Summary
Short description
The splendours of Venice meet Austria's storybook scenery
Highlights
- Recall the Golden Age of travel onboard the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Discover Venice's Gothic architecture and rich history
- Stay in palatial luxury in the heart of Venice's waterways
- Experience white-glove service and all-inclusive meals onboard the luxurious train
- Take in the spectacular scenery of the Austrian Alps
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
April holidays | City | City-break | Food & wine | History & culture | March holidays | May holidays | Rail journey | Short break
This four-day journey is the wonderful reverse of the seminal London to Venice train journey onboard the esteemed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll start amid Venice’s Gothic splendours, discovering frescoed cathedrals and historic piazzas while staying in a luxurious canal-side hotel. After two nights in Venice you’ll board the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the train, enjoying discreet, white glove service and all-inclusive wine-paired meals as you traverse through the mountain meadows and chocolate box villages of the Austrian Alps, finishing your journey in London. Lastly, this journey is available as a no-fly holiday.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Venice
You'll begin your trip in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Venice. Whatever you choose, you'll be met on arrival by a private water taxi for the scenic journey to your hotel. There’s the lavish 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)
Day
2
Venice
You’ve got today free to explore Venice’s winding waterways and colourful streets – we recommend a walking tour to make the most of your time in this historic city. Perhaps take in famous sights such as Gothic 14th-century Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica, and follow in Hemingway’s footsteps with a Bellini at the illustrious Harry’s Bar. Perhaps enjoy some fresh seafood antipasti in one of Venice’s charming trattorias before taking a cruise out across the Venetian Lagoon to explore Burano’s vivid storybook charm, or take in the glassblowing heritage of nearby Murano, a charming microcosm of Venice itself.
Stay: Hotel L'Orologio, Venice (Superior) or Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Leave the splendours of Venice behind today as you head to the Venezia Santa Lucia Station to board the iconic blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a three-course lunch in the restaurant car as you take in outside’s grandeur. Delight at chocolate box Austrian villages among the deep river valleys and rolling hills of Brenner Pass before the snow-dusted mountains and picturesque meadows of Alberg Pass dominate the landscape. Then, enjoy pastries served in your oak-panelled cabin or upgrade to a spectacular Grand Suite with a double bed and private bathroom before you prepare for your last night on board. It's a special one, as you'll enjoy a four-course dinner, sampling everything from Brittany lobster to saltmarsh lamb, alongside, of course, an extensive fine wine list.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Arrive in London
Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and fruit in your cabin, then, watch the landscapes of northern France race by as you make your way to Paris. On arrival, disembark and transfer the short distance from Gare de l'Est to Gare du Nord where you'll board the Eurostar for the final leg of your journey back to London's St Pancras Station.
Meals: B L
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
4-day tailor-made holiday
from £2,800 pp incl. flights
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0796
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