Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Northern Italy Cruise

Begin your journey to Paris in London's St. Pancras International as you board the Eurostar. Travelling in Business Premier, you'll be treated to lounge access as well as a meal by Raymond Blanc before sweeping through the beautiful French countryside and into the capital, Paris. Alternatively we can arrange a flight from your local airport to Paris. On arrival, a short private transfer will take you to your luxury boutique hotel, located in the heart of the 8th Arondissement of Paris's Golden Triangle. From here, you'll be set to discover the city's myriad highlights, including the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and of course the iconic Eiffel Tower.

This morning, enjoy a sumptuous and leisurely breakfast before being transferred to the train station where the blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will be waiting to welcome you. Settle into your wood-panelled cabin as you race across rural France before heading to the dining car for a four-course gourmet meal, served by attentive, white-gloved waiters. End your day with a drink or two in the bar car, then retire to your cabin, which you’ll find transformed to a bedroom by your steward.

Wake to a delicious breakfast of pastries, juices and fresh coffee in your cabin as first the Swiss Alps and then the Italian Dolomites rush by. Disembark in Verona, where you’ll be met for a private transfer to your five-star hotel and prepare for two memorable days exploring the delights of ‘Shakespeare’s city’. Indeed, be sure to take in the likes of Juliet’s balcony before enjoying skip-the-line access and a private tour of one of Italy’s most prestigious music venues – the Arena di Verona. 

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take a private transfer to Venice where you’ll board your ship – the S.S. La Venezia. Fully refurbished, and with decks named after the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, it’s an opulent home to three restaurants, a spa, a lounge and bar – the perfect home-from-home for your cruise through northern Italy.

Before departing Venice, you’ll have a day to explore the myriad wonders of Italy’s floating city, as an expert guide helps you to untangle the secrets and myths of its iconic waterways. There’s also time for a very special after-hours private tour of St Mark’s Basilica. End the day in style with a Captain’s Welcome Reception and delicious celebratory dinner.

Start your morning with a visit to one of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to join a walk in Venice to meet a local gondola artisan before a scenic cruise across the lagoon towards Mazzorbo and Burano. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

The day is devoted to exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its varied islands. After visiting Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian, we will stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and then the colourful island of Burano. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the world-famous glassblowing artisans of Murano at work

Today, you’ll explore the greatest sites of coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market. A choice of activities is on offer, including a visit to one of Europe’s most splendid castles - Castello del Catajo. Alternatively, join a sommelier to learn about the history of winemaking in the Veneto region, with private tastings at Dominio di Bagnoli, one of the oldest wine producing properties in Europe.

This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during a leisurely lunch, we cruise back to Venice.

Cruise back to Venice for a choice of superb excursions – the first a ‘do as the locals do’ appreciation of the city’s markets and culinary hotspots in the company of a guide, often the ship’s head chef. Alternatively, take a walking tour to Rialto Bridge and visit the sites made famous by renowned intellectual and playboy – Casanova. In the evening, a Captain’s farewell dinner will see you end your cruise in style.

Disembark after breakfast and head to the airport for your flight to the UK.