Venice Simplon-Orient-Express + Venice and Lake Como – 8 days

Three different experiences in one delightful holiday. This 8 day holiday gives you the splendour and opulence of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with 3 nights exploring the canals and buildings of romantic Venice. Finally, the holiday finishes spending 3 nights surrounded by beauty and tranquillity of the delightful Lake Como.

This a holiday that will get all your senses buzzing in different directions leaving you refresh and alert to take on what is waiting for you at home. Starting off with sumptuous luxury and service with a hint of the decadent 20’s and 30’s to then being mesmerised with the art and culture that Venice has to offer. There is always something new and different around the corner of Venice’s narrow streets that then open out on to canal bridge to a quaint open piazza. Then at the end pure relaxing admiring the beauty of the Lake and mountains in the distance and pottering around on the lake visiting and exploring other towns on the lake’s shores.

Itinerary

Day 1 – British Pullman + Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Board the Belmond British Pullman train at London Victoria station, your steward will show you to your reserved seat. Sit back and enjoy Brunch served with a Bellini as you travel through the Kentish countryside.

After crossing the Channel, board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train. Enjoy a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by our skilled French chefs. After dinner retire to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Day 2 – Arrive Venice

You awake to the magnificent mountain and countryside scenery as breakfast is served in your cabin at a time to suit you. Spend the morning relaxing in your cabin or in the Bar Car chatting to fellow guests. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch which is served in another one of the beautiful restaurant cars. While away the afternoon admiring the passing scenery. Later, afternoon tea is served in your cabin. All too soon it is time to prepare to disembark as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and pulls into Santa Lucia station.

Day 3 - Exploring Venice

Discover the gems that this amazing city offers. This is a city that you really can explore and discover little treasures every time you exit the maze of alleyways. Take a tour of the Doges Palace or just sit in a café enjoying a coffee and a gelato and watch the world go by.

Day 4 - Exploring Venice

Have a leisurely breakfast before continuing your exploration of the city. Take a ride in a Gondola or take a boat out onto the Lido visit the islands of Burano and Murano famous for its glassware.

Day 5 – Business Class rail to Milan (short onward train to Como)

Make your way to Santa Lucia rail station for your train to Milan and then short train trip to Como on the shores of Lake Como. Checkin to your hotel before familiarising yourself with the town.

Day 6 - Exploring Como and the Lake

This morning explore the picturesque town further. A stroll along the Lakeside takes the palatial Villa Olmo where its peaceful gardens are a must to visit. On the other side of town is the Brunate funicular rising 3,556ft above the town offering some amazing views of the lake.

Day 7 - Exploring Como and the Lake

Head out onto the lake today perhaps with the scenic cruise to Bellagio. The boat is a leisurely trip making numerous stops en-route to the resort or there is a hydrofoil which take just 45mins. Called “The Peal of Lake Como” the resort village is renowned worldwide for its cobbled streets and beautiful villas.

Day 8 – Return back to UK via Flight or train

After breakfast make your way to Milan with connect rail to Airport and return flight to UK (return by rail is also possible)