Summary
Short description
Experience the best of luxury Europe on this iconic rail holiday
Highlights
- Journey in style aboard the world's most famous train
- Step back to the golden age of travel, with fine dining and bar-car drinks
- Experience the wonders of Venice, from St Mark's Square to Doge's Palace
- Revel in the delights of the French capital, Paris
- Stay in hotels handpicked for their location and superb facilities
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Rail journey
Travelling northbound aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, this iconic journey pairs the myriad delights of Venice with the unmatched romance and style of a stay in the French capital, Paris. It all begins among the fresco-lined buildings of Italy's floating city and a stay in a stylish canal-side hotel. Once a Venetian palace, it comes complete with gilded furnishings, rare works of art and a fine-dining restaurant headed up by a Michelin star-winning chef. Then, it's time to step aboard the famous carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as you rumble across the summer meadows and mountain passes of alpine Europe, enjoying multi-course gourmet dining and the very best in white-gloved service en route to Paris. Staying in the historic heart of the French capital, you'll have all the attractions of the City of Lights at your disposal before a Eurostar hop, or flight, sees you back home.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart for Venice
Start your holiday in style with complimentary airport lounge access before boarding the short flight to Venice, where you'll be met for a private water taxi transfer to your chosen hotel along the Grand Canal. There’s the classically Venetian Baglioni Hotel Luna with its silk-panelled walls, palatial rooms and award-winning Canova Restaurant, or the delightfully modern L’Orologio, whose contemporary rooms and innovative artworks are just a short stroll from Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Either way, the likes of St Mark’s Basin, San Girogio island and Venice’s canals are all moments away, as is the heritage beauty of St. Mark’s Square and the Bellini cocktails of Harry’s Bar.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio, Venice (Superior) or Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Day
2
Explore Venice
Wake to an indulgent breakfast and Italian coffee before exploring the myriad highlights of Venice. Indeed, you'll have the whole day free, so why not speak to our specialists about adding on a tour where an expert guide will show you the city’s treasures as well as some its lesser-known corners. We've even got the option of queue-jump entry to the Doge’s Palace, where theatrical sculptures and marble décor give way to gold-encrusted frescoes. Otherwise, take the time to stroll and relax, enjoying a casual lunch in one of the many waterside trattorias before taking a gondola ride among the winding waterways or simply enjoying a glass of fine Italian wine in a piazza-side cafe. The choices are endless.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio, Venice (Superior) or Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
Across the Alps
Today sees you leave Venice behind as you take your included water taxi transfer to the Venezia Santa Lucia Station and the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll begin the journey in style as you’re welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and an exquisite three-course lunch in the restaurant car. It’s outside that truly stuns, however, as you pass through the rural fields of Northern Italy en route to the snow-capped peaks and mountain meadows of central Europe's Alpine ranges. As the drama outside unfolds, you'll tuck into a sumptuous selection of pastries served in your oak-panelled cabin, or, the fineries of the train's new Grand Suites, which come complete with double bed and en-suite bathroom. In the evening, freshen up for a four-course dinner in the elegant dining car, where your waiter will serve the likes of Brittany lobster and saltmarsh lamb, all paired with a selection of the world’s finest wines.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Arrival in Paris
Begin your last day onboard with a delicious Continental breakfast served in your cabin, as you race across France, disembarking in the heart of Paris. On arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your chosen accommodation, where you'll be perfectly placed to explore the best of the French capital. Perhaps you'll choose to see the sights, from iconic Notre Dame to the grand artworks of the Louvre. Or, take a stroll along the cobblestones of Montmartre, pausing for a cafe or a glass of wine before taking in sweeping city views from the steps of the Sacre Coeur.
Stay: Hotel Les Dames du Pantheon, Paris (Superior) or Hotel Bowmann, Paris (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
5
Paris to London
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.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
5-day tailor-made holiday
from £4,435 pp incl. flights
Superior 2024
Low Season
from £4,435 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £4,665 pp. incl. flights
Includes
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- One way flight between UK and Venice
- Private arrival watertaxi transfer with Meet & Greet service in airport arrivals terminal
- 2 nights 4* accommodation in Venice on a BB basis
- Shared departure watertaxi transfer between hotel and Santa Lucia Station
- 2 days / 1 night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express including selected meals prepared by onboard French chefs in a Historic Cabin
- Private arrival transfer from Paris station to accommodation
- 1 night 4* accommodation in Paris on a BB basis
- Private departure transfer from accommodation to Paris Gare du Nord
- One way Eurostar in Standard Class from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras
*Weekend surcharges apply for stays in Venice and Paris, and local tourist tax is paid locally in Venice on arrival (between Euro3 and 8)
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0796
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