The Adriatic on Silver Muse & the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Take advantage of complimentary airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Venice. A water taxi will greet you upon arrival, sweeping you towards your centrally located hotel where you will spend the next two nights as you catch your first glimpse of the famous canals. Settle into your boutique hotel, a historic Venetian palazzo situated right in the very front of the grand canal, ideal for exploring Venice’s historic and artistic attractions by foot.

Stay: Hotel Metropole or similar

Wake up to an indulgent buffet breakfast before meeting your guide for a private walking tour of Venice. Your expert guide will show you the city’s treasures as well as some of its less explored gems. You'll finish with queue-jump entry to one of Venice's main landmarks, Doge’s Palace. Built in Venetian Gothic style, inside you'll discover its artfully decorated rooms, halls and chambers, as you learn about its storied past. The afternoon will be yours to spend as you wish. Why not enjoy a casual lunch in one of the many waterside trattorias before enjoying a classic Venetian gondola ride along the many winding canals.

Stay: Hotel Metropole or similar 

Spend a leisurely day exploring the bridges and canals, making the most of everything the unique city has to offer, before embarking Silver Muse this evening for the next leg of your adventure. Once on board, your spacious ocean view suite will be ready for you, including the services of a butler. Spend some time to take in your luxurious surroundings before settling down for your welcome dinner as you set sail for the Adriatic Sea. 

Stay: Silver Muse

The October 2026 voyage visits Koper, in Slovenia

Once an island, Koper now graces Slovenia’s Istrian coast, its connection to the mainland forged in 1825. As the country’s main port, it blends maritime vitality with old-world charm, its Venetian architecture evoking the romance of Italy just across the sea. At its heart lies Tito Square, framed by elegant buildings and dominated by the Cathedral of the Assumption. Climb its 17th-century bell tower for panoramic views, or wander the cobbled lanes of Čevljarska Ulica, where artisan shops and cosy bars offer a taste of local life. Enhance your journey with an optional excursion to Ljubljana, a green, graceful capital of riverside cafés and leafy boulevards — or visit Lake Bled, where a storybook castle rises from an island at the centre of the lake’s glacial waters.

The July 2026 voyage visits the city of Trieste 

Trieste has often been at the crossroads of civilisations and cultures and has soaked up many influences throughout its storied past, with food, architecture, and arts harbouring a distinctive eastern soul. In fact, nestled on the coast by the Slovenian border, you could be in Ljubljana in just over an hour.  Why not head to Piazza Unità d'Italia, the grand central square facing the lapping waves of the Adriatic. Built during the late 1800's when Trieste was the most important port of the Austrian-Hungarian empire, the square includes fantastic examples of neoclassical architecture, with many notable buildings and palaces. Away from the city, why not take an included excursion to 'Borgo Grotto Gigante', a giant cave located along the coast, measuring over 280 metres in length, 65 metres wide and just over 100 metres high.

Stay: Silver Muse

Known as Croatia’s “Little Venice”, Rovinj exudes charm and Italian flair from the moment you arrive. A romantic port town of pastel facades and cobbled streets, it invites you to wander along the seafront promenade, enjoy waterside aperitifs, and lose yourself in the winding lanes of its enchanting old town. Sun-bleached houses rise straight from the sea, while tiny shops, gelato stalls, and restaurants tempt with local flavours — especially Istria’s prized white truffles. Explore olive groves and vineyards inland, or visit rustic villages where truffle hunters and their dogs still roam. Swim in crystal-clear coves, or take a short trip to nearby Pula, home to one of Europe’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres — still alive today with festivals and open-air concerts under the stars.

Stay: Silver Muse

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you sail towards two of the outstanding highlights of your cruise, Dubrovnik and Kotor. 

Stay: Silver Muse

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is Croatia’s crown jewel — a stunning walled city perched beside the turquoise sea. Its perfectly preserved medieval architecture has made it a favourite for film sets, from Game of Thrones to Robin Hood, but the true magic is found in wandering its stone-paved streets. Stroll past baroque churches, charming cafés, and authentic eateries, or explore the maze of steep alleyways branching off the elegant Stradun boulevard, each revealing breathtaking views. For the full scale of the city’s grandeur, walk the ancient walls — or opt for a guided tour to deepen your insight. For a more relaxed escape, visit Cavtat, an idyllic seaside town just 45 minutes away. An included coastal cruise reveals panoramic vistas, while peaceful beaches and a charming promenade make it a perfect spot to unwind.

Stay: Silver Muse

Bari is a historic port that offers a glimpse into the soul of southern Italy — unpolished, authentic, and full of character. In the winding alleys of Bari Vecchia, matriarchs roll fresh pasta at their doorsteps, children play in the streets, and locals gather over cards, all beneath the chalk-white beauty of the Cattedrale di San Sabino, with its rose window and vaulted arches.  Stroll the Lungomare Promenade for sea air and views across the waterfront, or ride the Ferris wheel for a sweeping coastal panorama. Savour traditional cucina povera — rustic, flavourful dishes like warm focaccia, orecchiette with sun-kissed tomatoes, and creamy ricotta. Beyond Bari, the region of Puglia reveals even more treasures: Lecce with its baroque splendour, the storybook trulli of Alberobello, the pristine beaches of Salento, and the dramatic cliffside setting of Polignano a Mare. 

Stay: Silver Muse

Kotor enjoys one of Europe’s most breathtaking settings, nestled at the end of a fjord-like bay surrounded by soaring mountains. Approaching through the Bay of Kotor is an unforgettable experience — a dramatic prelude to the town's historic charm.  Once under Venetian rule, Kotor’s UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of cobbled lanes, stone churches, and ancient walls, offering an atmosphere of unspoiled authenticity. Often likened to Dubrovnik, Kotor remains untouched by modern conflict, preserving its medieval soul. For panoramic views, climb the 1,350 steps to St John’s Fortress, where sweeping vistas over the bay reward the effort — a moment of tranquillity high above the Adriatic.

Stay: Silver Muse

The October 2026 voyage visits Split.

Fast becoming one of Croatia's most popular destinations, Split blends ancient grandeur with vibrant modern life. Framed by limestone peaks and terracotta rooftops, the city welcomes you with Roman ruins, lively cobbled streets, and a sunlit seafront promenade lined with elegant cafés and restaurants. At its heart lies Diocletian’s Palace, a vast Roman complex and one of the finest preserved sites on the Adriatic. Stroll through Split’s UNESCO-listed old town, or venture further on an included excursion. Discover Krka National Park, where waterfalls tumble over natural limestone terraces, or explore the nearby town of Trogir, a treasure trove of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Whether you’re drawn to culture, cuisine, or the coast, Split is a captivating blend of old and new.

The July 2026 voyage visits Hvar. 

A real jewel of the Adriatic, Hvar is a sun-drenched island where hidden coves, electric-blue waters, and charming port towns await. While Hvar Town hums with vibrant nightlife and luxury yachts, the island offers a quieter, more refined side — rich with lavender fields, secluded beaches, and timeless rural beauty. Explore by bike along coastal trails, take boat trips from picturesque harbours, or wander through medieval lanes in Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns. Jelsa, with its peaceful waterfront, invites slow afternoons over fresh seafood and espresso, while sweeping views stretch across to Brac, the mainland mountains brooding in the distance.

Stay: Silver Muse

Sail into Zadar this morning, where Roman ruins, a peninsular old town and white sand beaches attract the more discerning traveller. The delicious local seafood and oceanside cocktail bars are a big draw, as are the shimmering waters of the Adriatic at Kolovare beach, a mere ten-minute stroll from the old town. Today, you'll also have the choice between various included excursions such as a scenic walking tour through Zadar's historic old town, or a day trip to Vrana Lake Nature Park, introducing you to more of Croatia’s thrilling natural beauty.

Stay: Silver Muse

After an early breakfast, you'll arrive back into Fusina. After disembarking, a private transfer will take you to the next leg of your journey, the charming city of Verona. After arriving at your centrally located hotel, take some time to settle into your surroundings before spending the rest of the day at your leisure.

Stay: Due Torri Hotel or similar

With a day to explore this gorgeous city, there's no time to waste. We recommending heading over to the iconic Roman amphitheatre - undoubtably the most renowned Veronese monument - just a short walk away from your hotel. Built back in 30 AD, it is remarkably well preserved. What's more, it is still in use today, famous for hosting large-scale international and local operatic performances. Take some time to admire the many pretty piazzas, Renaissance buildings and impressive bridges. Fans of Shakespeare should perhaps pay a visit to 'Juliet's House' - the scene of the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet.

Stay: Due Torri Hotel or similar

After breakfast this morning, a private transfer will see you to Verona’s station. You’ll be met on the platform by your personal steward, who’ll escort you to your private cabin as you step aboard a world of timeless glamour. Authentic upholstery, antique features and palpable elegance recall all the grandeur of yesteryear as you are transported back to the 1920’s, the birth of luxury rail travel. After settling into your plush cabin, you'll begin your journey north. Take some time to embrace the dramatic views of the looming Dolomites as a three-course lunch is served in one of the restaurant cars. Later, you’ll be treated to a four-course dinner, with menus graced by the likes of Brittany lobster and Mont St. Michel lamb. Perhaps end the day with a cocktail in the iconic Bar Car, before retiring to the comfort of your cabin for your night onboard. 

This morning awake to the sight of stunning mountain peaks and the lush French countryside from your cabin window. Your steward will serve you continental breakfast in the comfort of your cabin at a time which suits you. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee and pasties as you soak up the ever-changing views outside. Later you will arrive at Paris Gare de l'Est where your journey on board will come to an end. A transfer will take you to Gare Du Nord for your Eurostar journey back to London.  Or, perhaps extend your experience with a stay in Paris - speak to one of our cruise specialists about the options available.