Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Bologna, Food and Ferraris

Start your holiday in relaxing fashion with included UK airport lounge access before boarding the short flight to Bologna. On arrival, you'll be met by a private driver who'll bring you to your exclusive accommodation. You’ll have the first day at leisure to acquaint yourself with Bologna's charms. Wander its cobbled streets where heritage architecture peeks around every corner, or take some time out with a glass of Chianti and authentic food in one of its back-alley trattorias.

Stay: Grand Hotel Majestic, Bologna 

Today you will enjoy an immersive day in the world of Ferrari, starting with a tour of the Ferrari museum in Maranello where you will relive the history of the Prancing Horse and try an included session in the thrilling Ferrari Formula 1 simulator. Afterwards, enjoy a journey through the history of the brand with a complete tour of the 'Cittadella ferrari' where your guide will share knowledge about the factory and history of the Fiorano race track.

Then, it's time to feel the power of the Prancing Horse as you enjoy an unforgettable drive with a Ferrari on the roads of Maranello. Tuck into a mouth-watering lunch at restaurant Cavallino, the original restaurant established by Enzo Ferrari in 1950, and now run by renowned chef Massimo Bottura, before heading back to Bologna.

Stay: Grand Hotel Majestic, Bologna

Swap fast cars for a unique gastronomic journey in the heart of the Food Valley today. You will discover the production phases of 3 renowned products of excellence and the role they play in Italian culture: wine, Parmigiano Reggiano and the traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena through three fully guided tours. During these tours, you'll enjoy food and wine tastings directly from the farmer's own produce. The tour ends with a typical local lunch made from delicious local ingredients, using traditional methods, before your private driver will return you to Bologna.

Stay: Grand Hotel Majestic, Bologna

Leave the splendours of Bologna behind today as you head to the station to board the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Boasting the original sleeping cars of the 1920s and 30s, along with three unique dining cars, you'll certainly feel as though you have been transported back into the golden age of travel. As you board, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before being show to your cabin by your personal butler. As afternoon turns to evening, you'll enjoy a gourmet four-course dinner freshly prepared on the train's kitchen, sampling everything from sautéed veal chop to Brittany lobster, alongside, of course, an extensive fine wine list. After dinner, head to Bar Car '3674' for an unforgettable evening of cocktails and conviviality, before retiring to your chosen cabin, now transformed into an intimate retreat for the night.

The dawn of a new day brings yet more luxurious indulgence. Begin your morning with coffee and pastries served to your cabin, all as you enjoy spellbinding views of rolling hills, Alpine mountains and villages. Spend a laid-back afternoon with a book watching the changing scenery from your cabin, before it's time to head to the dining carriage for a sumptuous three-course lunch and perhaps a drop of light Chardonnay to pair. Then, your journey ends as you arrive in Paris where you'll disembark and transfer to your elegant five star accommodation in the heart of the city. Surrounded by a wealth of art galleries, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore the city from your convenient location.

Begin your last day onboard with a delicious Continental breakfast served in your cabin, as you race across France, disembarking in the heart of Paris. You'll then take the short journey to Gare du Nord where you'll board the Eurostar for the final leg of your journey back to London.