The ultimate luxury vacation – Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice and Vienna in a Grand Suite

Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a spellbinding adventure. Embark on the iconic journey from London to Venice, before continuing to beautiful Vienna, then returning to London from there.

The world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express already offers its guests an incredible experience, but this journey is made even more special as you are travelling in a Grand Suite throughout. Enjoy unprecedented luxury and exclusivity in one of just six Grand Suites on board. Whilst all have the same fine amenities such as an en-suite bathroom with shower, each is uniquely appointed and has been furnished by master craftsmen; from hand-carved timbers and fine marquetry to specially designed glass and carefully selected fabrics. Step on board and re-live the glorious days of the 1920s and the golden age of luxury rail travel.

With your own personal steward on board to attend to your needs throughout, experience fine dining on board, whether in one of the beautiful restaurant cars or in the exclusive surroundings of your private suite. Enjoy free-flowing champagne as you travel across Europe viewing magnificent scenery and ever-changing landscapes from the comfort of your luxurious Grand Suite on this classic train.

This 7 night / 8 day vacation includes a total of 3 nights on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Grand Suite from London to Venice, Venice to Vienna and Vienna to London, in addition to 3 nights in a lagoon view deluxe double room at the Hotel Londra Palace (5 star) in Venice and 2 nights in a deluxe double room at the Kempinski Palais Hansen (5 star) in Vienna, plus private water taxi transfers in Venice and private taxi transfers in Vienna. Prices are from $30,995 per person (based on 2 people travelling together).

Day 1 – London to Switzerland aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Your spectacular adventure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express begins in the heart of London at Victoria station. As you board the gleaming Belmond British Pullman train, your steward will show you to your reserved seat. The train then sets off on its journey through the Kentish countryside. Enjoy brunch served with a Bellini as you pass through the verdant scenery. Perhaps take the time to wander through the train and admire the beautiful marquetry and design flourishes of the carriages – which are all finished to the same impeccable standard but are all unique in their appearance – before you arrive in Folkestone.

Here the uniformed staff are on hand to escort you via coach to board the Eurotunnel train for your journey into mainland Europe. Enjoy a glass of English sparkling wine as you make the crossing. On arrival in France you board the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with its distinctive blue and gold carriages. Take the time to settle in to your glorious Grand Suite – one of just six on the train, each with its own unique style. Throughout your journey you will be attended by your own personal steward. Perhaps enjoy a glass of free-flowing champagne (included for Grand Suite guests) as you sit on your sofa and admire the passing French landscape. It will soon be time to dress for dinner; you can make your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars, or as a Grand Suite guest, you can opt for private in-suite dining if you prefer. Wherever you choose to dine, you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs.

After dinner you may want to linger in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano and enjoying the celebratory atmosphere. When you are ready, retire to your suite.

Day 2 – Through the Swiss Alps to Venice

Enjoy breakfast in your Grand Suite at a time to suit you this morning – whilst the incredible panoramic views of the Swiss Alps provide the ultimate backdrop. Continue to relax and enjoy the views from the comfort of your seat, or you could head to the bar car and enjoy a coffee, perhaps chatting to your fellow guests. You then enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch served in another of the beautiful restaurant cars. During your time on board, you may like to look at the on-board boutique with its range of souvenirs, while away the hours in conversation or simply take in the views as the train continues through Switzerland and into Italy. Enjoy afternoon tea served in your spacious suite as the train approaches Verona. All too soon it is time to disembark as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and pulls into Venice Santa Lucia station, where a private water taxi transfers you in style to your hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Londra Palace (5 star), located on the Riva degli Schiavoni, just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square.

Day 3 – Incomparable Venice

Make the most of a day to explore the iconic floating city of Venice. From St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal to a visit inside the stunning Doges Palace, feel yourself unwind as you wander amid the myriad of canals along blissfully traffic-free alleyways and campi (squares). Take in the Byzantine basilicas and ornate palaces of the mainland, or head out to the enchanting islands in the lagoon; Burano is characterised by its brightly coloured pastel-painted houses, and Murano is celebrated for its glass-making. However you spend the day, be sure to enjoy soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere as you take a stroll when all the crowds have gone home.

Day 4 – Return to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the journey to Vienna

Enjoy another morning and afternoon to take in more of delightful Venice. Then in the afternoon your water taxi transfer takes you back to Venice Santa Lucia station, where you re-join the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Travelling again in a Grand Suite, relax and enjoy the ultimate in luxury on board as the train takes you northwards through Italy on the first stage of your journey towards Vienna. Soon a lavish four-course dinner, prepared on board by the skilled French chefs, is served in one of the dining cars, or in your suite depending on your preference. Later you may wish to visit the convivial bar car for a brandy liqueur before retiring for the night as the train travels across the Austrian border.

Day 5 – Arrival in Vienna

This morning breakfast is served in your cabin as the train nears the Austrian capital. You then arrive in Vienna for a two-night stay at the lavish Kempinski Palais Hansen (5 star), well-located in the centre of Vienna and within easy access of all the city’s principal attractions. You have the rest of the day to begin exploring this fascinating city.

Day 6 – Discover Vienna

Take today to discover more of Vienna and visit some of the buildings and monuments that tell the story of this delightful European city and its rich Imperial past. Highlights of the city include the grandiose buildings that line the Ringstrasse – the inner ring road encircling the historical centre. The magnificent Belvedere Palace is also well worth a visit. Other attractions include the mighty St Stephen’s Cathedral with its distinctive tiled roof; there is an impressive view over the city from the top of the tower. For a different perspective on the city perhaps take to the famous ferris wheel in Prater Park. When you are ready for a break you should definitely try out one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses to enjoy a Viennese coffee and cake. Then there are attractions further afield such as the evocative Schonbrünn Palace, or you might like to try and see the famous Spanish Riding School.

Day 7 – Vienna through Europe to France

Following a leisurely start to the day, make your way back to Vienna’s Westbahnhof station in the early afternoon. Here you return to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the start of your homeward journey, again in a luxurious Grand Suite. As you settle back in to life on board, enjoy afternoon tea served in your suite by your personal steward. Relax and admire the changing scenery as the train makes its way westwards across central Europe. Later you have another gastronomic delight as a leisurely four course dinner is served. Following this, you are bound to want to celebrate your final night on board by soaking up the atmosphere of the bar car, before settling down for the night.

Day 8 – Arrival in to Paris and Paris to London

Breakfast is served in your Grand Suite this morning at a time to suit you, as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express arrives in Paris. Here the train halts for 30 minutes at the Gare de l’Est; take this opportunity to stretch your legs along the platform and watch the bustling activity; passengers boarding, chefs choosing produce for brunch, Parisians coming and going. A delicious brunch is served in the restaurant cars as you travel on towards the French coast for the Channel crossing.

In Folkestone you join the gleaming cream and umber carriages of the Belmond British Pullman for the journey to London. Afternoon High Tea, accompanied by a glass of champagne, is served to you at your table as you travel through the Kentish countryside. All too soon it is time to prepare to disembark as your train draws into London Victoria station and the final leg of your journey home.