Alongside a trip on the world’s most iconic train, this curated itinerary is ideal for those who are revisiting Venice or simply want to explore in further detail. Indeed, you’ll stay in luxury on a private island, with an exclusive package taking you among Venice’s lesser-visited archipelago. Of course, it’s all knitted together by private transfers, including luxury launches. It’s then time to board your opulent rail journey, indulging with multi-course fine dining and sipping pianist-accompanied cocktails as Europe’s rural beauty passes by.
Beginning in style, you’ll be treated a complimentary UK airport lounge access. Then, flying to Venice, you’ll be met by a private transfer – a luxury water-taxi trip to your Venice Lido retreat. It's surely the most evocative way to arrive at Italy’s floating city. The hotel itself – is one of Venice's finest, offering elegant rooms, fine-dining restaurants and a gorgeous beachfront complete with bar and views over the lagoon.
Stay: Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido
Breakfast included
Venice, Italy
Grand Canal, Venice
Throughout your stay, you’ll have complimentary use of your hotel’s shuttle boat to explore the historic treasures of Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, served by a private pier. However, we’ve added in some extra detail, with an included private tour of the outlying islands.
Your luxury private launch will see you between Murano’s glass-making workshops and Burano’s lace-weaving artisans.
Stay: Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido
Breakfast included
Torcello
Murano glass-blowing
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Private cabin
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. Then, after pausing in Paris, you’ll enjoy an indulgent brunch as you travel towards Calais. Following the short hop across the English Channel, it's time for the final leg of your journey – an indulgent sweep through the Kent countryside to London Victoria, travelling aboard the Belmond British Pullman and accompanied by English sparkling wine and a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Breakfast aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Belmond British Pullman
"Venice's outer islands often get overlooked but are a perfect addition to the historic grandeur of the main island. You'll get the opportunity to stay on Murano Island with panoramic views of Venice just a short shuttle away, but also enjoy a private tour to the very different island of Murano – famous for its beautiful glass productions – or the peaceful lace-making island of Burano 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
Apr / Oct 2024 from: £4,370 pp
May / Jun / Sep 2024 from: £5,185 pp
Jul / Aug 2024 from: £5,305 pp
Validity
The Venice Simplon-Orient Express operates between March and December
Includes
Folkestone to London Victoria on the British Pullman including afternoon tea accompanied by an champagne
Weekend surcharges apply for Friday and Saturday night stays
Supplements apply for stays at the Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido between 28 Aug and 08 Sep 2024 due to the 80th Venice International Film Festival