Art at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna
Vienna is a delightfully graceful and elegant city with some of the most spectacular palaces
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Take a Venice Simplon Orient Express 2024 Holiday – travel on the famous Venice Simplon Orient Express from Verona to Paris with our Signature Journey for 2024
For your trip of a lifetime embark from London via First Class rail through the Alps to the magical city of Verona, returning on this classic Orient Express journey through Europe to Paris and First Class rail from Paris to London.
Your holiday includes:
Your holiday begins as you stroll into beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph.
Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier service. On arrival at the Gare du Nord a private taxi will transfer you across the city to the Gare de Lyon.
Here you continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland, alongside sparkling Lake Geneva to the elegant lakeside town of Montreux. On arrival in Montreux your hotel for one night is the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) located right next to the station. You might like to stroll around Montreux and stretch your legs or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally).
As you marvel at the spectacular setting, twixt sparkling lake and breath-taking mountains, spare a thought for the prisoners of this 13th century castle, considered to be one of the best-preserved in Europe.
This morning after breakfast make your way across to the station.
Here you board the Euro City train as it snakes its way through picturesque scenery, past soaring mountain peaks, up the spectacular Rhône Valley into Italy.
You pass Milan and continue to Verona.
On arrival in Verona, walk out of the station and enter a different world.
Make the most of two full days to explore this attractive walled city famous for the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and soak up the warm pastel colours of Piazza Brà, surrounded by churches, monuments and fine palazzi, built from local pink limestone.
Impressive churches, such as San Zeno Maggiore, contrast perfectly with the opulence of Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe close to Juliet’s balcony.
Should you wish to venture further afield, you could head out to the Valpolicella vineyards, the Palladian delights of Vicenza or take to the waters of stunning Lake Garda.
On certain dates between June and September it is possible to visit the world-famous Verona Opera during its annual festival.
Savour the build up to the celebrated performance as crowds gather inside the city’s remarkable Roman amphitheatre and thousands of candles ensure the spectacle is illuminated.
The opera shown will vary by the departure date, but all will provide an unforgettable evening.
This morning after breakfast it is time to bid farewell to Verona as you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will show you to your private cabin and will attend you throughout your journey.
After you have settled in it will soon be time to enjoy a sumptuous three course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars.
Spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfort of your cabin gazing at the beautiful passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps, or chatting with fellow travellers in the Bar Car.
Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. After further relaxation it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Why not sip a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars? Here 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. When you are ready, retire to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.
Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you. The train pulls into Paris Gare de l’Est where you disembark the Orient Express.
After a short transfer you leave Paris to head to London by First class rail.
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.
Travel in a private compartment, attended by Cabin Stewards throughout your journey, where you are assured of attentive yet discreet service.
Each compartment has its own original washbasin cabinet with hot and cold water, and at night-time becomes a comfortable bedroom, complete with soft towels and crisp linen.
Your double compartment converts in moments from daytime seating to a comfortable bedroom. A private lounge during the day with a banquette sofa, footstool and small table, it is transformed to night configuration with an upper and lower bed.
A washbasin with hot and cold water is enclosed in a cabinet and towels and toiletries are provided.
You may wish to upgrade your twin/double cabin on board the Venice Simplon Orient Express to a cabin suite.
Formed of two interconnecting double cabins, the cabin suite offers additional comfort and extra space.
By day, guests can stretch out and relax with two lounges, and by night a choice of bed configurations are available depending on your preferences.
The cabin suite is available from an additional £2,350 per person (based on two people travelling together), depending on departure date – please contact us for more details.
Why not make your journey of a lifetime on the world’s most famous train even more special, by travelling in one of just three exclusive Grand Suites?
Each luxurious suite is beautifully appointed with its own individual theme, and comes with its own private bathroom, double bed and spacious living area. Other additional touches are also included.
Grand Suites are available from an additional £4,495 per person (based on two people travelling together), depending on departure date – please contact us for more details.
The Hotel Accademia (4-star) took its name from the Academy of the Filotimi, dating from 1565, which taught equestrian skills, and it became a hotel in 1880.
Situated in the historical centre of Verona, the hotel is close to Juliet’s balcony, just off the shopping street of Via Mazzini and within easy reach of the Roman Arena.
The hotel, although centrally located, is surprisingly quiet and tranquil with courteous and helpful staff and comfy sofas for lounging in.
The bedrooms are mostly large and well furnished, and the high-ceilinged guest rooms are conservatively traditional with excellent furnishings.
For information and booking:
Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
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