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

UK to Paris

Your journey begins with a Eurostar hop across the Channel, travelling from London’s St Pancras International to Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris. Do let us know if you’d prefer to fly, however, as our specialists will happily arrange travel from any regional UK airport with flights to the French capital.

On arrival, you’ll transfer to your city-centre hotel. Our deluxe version is a particular highlight – a boutique spa retreat dripping in Parisian sophistication and 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. Our specialists can help you with recommendations if required.


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.


Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

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 for London

After a final, sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, you’ll sign off in style with a private transfer to the airport and a flight back to London 

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 £6,470 pp incl. flights

Jun - Aug selected dates from: £6,470 pp

Venice-Simplon-Orient Express departs between Mar and Nov from Paris

The Verona opera season runs from Jun to Sep 

Departure dates London to Paris to Verona

11 Jul (10 Jul leaving London) departure from Paris to link with 13 Jul performance of Carmen

Includes

  • Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare Du Nord or flight from your local airport in Paris
  • 1-night 5-star accommodation in Paris with breakfast
  • Paris to Venice on the Verona on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express in a Historic cabin
  • Selected meals and drinks prepared by onboard chefs
  • Complimentary selection of wines served with meals in the dining car
  • Private transfers throughout
  • 2-nights 5-star accommodation in Verona with breakfast
  • 1 Opera ticket for 1 performance Poltronissima Platinum (1st category)
  • One-way flight from Verona to UK

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


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