This is the ultimate in European luxury rail travel – the iconic southbound journey from Paris to Venice aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It all begins with a Eurostar hop, or flight, from the UK to the French capital, where you’ll prepare for your adventure with a night of five-star indulgence at a city-centre hotel. It’s then time to board the train for a journey of a lifetime to Italy’s floating city, enjoying fine dining inspired by the route and drinks served in the elegant surroundings of the art-deco bar car. You’ll wrap things up with two nights in Venice itself, staying at the legendary Baglioni Hotel Luna reached, of course, by private water taxi transfer.
Your journey begins with a Eurostar hop across the Channel, travelling from London’s St Pancras International to Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris. Do let us know if you’d prefer to fly, however, as our specialists will happily arrange travel from any regional UK airport with flights to the French capital.
On arrival, make your way to your city-centre accommodation – a boutique spa gem packed full of Parisian sophistication and ideally positioned for you to make the most of your stay in the City of Lights. Take a stroll along the banks of the Seine, pause for coffee in Montmartre or dine in style at your hotel.
Wake late, head for a delicious breakfast then enjoy a free day in Paris. Perhaps you’ll take in the sights, head out for a lazy, wine-paired lunch, or simply relax with a treatment at your hotel’s superb spa. Whichever you choose, as the day ticks by the excitement will build towards your evening departure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Indeed, once you’ve boarded those iconic blue-and-gold carriages, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to another time. From the Art-Deco fineries of the bar car to the wood-panelled stylings of the cabins and suites, every detail speaks of the glamour of travel’s golden age. Tonight, you’ll be treated to the first of your included meals – a multi-course dining experience inspired by the train’s route and served by attentive staff in the ever-so-elegant restaurant car. Then, after a night-cap, you’ll retire to your accommodation as the train heads ever onward towards the Alps.
Breakfast & Dinner included
You’ll begin today with a continental breakfast served in your cabin or suite, accompanied by views of alpine Europe. It’s then time to sit back and relax and first the mighty peaks of the Dolomites and then the bucolic landscapes of northern Italy rush by. On board, the exquisite dining continues, with a sumptuous brunch served in the dining car. Finally, you’ll cross the Venetian Lagoon, disembarking at Santa Lucia Station where a water taxi will be waiting to whisk you to your luxurious, canal-side hotel – a converted palace complete with rooftop terrace and gorgeous lagoon views.
Breakfast & Lunch included
You’ll enjoy a full day to explore the sights of Venice, perhaps taking in the iconic delights of St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces – or heading out to the islands of Murano and Burano to explore the region’s fabulous food and glass-making traditions.
Be sure to take a gondola among the city’s famous waterways, and stroll atmospheric back streets, pausing to enjoy a coffee or gelato. There’s Harry’s Bar, of course, but we recommend a visit to Hotel Metropole for your Bellini – the service is better and Hemmingway himself preferred it.
Breakfast included
Your holiday comes to an end today, with a final water taxi transfer to the airport and a flight home to the UK.
Breakfast included
"This is European rail travel at its finest. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's southbound route between Paris and Venice has always been the train's most popular, but now we've packaged it to perfection, wrapping the overnight rail journey between luxurious stays in two of the continent's most elegant hotels – Paris's Bowmann and the Baglioni Luna in the heart of Venice."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
Mar / Apr 2025 from: £6,220 pp
Jun / Jul 2025 from: £6,565 pp
May / Sep 2025 from: £6,390 pp
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates between March and December
Includes:
Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express available - please ask your consultant for details
Weekend supplements may apply for weekend stays in Venice hotels, and minimum stays may apply in Paris during Olympic period, and Venice during Biennale in April