Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & the Venetian Islands

Arrive in Venice in true style, greeted by your private host before stepping aboard a sleek luxury water taxi. As you skim across the lagoon towards Murano, the city’s storied palaces and glittering canals unfold around you – an unforgettable introduction to Italy’s most enchanting floating masterpiece.

Your luxurious retreat awaits on the serene glass‑blowing island itself, set on the edge of the Venetian Lagoon. Once home to the historic De Majo glass factory, the hotel beautifully preserves its artisanal heritage, from evocative architectural details to the original furnace chimney – a characterful reminder of Murano’s centuries‑old craft tradition.

Stay: NH Collection Murano Villa

Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy complimentary use of the hotel’s private shuttle boat, offering seamless access to the timeless splendours of Venice, including the iconic landmarks of St Mark’s Square. Back on Murano, you’re perfectly placed to wander between artisan glass‑making studios, where centuries‑old techniques are still practiced today.

And, when the mood takes you, there's a vaporetto on hand to whisk you easily across the lagoon to neighbouring Burano – famed for its brightly painted houses and delicate lace‑weaving traditions. From here, a charming footbridge leads you to Mazzorbo, an island of tranquil orchards and ancient vineyards, completing a wonderfully authentic exploration of the Venetian Lagoon.

Stay: NH Collection Murano Villa

You’ll have this morning at leisure, perhaps to explore Venice’s grand palaces and canal-way maze. It’s then time to board the Orient Express, with a private water-taxi transfer bringing you to Venice’s famous Santa Lucia Station. Here, your personal steward will be waiting to see you to your private cabin before you settle in among its polished-wood fineries as you cross the Venetian Lagoon.

You’ll then be treated to the first of your full-board meals, with a three-course lunch presented among the Lalique glass-work and inlaid marquetry of the restaurant cars. Just-baked pastries are then served as you wind up towards the Alps, before you change for dinner – a four-course affair inspired by the train’s route. Be sure to cap it all off with a drink in the bar car.

You’ll awaken today to views of the French countryside and a Continental breakfast, served in the intimacy of your cabin by your personal steward before your arrival in Paris. For onward travel to the UK, or to extend your stay in the French capital, speak to our travel specialists.