Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Lake Como

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 city-centre accommodation – a boutique spa gem packed full of Parisian sophistication and ideally positioned for you to make the most of your stay in the City of Lights. Take a stroll along the banks of the Seine, pause for coffee in Montmartre or dine in style at your hotel.

Wake late, head for a delicious breakfast then enjoy a free day in Paris. Perhaps you’ll take in the sights, head out for a lazy, wine-paired lunch, or simply relax with a treatment at your hotel’s superb spa. 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.

With your compartment converted to plush berths as you dined the night before, you’ll awake well rested this morning, enjoying views of the Swiss Alps and a Continental breakfast served in the intimacy of your cabin. As the scenery levels out, you’ll have some time to admire rural Italy before it’s time for the next of your indulgent meals – a three-course lunch.

Then, arriving in Verona, consider pausing to explore its pretty piazzas and thousand-year-old Roman amphitheatre before your private transfer whisks you on to Lake Como. It’s a scenic drive, bringing you along the lake’s mountain-backed shores to arrive at your opulent hotel.

You’ll have four nights to rest up in the lap of luxury, staying in an Art Nouveau icon that, with a century-old history, has won high praise from legendary actress Greta Garbo. Indeed, it showcases the best views over the glittering  Lake Como from an array of superb facilities.

Expect everything from fine-dining terraces and private-balcony, lake-view rooms to a private beach, infinity spa and even a pool floating in the lake. But, you’ll also want to explore the nearby medieval castles, church towns and impossibly grand 18th-century villas. The most evocative way to see it all? From a Venetian water taxi, departing from your hotel’s private marina.

After a last indulgent breakfast, a final private transfer will see you the short distance to Milan. While you’ll be brought to the airport for your flight home, consider lingering a little longer to take in the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral, luxury boutiques and, yes, Da Vinci’s Last Supper.