While traditionally, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express ends its season in October, this year sees some additional departures. Running throughout December, it’s the perfect chance to pair a journey on the world’s most iconic train with luxury stays in two of Europe’s greatest cities as they make their preparations for the festive season. Indeed, having hopped across the English Channel, you’ll begin with a night in the heart of historic Paris at one of its most glamorous hotels. Then, having taken in the sights, you’ll board the train for a journey to savour, heading across the heart of alpine Europe accompanied by a full spread of art-deco fineries, bar-car delights and festive menus designed by French chef, Jean Imbert. Finally, you’ll wrap things up in Venice with two nights at the luxurious Baglioni Hotel Luna.
Your festive journey begins at London St Pancras where you’ll board the Eurostar for a Business Premier cross-Channel hop to Paris complete with Raymond Blanc-designed meals and an accompanying glass of champagne. On arrival, a private transfer will see you to your luxury hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore its myriad attractions, from the iconic Eiffel Tower to those delightful side-street cafes, all dressed in the season’s finery.
Hotel Les Dames du Pantheon
Hotel les Dames du Pantheon
Paris in December
Paris in December
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Gare de L’Est where the famous blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express await. Having been shown to your Historic Cabin, or suite if you’ve decided to upgrade, you’ll settle down to enjoy sweeping views of rural France as you head towards to Alps. It’s all accompanied by a full spread of fine-dining delights, from a sumptuous lunch to a decadent dinner, with festive menus designed by acclaimed chef, Jean Imbert. Then, as the day draws to a close, be sure to head to the bar car for night-cap drinks served to the sound of the resident pianist. Your day ends back in your cabin, which has been transformed to a sleeping compartment by your attentive steward.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Wake to a delicious Continental breakfast served in your cabin as the sights of Northern Italy rush by. You’ll then have time to relax before brunch and your arrival into Venice, signalled by the vast, island-dotted blue of the Venetian Lagoon. Once you’ve arrived and disembarked, a private water taxi transfer will see you to your luxury hotel – the world-renowned Baglioni Luna. You’ll have two nights here to soak up the sights and sounds of the city, from the likes of St Mark’s Square, decked out in Christmas lights, to boutique festive markets hidden among those iconic waterways. It’s also a wonderful place to pick up a few last-minute gifts for family and friends.
Breakfast included
Baglioni Hotel Luna
St Mark's Square, Venice
After a final delicious breakfast, your private water taxi will see you to the airport in time for your flight home.
Breakfast included
"The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is, for me, the world's finest rail holiday. So, we were delighted when it was announced that, for 2022, its season was being extended beyond its traditional end in October to include departures in both November and December. And, of course, it's the December dates that have got us most excited as, for the first time, you'll have the opportunity to pair the iconic glamour and five-star service of the train itself with stays in both Paris and Venice amid all their festive finery. It's the perfect pre-Christmas break. "
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist