Highlights

  • Enjoy a rare winter journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • Explore the sights of Paris and Vienna under lights
  • Take a rail journey to remember from Paris to the Austrian capital
  • Enjoy the best in gourmet dining and white-glove service
  • Stay in luxury at two world-leading hotels

Experience a rare journey on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at the height of winter, travelling in luxury from Paris to Vienna across the heart of snow-dusted alpine Europe. A magical adventure awaits as, after a night in one of Paris’s finest hotels – reached by a Eurostar hop from London – you indulge with seasonal delicacies, fine wines and champagne cocktails onboard. It’s all accompanied by the Art Deco fineries and standout service for which the world’s most iconic train is known. You’ll end with a two-night stay in Vienna’s historic city centre, decked out in the bright lights and festive delights of an Austrian Christmas.


Day 1

London to Paris

Your journey begins at London St Pancras where you’ll board the Eurostar for a cross-Channel hop to Paris where a private transfer will see you to your luxury hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore its myriad attractions, from the iconic Eiffel Tower to those delightful side-street cafes, all dressed in the winter’s finery.

Paris in December

Paris in December

Paris in December

Pre-Christmas fun in Paris


Day 2

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Vienna

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Gare de L’Est where the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express await. Having been shown to your Historic Cabin, or suite if you’ve decided to upgrade, you’ll settle down to enjoy sweeping views of rural France as you head towards to central Europe and the snow-dusted Alps. It’s all accompanied by a full spread of gourmet delights, from a sumptuous lunch to a decadent, multi-course dinner. Then, as night falls, head to the bar car for night-cap drinks served to the sound of the resident pianist. Your day ends back in your cabin, which has been transformed to a sleeping compartment by your attentive steward.

Breakfast & Dinner included

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express


Day 3

Arrival in Austria

Wake to a Continental breakfast served in your accommodation as you head towards Vienna, taking the chance to relax as magnificent alpine views rush past your window. Then, as the train pulls into the Austrian capital at around 9:30 am, it’s time to wave goodbye to your Art Deco bubble, transferring to your luxury hotel located in the very heart of this historic city. Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing at your accommodation, perhaps savouring an afternoon tea or the fabulous cuisine at its Michelin-starred restaurant, relaxing in its atmospheric lounges or indulging with a treatment at the spa.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Afternoon Tea, Palais Hansen Kempinski

Afternoon Tea, Palais Hansen Kempinski


Day 4

Festive fun in Vienna

Take the chance to immerse yourself in Medieval streets and squares dominated by spectacular Baroque architecture, or uncover a rich musical heritage that includes the likes of Mozart, Brahms, Haydn and Strauss, using your base at the irresistible Anantara Palais Hansen to ensure that you are in the heart of the action. With Christmas just around the corner, you'll also have the chance to explore one of Europe's leading festive markets, together with the Christmas illumination. Enjoy seasonal food and wine and even go skating in the Rathauspark Ice Dream, one of the world's largest ice rinks.

Vienna at Christmas

Vienna at Christmas

Vienna at Christmas

Festive food, Austrian-style


Day 5

Depart for home

Check out this morning, full of Christmas cheer, and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.


About the itinerary

"With just two departures in December – one southbound, one northbound – this itinerary is a genuine rarity, and an ideal chance to experience the best of festive Europe in style and luxury. As well as a journey across the Alps on the world's most famous train, we've also thrown in stays at two standout luxury city hotels, one in Paris, the other in the heart of historic Vienna."

Andy Austen

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Guide price from £5,850 pp incl. flights

December 2024 from: £5,850 pp

Festive Departures:

Paris to Vienna 16 Dec 2024 (15 Dec from London)

Vienna to Paris 17 Dec 2024  (18 Dec to London)

Includes

  • One way Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in Business Premier Class including a hot menu designed by chef Raymond Blanc and served with champagne
  • 1 night accommodation at Hotel Bowmann in Paris on a BB basis
  • Departure transfer in Paris to station
  • Paris to Vienna on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express including an exclusive winter menu designed and prepared onboard by chef Jean Imbert and his team
  • Complimentary champagne in the cabin
  • Arrival transfer in Vienna to accommodation
  • 2 nights accommodation in Vienna at Anantara Palais Hansen on a BB basis
  • Departure transfer in Vienna - accommodation to airport
  • One way flight from Vienna to London


Enquire