Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Florence to London

You’ll start your holiday in relaxing fashion with a chauffeur-driven transfer to the airport before boarding the short flight to Florence. On arrival, you'll be met by a private driver who'll bring you to your exclusive accommodation the river-side Hotel Lungarno looking out over the historic Ponte Vecchio. You’ll have the first day at leisure to acquaint yourself with Florence’s Renaissance charms. Wander its cobbled streets where heritage architecture peeks around every corner, take in an overview from the hilltop Piazzale Michelangelo or simply take some time out with a glass of Tuscan red and authentic food in one of its backalley trattorias.

Tonight why not try out the Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant where Lungarno Michelin star chef Claudio Mengoni presents Italian cuisine crafted with painstakingly selected ingredients with dishes ranging from Risotto with pecorino from Pienza to Oxtail tortelli with Castelmagno fondue.

Today you have time to gaze upon the Gothic splendour of Giotto’s Campanile, or the Renaissance magnificence of the Florence Duomo. Admire stunning frescoes by Gaddi and Giotto at Santa Croce Basilica, or marvel at masterpieces including Michelangelo’s David, at the Accademia and Uffizi art galleries. After this feast of culture, why not tuck into some mouth-watering Tuscan cuisine at a charming trattoria or designer eatery?

Leave the splendours of Florence behind today as you head to the station to board the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a three-course lunch in the restaurant car as you take in outside’s grandeur. Delight at chocolate box Swiss villages among the deep river valleys and rolling hills before the snow-dusted mountains and picturesque meadows dominate the landscape. Then, enjoy pastries served in your oak-panelled cabin before you prepare for your night on board. It's a special one, as you'll enjoy a four-course dinner, sampling everything from Brittany lobster to saltmarsh lamb, alongside, of course, an extensive fine wine list. 

Begin your last day on board with breakfast in your cabin before a late-morning arrival into Paris’ Gare l'Est. 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.