Take in seductive Tuscany and beguiling Venice, before boarding the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, stepping back in time to a world of romance, indulgence and adventure.
Highlights:
- First Class Rail Travel
- Florence
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Siena and a Tuscan Winery
- The ‘Floating City’ of Venice
- Pisa and Lucca
- Enjoy a tour of Italy’s major attractions
- Ride on-board the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train
- Enjoy the luxury of the Belmond British Pullman
- 4* Hotel Accommodation
– Breakfast Every Day
– Selected Evening Meals
- Optional Bag Concierge
Want to Tailor-make this experience? Just let us know and we can put it together your way.
Day 1 – To Florence
Start your journey of a lifetime in Florence, a city synonymous with Italy’s art culture, often referred to as ‘The Jewel of the Renaissance’.
Settle down into the 4-Star Starhotels Michelangelo, and have your first experience of Italian cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2 – Discovering Florence on a guided tour
Visit the sites of Florence today on a guided tour including The Duomo with its iconic red dome, Ponte Vecchio, the world famous 14th century bridge which is home to over 40 jewellery shops and stalls.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Perhaps lose yourself in the narrow streets and picturesque squares, or spend some time soaking in the culture and art of the Renaissance at the many museums, palaces, churches and galleries.
Day 3 – Siena and a Tuscan winery
Today we explore the medieval city of Siena on a guided tour. We wander through the narrow streets, picturesque open spaces and magnificent buildings focused around the great central Campo, a shell-shaped piazza and visit the magnificent Duomo, one of Italy’s greatest cathedrals.
The afternoon is spent in a typical winery set in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard, learn the secrets to Tuscan wine production amongst the spectacular scenery, and of course enjoy the wine tasting. After a visit to the local village of San Gimignano, famous for its thirteen towers dominating the skyline, we return to Florence for the evening.
Day 4 – Pisa and Lucca
This morning we take the train to Pisa for a guided tour to see the world famous Leaning Tower, the field of miracles and the White Marble Cathedral.
After lunch we continue to Lucca, one of Tuscany’s best kept secrets. Experience a medieval town of beauty that manages to escape the crowds.
Day 5 – On to Venice in First Class
Board the train and enjoy a first-class train journey to Venice, the famous floating city. Arrive at the city’s Santa Lucia station where you are greeted by a wonderous view of the shimmering Grand Canal. The afternoon is spent enjoying a guided tour of this inspirational city, including probably the world’s most famous piazza; St Mark’s Square. The local tour leader will take you on a walking tour through the city, through the narrow streets and take you to Venice’s main sights, including the famous Rialto Bridge, completed in 1591 which spans the Grand Canal.
Day 6 – At leisure exploring Venice
Today is all yours to enjoy Venice at your own pace. Wander around the historic streets, take a romantic gondola ride, or just enjoy an espresso and watch the locals walking by going about their day. Tonight, we enjoy a sensational four-course dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 7 – The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
All Aboard! Today is the day we have been waiting for as we board the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Enjoy the lavish luxury and exceptional service onboard this ‘Golden Age’ of rail travel locomotive. Relax, enjoy the scenery rolling by and indulge your senses with the exquisite cuisine served on board in the restaurant car as you listen to the sound of the baby grand piano. Retire to your private vintage cabin, and sleep well all the way to the next destination.
Day 8 – The Belmond British Pullman
Enjoy a continental breakfast served in your private cabin as you watch the landscapes change through the window, and enjoy your arrival into Paris to continue the journey back to the United Kingdom.
Once back on British soil we finish the journey in definite style. Board the Belmond British Pullman the height of 1920s elegance and style, and the sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Roll through the British country side, enjoy the history of the train including the carriages used by The Royal Family. The final highlight of the tour is a traditional afternoon tea, toast with a glass of sparkling wine and arrive back into the capital to finish the tour.
