Venice Simplon Orient Express with Florence and Venice
Overview
Experience this five-night holiday combining two of Italy's most treasured destinations with the luxurious trip of a lifetime aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Travel from London to Florence and uncover the masterpieces of the "City of Art", then explore the canal-side paradise of Venice with nights in handpicked hotels in each city. From Venice, ride the rails home, indulging in fine cuisine and comfortable sleeping accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
This trip can also be made in reverse
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay. Once settled in, why not head to the popular Uffizi Gallery and see the Renaissance works of great artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo
Day 2
Florence. Spend a full day exploring this magnificent city.
Day 3
Rome. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before you take the train from Florence to Venice. Spend the afternoon getting your bearings in the city, stroll through the city's winding streets and cross its pretty bridges, before relaxing at a pavement cafe while you take in your elegant surroundings.
Day 4
Venice. After breakfast, enjoy a short walking tour with a local guide for some stories of the city's labyrinthine streets and campos (squares), then enjoy a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Stroll through the Piazza San Marco, or take a water taxi out to the islands of Murano and Burano and watch the glassblowers at work.
Day 5
Venice Simplon Orient Express. Make your way from your hotel to Venice Santa Lucia station and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will show you to your private compartment before you enjoy a three-course lunch as you gaze at the beautiful passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Austrian and Swiss Alps. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. A four-course dinner is served in the evening in one of the opulent restaurant cars. Why not head to the Bar Car '3674' for an after-dinner cocktail, accompanied by the melodies of the baby grand piano. Return to your compartment, which will have been transformed into a cosy bedroom by your Steward.
Day 6
Return Home. An early breakfast is served in your cabin before you disembark in the heart of Paris. A private transfer will collect you from the station and deliver you safely to Gare du Nord for a Eurostar journey back to the UK.