Venice is one of the world's most romantic cities. And in addition to it's romance factor, it really is a fascinating place to explore with it's myriad of winding alleyways, arches, bridges and water channels. Getting lost in the maze of the centre is all part of the fun! Enjoy a self guided walking tour (or opt to add a private guide) as you explore the famous St. Marks square, Doge Palace, and of course the bridges over the canals. Consider taking a canal boat cruise to discover the beauty of the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano, complete with a visit to a glass making factory.

Take advantage of this special offer which offers you 2 nights complimentary stay at the luxurious Ciprianai 5* Hotel, complete with a private train station transfer from your hotel to the train station and a champagne welcome on board! This offer is valid for March 21 and March 28, 2012 departures only. (Offer is subject to availability).

After the royal treatment on board complete with multi-course meals and pampered service, you'll arrive refreshed after a good nights sleep in Paris. Choose from the many private tour options available in this fabulous city and stay in a sumptuous city centre hotel. This is the perfectly decadent Spring trip - buon viaggio! Hop on board the luxurious Orient Express venice Simplon as it takes you from Venice to Paris in style. But before you do, explore the beautiful city of Venice, taking advantage of this special offer whcih offers you 2 nights complimentary stay at the luxurious Ciprianai 5* Hotel, complete with a private train station transfer from your hotel to the train and a champagne welcome on board! This offer is valid for march 21 and march 28, 2012 departures only. (Offer is subject to availability).

In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

Meet your driver for a private airport (Marco Polo) transfer to or from the Lido area of Venice.  This service includes full time assistance.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the first hotel on your trip.

Enjoy time at leisure exploring the fascinating city of Venice by foot. Visit St. Mark's Square, the heart of political and religious power of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and learn the history that lies behind the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, and the Doge's Palace and its adjoining prisons that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities in the western world. Then, leave St. Mark's behind you to discover the enchanting Hidden Venice. View Marco Polo's House, a Merchants’ Warehouse. Explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Venetian Palaces and the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo (the Pantheon of Venice) and the Scuola di San Marco where you'll learn about the famous Confraternities (Schools) of merchants and artisans of Venice that provided the foundations of the Venetian mercantile empire. be sure to top and have a coffee break at one of the many cafe's with outdoor seating and watch the world go by!

The legendary Hotel Cipriani takes pride of place on the tranquil island of Guidecca, a short cruise away from St. Mark's square by private motor launch. Its reputation is built not only on the consistently high standards of Venetian cuisine served in the restaurant, but also on the extensive private gardens, the only heated outdoor pool and tennis court in central Venice and, of course, the very best of Venetian hospitality and service. Palazzo VendraminFormerly a 15th century aristocratic residence, the Palazzo Vendramin now forms a part of the Hotel Cipriani. Comprising eight luxury self-contained suites and three double bedrooms with private butler service, and some inspiring views of St. Marks Square over the lagoon, the Palazzo Vendramin makes an ideal retreat from the stress and strains of everyday life. All food and beverage requirements are supplied by the Hotel Cipriani, and naturally the services of the hotel are available to Palazzo Vendramin's guests.

Overnight at Cipriani Hotel (5*) (Garden view with terrace or balcony).

Enjoy the many wonders of Venice; Consider taking a private gondola ride finishing at a beautiful Venetian restaurant with a private boat entrance, wander the streets with a personal guide to show you the sites, take a private boat to see the stunning islands of Murano and Burano or to lesser well known areas in the Venetian lagoon. For those looking at something outside of the city, we suggest a visit to the romantic city of Verona or enjoy a half day shared tour to the outskirts of Venice enjoying some wine tasting among the ancient Venetian vineyards. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these options are of interest.

Enjoy some time at leisure to check out the great shopping opportunities in Venice.

Overnight at Cipriani Hotel (5*) (Garden view with terrace or balcony).

In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

Board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Venice Santa Lucia station. Your steward will show you to your private cabin and will attend you throughout your journey.

Enjoy some complimentary champagne in your cabin as a special welcome on the Orient Express train!

After you have settled in it will soon be time to enjoy a 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. Later, enjoy afternoon tea which will be served in your cabin.

After dinner you may want to linger in the Bar and when you are ready, retire to your cabin which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Although not a prerequisite, black-tie certainly adds to the sense of occasion and atmosphere on board. Sip an aperitif in the Bar Car, listening to the sounds of the baby grand piano before taking your seat in another of the magnificent restaurant cars. A leisurely four-course dinner is served, prepared on board by skilled French chefs.

A work of art in itself and a true Art Deco icon, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train offers a journey unlike any other. Step aboard and you enter a more gracious, elegant age of travel. Romance, adventure and style are all intimately bound up in journeys and tours that criss-cross Europe, rolling through sublime scenery to some of the continent’s most alluring cities.  Delightful vintage cabins, gastronomic cuisine and lively on-board entertainment make a journey aboard this iconic train one of the world’s finest travel experiences—a sequence of unforgettable moments.

Overnight at Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you.

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

The approximate timetable is as follows (subject to change):
Day 1:
Dept. Venice (Santa Lucia station): 10.57
Arrive Verona (Porta Nova station): 12.21. Dept: 13.00
Arrive Innsbruck (Hauptbahnhof): 17.22 Dept: 17.46
Day 2:
Arrive Paris (Gare de l'Est): 08.22.
Please Note: All timings shown on this website are for your guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents.

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

There are a mindboggling array of choices of things to do in Paris. Consider a private half or full day tour of the city with a guide (with or without private transport), spend the day with a personal shopper, enjoy a panoramic flight around Paris. Excursion options outside of Paris include a tour to Versailles, Auvers (where Van Gogh spent his last months) & the American Museum of Giverny (Monet's last place of residence), Burgundy, Champagne, Brugges or London. If you are interested in any of these suggestions, please contact your Sales Advisor.

Situated on the roof-terrace of the museum of Quai Branly, the brand new museum of arts and civilizations of Oceania, Asia, Africa and the Americas ,” les Ombres “ restaurant (the shadows) refers to the reflections of light from the Eiffel Tower, close by. The shadow of the Tower recurs frequently in the decor; pale-oak panelling and furnishings in shades of red, brown, coffee and burgundy. Consider arriving before dinner to explore the museum - it has late evening openinghours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Enjoy a delicious 3 course menu, including a glass of Champagne, mineral water and coffee. (Wine not included). You can easily arrange a cab from your hotel concierge. Alternatively, please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like return transportation to and from the restaurant organised for you.

The Aubusson Hotel (4*) is a fully refurbished 17th Century French mansion in the historical district of Saint Germain Des Pres, in the heart of Paris. The hotel is just a stone’s throw from Paris Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre museum, the Orsay museum, and the Luxemburg Garden. It is ideally located around Saint Germain Des Pres and the Latin Quarter to discover the famous Parisian art galleries, antique shops and finest designer's boutiques. The hotel offers 50 air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms, all equipped with private facilities. The hotel also offers a main lounge with a stone fireplace, a business space with Internet connection, an inner courtyard, a bar, a store laundry and dry-cleaning service, room service and an underground private car park. There is also a bar where live jazz music is often performed on Friday and Saturday evenings. A hot buffet breakfast is served in an elegantly decorated, high ceilinged room on the ground floor.

Overnight at Aubusson (4*).

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .