Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Rhône Cruise

An unforgettable opulent vacation through some of Europe's most iconic sights awaits today, and what better place to start than in Venice.

Known as 'La Serenissima', this remarkable floating city's bridges and intricate canals have made it a world-famous destination, beloved by visitors for centuries. A private transfer from the airport is included the elegant five-star hotel, set behind iconic St. Mark's Square. After checking in, you can begin discovering the timeless charm that Venice exudes. You can hire a gondola from outside the hotel and see the city in the most romantic way possible, being guided under arched bridges as you pass by grand palazzos. Alternatively, head out on foot, strolling down characterful alleys where each corner brings new surprises. Of course, the focal point of Venice since the 9th century has been St. Mark's Square. Gaze in awe at the ornate architecture, the towering campanile, the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.

Wherever you wander, you can return to our five-star hotel this evening to meet your Tour Manager and small traveling group ahead of dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Venice.

• Dinner

Enjoy a refined breakfast this morning, before transferring with the Tour Manager to Venice Santa Lucia station.

The historic carriages of the unsurpassed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express await your arrival. Saying farewell to the Tour Manager, you are welcomed aboard by the conductor and attendants who will take care of you during this unforgettable journey. Once onboard, you are immersed into the golden age of travel as you are shown to your Historic Cabins. The world's most famous luxury train boasts exquisite Art Deco finishes in authentic carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, each individually designed to reflect the glamour of the period.

With lunch and dinner included, take a seat in one of the elegant dining carriages and browse the menus prepared by French-trained chefs whilst you await the sommelier. After dinner, relax with a cocktail or two in Bar Car 3674. Later, champagne, lobster rolls and maybe a truffled club sandwich are served. Enjoy the celebratory atmosphere with music from a live pianist or simply enjoy the ever-changing scenery before retiring to your luxurious cabin. Overnight Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Having crossed the Alps yesterday, you awake this morning in France with the opting of enjoying coffee and pastries in your luxury cabin or strolling to the restaurant car for a breakfast to savor. Around lunchtime, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express makes its approach into Paris. Alighting this unparalleled train, the next part of your exceptional vacation begins.

Meeting up with the Tour Manager once again, your small group is transferred to Paris Gare de Lyon station for a First Class rail journey on the high-speed TGV train to Valence. From here, you are accompanied to La Voulte-sur-Rhône, where your luxury Belmond boat is moored.

With a maximum of 12 passengers, this exclusive boat is an opulent hotel on the water. Toast the start of an unforgettable journey with a champagne reception as you meet the dedicated crew and onboard guide. Settle into your plush, air-conditioned cabin ahead of your first gastronomic experience of refined French cuisine in the dining room adorned with crystal chandeliers. Overnight Belmond Napoléon.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast onboard before a chance to unwind on deck, As the Belmond Napoléon sails south, soak in the scenery of the Rhône Valley.

After lunch in the dining room, disembark with your guide for a walking tour of Viviers, a tiny medieval village full of timeless charm. Explore winding cobbled streets lined by weathered limestone homes, revealing layers of history stretching back through the Renaissance to medieval times. One highlight is the impressive 12th-century St Vincent Cathedral, one of the smallest in France, and consisting of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Next, you experience a signature Provençal moment at a lavender farm. Grown across the beautiful region of Provence, lavender is characterized by its lilac buds and relaxing scent. Admire the rows of colorful shrubs and learn about the incredible variety of uses for lavender - from medicinal to toiletries and even culinary. Back on the luxury boat, you can immerse yourself further into Provençal culture with a traditional game of pétanque, similar to boules. Afterward, celebrate with refreshing cocktails and a sumptuous four-course dinner. Overnight Belmond Napoléon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake to a refined breakfast served onboard your ship this morning, before continuing to unveil Provence's wonders two excursions to delight the senses.

Today's explorations begin with a visit to one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. With medieval walls wrapping around the hilltop on which its château sits, Grignan is picture-perfect from afar - and equally as beautiful when strolling its ancient streets. Adorned with more than 150 varieties of historic roses, the golden-stone buildings and blue shutters combine to reveal a vibrant tableau of quintessential French beauty. A mouth-watering vacation highlight awaits next as you visit a truffle farm. Known as "black gold", these sought-after fungi are a delicacy used by the best restaurants around the world. After learning about their production, you enjoy a tasting of highly prized black truffles.

Lunch is served at a restaurant before you return to the luxury boat and continue sailing south. En route, the Napoléon passes through the Écluse de Bollène, a lock with one of the largest drops in Europe, measuring more than 75 feet. Tonight, enjoy a lavish dinner onboard near picturesque Roquemaure. Overnight Belmond Napoléon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A symbol of France, the iconic Pont du Gard was built by the Romans in the first century A.D. and still stands in a remarkable state of preservation. Enjoy viewing this remarkable piece of ancient engineering as you visit the three-tiered bridge with a guide after breakfast. Standing 160 feet above the Gardon River, it's a UNESCO World Heritage wonder as was part of a longer aqueduct used to transport water from Uzès to Nîmes. While you're here, you might like to take a dip in the tranquil waters before returning to the luxury boat for a leisurely lunch.

Sailing toward the historic city of Avignon, keep an eye out for the Pont Saint-Bénézet the famous "Pont d'Avignon" from the children's song. After mooring, you embark on a refined excursion to Châteauneuf du Pape. Named because it was the summer home of the Avignon Popes in the 14th century, it has since become synonymous with wines. Overlooked by the remains of the papal castle, enjoy a tour before a tasting of revered varieties of famous wines.

This evening, prepare for an exceptional dining experience on shore. Overnight Belmond Napoléon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast service has finished, join a chef for an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of Avignon. Explore bustling Les Halles, the city's fined food market, as they guide you to select the most inspiring fresh produce for your Provençal feast.

Back in his kitchen, you'll learn the secrets of traditional recipes, rich in aromatic herbes de Provence and sun-ripened vegetables. Conclude by savoring the fruits of your labor over a convivial lunch, paired with a glass of local wine.

In the afternoon, return ashore to Avignon to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe and once the seat of the papacy during the 14th century. Here, you can wander the peaceful pontifical gardens, a retreat offering wonderful views over the city's rooftops. Returning to the ship late afternoon, you cruise further south to a mooring at Vallabrègues, where dinner is served. Overnight Belmond Napoléon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Artistic inspiration awaits after breakfast as you join your guide on a fascinating tour of Arles.

Blending Roman and medieval architecture, the narrow lanes of Arles are bursting with history, from the UNESCO-listed Roman Arena that would have seated 20,000 people to its evocative Place de la République with its obelisk and Romanesque cathedral. The legacy of one of Arles' most famous residents, Vincent van Gogh, is visible throughout the old town. The post-impressionist lived in the city and painted many scenes, including his famous Café Terrace at Night, which shows a starry night above the Place du Forum.

Returning to the luxury boat, lunch is served as you cruise toward Avignon before an afternoon excursion to picture-perfect Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. There's free time to explore its narrow lanes, including Rue Hoche, where you can find the birthplace of Nostradamus. You might like to wander through more scenes painted by van Gogh by strolling along the tree-lined Boulevard Mirabeau. While you've been exploring, the chef has been preparing a gourmet farewell feast for you to enjoy as you commemorate your final evening aboard. Overnight Belmond Napoléon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the wonderful crew as you disembark the exquisite Belmond Napoléon. Your Tour Manager will be waiting for you as you transfer to Avignon TGV station for a high-speed train journey to Paris.

Traveling in First Class, soak up the French scenery as you pass through Burgundy en route to the capital. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this timeless and romantic city, soaking up the enduring appeal and viewing iconic landmarks from the Arc du Triomphe to the 9th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral. The landmarks of Paris are famous all around the world and seeing them in person with backdrops of the River Seine, cream-and-slate-colored Haussman architecture or tree-lined Champs-Élysées brings this beautiful city to life.

After soaking up these sensational sights, we enjoy dinner together - the perfect finale to an unforgettable vacation. Overnight Paris.

• Breakfast, Dinner

From beginning to end, this exclusive vacation has provided luxurious moments in some of Europe's most iconic destinations. Boarding the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a night in pure opulence en route to Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, but your unforgettable journey continued with six nights on a private, luxury boat. Sailing along the gleaming Rhône, you have viewed remarkable architecture, visited idyllic Provençal villages, enjoyed a chef-guided tour of Avignon's markets and sampled some of the most celebrated food and wine in France.

After breakfast in our Parisian hotel this morning, your sensational vacation comes to an end. A luxury transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is available for flights departing after 1 P.M.

• Breakfast