Summary
Short description
Combine a luxury cruise around the treasures of Northern Italy with the world's most iconic rail journey
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Highlights
- Enjoy all-inclusive, gourmet dining on board your luxury river ship
- Explore Venice – the Floating City – home to world-famous art & museums
- Sail between Choggia, the Venetian Islands and the Po river delta
- Discover historical Verona including a private tour of the famous Arena di Verona
- Indulge on the world's most luxurious train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
In Brief
- 2 Nights Venice
- 2 Nights Burano
- 2 Nights Chioggia
- 1 Night Venice
- 2 Nights Verona
- 1 Night Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
October holidays | Rail journey | River cruise | September holidays
This is one of the world's great rail and cruise combinations, pairing the unique artistry and culture of Northern Italy with a journey aboard Europe's most glamorous train. Flying to Venice, you'll settle into your stateroom aboard the recently reimagined S.S. La Venezia to experience the charms of the Venetian Islands, stopping off in Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello to enjoy everything from wine estate tours to traditional lace workshops. It's then on to Verona where a private tour will introduce you to the city's acclaimed amphitheatre before you step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an unforgettable journey across the Continent.
Read our blog for an insider's guide to life aboard S.S La Venezia.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Venice
Enjoy included airport lounge access before flying to Venice to board 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: D
Day
2
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.
Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Venice, Mazzorbo
Choose to spend the morning in either Vicenza or Padua, two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk in Venice to meet a local gondola artisan before a scenic cruise sailing across the lagoon, heading towards Mazzorbo and Burano.
Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia
We will spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its varied islands. After a visit to Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian, we will stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and then the colourful 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
5
Chioggia
Today, you'll explore the charming coastal area of Chioggia, including a stop at the lively local market. A choice of activities is on offer, including a visit to one of Europe’s most majestic castle - Castello del Catajo - or join a sommelier to learn about the long history of winemaking in the Veneto region, with a visit to Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe, for a private tasting.
Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Chioggia
In the morning you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet on on a sailing excursion. Later, during lunch, you'll set sail again for Venice.
Stay: S.S. La Venezia (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Venice
Back in Venice you'll have 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
Days
8-9
Verona
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Verona where you'll spend the next two nights. You'll have ample time to get a taste for its myriad highlights, ranging from its Shakespearean treasures to its spectacular Roman amphitheatre – the Arena di Verona – which you'll explore in the company of an expert guide.
Stay: Due Torri Hotel, Verona (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
10
Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
In the afternoon we’ll whisk you to the station where you’ll step aboard the famous blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Settle into your private cabin where you'll unpack your tuxedo and evening gown. Then, order some champagne and luxuriate in the history and tradition of it all as you're treated to views of the Dolomites during a sumptuous three-course lunch in one of the elegant dining cars. Following a relaxing afternoon, dress for dinner, mingle in the Bar car and order a signature cocktail while you listen to period pieces performed on the baby grand piano. Finally, settle down to a four-course, wine-paired feast, dining on dishes inspired by the train's route as you head across alpine Switzerland.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Arrival in Paris and return to the UK
Wake to more stunning views as you sweep across northern France towards the capital, Paris. Then, prepare to disembark as the train pulls into Paris and head to the nearby Gare du Nord for your Eurostar journey to London St Pancras. If you wish to extend your experience with a stay in Paris, please speak to one of our specialists for the options available.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
11-day luxury rail & river cruise holiday
from £8,125 pp incl. flights
2026 departures
Special Offer
Early booking offer : Save up to £1,200 pp.
Book by: 31 January 2025
Low Season 2026
from £8,125 pp. incl. flights
High Season 2026
from £9,730 pp. incl. flights
Departure dates in 2026:
- 19th April
- 5th July
- 30th August
- 25th October
- Please call for details of other dates between April and October 2026 with longer or shorter stays in Verona
Includes
- Scheduled flight from UK to Venice
- 7-night cruise aboard SS La Venezia
- 2 nights accommodation at 5-star hotel in Verona with daily breakfast
- Private tour of Arena di Verona
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express overnight train from Verona to Paris in a Historic Cabin (please ask for upgrade options to Suites and Grande Suites)
- Eurostar from Paris to London St Pancras in Business Premier (or scheduled flight from Paris to your local UK airport)
- Private transfers overseas throughout apart from in Paris
SS La Venezia cruise includes:
- All meals onboard, featuring delicious farm-to-table cuisine
- Unlimited beverages, including many premium spirits and wines
- Butler service in suites
- A variety of excursions led by English-speaking local experts
- Shipwide Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Onboard entertainment and enrichment programme
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
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