Itinerary Highlights
    • Experience the elegance of a legendary train before the splendour of the Grand Canal and the lagoon


    • Your elegant hotel and its delectable cuisine is set in the heart of the Venice


    • The itinerary includes a tour of a Venetian palace, the vineyards of Mazzorbo and an evening at the opera


    • All of our usual additional services are included, such as fast-track airport services and access to our network of local concierges

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A railway legend

You'll jump on board the train in Paris, at the Gare de l'Est. Agatha Christie set one of her famous mysteries here, Apollinaire wrote about some lewd goings on here, and Graham Greene made it the location of an entertaining description of Central Europe: few trains will have brought so much to the imagination of the old continent. Today, the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express still takes travellers to Venice. The cabins - each equipped with a private toilet - are a den by day and a bedroom by night. Marquetry, Art Nouveau and Art Deco glass speak to the Belle Epoque era and the 1920s. In the evening, you'll head to the dining carriage, where you'll dine among white table cloths laid with silverware and crystal.
There is a strict dress code - men must wear dinner suits and women long dresses. As you look out of the window you'll see some of the most beautiful European landscapes. This is a real tick off the bucket list type of journey. It promises a truly unforgettable experience.



Venice

Fluctuat nec mergitur: she is tossed by the waves, but does not sink. Venice could do with borrowing this motto. Even though it is the city of love, it is perhaps less known for its many splendours than it is for its poignant resistance to the insistence of water and time. In spite of everything, Venice does not grow old. In fact, the very opposite is happening. After visiting the Pescaria, the Rialto fish market, and the former Venetian Ghetto, head to Harry's Bar for a bellini or a coffee at Florian's. Your Venetian holiday begins in Paris - what better way to travel than on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express? This train journey is worthy of its destination! And once you get there, you won't just go to any old hotel. Situated a stone's throw from St. Mark's Basilica, your hotel dates back to 1853. The Biedermeier-style decor reminds travellers that at that time Venice belonged to the Austrian Empire. The mahogany, silks and cut crystal exude an air of opulence. Your bright and well-balanced room opens out onto the lagoon. The Lions' restaurant gives Venetian cuisine a contemporary, refined twist. The service at the restaurant and in the rooms is impeccable.



INCLUDED IN THE ITINERARY

An Introduction to Venice - We've organised a local guide who can read the streets of Venice like a newspaper.

A journey through the vineyards of Mazzorbo - This island, which is very close to Burano island, is often overlooked by tourists... all the better. Mazzorbo is home to gourmet vegetable gardens and above all the Venissa vineyard. From just two acres of vineyard a rare wine is born each year, which inherits its traditions from ancient Venice: its variety, Dorona di Venezia, dates back to the 5th century. You'll get there by vaporetto (waterbus), and then you'll explore the island in complete freedom before ending the day with wine tasting, of course.

Your tickets to La Fenice - This opera house is a Venetian paradox: although water poses a permanent threat to the city, it has had to be rebuilt twice after being destroyed by fire. Its name, meaning Phoenix, refers not only to the sacred fire that sometimes captures singers, but actually its ability to rise from the ashes. Its rococo decoration makes it one of the most spectacular opera houses in the world. Audiences have applauded Verdi, Benjamin Britten, Luciano Berio, Luigi Nono, and even Woody Allen.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you

A la carte

Sail across the lagoon to the islands of Murano and Burano

The first is home to world-renowned glass blowers. The public workshops enable you to really appreciate the mastery and skill required to do this work. Speaking of mastery and skill, needlepoint lace is what made the second island so famous. Today, lace is scarce, but the Lace Museum in Burano exhibits exquisite antique pieces. The houses overlooking the docks are painted in very bright colours, which is something of a departure from the rest of Venice and makes for a refreshing change. You'll experience this with a private guide, so you can really appreciate its richness.

Option



A tour of the Doge's Palace outside of opening hours

After the doors have closed to the public, the Doge's Palace is reborn. At dusk, when all the visitors have left, explore this which palace sums up the whole history of Venice, the public history of the Doges and the more secret history of an uncompromising Republic. The lighter side includes a journey through the sumptuous Ducal apartments, which ends in the extraordinary Grand Council Chamber. On the darker side is a visit to the dark prisons via the Bridge of Sighs or the secret passages that reveal the hidden side of Venice. You'll be accompanied by a private guide.

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A day on board a Venetian topetta

A topetta is a small boat measuring 23ft long, equipped with a 15HP engine, which is the ideal way of exploring Venice through its maze of small canals and enjoying new perspectives of the city from the lagoon. It can hold up to six people and does not require a permit, although you will need a bit of sailing experience.

Option

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The estimated cost for this trip starts from £4,020 to £6,250 per person. This trip is tailor-made to your exact specifications so prices will fluctuate. The cost varies according to several factors, including the level of service, duration of the trip and how far in advance you book. The final cost will vary depending on several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £4,910 per person.
  • Trip to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (one day and one night on board, in a double cabin, full board)
  • Return flight from Venice
  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
  • Private transfers included in the itinerary
  • Three-night stay in Venice in a double room with breakfast
  • A tour of a Venetian palace with a private guide
  • Half-day on Mazzorbo Island, in complete freedom
  • An evening at La Fenice
  • Our local Concierge service
A few of the benefits of travelling with us
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