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Saone river, Lyon, France

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Lyon & Venice

7-day luxury rail journey from £5,480 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

Combine the world's most luxurious train with the flavours of Lyon and Venice

Highlights

  • Enjoy a guided walk through Lyon with gastronomic tastings at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
  • Taste local delicacies with dinner at a "Bouchon Lyonnais" restaurant
  • Step back in time on a new route of the world's most glamorous rail experiences
  • Experience culinary excellence created by on-board French chefs
  • Enjoy discrete, white gloved butler service

In Brief

  • 3 Nights Lyon
  • 1 Night Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • 2 Nights Venice

About

Recommended for:
Food & wine | History & culture | Rail journey

Enjoy a slice of the high life as you pair the world's most iconic train with the glamour of France and Italy – a  journey not to be missed. It all begins with a flight to Lyon, where you'll enjoy a stay at Grand Hotel des Terreaux, one of the city's most stylish hotels. Then, after days spent exploring the myriad delights of Lyon, you'll board those famous blue-and-gold carriages for an overnight journey via the south of France to Venice. End your trip with a stay at one of Venices' most sought-after hotels – the ideal base from which to explore the floating city.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
UK to Lyon

You'll begin your trip in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Lyon. You'll be met on arrival by a private transfer for the scenic journey to your hotel - a boutique retreat dripping in Lyonnais sophistication and ideally positioned for you to make the most of your stay. Once you've settled in, take a stroll along the banks of the Rhône and Saône, or take in the culinary scene and medieval architecture. Our specialists can help you with recommendations if required.

Stay: Grand Hotel des Terreaux, Lyon (Superior) 

Days 2-3
Lyon

After breakfast, meet your guide for a private walking tour of Lyon, ending aptly at the famous gastronomic market Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, with tastings of local food products. After an afternoon at your leisure, join an evening dinner cruise on the Rhône river, sampling cuisine from the capital of French gastronomy.

The following day you are free to explore the city, perhaps joining a private guided tour visiting a silk workshop and the Musée des Canuts. The term "canut" refers to the silk weavers who were involved in the production of silk textiles. The museum showcases tools, machines, and techniques used, offering a glimpse into the intricate process of creating silk fabrics, particularly during the 19th century when Lyon was a major silk production centre. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner in a “Bouchon Lyonnais” restaurant.

Stay: Grand Hotel des Terreaux, Lyon (Superior)

Meals: B D

Day 4
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

After a morning of relaxation and a final chance to explore Lyon, a private transfer will whisk you to the station where the gleaming blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express await. Once aboard, you'll settle into your lavish cabin, dress for dinner and make your way to one of the ornate restaurant cars for seasonal delicacies prepared by the Chef Imbert and his talented team. Expect dining inspired by the seasons, all paired with fine wines – a truly memorable gourmet adventure. After dinner, Bar Car ‘3674’ is calling. Mingle with your fellow guests over a digestif to the sounds of the resident pianist. Meanwhile, your cabin has been transformed into a bedroom, ready to welcome you for a good night's sleep.

Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Meals: B D

Days 5-6
Venice

You’ll begin today with a continental breakfast served in your cabin or suite, accompanied by views of alpine Europe. It’s then time to sit back and relax as the bucolic landscapes of northern Italy rush by. On board, the exquisite dining continues, with a sumptuous brunch served in the dining car. Finally, you’ll cross the Venetian Lagoon, disembarking at Santa Lucia Station where a water taxi will be waiting to take you to your hotel, a luxurious, canal-side palace complete with rooftop terrace and gorgeous lagoon views.

The next day is free for you to explore the sights of Venice, perhaps taking in the iconic delights of St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces – or heading out to the islands of Murano and Burano to explore the region’s fabulous food and glass-making traditions. Be sure to take a gondola among the city’s famous waterways, and stroll atmospheric back streets, pausing to enjoy a coffee or gelato. There’s Harry’s Bar, of course, but we recommend a visit to Hotel Metropole for your Bellini – frequented by none other than Hemmingway himself.

Stay: Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 7
Depart for UK

After breakfast at your hotel, perhaps take a final stroll around St Marks Square before a private watertaxi transfer sees you to Venice airport for your flight home. 

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: Superior Deluxe

7-day luxury rail journey
from £5,480 pp incl. flights

Deluxe - Historic Cabin

08 Aug

from £5,480 pp. incl. flights

12 May

from £6,115 pp. incl. flights

Includes

  • One way flight from UK to Lyon
  • Private arrival transfer from Lyon airport to hotel
  • 3-nights accommodation in Lyon on a BB basis
  • Half day private guided walking tour of Lyon
  • River cruise with dinner
  • 3-day Lyon City Card giving free access to 27 museums / unlimited access to public transport and other discounts
  • Bouchon Lyonnais traditional restaurant dinner
  • Private departure transfer from hotel to Lyon station
  • Lyon to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express included selected meals prepared by onboard chefs
  • Shared arrival transfer from Venice Santa Lucia Station to hotel
  • 2 nights accommodation in Venice on a BB basis
  • Private departure watertaxi from hotel to Venice Marco Polo airport
  • One way flight from Venice to UK

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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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0796 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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