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 in the French capital, where you’ll prepare for your adventure with a night of indulgence your choice of 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 eclectic Hotel Metropole reached, of course, by private water taxi transfer.
As a special touch, guests booking this remarkable journey will receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne and two VSOE-branded flutes – the perfect way to toast a truly unforgettable journey.
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your city-centre accommodation, set within a historic Parisian mansion on a quiet side street just moments away from the Champs-Élysées. You'll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace, perhaps taking a stroll along the banks of the Seine, pausing for coffee in Montmartre or dining in style at your hotel. If you're travelling from the UK, speak to your travel specialist about adding on a flight or the Eurostar from London.
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 at the hotel. 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 chosen hotel.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Spoil yourself: Upgrade to the iconic Hotel Cipriani, a Belmond hotel
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 Bellini at your very own Hotel Metropole – the service is better and Hemmingway himself preferred it.
Venice, Italy
Your holiday comes to an end today, with a final water taxi transfer to the airport or train station to begin your onward journey.
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 your choice of elegant boutique hotels."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
Mar / Dec with Superior hotel from: £4,640 pp excl. flights
Apr / Jun - Aug / Oct / Nov with Superior hotel from: £4,750 pp excl. flights
May / Sep with Superior hotel from: £4,865 pp excl. flights
Mar / Dec with Deluxe hotel from: £5,330 pp excl. flights
Apr / Jun - Aug / Oct / Nov with Deluxe hotel from: £5,535 pp excl. flights
May / Sep with Deluxe hotel from: £5,535 pp excl. flights
Price includes
Add a complimentary Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in Premier class (subject to availability). Speak to your specialist for details.
Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are available - please ask your our destination specialists for details.
Why are international flights excluded?
We believe that luxury and flexibility go hand in hand. That’s why our prices exclude international flights. Flight availability and fares vary daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a quote based on your chosen airline, dates and departure airport. Or, if you prefer, you’re welcome to book your own flights. Either way, every detail is tailored to suit you.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Mar / Dec with Superior hotel from: £5,150 pp excl. flights
Apr / Jun - Aug / Oct / Nov with Superior hotel from: £5,450 pp excl. flights
May / Sep with Superior hotel from: £5,565 pp excl. flights
Mar / Dec with Deluxe hotel from: £5,830 pp excl. flights
— save up to £230 pp
Apr / Jun - Aug / Oct / Nov with Deluxe hotel from: £6,025 pp excl. flights
— save up to £240 pp
May - Sep with Deluxe hotel from: £6,025 pp excl. flights
Price includes
Add Eurostar in Premier class from London St Pancras Station to Paris from £285.00 pp
Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express available - please ask your consultant for details.
Why are international flights excluded?
We believe that luxury and flexibility go hand in hand. That’s why our prices exclude international flights. Flight availability and fares vary daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a quote based on your chosen airline, dates and departure airport. Or, if you prefer, you’re welcome to book your own flights. Either way, every detail is tailored to suit you.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.