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Highlights

  • Experience the sheer glamour of the world’s greatest train
  • Enjoy white-gloved service and fine dining to match
  • Watch a live opera performance at the world-famous Arena di Verona

Spoil yourself

  • Upgrade to a Suite or Grand Suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

This spectacular short break combines a journey on the world’s most elegant train with a night at one of the world’s most prestigious operas. It all begins in with a Eurostar hop across the Channel, and a night in Paris, before you join the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a rail experience to remember. You’ll be treated to the very best in white-gloved service and fine dining before arriving into Verona – Shakespeare’s city of love. Here, alongside a stay in a converted 15th-century palace, you’ll take in the sights on an expert-led private walking tour before heading to the iconic Arena di Verona for a very special performance of one of the great Italian operas. 


Day 1

Arrive in Paris

Arrive in Paris where you’ll transfer to your city-centre hotel, set within a 19th-century Parisian townhouse on a quiet side street just moments from the Champs-Élysées – ideally positioned for you to make the most of your stay in the City of Lights. Once you've settled in, take a stroll along the banks of the Seine, pause for coffee in Montmartre or dine in style at your hotel or one of Paris's esteemed restaurants. Speak to us for recommendations.

If you're travelling from the UK, we'll happily book the Eurostar for you from London, or arrange flights from any major or regional UK airport.


Paris skyline

Paris skyline


Day 2

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then spend a free day in Paris, taking things at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll explore the sights, take cruise along the Seine or head out for a lazy, wine-paired lunch. Whichever you choose, as the day ticks by the excitement will build towards your evening departure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Indeed, once you’ve boarded those iconic blue-and-gold carriages, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to another time. From the Art-Deco fineries of the bar car to the wood-panelled stylings of the cabins and suites, every detail speaks of the glamour of travel’s golden age. Tonight, you’ll be treated to the first of your included meals – a multi-course dining experience inspired by the train’s route and served by attentive staff in the ever-so-elegant restaurant car. Then, after a night-cap, you’ll retire to your accommodation as the train heads ever onward towards the Alps.


Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express


Day 3

Verona: Shakespeare’s City

You’ll wake to a continental breakfast, served in your cabin by your carriage’s dedicated steward, before enjoying a morning of relaxation as first the Swiss Alps and then the Italian Dolomites rush past. Then, after a three-course lunch served in one of the elegant restaurant cars, you’ll arrive into Verona where a private transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your luxury hotel – a converted 15th-century palace.

The rooms here are splendidly palatial, all handcrafted marble and intricate mosaics. There’s a rooftop bar, too, with views across the rooftops and the restaurant has three Michelin stars. Take the chance to settle in before heading out to explore Verona’s maze of Roman streets, you’ll take in the city’s highlights, from Juliet’s balcony to the ancient amphitheatre. 

Breakfast & Lunch included

Due Torri Hotel

Rooftop terrace bar at Due Torri Hotel

Verona, Italy

Verona, Italy


Day 4

A night at the Opera

Enjoy a day free to explore Verona before the evening's entertainment begins. Then, with tickets included, you'll experience the unique thrill of a live performance of one of the great Italian operas at one of the country’s most evocative venues – the Arena di Verona. This colossal Roman amphitheatre was built in 30AD. And what a show it will be. It’s all part of the city’s annual summer opera festival and, depending on which departure you choose, you’ll take in either Aida, La Traviatta, Il Trovatore, Tosca or Carmen. All departure dates and performances are listed below. And, please note, schedules mean the opera could be on either day of your stay in Verona.

Breakfast included

Verona Arena, Verona, Italy

Verona Arena, Verona, Italy


Day 5

Depart Verona

After a final, sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, you’ll sign off in style with a private transfer to the airport to begin your onward journey.

Breakfast included


About the itinerary

"While a journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a special event in its own right, when the opportunity came along to combine it with something as magical as the Verona opera, I just couldn't resist. Running throughout the summer, to coincide with the Arena di Verona Festival, this short break includes a night on the train, tickets to an opera of your choice. It's the ideal trip for opera aficionados, and would make a wonderful anniversary or special birthday treat. "

Andy Austen

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Guide price from £5,075 pp excl. flights

Jun / Jul packages from: £5,075 pp
Aug packages from: £5,075 pp
Sep packages from: £5,440 pp

Venice-Simplon-Orient Express connects with the Verona Opera between mid Jun and early September 2025

Price includes

  • Private transfers
  • 4 nights' B&B accommodation
  • 1 night onboard Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Verona in a Historic cabin
  • Selected meals and drinks prepared by onboard chefs
  • Complimentary selection of wines served with meals in the dining car
  • 1 Opera ticket for 1 performance Poltronissima Platinum (1st category)

Add Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in Eurostar Premier from £325 pp

Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites available on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, please ask your specialist for details


Why are international flights excluded?

We believe that luxury and flexibility go hand in hand. That’s why our prices exclude international flights. Flight availability and fares vary daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a quote based on your chosen airline, dates and departure airport. Or, if you prefer, you’re welcome to book your own flights. Either way, every detail is tailored to suit you.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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