Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice & Brussels to London

Your holiday begins in relaxing style with included UK airport lounge access before your short flight to Venice. Upon arrival, you’ll take a private transfer to your luxurious accommodation for the next two nights, the elegant Hotel Metropole, located on the edge of the Venetian Lagoon. The hotel offers a front-row seat to the picturesque canals, and is a stone's throw from the historic charm of St. Mark’s Square and the renowned cafés of Piazza San Marco.

Step into your beautifully appointed room, where opulence meets Oriental inspired grandeur, with antique furniture, Murano glass chandeliers, and decadent décor. After a day of exploring the timeless canals and landmarks, indulge in the hotel’s exquisite culinary offerings at the Orientalbar & Bistrot, including specialties such as the signature lobster risotto and grilled fish, complemented by an exceptional wine list.

This morning, take the time to relax, perhaps enjoying an Italian coffee in the hotel's garden courtyard. Then it's time to explore dazzling Venice – we’ve included a private walking tour today with an expert guide who’ll show you the city’s treasures as well as some its unexplored gems. You'll finish with queue-jump entry to the Gothic delights of the Doge’s Palace, where theatrical sculptures and marble décor give way to gold-encrusted frescoes.

Then, you've got a free afternoon to discover the rest of the city's offerings, perhaps enjoying a casual lunch in one of the many waterside trattorias before taking a gondola ride among the winding waterways, learning about Murano’s glass-blowing heritage, or simply enjoying a glass of fine Italian wine in a piazza-side cafe. 

Today sees you leave the splendours of Venice behind as you embark on an included water taxi transfer to the Venezia Santa Lucia Station where you'll step aboard the iconic blue-and-gold of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll begin the journey in style as you’re welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and an exquisite three-course lunch in the restaurant car. It’s outside that truly stuns, however, as you pass through the rural fields of Northern Italy en route to Austria and the spectacular Brenner Pass. You'll then trace the snow-capped peaks and mountain meadows of central Europe's Alpine ranges, crossing the Arlberg Pass en route to Switzerland.

As the drama outside unfolds, you'll tuck into a sumptuous selection of pastries served in your oak-panelled cabin, or, the fineries of the train's new Grand Suites, which come complete with double bed and en-suite bathroom. In the evening, freshen up for a four-course dinner in the elegant dining car, where your waiter will serve the likes of Brittany lobster and saltmarsh lamb, all paired with a selection of the world’s finest wines.  

Begin your last day on board with breakfast in your cabin, stopping briefly at Paris’ Gare du Nord before tucking into a delicious brunch as you speed towards Brussels. On arrival make your way to centrally located hotel, close to the stunning architecture of the Grand Place, and its gastronomic haunts and cellar bars.

In the evening relax in your hotels Bar A, where stars of stage and screen have walked across its polished parquet floors, sipped well-crafted cocktails by candlelight, and left behind mementos, like the signed portraits that grace the walls today 

Sitting at a cultural crossroads of French, Dutch and Flemish traditions, Brussels combines old-world grandeur with modern cosmopolitan charm. From Dutch guildhalls and art nouveau homes to towering glass edifices, the city’s skyline is a reflection of its multicultural roots.

The Grand Place is a natural starting point, with its ornate guild houses and gothic town hall. From there, it’s a short stroll to the Musée Magritte and the stunning BOZAR, not far from the Royal Palace, and when it’s time for a breather, order a proper Belgian hot chocolate or a swift half of the local brew. 

Today make your way back to Brussels Midi station to board the Eurostar to speed across the English Channel, ending your journey at London St Pancras Station. Alternatively ask your consultant for details of returning to the UK by plane.