Summary
Short description
Combine one of the world's great rail journeys with luxury stays in Venice and Florence
Highlights
- Recall the golden age of rail travel with a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Sweep across alpine Europe with gourmet dining included throughout
- Explore historic Venice with a luxury stay overlooking the Grand Canal
- Take in the Renaissance splendour of Florence on a guided city tour
- Marvel at some of the world's great masterpieces with included entry to the Uffizi Gallery
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | Food & wine | History & culture | Rail journey
Florence is a Renaissance masterpiece, home to sublime art and architecture, and world-leading food and wine. As such, it makes for a fitting ending to this weeklong break, which begins with an unforgettable journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between London and Venice, a city whose storied streets and waterways you ’ll explore from your luxury base on the banks of the Grand Canal.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
London to Paris
Your journey begins at London’s Victoria with a champagne reception before you take your seat aboard the Belmond British Pullman for a lunch-paired race through Kent. Then, after a hop across the channel, you’ll board the famous blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to begin your journey to Paris. Settling into your private, oak-panelled cabin, you’ll ready yourself for dinner in the elegant restaurant car where gourmet food and fine wines are served to the twinkling sounds of a baby grand piano. Then, having joined your fellow guests in the bar car, you’ll return to your cabin to find it transformed into sleeping quarters complete with crisp damask sheets.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: L D
Day
2
Arrive in Venice
Having travelled through the night, you’ll wake to views of the Swiss Alps and a Continental breakfast served in your cabin. Then, as you sweep eastwards, the Italian Dolomites provide a stunning backdrop for your three-course lunch before an afternoon tea of gourmet sandwiches, cakes and pastries signals your approach to the Venetian Lagoon. Once in Venice itself, you’ll disembark at Santa Lucia station for a private water taxi transfer to your chosen hotel. There’s the Baglioni Hotel Luna with its silk-panelled walls, frescoed ceilings and rooftop Grand-Canal views, or the L’Orologio, whose contemporary rooms and innovative artworks are just a short stroll from Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio, Venice (Superior) or Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
3
Venice
Spend today exploring Venice’s storied streets and waterways, with an optional walking tour our recommendation for making the most of your stay. Take in the history of such famous sights as the 14th-century Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica and follow in Hemingway’s footsteps with a Bellini at the famous Harry’s Bar. Then, in the afternoon, perhaps take a cruise out across the Venetian Lagoon to explore Burano’s brightly coloured storybook charm and take in the glassblowing heritage of nearby Murano, both Venice’s in miniature.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio, Venice (Superior) or Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
4-5
Florence
Take the train south, travelling in first-class comfort to Florence, a city steeped in the history of the Renaissance. Again, we’ve picked out a choice of hotels, with our Deluxe option, the Lungarno Hotel, combining interiors rich in historic artwork and antiques with a superb restaurant and doorstep access to the Ponte Vecchio and River Arno views. Alternatively, our Superior option features fine Tuscan dining, a rooftop bar, a Finnish sauna and even a collection of perfectly preserved Roman ruins in its basement. Whichever you choose, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the city’s rich cultural tapestry, showcased on an afternoon city tour and a visit to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery.
Stay: Hotel Santa Maria Novella, Florence (Superior) or Hotel Lungarno, Florence (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
6
Depart for UK
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
6-day tailor-made holiday from £3,415 pp incl. flights
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0796
You might also like
This no-fly rail journey combines the best of Sicily with the delights of some of Italy's favourite regions. From Milan to Rome and then on to Sicily itself, you'll enjoy spectacular views, vibrant city culture and fabulous food and wine.
This four-day break pairs the luxury in Florence with the rare opportunity to see the Andrea Bocelli performing the opera, Andrea Chénier, in his home town.
