Summary
Short description
Experiences an icon of luxury rail travel as you take in two of Europe's great cities
British Airways Sale
The British Airways Sale is now on, The British Airways Sale is now on, with Club World and Club Europe savings to a wide range of destinations. Book by 19 March 2024.
Highlights
- Spend two nights among the Art-Deco trappings of the world’s most famous train
- Enjoy afternoon teas and four-course dinners
- Pause in two of Europe’s city greats
- Indulge with evening drinks in the bar car
- End with bubbly aboard the British Pullman
In Brief
- 2 Nights Venice
- 1 Night Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- 2 Nights Vienna
- 1 Night Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Rail journey
Taking the scenic route via Vienna back to London affords some extra time to really savour the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. And what an experience it is, with multi-course dining, impeccable white-gloved service and a bar-car soundtrack provided by the resident pianist. The luxury continues off the train as well, with water-taxi cruises and indulgent stays in Vienna and Venice.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK/Venice
You’ll start your holiday in style, with included airport-lounge access before your flight to Venice. Here, a water taxi will be waiting to bring you on the evocative journey along the Venetian waterways, right up to your luxury hotel. While both of our options are superbly locatedl, our Deluxe offering is a special favourite; it’s an 18th-century palace complete with chandeliers and frescoes by pupils of Tiepolo. Whichever you choose, however, you’ll have all of the city’s delights on your doorstep. Perhaps catch an opera, admire the stunning architecture in St. Mark’s Square or follow in Hemingway’s footsteps with a Bellini cocktail in Harry’s Bar.
Stay: Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
Aboard the Orient Express
After breakfast today, an included transfer will bring you to Venice’s station. Here, you’ll be welcomed by your personal steward, who’ll escort you to your private cabin aboard the Orient Express. Settling in among the dark-wood and rich fabrics, you’ll then set off across the Venetian Lagoon, the train glistening in its golden livery. As you sweep through rural Italy, change for dinner – a multi-course extravaganza served up among the gorgeous lacquerwork and Lalique glass of the restaurant cars. Then, perhaps cap the day off with a drink in the bar car, accompanied by the twinkling ivories of the resident pianist.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Days
4-5
Vienna
As you roll into the Austrian capital, you’ll be treated to a Continental breakfast, served in the intimacy of your private cabin. Then, after disembarking at Vienna Central Station, make your way to your central accommodation, choosing between a Neo-Renaissance mansion or our Deluxe offering – the 19th-century dame that hosted the World Exhibition. You’ll have two days to explore Vienna at your own pace, strolling along wide, tree-lined boulevards to check out its café scene, imperial palaces and world-famous concert halls. It’s all predicated on the Habsburgs’ dynastical might, still evident across the city’s grand architecture.
Stay: Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
6
Aboard the Orient Express
Following a morning at leisure, return to the station for your last leg aboard the Orient Express. You’ll be greeted, again, by a personal steward, who’ll serve up a delectable afternoon tea in your cabin as the city limits fade outside your picture window. Changing into eveningwear, it’ll soon be time for your four-course dinner, informed – as always – by ingredients sourced along the train’s famous route. Lastly, after the traditional nightcap, you’ll find your cabin transformed into beds, replete with crisp linens.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Day
7
Paris to London Victoria
You’ll awaken again to a delicious Continental breakfast, served as you wind on towards Paris. The French capital serves as the iconic backdrop for your exquisite brunch, taken before you continue on to Calais. Then, following your channel hop, you’ll change trains for the Belmond British Pullman. Every bit as extravagant as its Orient Express counterpart, you can expect winged armchairs, Art-Deco fixtures and beautiful wood panelling. It’s also the setting for your afternoon tea, served with sparkling wine as the Kent countryside rushes past, seeing you on to your journey’s end – London Victoria.
Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
7-day luxury rail journey
from £4,605 pp incl. flights
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0796
Meet the team