The iconic Venice Simplon Orient Express has become one of the most prestigious ways to travel through Europe. Boarding the train is more than just style and sophistication, it is about returning to the Roaring Twenties when dressing for dinner and live entertainment was expected.
No one can escape falling in love with the beautiful floating metropolis that is Venice, but leaving the crowds behind is very possible. Rather than become one of the crowds, stay at San Clemente Palace Kempinski, located on its own island just below Venice.
With the complimentary hotel watertaxi transfer only a 20mins from St Mark’s Square, you can definitely see Venice how it suits you.
This morning begin your trip from London Victoria on the Belmond Pullman train. Your suitcases will go on ahead of you to Venice, so you just have an overnight bag each.
Enjoy a light brunch as you journey through the English countryside to Folkestone where a luxury coach takes you through the tunnel. Waiting for you on the other side is the Venice Simplon Orient Express.
This iconic train has been finished to a refined art and has been restored to it’s former beauty including dining cars, three types of accommodation and live piano entertainment.
The steward will show you to your cabin and discuss dining options and timings with you.
While away the hours in relaxation as you travel through Europe.
This evening, the skilled French Chef will prepare a sumptuous 4 course dinner to re-awaken your taste buds! Dress in style for a night like no other.
Overnight in a Twin Cabin on board. There is the option to upgrade to either a Cabin Suite or a Grand Suite. Please see Optional Extras below for more information.
Please click on the first photo opposite to get a taste of this wonderful journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Why not upgrade to a Twin Cabin Suite. Instead of having one room with bunk beds, the Cabin Suites give you a second room. You can either stay with the bunk beds and have one room for daytime and one for night use, or alternatively have the beds positioned on the floor per room.
Price Per Person: From £2,170
The Grand Suites features a double/twin bedroom, living area with space for private dining and a sofa which can be converted into an additional bed in the evening. A private en-suite bathroom includes shower, washbasin and toilet. Enjoy the celebrated 24-hour cabin service complemented by free-flowing champagne in your suite.
Price Per Person: From £6,195
After a good night’s sleep in your cabin, wake up to a delicious breakfast served in your cabin or in the Art Nouveau styled Bar Car.
Enjoy a 3 course lunch in one of the three restaurant cars – The Cote d’Azur with blue opaque glass classical figures, The Etoile du Nord with fantastic marquetry of wood, brass and ivory, or L’Oriental which has been remastered to include black lacquer panels as its trademark.
Watch the majestic mountains and countryside transform outside as the train travels through the Swiss Alps, then the Italian Dolomites before arriving at its destination at Venice Station.
Waiting for you as you depart the train in Venice will be your private driver who will transfer you by watertaxi to your 5 star hotel, San Clemente Palace Kempinski.
San Clemente Palace Kempinski is located on it’s own private island just below Venice, and is the perfect tranquil haven away from the crowds.
This former monastery has been lovingly converted into a boutique 5 star hotel. The island and hotel are very self sufficient with an outdoor pool, beautiful gardens, tennis courts, Wellness and Spa Centre and both indoor and outdoor dining, the latter with a view over the lagoon.
It is an easy 20 minutes by watertaxi to St Mark’s Square and the hotel runs a complimentary service between the two islands every 30 minutes.
Waiting for you in your room will be a bottle of chilled Prosecco to toast the beginning of your romantic adventure.
Please click on the photo opposite for a video sample of this beautiful romantic hotel.
After you have settled in, wander down for your included 3 Course dinner prepared in the Michelin Starred outdoor restaurant overlooking the lagoon.
Evening at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This morning, take the complimentary watertaxi transfer to St Mark’s Square. From here the boat will be waiting to take you on your semi private tour of the islands.
In the course of the tour you will get to discover Burano where intricate lace making is the fashion, before heading onto Murano where glass blowing is the number one attraction. Some perfect ideas for souvenirs!
Enjoy a glass blowing demonstration and some time at leisure before returning back to St Mark’s Square.
The tour is for up to 8 people and includes a guide to provide a full history of these distinctive islands.
Take the complimentary hotel watertaxi back to the island for your 3 course dinner overlooking the lagoon.
Evening at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Today is completely down to you! You can either stay on the island sampling the spa centre, play some tennis on the tennis court, enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool, or maybe head into Venice using the complimentary watertaxi transfer.
We have some fantastic Optional Extras including a Private Highlights of St Mark’s tour, a romantic gondola ride for during the day.
For the evening why not add in a night at the opera. With both La Fenice Opera House and opera in a stunning palazzo available, there is definitely something to suit. Please see Optional Extras below for more information.
This evening enjoy your final 3 course dinner on the island.
Meals inclulded: Breakfast and dinner
With an extensive spa centre on the island, what better way to relax and forget about the stresses of home, than a spa treatment to begin your time in Venice. With treatments ranging from a reflexology revival to a couples massage, there is sure to be something of interest.
Price Per Person: From £90 to £400 depending on treatment.
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For first timers to Venice, this is a great introduction. Your own private guide will take you on a 3-4 hr tour around the Basilica and Doges Palace. You will be able to walk through the prison made famous for temporarily housing Casanova, along with walking over the Bridge of Sighs; prisoners last glimpse of the outside world.
Price Per Person: £230 per person
Take the complimentary hotel watertaxi into Venice to start your sunset gondola ride tour. Sit back and relax seeing this floating city the only way it can truly be seen.
Head along the Grand Canal past a vista of stunning palaces and bridges, before your 30mins tour comes to a finish.
Price Per Person: £65 per person
This evening attend the opera at La Fenice in your top seats. La Fenice, (The Phoenix) is aptly named as it has burnt down twice in its lifetime. It has been recently re-mastered to its current glory as one of the most famous theatres in Europe.
Click on the first photo below for a short video.
2020:
JANUARY:
La Traviata (Verdi) – 04, 05, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
A Hand of Bridge (Bartok) – 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
FEBRUARY:
Duse (Neumier) Ballet – 05, 06, 07, 08, 09
L’elisir d’amore (Donizetti) – 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25
MARCH:
Carmen (Bizet) – 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31
APRIL:
Carmen (Bizet) – 01, 02, 03, 04, 05
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 23, 26, 29
MAY:
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 02, 06, 08, 19, 21, 23, 27, 29
Faust (Gounod) – 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
JUNE:
Rinaldo (Handel) – 19, 21, 25, 27
Roberto Devereux (Donizetti) – 26, 28, 30
JULY:
Rinaldo (Handel) – 01, 03
Roberto Devereux (Donizetti) – 02, 04
AUGUST:
La Traviata (Verdi) – 27, 29
Aida (Verdi) – 23, 28, 30
SEPTEMBER:
La Traviata (Verdi) – 03, 04, 06, 08, 10, 11, 12, 20, 24, 26
Aida (Verdi) – 01, 02, 05, 09, 13
Il Trovatore (Verdi) – 25, 27
OCTOBER:
Il Trovatore (Verdi) – 04, 10, 13
The Barber of Seville (Rossini) – 03, 08, 14, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27
Price Per Person: From £160 per person (ballet) to £455 per person (opening night operas)
Whether you are an opera lover wanting a new opera experience, or someone wanting a taster of the opera, this is a great option. Located just along the Grand Canal, this opera takes place right in front of you. There is no stage but only a limited number of chairs, with the singers performing right in front of you!
Click on the first photo for a short video.
Schedule 2019:
La Traviata – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
The Barber of Seville – Wednesdays & Sundays
Rigoletto – Fridays
Price: £100 per person.
At leisure until your private watertaxi transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Alternatively, why not extend your trip to take in another city. If travelling between late June to early September time, the open-air arena in Verona performs popular operas most nights. You could finish your trip on Lake Garda, which is a short trip onwards.
Or you could add a few nights to Milan and enjoy some culture, the opera and some shopping. Nearby is the option of some time on either Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, or maybe a few days in the Renaissance quarter of Florence is high on your wish list.
Meals included: Breakfast only
The Venice Simplon Orient Express has been running since the 1920's when the train was one of the first to pioneer the golden age of train travel.
Let the countryside pass you by while relaxing in style.
The Orient Express has three levels of cabin. The first is the Double Cabin which comes with a lounge, banquette sofa and a washbasin. By night it is transformed into a bedroom with an upper and lower bed.
The second is the Cabin Suite which consists of two interconnecting cabins. One room can be kept as a lounge with the second having an upper and lower berth, or make way for two single beds; one in each room.
The third are the Grand Suites. Each has a double/twin bedroom, a living area with space for private dining and a sofa which can be converted into an additional bed in the evening. A private en-suite bathroom includes shower, washbasin and toilet. The celebrated 24-hour cabin service is complemented by free-flowing champagne in your suite.
The train also has fine dining with not two but three restaurant cars. The first is the Cote d'Azure with blue opaque glass classical figures. The second is the Etoile du Nord with fantastic marquetry, and the last is L'Oriental which is stylised in black lacquer panels.
This 5 star hotel has been recently renovated from a former monastery, and sits on its own private island. Located only 5 minutes by complimentary watertaxi transfer to Venice and St Mark's Square, this is perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful trip.
The hotel has plenty to keep you amused including a Michelin Starred restaurant with views overlooking the lagoon, an outdoor pool, tennis court, gardens, wellness centre and spa, and even a church. At the end of a busy day, why not recharge the batteries with a pamper session at the spa or cool down with a swim in the pool?
All the rooms have a balcony overlooking either the gardens or the lagoon.
Why not upgrade to a Twin Cabin Suite. Instead of having one room with bunk beds, the Cabin Suites give you a second room. You can either stay with the bunk beds and have one room for daytime and one for night use, or alternatively have the beds positioned on the floor per room.
Price Per Person: From £2,170
The Grand Suites features a double/twin bedroom, living area with space for private dining and a sofa which can be converted into an additional bed in the evening. A private en-suite bathroom includes shower, washbasin and toilet. Enjoy the celebrated 24-hour cabin service complemented by free-flowing champagne in your suite.
Price Per Person: From £6,195
With an extensive spa centre on the island, what better way to relax and forget about the stresses of home, than a spa treatment to begin your time in Venice. With treatments ranging from a reflexology revival to a couples massage, there is sure to be something of interest.
Price Per Person: From £90 to £400 depending on treatment.
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For first timers to Venice, this is a great introduction. Your own private guide will take you on a 3-4 hr tour around the Basilica and Doges Palace. You will be able to walk through the prison made famous for temporarily housing Casanova, along with walking over the Bridge of Sighs; prisoners last glimpse of the outside world.
Price Per Person: £230 per person
Take the complimentary hotel watertaxi into Venice to start your sunset gondola ride tour. Sit back and relax seeing this floating city the only way it can truly be seen.
Head along the Grand Canal past a vista of stunning palaces and bridges, before your 30mins tour comes to a finish.
Price Per Person: £65 per person
This evening attend the opera at La Fenice in your top seats. La Fenice, (The Phoenix) is aptly named as it has burnt down twice in its lifetime. It has been recently re-mastered to its current glory as one of the most famous theatres in Europe.
Click on the first photo below for a short video.
2020:
JANUARY:
La Traviata (Verdi) – 04, 05, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
A Hand of Bridge (Bartok) – 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
FEBRUARY:
Duse (Neumier) Ballet – 05, 06, 07, 08, 09
L’elisir d’amore (Donizetti) – 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25
MARCH:
Carmen (Bizet) – 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31
APRIL:
Carmen (Bizet) – 01, 02, 03, 04, 05
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 23, 26, 29
MAY:
Rigoletto (Verdi) – 02, 06, 08, 19, 21, 23, 27, 29
Faust (Gounod) – 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
JUNE:
Rinaldo (Handel) – 19, 21, 25, 27
Roberto Devereux (Donizetti) – 26, 28, 30
JULY:
Rinaldo (Handel) – 01, 03
Roberto Devereux (Donizetti) – 02, 04
AUGUST:
La Traviata (Verdi) – 27, 29
Aida (Verdi) – 23, 28, 30
SEPTEMBER:
La Traviata (Verdi) – 03, 04, 06, 08, 10, 11, 12, 20, 24, 26
Aida (Verdi) – 01, 02, 05, 09, 13
Il Trovatore (Verdi) – 25, 27
OCTOBER:
Il Trovatore (Verdi) – 04, 10, 13
The Barber of Seville (Rossini) – 03, 08, 14, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27
Price Per Person: From £160 per person (ballet) to £455 per person (opening night operas)
Whether you are an opera lover wanting a new opera experience, or someone wanting a taster of the opera, this is a great option. Located just along the Grand Canal, this opera takes place right in front of you. There is no stage but only a limited number of chairs, with the singers performing right in front of you!
Click on the first photo for a short video.
Schedule 2019:
La Traviata – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
The Barber of Seville – Wednesdays & Sundays
Rigoletto – Fridays
Price: £100 per person.
The booking process was made easy with the team answering any questions quickly and in detail. The standard of care shown on the holiday was very good and all the plans worked well. Just to let you know, I would just like to say thank you for providing the bottle of prosecco in our room - it made our anniversary celebrations that little more special. Thank you.
A brilliant trip. Thank you so much for the perfect organisation. We will recommend you to all our friends!
Departure airports:
* Our international clients are welcome to book their own flights.
2019 Departure Dates for the Orient Express (train out, fly back):
Apr 14, 25, 28, May 5, 9, 12, 23, Jun 13, 20, 23, 27, Jul 4, 18, 25, Aug 1, 8, 15, Sep 5, 15, 19, 29, Oct 3, 6, 13, 17, 31, Nov 3.
2019 Departures from Venice to UK (fly out and train back):
Mar 27, Apr 3, 10, 24, 27, May 8, 11, 15, 22, 26, Jun 12, 22, 26, Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14, 20, Sep 11, 18, 21, Oct 2, 16, Nov 2, 6.
2020 Departure Dates for the Orient Express (train out, fly back):
Mar 22, 29, Apr 02, 09, 16, 19, 23, 30, May 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 31, Jun 04, 07, 25, Jul 02, 16, 23, Aug 06, 13, 20, Sept 10, 17, 20, 27, Oct 04, 08, 11, 18, 22, 25, Nov 01, 05, 12
2020 Departures from Venice to UK (fly out and train back):
Mar 21, Apr 01, 08, 15, 18, 22, 29, May 13, 16, 20, 23, Jun 03, 06, 10, 17, 24, 27, Jul 08, 22, Aug 05, 12, 19, 25, Sept 16, 19, 23, 26, Oct 10, 21, 24, Nov 04, 11