Grand Canal Venice
Venice truly is like nowhere else on earth which is what makes a holiday here such a unique and unforgettable experience. Let yourself be totally mesmerised by the serenity and sheer beauty of this romantic city.
6 night holiday by First Class rail from London to Paris and overnight 2 berth sleeper from Paris to Venice, returning on daytime trains via an overnight stay in Montreux, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente from £1,025 per person
Daily departures throughout the year and tailor-made just for you
Holiday Highlights
- Incomparable Venice
- The Grand Canal
- St. Marks Square
- Rialto Bridge
- Spectacular scenery of the Simplon Pass and Rhône Valley
- Lakeside Montreux
- Lake Geneva
- Château de Chillon (payable locally)
Itinerary
Day 1 – London to Paris by First Class rail and overnight sleeper to Venice
Your holiday begins at beautifully-restored London St. Pancras International station. Take the time to admire the impressive glass roof, then let the holiday mood take over as you board the Eurostar service for the high-speed journey to Paris. Sit back and relax in your spacious Standard Premier Class seat and make the most of the light meal and drinks. On arrival in Paris a private taxi transfer takes you across Paris to the Gare de Bercy for your onward journey by overnight 2-berth sleeper to Venice.
Day 2 – Venice
This morning as you arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia station, walk out of the station and enter a different world. Your private boat taxi will transfer you in the best possible style to your hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star), an attractive, welcoming hotel located in a quiet area just 10 minutes from the Rialto Bridge with its friendly service, elegant and comfortable rooms.
Days 3, 4 and 5 – Incomparable Venice
Step out in Venice and allow this unique and captivating city to carry where it will. Enjoy Venice, at dusk, after dark and under the twinkling Christmas lights when all the crowds have gone home. From St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal to a visit inside the stunning Doges Palace, feel yourself unwind as you wander amid the myriad of canals along blissfully traffic-free alleyways and campi (squares). You have plenty of time to discover the city’s luminous quality which emanates from the colours of its painted palazzo, ornate stone bridges and Byzantine basilicas all reflected against the tapestry of canals and lagoons. A short boat ride will lead you to pretty islands on the lagoon, including Murano, home of glass-blowing and colourful Burano, where lace and linen abound.
Day 6 – Venice to Lake Geneva
A private boat taxi transfer re-unites you with the rest of the world as you leave Italy behind and board the Eurostar Italia service for the First Class journey to Milan. From here join the swish Cisalpino service as you head in to the Alps and on to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. On arrival in Montreux your hotel for the night is the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star) located right next to the station. Take a stroll alongside Lake Geneva and visit this elegant lakeside town which is home to the famous jazz festival.
Day 7 – Free time in Montreux – Montreux to London – Homeward bound
Stretch your legs this morning or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally). As you marvel at the spectacular setting, twixt sparkling lake and breathtaking mountains, spare a thought for the prisoners of this 13th century castle, considered to be one of the best-preserved in Europe. Then walk across to the station and continue to Lausanne to board the TGV to whisk you back to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days. Your private transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord before the last part of your journey. Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St.Pancras International.
Our Hotels
Ai Mori d’Oriente
Enjoying a great location in an area exclusively reserved for local Venetians, the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4- star) offers an attractive and calm setting from which to enjoy and explore this most evocative of cities. Named after Turkish tradesmen, "mori", who for centuries lived in this beautiful palace, the hotel offers guests contemporary accommodation equipped with air conditioning, mini- bar, hair dryer, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, radio, safe, and internet connection point. The hotel benefits from a tastefully decorated breakfast room, bar and reading room. Guests can relax amidst the exotic atmosphere of the hotel's furnishings which hark back to the times of oriental merchants, and traders, plying their trade on the "Silk Route" which had Venice as its main port. Located about 10 minutes' walk from the Rialto Bridge, the Ai Mori d'Oriente offers visitors a fascinating insight into the real Venice as well as easy access to charming restaurants frequented by locals rather than tourists....
Hotel Una Venezia
Right in the heart of Cannaregio, in the Cà d’Oro quarter, one of the most important districts of Venice, the new UNA Hotel Venezia (4-star) looks straight out onto the Rio Priuli Canal. It is only 5 minutes on foot from the Rialto Bridge and 10 minutes from magnificent St. Mark’s Square. This stately building has been restored to its ancient splendour thanks to carefully thought out renovation, with the emphasis on detail and furnishing. Special features are the Murano glass chandeliers which create a romantic atmosphere. UNA Hotel Venezia has only 37 rooms which are elegantly furnished in a typically ornate Venetian style, and provide every possible comfort. You can enjoy elaborate cocktails and appetizing snacks in the American bar....
Locanda Orseolo
The Locanda Orseolo (3 star) is the result of a recent faithful restoration of a typical Venetian home, facing the Orseolo canal and only a few steps from St. Mark's Square. One of the key features of this charming inn is the wonderful family atmosphere in the heart of enchanting Venice, with breakfast freshly prepared for each guest. All the rooms in his boutique hotel feature tasteful furniture and decor in local Venetian style with thorough attention to detail. Rooms overlook the Orseolo canal or the quiet private courtyard, and feature satellite TV, minbar, safe, hairdryer and wireless internet access....
Palazzo Giovanelli Hotel
The boutique Palazzo Giovanelli Hotel (4-star) is an elegant hotel in the historic centre of Venice overlooking the Grand Canal. This brand new hotel is set in a 15th Century palace and blends modernity and tradition to good effect. All the 41 comfortable en-suite bedrooms are unique and furnished with stylish, exclusive fabrics and are fully-equipped with all modern amenities. The hotel benefits from a stylish, modern bar and attentive, friendly service....
Al Ponte Antico
The Al Ponte Antico Hotel (4-star) – ranked No.1 on ‘Trip Advisor’ - is an intimate residence facing the Grand Canal, with a splendid view of the Rialto Bridge. The exceptional location of this charming palace, its tasteful design and comfortably furnished and fully-equipped rooms is sure to delight customers. The special quality of this exclusive family-run hotel of only 9 rooms is due to the warm welcome, refined atmosphere and highly personalised service and renowned hospitality of the Peruch Family and its staff. The hotel features luxurious interiors and a wonderful terrace, where you can enjoy truly unforgettable evenings....
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic
The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic is a traditional Belle-Époque 4-star hotel, originally built in 1870 and located right in the centre of Montreux, just a few steps from the Railway Station. The hotel has 140 rooms and benefits from fabulous views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from its summer terrace. All the comfortable en suite rooms in this stylish hotel feature air conditioning, TV, minibar, radio and telephone....
What’s Included
- First Class rail travel from London to Paris and Venice to London (Standard Premier service on Eurostar)
- Overnight 2-berth sleeper from Paris to Venice
- 5 nights’ hotel accommodation in 4 star hotels with breakfast each day
- Private taxi transfers in Paris and private water taxi transfers in Venice
Additional Information
- Alternative hotels and room upgrades – please contact us for details and prices
- Additional excursions can be booked – such as gondola rides and visits to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello
