Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Adriatic Cruise on Regent Seven Seas

Start your journey at London’s Victoria Station where you'll board Belmond’s British Pullman. Settle in as you roll through the Kent countryside, dining on a gourmet lunch paired with fine wines before stepping off at Calais to climb aboard those signature blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Settle in to your oak-panelled cabin before dressing up to the nines to spend your evening mingling with other passengers in the Bar Car, listening to an accomplished pianist while you sip pre-dinner signature cocktails or vintage champagne. It's the perfect prelude to the likes of lobsters from Brittany or salt marsh lamb from Mont St Michel as the train pauses in Paris, before seeing out the evening with a night cap and returning to your cabin that will have been cleverly converted into a sleeping compartment.

Awake to a Continental breakfast served in your cabin by your personal steward before watching the Swiss Alps rush past, later heading to the elegant dining car for an indulgent three-course lunch and finally passing the snow-capped Dolomites before a final afternoon tea to see you into the Venetian Lagoon. Here, a water taxi awaits ready to whisk you to the Baglioni Hotel Luna, one of Venice’s most exclusive hotels, with an excellent restaurant and unbeatable location just moments from the likes of the Bridge of Sighs and the Piazza San Marco. You’ve got three days to explore Venice, with an included in-depth private tour of the city led by a top guide as well as priority entry into Doge’s Palace. Then, you've got plenty of time at leisure, whether you want to head on a private tour to explore the medieval towns of the Venetian Islands or punt on the canals aboard a gondola, perhaps finishing off at with a grand-Canal-facing restaurant table or famous Bellini at Hemmingway favourite Hotel Metropole.

Head to the port today to begin the second part of your journey and board the Seven Seas Explorer. Settle in to your spacious, butler-served suite with its own private balcony, before myriad elegant bars await tonight for a pre-dinner aperitif. It's then time for the first of your included, three-course, dinners – paired with only the finest wines, of course. Perhaps settle in among the Art Deco chic of Chartreuse for the likes of veal rack of loin or the luxurious leather and dark wood atmosphere of Prime 7 for expertly-prepared filet mignon or côte de boeuf.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

You've got a full day today to explore Italy's World Heritage-listed Urbino, filled with Renaissance gems and Leonardo daVinci-designed city walls. Highlights include the architectural masterpiece of the Ducal Palace, the 'City of 100 Towers', Raphael’s House and a plethora of galleries and boutiques. Then, be sure to pause for lunch in a local cafe to sample everything from truffles and cheese to prosciutto and homemade pasta. Remember, all excursions can be organised directly from on board the ship – and, in each port, there's the chance to hire your own vehicle for a personalised tour of each destination.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

After breakfast, anchor in to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dubrovnik for a full day of exploration. Perhaps begin with a tour around the ancient walled city before kayaking to neighbouring Lokrum Island or embarking a cable car for panoramic views above the city. We’d highly recommend a Regent Choice small group tour, where no more than 16 guests enjoy a more intimate experience with a knowledgeable guide.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Explore the lush island of Corfu today, with highlights including tours of the region's many palaces and relaxing on the secluded beaches. You could even explore on a thrilling 4x4 adventure that winds through ancient villages and ends among the pine trees and olive groves of Mount Pantokrator. Be sure to make time to explore the ship’s many offerings, too, like cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen to create your own luxury brunch or fresh seafood dish. Then, there's everything from a putting green to an infinity-edge pool to enjoy, as well as a gorgeous spa for a myriad of indulgent treatments.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

After breakfast you've got a full day to explore the ship and all it has to offer. Perhaps spend the day on the sprawling pool deck with a frozen cocktail or two before an al fresco lunch at the Pool Grill for grilled-to-order burgers, seafood and crisp salads. Alternatively, take advantage of the fitness centre, paddle tennis court and jogging track. This evening, head to one of elegant dining venues for dinner before perhaps ending the night at the casino.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Sail to Ephesus today, once one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of the Theatre, Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library with an expert archaeologist that will allow you to see parts of Ephesus normally off-limits to visitors. There's also the chance to visit the site that's thought to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum and the ancient sites of Priene, Miletus and Didyma's theatre, Roman baths and stadium.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

With two days to explore the magnificent city of Istanbul, we'd highly recommend exploring with an expert guide, learning about the Byzantine Empire before exploring the Hippodrome’s 4th-century obelisk, 500-year-old sultan palaces and the instantly recognisable spires of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Then, after immersing yourself in the Grand Bazaar, where 4,000 traders barter and haggle, perhaps enjoy tea in the Çiragan Palace, now the acclaimed Kempinski Hotel, or cruise the glittering Bosphorus to spot the mosques, palaces and mansions that line the waterside, including the Rumelihisari, a 15th-century medieval fortress.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

The dramatic views and classic whitewashed houses of Mykonos await today. Explore the luxury boutiques, relax on the beach or stroll among the blue-and-white streets of the enchanting Old Town Chora. Later, there's the chance to explore local monasteries and swim in private coves – and don't miss a trip to enchanting Delos, the uninhabited island and birthplace of the Hellenic gods Apollo and Artemis. Take in the dramatic views of craggy Mount Kynthos before finishing at one of the many charming tavernas for a glass of wine or ouzo.  

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

After breakfast, disembark at Athens where you've got the morning to explore such icons as Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus before you transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.