Summary
Short description
The splendours of Florence and Northern Italy meet Switzerland's storybook scenery
Highlights
- Stay in river-side luxury with some of Florence's finest restaurants and headline-grabbing attractions on your doorstep
- Recall the Golden Age of travel onboard the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Experience white-glove service and all-inclusive meals onboard the luxurious train
- Take in the beauty of the Northern Italy
- View the spectacular Swiss Alps
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
April holidays | City | City-break | Food & wine | History & culture | Rail journey | Short break
This four-day Venice Simplon-Orient-Express holiday begins amid Florence's frescoed cathedrals and historic piazzas with a stay in a luxurious hotel. Then, after two days of city living, you’ll board those iconic blue-and-gold carriages for a journey of elegance across Europe, enjoying discreet, white-glove service and savouring all-inclusive wine-paired meals as you traverse the mountain meadows and chocolate box villages of the Swiss Alps, finishing your journey in Paris before a Eurostar hop to London.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Florence
Begin your trip in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Florence. On arrival, you'll be met by a private driver who'll bring you to your choice of exclusive accommodation. You’ll have the first day at leisure to acquaint yourself with Florence’s Renaissance charms. Wander its cobbled streets where heritage architecture peaks around every corner, take in an overview from the hilltop Piazzale Michelangelo or simply take some time out with a glass of Tuscan red and authentic food in one of its back-alley trattorias.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio Florence (Superior) or Hotel Lungarno, Florence (Deluxe)
Day
2
Florence
Today you have time to gaze upon the Gothic splendour of Giotto’s Campanile, or the Renaissance magnificence of the Florence Duomo. Admire stunning frescoes by Gaddi and Giotto at Santa Croce Basilica, or marvel at masterpieces including Michelangelo’s David, at the Accademia and Uffizi art galleries. After this feast of culture, tuck into mouth-watering Tuscan cuisine at a charming trattoria or designer eatery.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio Florence (Superior) or Hotel Lungarno, Florence (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Leave the splendours of Florence behind today as you head to the station to board the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before your night on board in your oak-panelled cabin. It's a special one, as you'll enjoy a four-course dinner, sampling everything from Brittany lobster to saltmarsh lamb, alongside, of course, an extensive fine wine list.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Paris to London
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in your cabin this morning at whichever time suits you, before disembarking at Paris’ Gare L'Est in the late-morning. Then, after a short taxi ride to Gare du Nord, you'll board to Eurostar to London.
Meals: B
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
4-day luxury rail holiday
from £2,215 pp incl. flights
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0796
You might also like
Showcase the splendour of one of Italy's most beautiful regions with a week of relaxation and exploration on the shores of the glittering Lake Maggiore.
Step back to the Grand Tours of the British gentry, pairing an opulent stay in the Italian Lakes with the Art-Deco extravagance of the world's most famous luxury rail journey.
