Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Venice’s Islands

After making the most of your complimentary lounge access, fly out to Venice where a luxury water-taxi transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your accommodation located in the former De Majo glass factory on the historical island of Murano, in the Venetian Lagoon. A short vaporetto ride to Venice city centre. You will be just metres from the Museo de Vetro, where you can learn about world-famous Murano's glass-blowing tradition. You’ll have today to relax with your hotel’s amenities, and explore Murano on foot to explore its history and smaller canal-way maze.

Stay: NH Collection Murano Villa (Superior)

Today you’ll be treated to a private, island-hopping package through the Venetian archipelago. It’s the chance to escape the city bustle, with your private transfers bringing you among the region’s artisanal trades. You’ll take in the glass-blowing industry of Murano and the lace-weaving workshops of Burano. As the first of the lagoon islands to be settled, it features a grand, mosaicked cathedral and a spectacularly domed church, dating to the 11th century. But it’s not just about the destinations – your ride in a private launch is at once scenic and delightfully exclusive.

Stay: NH Collection Murano Villa (Superior)

After a private water-taxi transfer, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – embarking the Orient Express at Venice’s Santa Lucia station. Your personal white-gloved steward will be there to show you to your cabin, all intricately carved marquetry and polished-wood fineries. Then, after rolling across the Venetian Lagoon, you’ll be treated to the first of your indulgent full-board meals with a three-course lunch. Expect the likes of Brittany lobster and Mont-Saint-Michel lamb to be served among the fine glasswork and lacquerware of the restaurant carriages. Then, you’ll be treated to pastries as you wind towards the Alps before a four-course dinner rounds off proceedings. Make sure to celebrate with a pianist-accompanied drink in the bar car.

You’ll wake up today to the French countryside at its rural best, enjoyed with a Continental breakfast served in the intimacy of your cabin. You’ll then have some time to relax and enjoy the view before you pause at Paris Gare du Nord, offering the chance to stretch your legs on the platform. Re-joining the train, you’ll enjoy an indulgent brunch as you wind on to the French coast. Here, you'll say goodbye to the Art Deco fineries of the Orient Express, taking a transfer to Lille where you'll board the Eurostar to London St Pancras and your journey's end.