotel's privileged setting also means you'll enjoy views over St. Mark’s Basin, the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, or Venice’s canals from your pretty terrace. Perhaps enjoy a casual lunch in one of the many waterside trattorias before taking a gondola ride among the winding waterways, or simply enjoy a glass of fine Italian wine in a piazza-side cafe. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll end up in the charming Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif. It’s a wonderful prelude to a meal at one of the romantic canalside restaurants that line the streets. Lunch is included on day two only,

This morning, check out of your hotel and take your private transfer to the port, ready to embark the spectacular Silver Shadow. Check in to your deluxe suite, all panoramic views and rich furnishings, before perhaps relaxing in the outdoor heated whirlpool or enjoying an Italian lunch on deck overlooking Venice in all its splendour. Head on sailing trips to the Venetian Lagoon, discovering much-unexplored ports; stroll through antique wineries, enjoying a sample or two; kayak among Venice’s emblematic canals; and amble along lively streets to explore the bacari, authentic wine bars teeming with Venetians who meet over a fine wine. There’s a whole host of excursions that can be organised from the comfort of the ship, from boat trips to the Murano and Burano islands, learning about Murano’s glass-blowing heritage, to a romantic evening gondola ride and a trip out to the Prosecco Hills. After exploring Venice’s delights, step back on board Silver Shadow each night, perhaps enjoying a spa treatment before taking advantage of one of the three gourmet restaurants. There’s the authentic Italian of La Terrazza, or the soft ocean breeze of poolside The Grill. It’s all perfectly finished off with a nightcap in Dolce Vita, accompanied by the gentle hum of the onboard live band. 

Stay: Silver Shadow

Having set sail from Venice on day six, you’ll arrive in Croatia’s second city feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Don’t miss the chance to head ashore, either on a guided excursion or under your own steam, to take in the ancient wonders of the city’s Diocletian’s Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates back to the 3rd century AD. A spectacular contrast of old and new, it’s ancient outer walls harbour everything from boutique shops to some of Split’s best restaurants and bars. And, for the best views of the city and harbour, head to the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Domnius to take on the 200 steps of the 57-metre-high Bell Tower. Then, after an overnight cruise along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, you’ll make port in Kotor, Montenegro. Tucked away in Europe’s most southerly fjord, this charming town is a joy to explore – a veritable treasure trove of museums, churches, palaces and piazzas, all set within imposing city walls and framed by steep-side mountains that halt the progress of the old town’s pretty cobblestone labyrinth. 

Stay: Silver Shadow

Enjoy a change of pace today as you arrive among Corfu's verdant scenery and pristine, gold-sand beaches. You’ll have a full day here to take in the delights of its old town – a historic tapestry of grand Venetian buildings, pretty squares and lively cafés – before a relaxing day of poolside and spa indulgence at sea. You’ll then arrive into Nafplion, whose charming old town offers a spectacular blend of Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture alongside quayside cafés and a smattering of upmarket boutiques. Broad flights of stone stairs climb the slopes beneath the walls of the Acronauplia as tree-shaded plazas surround neoclassic buildings. And, guarding the town, the Palamidi fortress is an elegant display of 17th-century Venetian craftsmanship.

Stay: Silver Shadow

Arrive into Piraeus where you’ll disembark for the short transfer to Athens airport for your flight home. On arrival in the UK, a chauffeur will be waiting to see you safely to your door.