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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.
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
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
Spoil yourself: Upgrade to a Suite or Grand Suite – enquire now
Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Bar Car, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
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
Rooftop terrace bar at Due Torri Hotel
Verona, Italy
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
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
"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
Jun / Jul packages from: £5,365 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £420 pp
Aug packages from: £5,365 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £420 pp
Sep packages from: £5,720 pp
incl. flights
— save up to £425 pp
Venice-Simplon-Orient Express connects with the Verona Opera between mid Jun and early September 2025
Departure dates from Paris (one day earlier from London)
June
July
August
September
Includes
Upgrades to Suites and Grand Suites available on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, please ask your specialist for details