Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Venice’s Islands

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 private-island retreat – surely the most evocative way to arrive at Italy’s floating city. A Leading Hotel of the World, it offers elegant marbled rooms, fine-dining restaurants and a poolside cocktail bar with views over the city. It’s even adjoined by a 15th-century church, along with tennis courts and a gorgeous private garden. 

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, Burano’s lace-weaving artisans and Torcello’s historic sites, including its spectacular mosaic-clad Byzantine church. Each island hop is brought to life by your expert private guide. 

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.

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.