Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Gems of Northern Italy

Today you'll board the elegant carriages of the Belmond British Pullman at London Victoria, before enjoying a delicious brunch and an indulgent Bellini as you travel through the Kent countryside. After crossing the channel, you'll board the famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and settle into your plush private cabin. This evening, you'll dine in the restaurant car, where white-gloved waiters will serve you a sumptuous four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board by a talented team of chefs. After dinner, perhaps head to the bar car for a night cap, then retire to your cabin which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Wake to a Continental breakfast in your cabin or suite before settling back to take in views of the Swiss Alps an Italian Dolomites before your arrival in Verona, where you'll be met and transferred to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay. Just moments away from Juliet's balcony and Verona's highlights – including the Arena di Verona – you're perfectly located to discover everything this romantic city has to offer. While you're here, you'll enjoy an included private tour with skip-the-line access to the Arena, as well as plenty of time to sample regional delicacies and fine Italian wine as you wander the maze of pretty laneways and hidden plazas.

On your final morning in Verona, you'll take a private transfer to Venice to join S.S. La Venezia at San Basilio cruise pier. Recently renovated, this luxurious ship is inspired by Venetian culture, and features three dining venues, a spa, lounge and bar to help you make the most of your Italian sojourn. Settle into your luxurious stateroom or suite, and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian lagoon, perhaps heading to the upper duck to watch the sun set over the water.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia

Today you'll disembark in Venice for two featured excursions to help you get to know the city. An expert guide will take you on a walking tour of the iconic sights and hidden treasures of its floating laneways, while back onboard the ship, you'll take a scenic cruise around the Venetian Lagoon. This evening, a private after-hours visit to Saint Mark's Basilica is a highlight – see the spectacular church in the evening light and without the crowds. And, before retiring to your room for the night, enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner. 

Stay: S.S. La Venezia

Today, you'll leave Venice and sail past the brightly-coloured fishermen’s houses of Pellestrina before you arrive into Chioggia, often referred to as “Little Venice,” right at the southern end of the lagoon. A local guide will show you the highlights of this charming fishing village, a favourite among artists, or you might prefer to hop aboard a little boat to harvest mussels with fishermen in the lagoon. For the more adventurous, take a bike ride along the beach followed by an authentic Italian mussel lunch. Back onboard, treat yourself to cocktails in the bar as the sun goes down.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia

Today you have a choice of cities to explore. Foodies will want to spend a day in Bologna, Northern Italy's culinary capital, learning how to make pasta – and eat it. Or, visit UNESCO-listed Ferrara, a beautifully preserved Renaissance city, where you'll enjoy a walk around the town with an expert guide. You'll see everything from the city's medieval walls to its Gothic cathedral before returning to the ship for lunch. Tonight, perhaps book a spa treatment to help you truly unwind.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia

Today, you'll return to the delightful town of Chioggia for a new perspective. This lively fishing port boasts one of Europe's biggest wholesale fish markets, which you'll tour today, along with Corso del Popolo – a busy outdoor market where traders sell everything from clothes and shoes to gadgets and souvenirs. You'll then cruise on to Burano, where a guided evening stroll will introduce you to the delights of this colourful island.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia

Today you'll have the opportunity to explore three of the many islands surrounding Venice. You'll start in Torcello, a once heavily-populated city now home to only a handful of locals. Here, you'll see the 11th-century mosaic of the Last Judgement via an early-access tour without the crowds. Next, you'll stop in Mazzorbo, where you'll immerse yourself in the fine art of Italian winemaking, touring an estate devoted to making wine with Dorona grapes, which tolerate the salt air to produce a rich golden wine. You'll then end the day back in Burano, where vibrant fishermen's houses line the water, and lace-making is a well-practised tradition handed down through family generations for 400 years. Before you leave, you'll call into a lace-making atelier to see some of this delicate work up close, and perhaps shop for souvenirs.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia

Today you're back in Venice with a choice of fascinating tours. Take a “Do as the Locals Do” Venice walking tour, where your guide – often the ship's chef – will see you to the covered fish market and culinary hotspots. Perhaps enjoy a gondola ride before rejoining your guide at a bacaro for the Venetian version of happy hour – ombra e cicchetti. Sip prosecco and sample crostini with salt cod spread as you watch the world go by. Alternatively, join a Rialto walking tour and explore the sites made famous by renowned intellectual and part-time playboy, Casanova. Back onboard, celebrate your final night with a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Stay: S.S. La Venezia

After breakfast, disembark the ship and take your included private transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK.