Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice to London

This is the world’s ultimate rail journey, bringing you in unmatched style between Venice and London aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It all begins with a stay at your chosen five-star hotel, a luxurious base for exploring the treasures of Italy’s floating city, the highlights of which you’ll see on an included private walking tour, complete with priority entry to the Doge’s Palace.

It’s then time to transfer to the Venezia Santa Lucia station where you’ll step onboard those famous blue-and-gold carriages to begin your journey home. Start with a sumptuous three-course lunch, served amid the splendour of the dining car as you make your way across northern Italy to the Dolomites and across the border into Austria and the spectacular Brenner Pass. The scenery only gets more impressive as you trace the snow-crusted peaks and pretty meadows of alpine Europe, en route to the Arleberg Pass and your crossing into Switzerland. As the drama unfolds outside, tuck into a selection of pastries in your cabin, then prepare for the gourmet delights of your four-course evening meal, again served in the dining car. Then, as the evening comes to an end, perhaps enjoy a night-cap in the bar car before settling back into your cabin, which our steward will have converted into a bedroom.

The next morning, wake to breakfast in your cabin, pausing briefly in Paris before a delicious brunch sees you on to Calais where you’ll disembark for your trip across the Channel. Finally, wrap things up in style with a trip on the Belmond British Pullman which, with a afternoon tea included, will see you safely back to London’s Victoria Station.