DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: London Victoria to board the Venice Simplon Orient Express

You depart from London Victoria railway station in the late morning on board this iconic British Pullman train, with lunch on board before reaching the coast. You cross by Eurotunnel to Calais and then board the continental train. Dinner is taken en-route to Paris and whilst having dinner, your cabin steward transforms your day cabin into your cosy sleeping quarters for the night.

Day 2: Arrive in Venice

By breakfast time you are in Switzerland and depending on the route, may watch Lake Zurich pass as the train continues on its journey towards the Arlberg and Innsbruck. This is a spectacular journey and lunch is enjoyed before you cross the Brenner Pass into Italy and descending towards Verona. There is time for tea on board before you reach Venice Santa Lucia station in the late afternoon. Upon arrival in Venice you are transferred to your hotel in the city, by private deluxe transfer.

Days 3 & 4: In Venice

You have two full days in Venice to enjoy this magical city. More than a city, Venice “La Serenissima” is an enchantress. Take the time to discover her winding streets, canals, quiet squares and lively waterfronts. To make the most of your time in Venice, it’s worth dividing the city into areas or themes.

The obvious place to start is at St Mark’s Square, best appreciated whilst sipping a Venetian coffee at Florian’s. St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile can all be visited. The magnificent churches of Venice are worth seeking out: Santa Maria della Salute, Santi Giovanni e Paolo, and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (with works by Titian), Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the Gesuiti.

The Jewish quarter can be found just off the Strada Nova to the north of the city and gives you a rare insight into the history of the Jewish community in Venice. There is a clutch of art galleries to be enjoyed including the Ca’ Pesaro, the Ca’ d’Oro, the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Scuola di San Rocco and for modern art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The streets of Venice also contain a treasure trove of tiny artisan shops selling glassware, masks, lace and silk, and shoes.

To absorb the magic of Venice from the water, treat yourself to a ride in a gondola. Across the lagoon and reached by vaporetto are the islands of Burano, home to lace-making and fishermen and Murano, where master craftsmen offer demonstrations of glass-making before you enter their shops.

Day 5: Venice to London

There are a number of options for your journey home. We can include a one-way flight with British Airways from Venice Marco Polo to London or to a regional airport of your choice, or we can arrange for you to travel back to London by train, breaking the journey with an overnight stop in Zurich before the last leg with the fast Lyria service to Paris and on to London St Pancras by Eurostar. This option adds another night and day to the holiday.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing a 2-berth cabin on the Venice Simplon Orient Express train and en-suite accommodation in Venice on a bed and breakfast basis.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.