All Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express

You'll jump on board the train in Paris, at the Gare de l'Est. Agatha Christie set one of her famous mysteries here, Apollinaire wrote about some lewd goings on here, and Graham Greene made it the location of an entertaining description of Central Europe: few trains will have brought so much to the imagination of the old continent. Today, the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express still takes travellers to Venice. The cabins - each equipped with a private toilet - are a den by day and a bedroom by night. Marquetry, Art Nouveau and Art Deco glass speak to the Belle Epoque era and the 1920s. In the evening, you'll head to the dining carriage, where you'll dine among white table cloths laid with silverware and crystal. There is a strict dress code - men must wear dinner suits and women long dresses. As you look out of the window you'll see some of the most beautiful European landscapes. This is a real tick off the bucket list type of journey. It promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Venice

Fluctuat nec mergitur: she is tossed by the waves, but does not sink. Venice could do with borrowing this motto. Even though it is the city of love, it is perhaps less known for its many splendours than it is for its poignant resistance to the insistence of water and time. In spite of everything, Venice does not grow old. In fact, the very opposite is happening. After visiting the Pescaria, the Rialto fish market, and the former Venetian Ghetto, head to Harry's Bar for a bellini or a coffee at Florian's. Your Venetian holiday begins in Paris - what better way to travel than on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express? This train journey is worthy of its destination! And once you get there, you won't just go to any old hotel. Situated a stone's throw from St. Mark's Basilica, your hotel dates back to 1853. The Biedermeier-style decor reminds travellers that at that time Venice belonged to the Austrian Empire. The mahogany, silks and cut crystal exude an air of opulence. Your bright and well-balanced room opens out onto the lagoon. The Lions' restaurant gives Venetian cuisine a contemporary, refined twist. The service at the restaurant and in the rooms is impeccable.

INCLUDED IN THE ITINERARY

An Introduction to Venice - We've organised a local guide who can read the streets of Venice like a newspaper.

A journey through the vineyards of Mazzorbo - This island, which is very close to Burano island, is often overlooked by tourists... all the better. Mazzorbo is home to gourmet vegetable gardens and above all the Venissa vineyard. From just two acres of vineyard a rare wine is born each year, which inherits its traditions from ancient Venice: its variety, Dorona di Venezia, dates back to the 5th century. You'll get there by vaporetto (waterbus), and then you'll explore the island in complete freedom before ending the day with wine tasting, of course.

Your tickets to La Fenice - This opera house is a Venetian paradox: although water poses a permanent threat to the city, it has had to be rebuilt twice after being destroyed by fire. Its name, meaning Phoenix, refers not only to the sacred fire that sometimes captures singers, but actually its ability to rise from the ashes. Its rococo decoration makes it one of the most spectacular opera houses in the world. Audiences have applauded Verdi, Benjamin Britten, Luciano Berio, Luigi Nono, and even Woody Allen. Read more