March and April departures savings:
save up to £605 pp
– ends 30 Nov
The world’s most iconic rail journey from London to Venice is just as spectacular in reverse, pairing the Art Deco elegance of its restored 1920s carriages with views out to some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery. You’ll start among the fresco-lined buildings of historic Venice, with included priority entry to Doge’s Palace and a stay in a palatial hotel whose gilded furnishings play host to an exquisite restaurant headed up by a Michelin-starred chef. Then, after stepping onboard the esteemed blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you'll traverse Austria’s alpine meadows and snow-capped mountain ranges, enjoying multi-course gourmet dining and the very best in discreet white-gloved service as you head, via Paris, to London.
You’ll start your holiday in relaxing fashion with a complimentary lounge access before boarding the short flight to Venice and transferring to your hotel for the next two nights, the spectacular canal-side Baglioni Hotel Luna. The likes of St Mark’s Basin, San Girogio island and Venice’s canals are perfectly taken in with private terraces, and you’re moments away from the heritage beauty of St. Mark’s Square and the Bellini cocktails of Harry’s Bar.
If you can tear yourself away from the frescoes, chandeliers, baroque murals, gold furnishings and marble bathrooms of your palatial room, perhaps make the most of the award-winning Canova Restaurant, headed up by Michelin-starred Executive chef, Alberto Rossetti. The octopus salad and calamari with green tomato sauce are particularly notable, as is the extensive wine list.
Baglioni Hotel Luna entrance
Baglioni Hotel Luna dining room
This morning, take the time to relax and enjoy an indulgent breakfast and Italian coffee at the charming canal-side Caffè Baglioni. Then it's time to explore dazzling Venice – we’ve included a private walking tour today with an expert guide who’ll show you the city’s treasures as well as some its unexplored gems. You'll finish with queue-jump entry to the Gothic delights of the Doge’s Palace, where theatrical sculptures and marble décor give way to gold-encrusted frescoes.
Then, you've got a free afternoon to discover the rest of the city's offerings, perhaps enjoying a casual lunch in one of the many waterside trattorias before taking a gondola ride among the winding waterways, learning about Murano’s glass-blowing heritage, or simply enjoying a glass of fine Italian wine in a piazza-side cafe.
Breakfast included
Venice canals
Doge's Palace, Venice
Today sees you leave the splendours of Venice behind as you embark on an included water taxi transfer to the Venezia Santa Lucia Station where you'll step aboard the iconic blue-and-gold of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll begin the journey in style as you’re welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and an exquisite three-course lunch in the restaurant car. It’s outside that truly stuns, however, as you pass through the rural fields of Northern Italy en route to Austria and the spectacular Brenner Pass. You'll then trace the snow-capped peaks and mountain meadows of central Europe's Alpine ranges, crossing the Arlberg Pass en route to Switzerland.
As the drama outside unfolds, you'll tuck into a sumptuous selection of pastries served in your oak-panelled cabin, or, the fineries of the train's new Grand Suites, which come complete with double bed and en-suite bathroom. In the evening, freshen up for a four-course dinner in the elegant dining car, where your waiter will serve the likes of Brittany lobster and saltmarsh lamb, all paired with a selection of the world’s finest wines.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Restaurant, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Austrian Alps
Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Raise the blind to look out over an entirely different landscape. Take breakfast in your cabin after your private steward has turned it back into a plush seating area in a trice. Then, relax as the scenery of northern France rushes by, accompanied by a delicious brunch served before you arrive in Paris.
As your journey draws to a close, transfer to Gare du Nord where you'll board the Eurostar back to London. Alternatively, speak to your specialist about flight options to a wide range of regional UK airports.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Belmond British Pullman
"While the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's classic southbound route takes you right across the Swiss Alps, the return journey is just as spectacular. You'll begin with a five-star stay in Italy's floating city – expert guide and priority Doge's Palace entry included – before boarding those famous blue-and-gold carriages – for me a real trip highlight. It's then that this journey really comes into its own as you head north towards Austria and the high mountain passes of Brenner and Arlberg, before dropping down through Switzerland and Paris en route to London."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
March departures from: £3,995 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £605 pp
April departures from: £4,660 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £440 pp
October / November departures from: £5,730 pp
incl. flights
August departures from: £4,650 pp
incl. flights
May / September departures from: £5,770 pp
incl. flights
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates between March and December
March departure special offer valid for 12 and 26 March departures
April departure special offer valid for 02, 09, 23 and 27 April departures
Offer also applies to Suites and Grand Suites - please ask your specialist for information
Includes