2025 departures:
save up to £795 pp
– ends 31 May
The British Airways Sale is now on, with superb savings to a wide range of destinations. Book by 20 May 2025.
The world’s most iconic rail journey from London to Venice is just as spectacular in reverse, pairing the Art Deco elegance of its restored 1920s carriages with views out to some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery. You’ll start among the fresco-lined buildings of historic Venice, with included priority entry to Doge’s Palace and a stay in a palatial hotel whose gilded furnishings play host to an exquisite restaurant headed up by a Michelin-starred chef. Then, after stepping onboard the esteemed blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you'll traverse Austria’s alpine meadows and snow-capped mountain ranges, enjoying multi-course gourmet dining and the very best in discreet white-gloved service as you head to Paris from where the Eurostar will see you back to London.
You’ll start your holiday in relaxing fashion with a complimentary lounge access before boarding the short flight to Venice and transferring to your hotel for the next two nights, the spectacular canal-side Hotel Metropole. Views of San Giorgio Island reveal a more peaceful and less frequented side of Venice, while you are still a short walk from the heritage beauty of St. Mark’s Square and the Bellini cocktails of Harry’s Bar.
If you can tear yourself away from the Oriental allure of your sophisticated room, perhaps make the most of the hotel's garden courtyard – a real unique feature in Venice – where, surrounded by fragrant orange trees and jasmines, you can enjoy al-fresco aperitifs.
Oriental Bar at Hotel Metropole
Balcony, Hotel Metropole
This morning, take the time to relax – perhaps enjoying breakfast in the garden courtyard – before 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.
Breakfast included
Venice canals
Doge's Palace, Venice
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Restaurant, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Austrian Alps
Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Raise the blind to look out over an entirely different landscape. Take breakfast in your cabin after your private steward has turned it back into a plush seating area in a trice. Then, relax as the scenery of France rushes by, accompanied by a delicious brunch served before you arrive in Paris.
As your journey draws to a close, make your way to Gare du Nord where you'll board the Eurostar back to London. Alternatively, speak to your specialist about flight options to a wide range of regional UK airports.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
"While the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's classic southbound route takes you right across the Swiss Alps, the return journey is just as spectacular. You'll begin with a five-star stay in Italy's floating city – expert guide and priority Doge's Palace entry included – before boarding those famous blue-and-gold carriages – 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
Mar / Apr 2025 from: £4,840 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £425 pp
Nov / Dec 2025 from: £4,840 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £795 pp
Jun / Jul / Aug / Oct 2025 from: £5,110 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £795 pp
May / Sep 2025 from: £5,885 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £425 pp
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates on selected dates between March and December.
Special offers available for all 2025 dates
Price includes:
Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express available - please ask your specialist for details
Mar / Dec 2026 from: £5,650 pp
Apr / Jul / Aug 2026 from: £5,650 pp
Jun / Oct / Nov 2026 from: £5,920 pp
May / Sep 2026 from: £5,920 pp
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates on selected dates between March and December.
Special offers available for all 2026 dates
Price includes:
Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express available - please ask your specialist for details