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Combine two of Europe’s most fascinating cultural cities with a night on the famous train, travelling through the spectacular Austrian Alps from La Serenissima to the Hapsburg capital. Flying to Venice, you will have time to enjoy the city’s palazzos and art galleries, and explore churches and canals with the insight of an expert local guide. Then board the gleaming carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an exquisite dinner, followed by the sounds of the baby grand piano in the Bar Car. The next morning, wake in Vienna to a freshly-prepared breakfast on board, before disembarking and enjoying two days in Europe’s cultural capital with its great museums, opera houses and concert halls.
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The stunning 'Palazzo Ducale' was the residence of the Doges and is the richest symbol of Venetian cultural, military, political and economic history. The tickets will allow you to avoid the lengthy queues and gain access to the Museo Correr and the National Archaelogical Museum. If you have visited the Doge's Palace before, we would be delighted to provide tickets to the Guggenheim or Accademia Galleries instead.
The Sant'Angelo, with its excellent location between the Rialto and Accademia Bridges, is housed in a grand Venetian palazzo.
One of our very favourite hotels in the centre of mediaeval Vienna, just 200 yards from St. Stephen's Cathedral. Dating back to the 17th Century, the building has remained unchanged for 300 years.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is more than just a train, it is an iconic travel experience which takes you back to an era when embarking on a journey was a glamorous and stylish affair which required fine-dining, high fashion and impeccable service. Any journey on board the train has the atmosphere of a special occasion, and it is the perfect place to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary in style.
The original 1920s and 1930s carriages formed part of the express trains which traversed Europe in the early 20th century ‘golden age’ of rail travel. Each has been lovingly restored by expert craftsmen, with gleaming livery and immaculate marquetry. The sleeping cars consist of comfortable banquette seating, with a window table and private washbasin concealed behind elegant oak doors. Whilst you are dining, your steward will transform the cabin into comfortable upper and lower berths with crisp damask sheets and fine blankets. Each carriage has its own dedicated steward, available 24 hours a day, and there is a mosaic-tiled lavatory at the end of the car.
For additional comfort and extra space, we highly recommend reserving a Cabin Suite, which is formed of two interconnecting cabins. This offers additional space during the day, and can be converted to two lower berths at night. Alternatively, three extravagant new Grand Suites were added to the train in 2018, each of which is named after a key destination on the route – Paris, Venice and Istanbul. The Grand Suites offer spacious accommodation with a double bed, living area and private en suite bathroom with shower, and passengers can enjoy meals in the privacy of their suites or in the main restaurant cars. Grand Suites sell out fast on peak dates so it is crucial to book well in advance – and supplements, which reflect the grandeur of the suites, are available on request.
One of the highlights of your journey is the delicious cuisine – all meals are included in the price (although drinks are extra). Chef Christian Bodiguel and his expert team take fresh ingredients on board throughout the journey and create varied menus which belie their compact kitchen. Breakfast is served in your cabin at the time of your choice, and includes fresh patisserie and fruits. For lunch and dinner – an occasion for which guests are encouraged to dress in glamorous 1920s style – you can choose to dine in one of the three elegantly restored restaurant cars:
Côte d’Azur: Built in 1929 and decorated with Lalique glass panels.
Etoile du Nord: Built in England with a lining of intricate marquetry.
L’Oriental: Originally a Pullman kitchen car, decorated with black lacquer panels.
After dinner, you may enjoy a cocktail in the stylish piano bar – or perhaps a glass of champagne in the Art Deco champagne bar.
Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.
