March & April 2024 selected departures promotion:
save up to £595 pp
– ends 30 Nov
As well as the classic route from London to Venice, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels across Europe, stopping in some of its most exciting and cultured cities. On this tour, you'll catch the world’s most elegant train from the Italian city of Verona to London, enjoying a matchless experience throughout. Beginning with a luxury stay in Shakespeare’s city, an included walking tour will bring you between regal streets and ramshackle piazzas to seek out Juliet’s house. But there’s much more to Verona besides star-crossed lovers, with wonderfully preserved architecture and majestic balconies (of course), operatic performances in a Roman amphitheatre and a thriving food scene. This is all just the prelude to the main event though, when you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for one of the great travel experiences in the world.
Having flown to Verona, we’ll arrange a private driver to whisk you to your central basecamp. The Due Torri - just a few steps from the city’s historic centre. If you can tear yourself away from your night in a living museum, let us arrange a food safari, where a local guide will take you to the city’s finest haunts; sip rich Italian coffee, nibble on delicatessen treats and enjoy perfectly-prepared pasta in a traditional trattoria. You will even visit a tiny tortellini workshop.
Arena di Verona
Ponte Pietra, Verona
Awake to a leisurely breakfast and perhaps dip into a well-thumbed copy of Romeo and Juliet for inspiration. After we’ll arrange a walk where a local guide will lead you to Verona’s must-see sights, including the city’s most famous balcony, and secret corners. Indulge yourself with a visit to the luxury shops and boutiques on Via Mazzinia or visit the market in Piazza delle Erbe remembering to look up at the medieval and renaissance architecture that rings it. Later, people watch from a piazza to see why they’re described as the city’s ‘drawing rooms’ and indulge in an aperitivo.
In the evening, dress up so you look the part for the traditional Italian pastime of passegiata in the piazzas at dusk, stopping your slow arm-in-arm stroll for a drink at an outdoor table.
Breakfast included
The Ponte Pietra bridge over Verona's Adige River
Today the curtain falls on your time in Verona. On the positive side it is only because you’re about to embark on one of the most romantic and luxurious rail journeys in the world aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. In the afternoon we’ll whisk you to the station where you’ll get your first glimpse of the classic blue and gold carriages while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine. Meet your white-gloved steward who'll guide you through the beautifully restored Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to your private cabin where you'll unpack your tuxedo and evening gown. Then, order some champagne and luxuriate in the history and tradition of the train as you're treated to views of the Dolomites during a sumptuous three-course lunch in one of the elegant dining cars. Each brims with personality. Service is impeccable and the food exquisite.
Following a relaxing afternoon, dress for dinner, mingle in the Bar car and order a signature cocktail while you listen to period pieces performed on the baby grand piano. The evening meal, served with silverware, crystal glass and starched napery, is a culinary treat that’ll have you marvelling at how anyone can create such a gourmet four-course feast in such a tiny galley kitchen. Finally, satiated, return to your cabin, which has artfully been converted into a cosy sleeping compartment and retire for the night as the train eases over the Swiss Alps.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Wending through the alps aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
White-gloved service aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Fine dining aboard the 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
"If you’re looking to do a mini-moon or short break in style then look no further. With endless romantic connotations, Italy’s Verona makes for the perfect spot for newlyweds or those seeking to celebrate an anniversary or special birthday. Couple this with a luxury rail journey on the famed Orient Express and the experience in matchless. As once-in-a-lifetime experiences go, this one is a must-do. "
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
March departures from: £3,685 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £595 pp
April departures from: £4,395 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £440 pp
October / November departures from: £5,240 pp
incl. flights
August departures from: £4,185 pp
incl. flights
May / September departures from: £4,900 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
Includes