The Adriatic on Silver Ray & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Take advantage of complimentary airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Venice. A water taxi will greet you upon arrival, sweeping you towards your centrally located hotel where you will spend the next two nights as you catch your first glimpse of the famous canals. Settle into your boutique hotel, a historic Venetian palazzo situated right in the very front of the grand canal, ideal for exploring Venice’s historic and artistic attractions by foot.

Stay: Baglioni Luna Hotel or similar

Wake up to an indulgent buffet breakfast before meeting your guide for a private walking tour of Venice. Your expert guide will show you the city’s treasures as well as some of its less explored gems. You'll finish with queue-jump entry to one of Venice's main landmarks, Doge’s Palace. Built in Venetian Gothic style, inside you'll discover its artfully decorated rooms, halls and chambers, as you learn about its storied past. The afternoon will be yours to spend as you wish. Why not enjoy a casual lunch in one of the many waterside trattorias before enjoying a classic Venetian gondola ride along the many winding canals.

Stay: Baglioni Luna Hotel or similar

Spend a leisurely day exploring the bridges and canals, making the most of everything the unique city has to offer, before embarking the Silver Ray this evening for the next leg of your adventure. Once on board, your spacious ocean view suite will be ready for you, including the services of a butler. Spend some time to take in your luxurious surroundings before settling down for your welcome dinner as you set sail for the Adriatic Sea. Choose one of a selection of bars this evening - the Dusk Bar is a particular favourite, pairing delicious cocktails and signature drinks with stunning panoramic views.

Stay: Silver Ray

You'll sail into your first port of call this morning - Opatija. Located on Croatia's Istrian peninsula, this magnificent Adriatic coastal town was once a favourite health resort of the aristocrats of the Austro-Hungarian empire. With a slow-paced atmosphere and superb seafood cuisine, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll along Opatija’s expansive seaside promenade. You'll have the opportunity pick from a number of included excursion, with the pick of the bunch a half-day sightseeing excursion to Vrelo cave and the pristine green oasis of Gorski Kotar. Filled with beautiful forests, mountains, and fantastic wildlife, this part of Croatia is so often overlooked by tourists. Back in Opatija, local fishing boats float in the pretty harbour, and the boutique restaurants invite you to try authentic Istrian flavoured dishes and seafood risottos.

Stay: Silver Ray

Located just off the Dalmatian coast, your next port of call - the island of Hvar - is a picturesque idyll with hidden coves, turquoise waters and whitewashed towns. After docking, take in the bustling atmosphere of the cafés, restaurants and boutiques than line the shore. Or why not choose to explore the picturesque beauty and historic landmarks of the Island on an included half-day sightseeing excursion to medieval Starigrad and Vrisnik. Alternatively, you'll have the option of an invigorating sea kayaking adventure, around the islands, bays and inlets surrounding Hvar.

Stay: Silver Ray

Fast becoming one of Croatia's most popular destinations, your next port along the Dalmatian Coast is Split. Steeped in rich history from the Romans to the Middle Ages, you'll approach its comparatively modern port, with a backdrop of terracotta rooftops and dramatic limestone mountains painting a spectacular picture. Whilst undoubtably history, Split certainly hasn't been afraid to move with the times, with cobble stone streets filled with buzzing bars, thriving cafés and elegant restaurants showcasing delicious local cuisine. If you're not out enjoying the city's expansive seafront promenade on foot, we recommend taking one of the included excursions on offer today. A half-day tour of Krka National Park is a must for nature lovers, with the highlight including a series of waterfalls cascading over 17 natural barriers. Otherwise, a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Split and Trogir explores breathtaking and diverse Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque style architecture and history, including a visit to the incredible Diocletian's Palace – the best preserved Roman ruins on the eastern side of the Adriatic.

Stay: Silver Ray

Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", Croatia's crowning glory, Dubrovnik fronts the tranquil waters of the Adriatic Sea. It's been the setting for numerous film sets - from Robin Hood to Game of Thrones - owing to the impressively preserved Medieval buildings of its old walled town, a truly imposing sight to behold. On the ground, the stone streets transport you through a beautiful mosaic of architectural splendour, baroque churches and authentic eateries. If you're in the mood for an adventure, countless tapering alleys spring up from all corners of the central boulevard of Stradun, with the steep mazy climbs rewarding you with spectacular views. But, to truly appreciate the fortress city's scale, we recommend walking the walls which protected the city through centuries. An included guided tour is an option should you wish to pair the spectacular sights with a knowledgable guide. If you're looking for a slightly more laidback day, we recommend the enchanting seaside town of Cavtat, located around 45 minutes south of Dubrovnik. Here, tranquil beaches front a delightful promenade and an included cruise will offer panoramic views of the southern Croatian coastline.

Stay: Silver Ray

Sail into Zadar this morning, where Roman ruins, a peninsular old town and white sand beaches attract the more discerning traveller. The delicious local seafood and oceanside cocktail bars are a big draw, as are the shimmering waters of the Adriatic at Kolovare beach, a mere ten-minute stroll from the old town. Today, you'll also have the choice between various included excursions such as a scenic walking tour through Zadar's historic old town, or a day trip to Vrana Lake Nature Park, introducing you to more of Croatia’s thrilling natural beauty.

Stay: Silver Ray

This morning, you'll anchor into Italian shores again as you approach the historically significant city of Trieste. Often at the crossroads of civilisations and cultures, it has soaked up many influences throughout its storied past, with food, architecture, and arts harbouring a distinctive eastern soul. In fact, nestled on the coast by the Slovenian border, you could be in Ljubljana in just over an hour. 

Once docked, why not head to Piazza Unità d'Italia, the grand central square facing the lapping waves of the Adriatic. Built during the late 1800's when Trieste was the most important port of the Austrian-Hungarian empire, the square includes fantastic examples of neoclassical architecture, with many notable buildings and palaces. Away from the city, why not take an included excursion to 'Borgo Grotto Gigante', a giant cave located along the coast, measuring over 280 metres in length, 65 metres wide and just over 100 metres high. Rejoin the ship this evening before enjoying a final dinner on board.

Stay: Silver Ray

After an early breakfast, you'll arrive back to the romantic city of Venice. After disembarking, an arranged private transfer will take you to the next leg of your journey, the charming city of Verona. After arriving at your centrally located hotel, take some time to settle into your surroundings before spending the rest of the day at your leisure.

Stay: Due Torri Hotel or similar

With a full day to explore this gorgeous city, there's no time to waste. We recommending heading over to the iconic Roman amphitheatre - undoubtably the most renowned Veronese monument - just a short walk away from your hotel. Built back in 30 AD, it is remarkably well preserved. What's more, it is still in use today, famous for hosting large-scale international and local operatic performances. Take some time to admire the many pretty piazzas, Renaissance buildings and impressive bridges. Fans of Shakespeare should perhaps pay a visit to 'Juliet's House' - the scene of the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet.

Stay: Due Torri Hotel or similar

After breakfast this morning, a private transfer will see you to Verona’s station. You’ll be met on the platform by your personal steward, who’ll escort you to your private cabin as you step aboard a world of timeless glamour. Authentic upholstery, antique features and palpable elegance recall all the grandeur of yesteryear as you are transported back to the 1920’s, the birth of luxury rail travel. After settling into your plush cabin, you'll begin your journey north. Take some time to embrace the dramatic views of the looming Dolomites as a three-course lunch is served in one of the restaurant cars. Later, you’ll be treated to a four-course dinner, with menus graced by the likes of Brittany lobster and Mont St. Michel lamb. Perhaps end the day with a cocktail in the iconic Bar Car 3674. As night falls, retire to the comfort of your cabin.

This morning awake to the sight of stunning mountain peaks and the lush French countryside from your cabin window. Your steward will serve you continental breakfast in the comfort of your cabin at a time which suits you. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee and pasties as you soak up the ever-changing views outside. Later you will arrive at Paris Gare de l'Est where your journey on board will come to an end. A transfer will take you to Gare Du Nord for your Eurostar journey back to London.  Or, perhaps extend your experience with a stay in Paris - speak to one of our cruise specialists about the options available.