The legendary Venice-Simplon Orient Express offers a unique travel experience. For your trip of a lifetime embark on the classic journey from London to Paris and onto the magical city of Venice. Step aboard the Orient Express and you step back in time to a bygone age of luxury rail travel.

5 night holiday by Orient Express (London to Venice) and First Class return rail from £2,695 for departures from March 2012.

Departures from March to November 2012 and tailor-made just for you.

Orient Express Holiday Highlights

Travelling on the Orient Express offers so much more; your personal steward is on hand to attend to your every comfort and show you to your exquisite compartment of wooden marquetry and polished brass fittings in original 1920s detail, with soft towels and crisp linen. Experience fine dining as white linen, French silverware and heavy crystal create a marvellous setting for your gourmet meals. All the while you travel across Europe viewing magnificent scenery and ever-changing landscapes from the comfort of this classic train.

Embark on the British Pullman from London and cross the Channel before boarding the immaculate blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Enjoy life on board one of the world’s most iconic trains as you travel through the towering Swiss Mountains and Austrian Alps before arriving in the magnificent city of Venice.

London to Venice on the Orient Express

Your holiday includes rail travel in ultimate style on board the Venice Simplon Orient Express from London to Venice with all meals included and overnight accommodation in a private sleeping compartment, private water taxi transfer to/from Venice Santa Lucia station to your hotel, accommodation with breakfast at your chosen hotel in Venice, First Class rail travel from Venice to London with overnight accommodation en route.

• 1 night on board the Venice Simplon Orient Express from London to Venice
• 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4 star Una Hotel Venezia
• Private water taxi transfer to/from Venice Santa Lucia station to your hotel
• First Class rail travel from Venice to Montreux
• 1 night bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4 star Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic
• First Class rail travel from Montreux to London

Itinerary

On Board The Orient Express

Day 1 – As you board the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman train at London Victoria station, your steward will show you to your reserved seat. Sit back and enjoy a three-course lunch with wine and a glass of champagne as you travel throughout the Kentish countryside. On arrival in Folkestone you are escorted by uniformed staff via coach to Cheriton to board the Eurotunnel train to France. After crossing the channel board the distinctive blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lits.

Throughout your journey you will be attended by your own personal Steward. After you have settled into your comfortable private compartment it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Why not sip a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars. Here you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs. After dinner you may want to linger in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano. When you are ready, retire to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Through the Alps to Venice on the Orient Express

Day 2 – You awake to the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps as breakfast is served in your compartment at a time to suit you. Choose to spend the morning in the Bar Car chatting to fellow guests over coffee or relax and gaze out at the fabulous views from the comfort of your seat. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch served in another of the beautiful restaurant cars. This afternoon you may choose to visit the on board Boutique to purchase souvenirs, while away the hours in conversation or take it easy in your compartment and admire passing scenery as the train travels through the Italian Dolomites. Later, afternoon tea is served in your compartment as you travel through the Brenner Pass. All too soon it is time to prepare to disembark as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and pulls into Venice Santa Lucia station.

Venice

Days 3 & 4 - You have two full days in Venice to experience the uniqueness of this incredible city. You may decide to visit St. Mark’s square, the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica or explore the food market and shops in and around the Rialto Bridge. Perhaps wander through the hidden campi (squares) and over the countless bridges which link the criss-cross of canals, or take to the water on a romantic gondola to see a different side of Venice.

Homeward Bound

Day 5 – Savour your final morning in Venice before your 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 comfortable Eurocity service as you head in to the Alps and on to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here you stay 1 night, including breakfast, at the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic located right next to the station. Take a stroll alongside Lake Geneva and, time permitting, visit the beautiful Château de Chillon.

Day 6 - 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 and the last leg of your journey. Here you join the Eurostar and let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier Class (formerly 1st class) service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St.Pancras International.

Accommodation

• 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....

• 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....

• Locanda SS Giovanni Paolo

  

  In the heart of the historical centre, a few steps away from the Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark's Square, the Locanda is an ancient eighteenth century house which has been completely renovated. The hotel offers pleasant rooms decorated in 18th century Venetian style each of which has air-conditioning, telephone, wall-safe and a modern bathroom. Breakfast is delivered conveniently by room service at the time that suits you....

• 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....

• Hotel Cipriani

  

  The Hotel Cipriani exudes charm and exclusivity, and represents everything you would expect for a luxurious stay in the wonderful city of Venice. It is a resort: a way of life, an island apart, in every sense. And it involves all the senses that make a stay unforgettable. Just four minutes by private launch from San Marco, on the tip of the Giudecca Island, the Cipriani is a synonym for the dolce vita, Venetian style. The hotel has 79 Rooms & Suites sharing a unique view of Venice, restaurants to please the finest palates and impeccable service await you. Double rooms with a lagoon view and balcony are the most spacious double rooms, beautifully decorated with vivid colours and Venetian style furniture with a sitting area, King or twin beds.  Most of these rooms are recently renovated and offer breathtaking views of the open Lagoon and its islands from the private balcony or terrace....

• Palazzo Sant Angelo

  

  The Palazzo Sant Angelo (4 star) is ideally located on the Canal Grande, between the Ponte di Rialto and the Academy. This is an exceptionally intimate and luxurious boutique hotel, where timeless 18th century Venetian furnishings are combined with modern touches. A private pier offers direct access to canal boats, allowing hotel guests to arrive in style. The hotel preserves the aristocratic ambience it had when it was a private residence. A warm light filters through the hall's windows overlooking the Canal Grande, the precious tapestry and the magnificent Palladian floors provide a perfect setting for moments of leisure, watching the gondolas go by or simply sitting next to the fireplace sipping an aperitif. All 26 rooms and suites at the hotel are tastefully furnished and feature all modern comforts, including spacious bathrooms in Carrara and green Alps marble....

• 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

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Orient Express – read more on the history and routes of the Orient Express