By breaking up the journey, this tailor-made route not only allows you to take in two of Europe’s great cities, but it offers the chance to really indulge. Indeed, over two nights aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you’ll be treated to everything from afternoon teas and multi-course dining to bar-car drinks and discrete butler service. The comforts also continue off the train, with water-taxi transfers and palatial stays, as you showcase Venice’s floating grandeur and Vienna’s imperial might.
Begin in style with complimentary VIP airport lounge access before your flight out to Venice, where you’ll be met by a private water taxi. It’s the most evocative way to arrive, bringing you along winding canals to your hotel’s private jetty. You’ll be staying in a historic Venetian palace – a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
What’s more, its silk-panelled walls and frescoes (by Tiepolo’s pupils) are just a stone’s throw from the city’s storied highlights. And, with two days to explore, you’ll be able to take in everything from charming trattorias and gothic basilicas to lagoon islands and spectacular squares.
Breakfast included
Following an included transfer to Venice’s Santa Lucia Station, you’ll be greeted by your personal steward and the gleaming blue-and-gold livery of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. After being shown to your private cabin, there’s time to settle in among the cherry-wood detailing as you travel over the Venice Lagoon.
It will soon be time to change for dinner, taken in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars; expect multi-course menus that showcase the finest ingredients from the train’s route. Then, as is tradition, perhaps retire to the bar car for a nightcap, soundtracked by the gentle tinkling of the resident pianist.
Breakfast & Dinner included
After breakfast served in the privacy of your cabin, you’ll roll into the Austrian capital. Once arrived, you’ll make your way to one of Vienna’s finest hotels, a 19th-century palace complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and superb spa. What’s more, with views of the leafy Ringstraße and two nights here, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore.
Often found topping lists of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Vienna impresses with grand palaces, cathedrals and, yes, some of the finest concert halls the world over.
Breakfast included
After a morning spent at your leisure, head back to the station and your luxury hotel on wheels. You’ll be shown once more to your compartment by your personal steward, where you’ll be treated to afternoon tea as rural Austria sweeps by.
It’s then time for the next of your four-course dinners, taken again among the Lalique glasswork and the black lacquerware of the restaurant cars. Perhaps end the night with a cocktail and the bar car’s baby grand before returning to your cabin to find it transformed into twin berths, complete with crisp damask sheets.
Breakfast & Dinner included
This morning, a gentle rap on the door from a white-gloved hand signals that your Continental breakfast is ready. Then, after relaxing among the train’s Art Deco grandeur, you’ll take an exquisite brunch as you’re treated to the iconic sights of Paris before arriving into Calais. Here, after a channel hop, you’ll arrive back into England to the cream-and-umber beauty of the Belmond British Pullman.
Settling into its high-back armchairs and wood-panelled carriages, you’ll be transported back to a time more elegant as bubbly-accompanied afternoon tea is served as the Kent countryside rushes by. It all ends in London Victoria.
Breakfast & Lunch included
"I've put this itinerary together to allow for some extra time on the train itself, ensuring that you really get to enjoy the white-gloved service and fabulous dining experiences. And, in between it all, I've chosen a pair of superb hotels, allowing you to uncover the delights of Vienna and Venice in utter luxury. "
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist