Summary
Short description
Experience the very best in luxury European rail travel
British Airways Sale
The British Airways Sale is now on, with fantastic savings to a host of worldwide destinations. Book by 1 Oct 2024.
Highlights
- Step back to travel's Golden Age
- Prelude your rail experience with stay in the heart of romantic Paris
- Dine In style with gourmet meals served in the elegant restaurant car
- Relax and soak up stunning alpine views
- End with a luxury stay among the wonders of Venice
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
March holidays | Rail journey
Experience what is the ultimate in European luxury rail travel – the iconic southbound journey from Paris to Venice aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You'll get things underway with a Eurostar hop, or flight, from the UK to the French capital, where you’ll prepare for your adventure with a night of pampering in a city-centre hotel. It’s then time to board the world's most famous train for a journey of a lifetime across the Alps to Italy's floating city, enjoying classic fine dining and drinks served in the elegant surroundings of the bar car. You’ll end your holiday with two nights in Venice itself, staying at the legendary Baglioni Hotel Luna.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Paris
Your journey begins with a Eurostar hop across the Channel, travelling from London’s St Pancras International to Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris. Do let us know if you’d prefer to fly, however, as our specialists will happily arrange travel from any regional UK airport with flights to the French capital.
On arrival, make your way to your choice of city-centre hotels. Our deluxe version is a particular highlight – a boutique spa retreat dripping in Parisian sophistication and ideally positioned for you to make the most of your stay in the City of Lights. Alternatively, choose our superior offering for a prime spot alongside the majestic Pantheon. Once you've settled in, take a stroll along the banks of the Seine, pause for coffee in Montmartre or dine in style at your hotel or one of Paris's esteemed restaurants. Our specialists can help you with recommendations if required.
Stay: Hotel Les Dames du Pantheon, Paris (Superior) or Hotel Bowmann, Paris (Deluxe)
Day
2
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then spend a free day in Paris, taking things at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll explore the sights, take cruise along the Seine or head out for a lazy, wine-paired lunch. Whichever you choose, as the day ticks by the excitement will build towards your evening departure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Indeed, once you’ve boarded those iconic blue-and-gold carriages, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to another time. From the Art-Deco fineries of the bar car to the wood-panelled stylings of the cabins and suites, every detail speaks of the glamour of travel’s golden age. Tonight, you’ll be treated to the first of your included meals – a multi-course dining experience inspired by the train’s route and served by attentive staff in the ever-so-elegant restaurant car. Then, after a night-cap, you’ll retire to your accommodation as the train heads ever onward towards the Alps.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Day
3
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 and first the mighty peaks of the Dolomites and then 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 whisk you to your chosen hotel. Our superior options effortlessly blends modern and traditional elements with Grand Canal views, while our deluxe option is a luxurious, canal-side palace complete with rooftop terrace and gorgeous lagoon views.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio, Venice (Superior) or Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
4
Venice
Today 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 – the service is better and Hemmingway himself preferred it.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio, Venice (Superior) or Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
5
Venice to UK
Your holiday comes to an end today, with a final water taxi transfer to the airport and a flight home to the UK.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
5-day luxury rail journey
from £4,385 pp incl. flights
Historic Cabin / Superior Hotels 2024
Nov / Dec
from £4,385 pp. incl. flights
Aug / Sep / Oct
from £4,935 pp. incl. flights
Mar / Apr
from £5,450 pp. incl. flights
May / Jun / Jul
from £5,455 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris Gare Du Nord in Business Premier Class or flight from your local airport to Paris
- 1-night 4-star Paris accommodation with breakfast
- Paris to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express in a Historic cabin
- Selected meals and drinks prepared by onboard chefs
- Shared water taxi from Venice Santa Lucia Station to hotel
- 2-nights 4-star Venice accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private water taxi from hotel to Venice Marco Polo airport
- Flight from Venice to the UK
Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express available - please ask your consultant for details
During the Paris Olympics (26 Jul - 11 Aug) and Paris Paralympics (28 Aug - 08 Sep), accommodation and Eurostar journeys will be in high demand, and longer minimum stays may be required at Paris hotels.
2024 departure schedule Paris to Venice (Historic Cabin availability will vary depending on date)
Mar 07 / 14 / 21 / 28 | Apr 04 / 11 / 25 | May 05 / 08 / 20 | Jun 27 | Jul 01 / 11 | Aug 03 / 13 | Sep 05 / 22 | Oct 06 / 22 | Nov 01 / 19 / 23 / 28 | Dec 05 / 12 / 22
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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