Embark on a journey to discover Italy aboard the legendary Venice Simplon Orient-Express.
This evening, your splendid Italian expedition begins aboard the Venice Simplon Orient-Express, with its stunning blue and gold carriages. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the world's greatest rail legends, offering a timeless travel experience. With its gleaming wood paneling, sumptuous upholstery, and period furniture, this train beautifully exemplifies the glamour and elegance of the golden age of travel. A steward will be at your service throughout the journey. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a dinner prepared onboard by French chefs in one of the dining cars. Perhaps enjoy a final drink in the piano bar before retiring to your cabin, which has been transformed into a comfortable bedroom by the steward for the night.
Upon waking, as you enjoy magnificent views of the Swiss Alps, your steward will serve breakfast in your cabin at your desired time. Chat with fellow travelers over a cup of coffee in the piano bar before enjoying lunch in one of the most beautiful dining cars. In the afternoon, retire to your cabin for some relaxation and enjoy the unique landscape of the Italian Dolomites. Later, enjoy tea in your cabin as the train crosses the Brenner Pass. Soon, you'll be preparing for arrival in Venice, where the train follows the lagoon before reaching the station. Upon arrival, enjoy a VIP welcome and transfer by luxurious private motorboat to your iconic hotel. Dinner is free, and overnight at the hotel.
This morning, embark on a walking tour of Venice to truly "feel" the city. After exploring the secrets of the Doge's Palace and Piazza San Marco with its stunning basilica, stroll through the historic center's lively streets, full of hidden treasures: marble lace, ornate façades, gondola ballet, centuries-old churches, and intimate squares. Immerse yourself in the city’s ambiance—delicately calm in some areas, bustling in others, but always romantic and refined. After a free lunch, continue with afternoon visits, including a private boat trip to the island of Murano, renowned for its glassmaking. Discover a traditional glassmaking workshop with an expert guide, before heading to the island of Burano, famous for its brightly colored houses and exquisite lace. Return to Venice in the evening for a free dinner and overnight at the hotel.
This morning, meet your private French-speaking chauffeur (the same one throughout the trip) and head to Padua. Visit the city, famous for Giotto’s frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel (1303-1305) and the great 13th-century Basilica of Saint Anthony, notable for its Byzantine-style domes and remarkable decor. The medieval streets are lined with arcades and elegant cafes, where university students gather. After a free lunch, continue to Verona, home to the richest collection of Roman remains in Northern Italy, and made famous by Romeo and Juliet’s impossible love. Visit the Arena, the Duomo, Romeo’s house, and Juliet’s tomb—don’t forget the balcony! Your hotel is located in the heart of Verona, just steps from Juliet's famous balcony. Dinner is free, and overnight at the hotel.
Continue to Bologna, a less-visited gem with a stunning medieval center, pleasant atmosphere, and excellent cuisine (Bologna is known as "la grassa," or "the fat"). Visit the city’s palaces, churches, towers, and arcades as your guide introduces you to its beauty. After a free lunch, continue to Florence, the capital of Tuscany, and check in at your hotel with a free evening. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Spend the day discovering iconic Florence, a true open-air museum and one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. As the world capital of art, Florence is home to 25% of Italy's artistic heritage. Stroll through its palaces, museums, and churches, or wander the charming streets that reveal cafes, fountains, and shaded squares. Visit the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, and enjoy a free lunch. Continue your visit with the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most famous art collections, and see landmarks like Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest stone bridge in Europe, dating back to 1345. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Head to Siena, a medieval gem rivaling Florence with its Gothic art and compact size. Visit Il Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia, and the Piazza Duomo. After a free lunch, continue to your next enchanting destination: Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco, a historic estate in the Brunello di Montalcino wine region, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia Natural Park. Settle into this exceptional setting, with a free afternoon to relax. Optional: arrange a private wine-tasting experience at the estate.
Today, head to Perugia, the capital of Umbria, with its medieval streets, Gothic fountains, and ancient palaces. Stroll along Corso Vannucci and explore the Piazza IV Novembre, the heart of the city since Etruscan times. Visit the Fontana Maggiore, the San Lorenzo Cathedral, and the Palazzo dei Priori. After a free lunch, enjoy a private visit to the Moretti Caselli workshop/museum, which showcases important historical and cultural glassworks. The workshop has been active for over 150 years, now led by the fifth generation, continuing the family’s master glassmakers’ tradition.
Head south to Rome, arriving by midday. After a free lunch, visit the Borghese Gallery and its remarkable art collection, amassed by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, including works by Bernini, Raphael, and Titian. Explore the English-style gardens of Villa Borghese and enjoy a relaxing stroll. Continue with a visit to Cinecittà, Italy’s film studios, with a VIP tour. Established in 1937, Cinecittà produced iconic films like Ben-Hur and La Dolce Vita. In the evening, admire the beauty of Rome illuminated by thousands of lights.
Spend the day exploring the Eternal City. Walk through its cobbled streets and visit the Vatican, one of the most inspiring sites in Christianity, housing an impressive collection of artworks. Explore St. Peter's Basilica, designed by greats like Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini. After a free lunch, visit the Colosseum, the most visited monument in Italy, and the Roman Forum, the center of political, economic, and religious life in ancient Rome. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy a free morning in Rome for last-minute shopping, wandering through typical neighborhoods like bohemian Trastevere, or visiting famous squares like Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Navona. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your business class flight back to Paris, arriving in the late afternoon, marking the end of this unforgettable Italian getaway.
Venice: Belmond Cipriani Hotel
Verona: Due Torri Hotel
Florence: Relais Santa Croce Hotel
Siena: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Perugia: Sina Brufani
Rome: Hotel de la Ville
Paris – Venice: Venice Simplon Orient-Express
