Venice-Simplon Orient Express + Venice and Florence – 6 days

Experience this 5-night (6 day) holiday combining Italy’s finest cities of art Venice and Florence with the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You will be taken to Venice from London Victoria to Folkestone on the British Pullman Express before crossing the channel and joining the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for your overnight journey to Venice.

Spend 2 nights in Venice exploring the wonders of its canals, bridges and architecture. Maybe go across the Lagoon by water taxi to the island of Murano and learn amount its famous Glass ware. Then travel by business class rail to Florence the city of the Medici’s. Stay 2 night and visit the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio bridge and the statue of David in The Academia.

This is truly an incredible experience: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with a stay in Venice and the Florence, this is truly a magical holiday that allows you to absorb some of the best culture, sites and flavours that Italy can throw at you.

• One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private Twin Cabin
• Dedicated steward service, welcome glass of sparkling wine, three-course lunch, afternoon tea, four-course dinner and Continental breakfast on board
• 2 night 4* hotel stay with breakfast in Venice
• 2 night 4* hotel stay with breakfast in Florence
• Flight from Florence to UK (train return option available)

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 – Day at Leisure in 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 4 – Business Class rail to Florence

Have a leisurely breakfast make your way to Santa Lucia train station and have leisurely 2h15m train ride in business class across the beautiful Italian Landscape. Arrive in Florence and check into your hotel, where you will have plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the surroundings before finding a lovely Trattoria for your evening meal.

Day 5 - Day at Leisure in Florence

Spend a full day exploring this magnificent city, perhaps enjoying a famous Gelato as you stroll through the city's lively Piazzas, and marvel at the magnificent dome of the Duomo Basilica. Admire the charming views along the River Arno and cross the city's oldest bridge, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio. In the afternoon take a guided walking tour for some local knowledge of the streets, ending with an Aperitif.

Day 6 – Return back to UK via Flight or train

After breakfast make your way to the station for your short train Pisa Airport and your return flight to the UK (if an evening flight there may be time to visit the centre of Pisa and see its famous leaning tower.