The Adriatic & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Depart from home in the UK today, either via the Eurostar or by flight. On arrival in Paris, transfer to the Hotel Bowmann, where you will spend one night.

The rest of the day is yours to explore Paris at your leisure, and Hotel Bowmann is the perfect base. It is located close to Paris’s Golden Triangle and near many of the city’s most iconic sites. When you’re finished discovering the delights of the City of Love, you will enjoy the French fine dining at the hotel restaurant, a pampering session at the spa, or perhaps a meal or cocktail at the al fresco eatery.

Enjoy the morning at leisure, starting with breakfast at your hotel. You’ll have a few more hours to spend in Paris today before your afternoon transfer to the train station to board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train. You’ll depart from French capital just before dinner on your overnight journey to Venice. It's an experience the savour as you sweep across the French countryside towards the Alps, enjoying included fine dining and the very best in white-glove service. As evening arrives, it's time to dress to impress as you head to the restaurant car for a sumptuous, wine-paired dinner followed by drinks in the world-famous bar car.

Enjoy music from the live pianist and delicious cocktails created by the talented bar staff, then retire to your cabin which your steward will have neatly transformed into sleeping quarters complete with bunk beds. For the ultimate experience, speak to our experts about upgrading your accommodation to a Suite or Grand Suite for double or twin beds and a private bathroom.

After breakfast and lunch onboard the train this morning, you’ll arrive into Venice this afternoon. A water taxi transfer will take you to the Hotel Metropole Venice, your home for the next three nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

The Hotel Metropole is Venice’s last independently owned five-star hotel, and the location simply couldn’t be better. Just steps from St Mark’s Square, the Metropole commands of the lagoon and San Giorgio Island. When you’re not exploring the City of Water, you’ll enjoy having breakfast in the courtyard, visiting the rejuvenating spa, sipping cocktails at the Oriental Bar, or simply taking in views of Venice’s iconic lagoon.

Get to know Venice on a private walking tour of the city, including priority entrance at Doge’s Palace, a true marvel of Venetian Gothic architecture. Your guide will show you many of the city’s most famous sights, helping you to get your bearings for the rest of your time here.

The next day is yours to enjoy Venice at your own pace. You may wish to visit one of the city’s museums or take a boat trip to Murano and Burano islands, known for their glass and lacework respectively. If it’s a more relaxed day you’re craving, head to the hotel spa for a treatment.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. A private transfer will take you to Trieste to board your Regent Seven Seas cruise. The ship will depart this evening, with dinner served onboard.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

Today brings you to Croatia to discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Rijeka. Take in magnificent views of the Old City from Trsat Castle and wander the bustling pedestrian promenade of Korzo to find cafes and bars. Rijeka is truly one of Europe’s hidden treasures.

Rijeka has a long maritime history, and you can learn all about the city’s long relationship with the sea at the Maritime and History Museum. This visit is also a treat for lovers of architecture and interiors, as the museum is housed in the former palace of the Austro-Hungarian governor and is replete with glittering chandeliers and grand staircases.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

Zadar is located on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian coast and has a varied history dating thousands of years. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Romans, Ostrogoths, and Byzantium, creating a unique blend of architecture and culture. It became a centre of commerce and naval power to rival even Venice.

These days, Zadar draws in visitors with its history, culture, and architecture. It’s also the perfect gateway to visit the nearby Plitvice National Park. This waterfall-filled wonder is such a staggering experience that you will be unsurprised to learn the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

Your final day in Croatia brings you to the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” also known as Dubrovnik. Known around the world for its marble-paved squares, tall houses, and cobbled streets, Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century by a group of refugees. Its famous city halls were originally designed to protect the city against its enemies, but today, they simply keep the motorists at bay. Many historic sites have been painstakingly restored to their former glory, and UNESCO has designated the picturesque Old Town as a World Heritage Site.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

Dip your toes back in Italy today, this time on the Adriatic side in Bari. This Italian city has long served as an important port city, both in ancient and modern Italy. Visitors from around the world flock here to see the Basilica of St Nicholas, built in 1087 and holding its namesake’s remains beneath the altar, and the Petruzzelli Theatre, one of Italy’s grandest opera houses.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

The history of the port town of Igoumenitsa is different from many of the better-known Greek hotspots. The city dates to the 4th century BC, when it was an important town in the Kingdom of Thresprotia. Over the intervening centuries, it has expanded, contracted, and even at times gone silent. It had to be rebuilt after its complete destruction during World War II, when it was occupied by Axis powers. Still, it keeps coming back, and the result is a place with an authentic tone reflecting the spirit of its people.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

Coastal Kotor, located in a most secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor, beckons you into Montenegro. The ancient port is surrounded by impressive city walls that were built by the House of Nemanjicc. The walls, which stretch directly above the city, are incredibly well-preserved, and the port has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Aside from the port and walls, you will want to see the Cathedral of St Tryphon in the Old Town, which dates to 1166. Many visitors also come for the nightlife: pubs, taverns, and nightclubs abound in buzzy Kotor.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

Enjoy a relaxing day onboard as you cruise the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re making use of one of the lounges, treating yourself to a day at the spa, or simply watching the world go by from your private balcony (every room and suite onboard the Splendor has one), you’ll be treated to the very best in all-inclusive luxury as you sail towards Athens.

Stay: Seven Seas Splendor

After one last breakfast onboard, you will be transferred from Athens’ Piraeus port to Athens airport for your flight back to the UK.