Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Paris & Portofino

It all begins at London St Pancras International with a hop across the Channel on Eurostar, arriving in Paris' Gare du Nord station at your chosen time. It is also possible to fly to Paris – if you prefer, speak with your specialist who can adapt the itinerary to best suit your preferences.

On arrival, transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. A perfect place to call home for the night, Hotel Bowmann has a lot going for it. With bags of Parisian charm, a luxurious on-site spa and refined restaurant, you'll be ideally positioned to make the most of your time in the City of Love.

Your morning begins with a leisurely breakfast before you have some time to enjoy the morning in Paris. Explore the city at your own pace taking in the many iconic sights. Perhaps tick off the likes of the Eiffel Tower, Panthéon or the Louvre, or spend the day enjoying a wine-paired lunch in one of the city's many sophisticated restaurants. Your hotel's concierge desk can make tailored suggestions should you wish. Alternatively, simply relax or enjoy a treatment at the hotel's luxurious spa, winding down as the anticipation builds for your departure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

This afternoon, you'll be acquainted with the legendary carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as you board the luxury train, transporting into a world of glamour, prestige and opulence from a bygone era. Everything from the delicate wood-panelled stylings of the vintage cabins to the Art Nouveau interior of the Bar Car creates a wonderful atmosphere evocative of the golden age of travel. Enjoy afternoon tea complete with pastries, coffee and an extensive tea selection as you depart Paris on your journey south through France. Then, as evening draws in, enjoy a glass of champagne or a refreshing aperitif in Bar Car ‘3674’ before being treated to a delicious four-course dinner, inspired by the train's route and served with superlative white-gloved service as you wind past the compelling cities of Dijon, Lyon and Avignon to reach Toulon on the sparkling Mediterranean coast. Enjoy a postprandial drink in the convivial Bar Car enhanced by the baby grand piano, before retiring to your cabin as you head overnight towards Italy.

Begin your morning with a continental breakfast served to your cabin or suite, accompanied by the passing backdrops of the south of France from your cabin window. Then, take a back seat as you continue through scenic towns and villages over the border into Italy. Your relaxing morning merges into a leisurely three-course lunch in the dining car followed by afternoon tea. Finally, you'll arrive on the outskirts of Genoa where, after disembarking, your pre-booked transfer will be waiting to transport you to your hotel in the enchanting fishing village of Portofino, located in a beautiful cove lined with bright colour-washed houses.

Tucked into the curve of Portofino harbour is the stylish Splendido Mare, your home for the next three nights. On the town's main piazzetta, there's no better spot from which to enjoy the cafés, gelaterias, restaurants and sights of one of the most stylish marina villages in Italy. Spend your days exploring Portofino and its pretty surroundings – perhaps take to the waves for a leisurely sail beyond the harbour on a traditional gozzo. Back at the hotel, you can split your time between the stunning hillside tennis courts, heated swimming pool and the indulgent wellness centre and spa.

Stay: Belmond Hotel Splendido Mare, Portofino

Enjoy a final breakfast served either in your room or on the restaurant's terrace in the heart of the piazzetta. Depart Portofino with an included transfer to Milan for your return flight to the UK.