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

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) 

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)

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

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.

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.