Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Italian journeys
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Italian journeys
Step aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and journey in timeless elegance across Europe to or from Italy’s most captivating cities and regions. Whether beginning your adventure in Venice, Florence, Verona, or Rome, or arriving there in refined style, each itinerary combines the romance of rail travel with the allure of Italy’s finest destinations. Venice, with its winding canals and palatial grandeur, remains the most popular gateway, while Verona charms with its Shakespearean heritage and nearby vineyards. From the Renaissance artistry of Florence to the classical majesty of Rome, each city offers an unforgettable pre- or post-journey stay. You might also unwind amid the serene beauty of the Italian Lakes, where alpine peaks combine with tranquil shores. Whichever route you choose, a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express paired with Italy’s cultural treasures creates a memorable experience.
Italy offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy before or after your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey. In Venice, glide through winding canals on a private gondola tour, explore hidden palazzi with an expert guide, or savour a Venetian tasting of cicchetti and fine wines. Verona, with its romantic heritage, invites you to wander the charming streets of the historic centre, visit Juliet’s Balcony, and discover nearby vineyards for exclusive tastings. Florence is a treasure trove of Renaissance art, where private tours of the Uffizi or Accademia Galleries can be followed by hands-on cooking classes crafting Tuscan specialties. Rome offers a world of ancient wonders, from guided tours of the Colosseum and Vatican to evening strolls through piazzas and hidden trattorias. For serene beauty, the Italian Lakes provide private boat excursions, lakeside wine tastings and peaceful walks through picturesque towns. Whichever journey you choose – northbound or southbound – all regions visited by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are packed full of culture, history and plenty of indulgence.
Murano – a popular excursion from Venice
Lake Como is a good add-on for journeys to and from Verona
The train visits Florence a few times annually
Italy offers a collection of luxury accommodations perfectly suited to complement your Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey. In Venice, the historic Hotel Metropole provides timeless elegance overlooking the lagoon, blending sophisticated design with classic Venetian charm. Florence invites you to stay at Hotel Lungarno, where refined décor, contemporary art, and views of the Arno create an intimate Renaissance-inspired retreat. In Rome, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi offers grand luxury in the heart of the Eternal City, with opulent rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to iconic landmarks. Escaping the city, the Italian Lakes boast Villa d’Este on Lake Como, an exquisite lakeside palace surrounded by gardens and shimmering waters. Verona, with its romantic ambiance, features Due Torri, a historic hotel in the city centre offering characterful suites and exceptional service.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates to and from Italy from March through December, offering a selection throughout the country. Frequency of departures do vary throughout the year, with spring and summer months offering more variety and departures. Springtime journeys offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, ideal for exploring the cultural treasures of cities like Florence and Rome. The Italian summer is perfect for relaxing by the cooler shores of Lake Como, while autumn brings a golden hue to Italy's landscapes, making it a wonderful time to visit the vineyards surrounding Verona during harvest season, or exploring Rome's historic sites with fewer crowds.
