Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Venice to Paris

Begin your special journey in Venice, transferring by boat from Marco Polo Airport to your chosen hotel.

Wander the narrow streets at leisure and discover the charms of this romantic city. Visit a museum or an art gallery or take in the intricate architecture evident on many of the historic palazzos.

Today you will explore Venice on a private orientation tour. Your local guide will show you around their city on this personal walking tour. Get to know Venice like a local as you visit the Bridge of Sighs and spend some time in attractive squares, or 'campis', before concluding the tour at the Rialto Bridge. Your guide can suggest places for you to continue exploring by yourself, or take one of our optional excursions (available at a supplement).

It's hard to think of Venice without conjuring images of gondolas. A ride on this most evocative form of transport is a must-do activity while you're here - and today's trip is extra special. Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, and other smaller canals, while sipping a glass of prosecco - the popular wine grown in the vineyards around Venice. Each gondola seats up to five passengers and one bottle of prosecco will be provided per gondola. Savor this iconic experience with a glass in your hand, as you sail along Venice's incredible canals.

Later, you might wish to relax, stroll around Venice at leisure or take in another excursion, at a supplementary cost.

**Please note that the Gondola & Prosecco excursion does not operate before May 1st or after October 15th . For vacations outside of this period, the Private cooking class with lunch, described below, will be offered instead of the Gondola. It is possible to book a gondola only experience locally outside of these times.

Your time in Venice comes to an end in glorious fashion as you board the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Settling into your historic cabin, watch as the 'Floating City' fades into the distance as you being this sensational journey. The sense of opulence and sophistication is immediate on boarding this iconic train.

With carriages dating from the 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco details have been thoughtfully restored, while every carriage has a personal steward who's on hand to deliver a top-quality service. Every detail of this luxurious train has been lovingly thought through. Relax in your luxury cabin before heading to the restored restaurant car for a four-course dinner. Later, get to know your fellow passengers while live music from the pianist adds to the atmosphere in the bar car. At the end of the evening, settle into your cozy cabin for a night aboard the world's most famous luxury train.

Awake to coffee and pastries in your cabin. Alternatively, stroll to the dining car for a breakfast of smoked salmon and eggs, perhaps complemented by a refreshing bellini.

As the train winds through the French countryside, return to your cabin for time to unwind before your grand arrival in Paris in the early afternoon. Disembarking from this sensational train, you are transferred to your hotel in the Latin quarter

tasting tour, tailored to your tastes. Choose between artistic Montmartre or the historic Notre Dame neighborhood. Your expert guide will introduce you to the finest local eateries, where you'll savor up to six tastings that may include Parisian specialties such as macarons, cheese, wine, crêpes, Viennoiseries, and oysters - each selection echoing the spirit of the location.

After indulging in these gastronomic delights, you might wish to further explore the city's iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Notre Dame Cathedral. This is a day to capture the essence of Paris through both its food and its famous landmarks.

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you have some free time to soak in the final moments of your vacation. When you're ready, a private transfer will escort you to the airport, marking the close of an unforgettable trip. As you depart, you'll carry with you cherished memories of a once-in-a-lifetime journey across Europe aboard the world's most famed train.