This new route onboard the world's most famous train brings you from the ancient wonders of Rome, though the heart of alpine Europe, to London. Starting with a five-star stay in the Italian capital, you'll have a full day free to take in the sights, from the iconic Colosseum and Pantheon to the maze of pretty backstreets host to independent boutiques and locals' favourite cafes. Then, after stepping onboard the esteemed blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you'll head out across Austria’s alpine meadows and past snow-dusted mountain ranges, enjoying multi-course gourmet dining inspired by the route as well as the very best in discreet white-gloved service as you head to Paris, followed by the Eurostar to London.
Begin your trip in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Rome. On arrival, you'll be met by a private driver who'll bring you to your exclusive accommodation – the superb Anantara Palazzo Naiadi. Staying in neo-classical luxury where fine dining vies for your attention against spa indulgences, you'll be sited right among the ancient history of Rome, opposite the ancient Baths of Diocletian, and overlooking Piazza della Repubblica. Walking distance to highlights like Via Veneto, and the fashionable Monti district - all close enough to take in without getting footsore.
Baglioni Hotel Regina
Baglioni Hotel Regina
You’ve got today free to explore Rome's café scene, fashion shopping and ancient Colosseum wonders. The 2nd-century Pantheon’s austere façade contrasts with the grand Baroque flourishes of Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona. Further highlights include a trip to the Vatican City for St. Peter’s Basilica, a true Renaissance masterpiece.
Breakfast included
Rome
Borghese Gardens, Rome
Rome, Italy
Leave the splendours of Rome behind today as you head to the station to board the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine as you travel through the hills and vines of the Tuscan countryside towards Florence, after a brief stop enjoy a three-course lunch in the restaurant car as you take in outside’s grandeur. Delight at chocolate box Swiss villages among the deep river valleys and rolling hills before the snow-dusted mountains and picturesque meadows dominate the landscape. Then, enjoy pastries served in your oak-panelled cabin, before you prepare for your night on board. It's a special one, as you'll enjoy a four-course dinner, sampling everything from Brittany lobster to saltmarsh lamb, alongside, of course, an extensive fine wine list.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Cabin, Venice Simplon-Orient Express
Piano Dining Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Cote D'Azur Dining Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in your cabin this morning before arriving into Paris, where you'll transfer to the Eurostar for the final leg of your journey home.
Breakfast included
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Eurostar
"A new and spectacular route for 2021. You'll begin with a five-star stay in Italy's capital city – before boarding the famous blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – for me a real trip highlight. It's then that this journey really comes into its own as you head north towards Austria and the high mountain passes of Brenner and Arlberg, before dropping down through Switzerland and Paris en route to London."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist