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Alongside a trip on the world’s most iconic train, this curated itinerary is ideal for those who are revisiting Venice or simply want to explore in further detail. Indeed, you’ll stay in luxury on a private island, with an exclusive package taking you among Venice’s lesser-visited archipelago. Of course, it’s all knitted together by private transfers, including luxury launches. It’s then time to board your opulent rail journey, indulging with multi-course fine dining and sipping pianist-accompanied cocktails as Europe’s rural beauty passes by.
Beginning in style, you’ll be treated a complimentary private chauffeur transfer to the airport, where you’ll enjoy VIP lounge access. Then, flying to Venice, you’ll again be met by a private transfer, this time for a luxury water-taxi trip to your Venice Lido retreat – surely the most evocative way to arrive at Italy’s floating city.
The hotel itself – a former Venetian palazzo – is one of Venice's finest, offering elegant rooms, fine-dining restaurants and a gorgeous beach complete with bar, cabanas and views over the lagoon.
Stay: Hotel Excelsior, Venice Lido
Venice Water Taxi
Hotel Excelsior, Venice
Beach Bar, Hotel Excelsior Venice
Throughout your stay, you’ll have complimentary use of your hotel’s shuttle boat to explore the historic treasures of Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, served by a private pier. However, we’ve added in some extra detail, with an included private tour of the outlying islands.
Your luxury private launch will see you between Murano’s glass-making workshops and Burano’s lace-weaving artisans
Stay: Hotel Excelsior, Venice Lido
Breakfast included
Torcello
Murano glass-blowing
You’ll have this morning at leisure, perhaps to explore Venice’s grand palaces and canal-way maze. It’s then time to board the Orient Express, with a private water-taxi transfer bringing you to Venice’s famous Santa Lucia Station. Here, your personal steward will be waiting to see you to your private cabin before you settle in among its polished-wood fineries as you cross the Venetian Lagoon.
You’ll then be treated to the first of your full-board meals, with a three-course lunch presented among the Lalique glass-work and inlaid marquetry of the restaurant cars. Just-baked pastries are then served as you wind up towards the Alps, before you change for dinner – a four-course affair inspired by the train’s route. Be sure to cap it all off with a drink in the bar car.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Private cabin
Bar car
You’ll awaken today to views of the French countryside and a Continental breakfast, served in the intimacy of your cabin by your personal steward. Then, after pausing in Paris, you’ll enjoy an indulgent brunch as you travel towards the French coast for the Channel crossing. And, once back in England, you’ll swap onto another of Europe’s great trains – the Belmond British Pullman. Its Art-Deco furnishings and wingback armchairs have hosted the likes royalty and heads of state.
As the Kent countryside rushes past, you’ll then be treated to a traditional afternoon tea, accompanied by sparkling wine. It all finishes in London Victoria, where a private chauffeur will be waiting to see you home.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Belmond British Pullman
Belmond British Pullman
"Venice's outer islands often get overlooked but are a perfect addition to the historic grandeur of the main island. You'll get the opportunity to stay on San Clemente Island with panoramic views of Venice just a short shuttle away, but also enjoy a private tour to the very different island of Murano – famous for its beautiful glass productions – or the peaceful lace-making island of Burano 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
Low Season from: £3,195 pp
High Season from: £3,390 pp
Validity
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express operates between 17 March and 07 November 2021
Includes