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Grand Canal, Venice

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & the Jewels of Italy's Veneto

12-day luxury rail & river cruise holiday from £9,600 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

Sail among the treasures of Northern Italy and journey on the fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Highlights

  • Indulge on the world's most luxurious train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • Discover historical Verona including a private tour of the famous Arena di Verona
  • Explore Venice – the Floating City – home to world-famous art & museums
  • Enjoy all-inclusive, gourmet dining on board your luxury river ship

In Brief

  • 1 Night Paris
  • 1 Night Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • 2 Nights Verona
  • 7 Nights S.S. La Venezia

About

Recommended for:
Rail journey | River cruise

Having undergone a full redesign in 2020, S.S. La Venezia offers unparalleled luxury as she sails among the gems of Northern Italy. Pair this special cruise with a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a holiday to remember. Board the train's iconic blue-and-gold carriages to enjoy all-inclusive fine dining as you sweep through France and Switzerland to Verona. Here you'll discover the romantic side of the city with a two-night stay at a five-star hotel, before settling into your luxurious stateroom aboard S.S. La Venezia. Visit Chioggia and the Venetian Islands, with included tours throughout to help you get to know the hidden treasures of this picturesque region.

This journey is also available to book as a river cruise only.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
London to Paris

Today, you'll begin your journey to Paris in London's St. Pancras International as you board the Eurostar. Travelling in Business Premier, you'll be treated to lounge access as well as a meal by Raymond Blanc before you sweep through the beautiful countryside and into the French capital. Alternatively, we can arrange a flight from your local airport to Paris. On arrival, a short transfer will take you to your luxury boutique hotel, located in the 8th Arondissement of Paris's Golden Triangle. From here, discover the city's myriad highlights, including the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and of course the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Stay: Hotel Bowmann, Paris (Deluxe)

Day 2
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Verona

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll board the famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and settle into your plush private cabin. This evening, you'll dine in the restaurant car, where white-gloved waiters will serve you a sumptuous four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board by a talented team of chefs. After dinner, perhaps head to the bar car for a night cap, then retire to your cabin which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Days 3-4
Verona

Wake to a Continental breakfast in your cabin or suite before settling back to take in views of the Swiss Alps an Italian Dolomites before your arrival in Verona, where you'll be met and transferred to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay. Just moments away from Juliet's balcony and Verona's highlights – including the Arena di Verona – you're perfectly located to discover everything this romantic city has to offer. While you're here, you'll enjoy an included private tour with skip-the-line access to the Arena, as well as plenty of time to sample regional delicacies and fine Italian wine as you wander the maze of pretty laneways and hidden plazas.

Stay: Due Torri Hotel, Verona (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 5
Verona to Venice

On your final morning in Verona, you'll take a private transfer to Venice to join S.S. La Venezia at San Basilio cruise pier. Recently renovated, this luxurious ship is inspired by Venetian culture, and features three dining venues, a spa, lounge and bar to help you make the most of your Italian sojourn. Settle into your luxurious stateroom or suite, and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian lagoon, perhaps heading to the upper duck to watch the sun set over the water.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)

Meals: B D

Day 6
Venice

Today you'll disembark in Venice for two featured excursions to help you get to know the city. An expert guide will take you on a walking tour of the iconic sights and hidden treasures of its floating laneways, while back onboard the ship, you'll take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon. This evening, a private after-hours visit to Saint Mark's Basilica is a highlight – see the spectacular church in the evening light and without the crowds. And, before retiring to your room for the night, enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner. 

Read our blog for an insider's guide to life aboard S.S La Venezia.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 7
Venice, Mazzorbo

Start your morning in one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to join a walk in Venice to meet a local gondola artisan before reboarding the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon heading towards Mazzorbo and Burano.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 8
Mazzorbo, Burano

We spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 9
Chioggia

Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market. There is a wide choice of excursions available, including a Chioggia Market Visit, a Biking Chioggia excursion, a visit to Castello del Catajo or Bragozzo Ride with Tastings at Ca’ Zen or Noble Country Villas.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 10
Chioggia, Venice

This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 11
Venice

Today you're back in Venice with a choice of fascinating tours. Take a “Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour, where your guide – often the ship's chef – will see you to the covered fish market and culinary hotspots. Perhaps enjoy a gondola ride before rejoining your guide at a bacaro for the Venetian version of happy hour – ombra e cicchetti. Sip prosecco and sample crostini with salt cod spread as you watch the world go by. Alternatively, join a Rialto walking tour and explore the sites made famous by renowned intellectual and part-time playboy, Casanova. Back onboard, celebrate your final night with a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 12
Venice (Disembark)

After breakfast, disembark the ship and take your included private transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK.

Meals: B

Map

Pricing

Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Deluxe

12-day luxury rail & river cruise holiday
from £9,600 pp incl. flights

2025 departures

Low Season 2025

from £9,600 pp. incl. flights

High Season 2025

from £10,475 pp. incl. flights

Includes pre-cruise

  • Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris in Business Premier (or flight to Paris from your local airport)
    • 1-night accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Paris
    • Venice Simplon-Orient-Express overnight train from Paris to Verona in a Historic Cabin (please ask for upgrade options to Suites and Grande Suites)
    • 2-nights accommodation at 5-star hotel in Verona (3-nights in Verona on selected departure dates)
    • Private overseas transfers throughout
    • Private tour to Arena di Verona
    • Flight from Venice to UK

    Includes on board SS Venezia

    • 7-night cruise aboard SS La Venezia
    • Choice of daily excursions
    • Delicious farm-to-table cuisine
    • Unlimited beverages, including many premium spirits and wines
    • Outstanding service with one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios of any cruise line
    • Elegant and well-appointed riverview staterooms, with the finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds
    • Butler service in suites 
    • A variety of excursions led by English-speaking local experts
    • Onboard fitness centre, plus exercise and wellness classes
    • Shipwide Internet and Wi-Fi access
    • Onboard entertainment and enrichment

    Includes post-cruise 

    • Private transfer to Venice airport
    • Flight from Venice to the UK

    Price varies by departure date, pleas call for details. 

    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.

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