2024 & 2025 Northbound exclusive savings:
save up to £1,240 pp
– ends 31 Jul
As well as the classic route from Paris to Venice, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels across Europe, stopping in some of its most exciting and cultured cities. On this tour, you'll catch the world’s most elegant train from the Italian city of Verona, enjoying a matchless experience throughout. Beginning with a luxury stay in Shakespeare’s city, an included walking tour will bring you between regal streets and ramshackle piazzas to seek out Juliet’s house. But there’s much more to Verona besides star-crossed lovers, with wonderfully preserved architecture and majestic balconies (of course), operatic performances in a Roman amphitheatre and a thriving food scene. This is all just the prelude to the main event though, when you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for one of the great travel experiences in the world. Once in Paris, the Eurostar will see you across the channel and back to London.
Having flown to Verona, we’ll arrange a private driver to whisk you to your central basecamp. The Due Torri - just a few steps from the city’s historic centre. If you can tear yourself away from your night in a living museum, let us arrange a food safari, where a local guide will take you to the city’s finest haunts; sip rich Italian coffee, nibble on delicatessen treats and enjoy perfectly-prepared pasta in a traditional trattoria. You will even visit a tiny tortellini workshop.
Arena di Verona
Ponte Pietra, Verona
Awake to a leisurely breakfast and perhaps dip into a well-thumbed copy of Romeo and Juliet for inspiration. After we’ll arrange a walk where a local guide will lead you to Verona’s must-see sights, including the city’s most famous balcony, and secret corners. Indulge yourself with a visit to the luxury shops and boutiques on Via Mazzinia or visit the market in Piazza delle Erbe remembering to look up at the medieval and renaissance architecture that rings it. Later, people watch from a piazza to see why they’re described as the city’s ‘drawing rooms’ and indulge in an aperitivo.
In the evening, dress up so you look the part for the traditional Italian pastime of passegiata in the piazzas at dusk, stopping your slow arm-in-arm stroll for a drink at an outdoor table.
Breakfast included
The Ponte Pietra bridge over Verona's Adige River
Today the curtain falls on your time in Verona. On the positive side it is only because you’re about to embark on one of the most romantic and luxurious rail journeys in the world aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. In the afternoon we’ll whisk you to the station where you’ll get your first glimpse of the classic blue and gold carriages while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine. Meet your white-gloved steward who'll guide you through the beautifully restored Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to your private cabin where you'll unpack your tuxedo and evening gown. Then, order some champagne and luxuriate in the history and tradition of the train. Enjoy afternoon tea as you journey through evocative Italian countryside with views of the Dolomites.
Following a relaxing afternoon, dress for dinner, mingle in the Bar car and order a signature cocktail while you listen to period pieces performed on the baby grand piano. The evening meal, served with silverware, crystal glass and starched napery, is a culinary treat that’ll have you marvelling at how anyone can create such a gourmet four-course feast in such a tiny galley kitchen. Finally, satiated, return to your cabin, which has artfully been converted into a cosy sleeping compartment and retire for the night as the train eases over the Swiss Alps.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Wending through the alps aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
White-gloved service aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Fine dining aboard the 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 northern France rushes by, accompanied by a delicious brunch served before you arrive in Paris.
As your journey draws to a close, transfer 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
"If you’re looking to do a mini-moon or short break in style then look no further. With endless romantic connotations, Italy’s Verona makes for the perfect spot for newlyweds or those seeking to celebrate an anniversary or special birthday. Couple this with a luxury rail journey on the famed Orient Express and the experience in matchless. As once-in-a-lifetime experiences go, this one is a must-do. "
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
Jul / Aug 2024 from: £4,485 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £1,240 pp
Oct / Nov 2024 from: £4,550 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £1,240 pp
Mar / Nov / Dec 2025 from: £4,640 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £440 pp
Apr / Aug / Oct 2025 from: £4,885 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £445 pp
May / Sep 2025 from: £5,395 pp
incl. flights
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates between March and December
Special offer departures
2024
16 Jul / 01 Aug / 06 Aug / 20 Oct / 05 Nov / 12 Nov / 17 Nov / 21 Nov 2024
2025
Mar / Apr / Jun / Jul / Aug / Oct / Nov departures (not valid May and September)
Includes