LONDON, PARIS & VENICE ON THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS

Following your flights to London (where applicable), we’ll transfer you to the Connaught in exclusive Mayfair - one of the city’s most luxurious hotels in one of its most luxurious locations, and close to many of the city’s famous sights. Get a taste of royalty at Buckingham Palace, visit Trafalgar Square and stroll along the Thames, where you can see Big Ben and take a trip on the London Eye for incredible views. You could also shop on Oxford Street, take in a show in the West End and linger in the green leafy parks. If you’re an opera fan, we recommend a visit to Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House, and there are plenty of lovely bars, restaurants and shops in this historic and pretty market to while away the time before the performance – you can even catch operatic buskers strutting their stuff. Back at the hotel after a day’s sightseeing, indulge in the spa, enjoy exquisite Michelin-starred cuisine in the Connaught’s acclaimed restaurant and visit the champagne room, the hotel’s hidden gem

After taking your fill of London, hop on the Eurostar to Paris, just two hours away, and check into the chic La Reserve, which combines the luxury of a five-star hotel with the exclusive privacy of a beautiful home away from home. Paris is bursting with world-class museums and galleries, historic monuments, designer boutiques and gourmet restaurants – and you’ll find many of them right on your doorstep. Experience a show at the iconic Moulin Rouge, or how about a day trip to the regal and legendary Versailles? The interiors of this incredible palace just outside Paris include beautiful royal apartments, the opulent Hall of Mirrors and a museum, with frescoes, woodcarvings and marble, set in beautiful formal gardens with water fountains that spout to the rhythm of music.

It’s time to hop on the train again - this time on the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as it makes its way to Venice on what is one of the most famous train journeys in the world. A celebration of the golden age of train travel, sit back, relax and take in the views as you sip a Bellini in your carriage, and after a delicious evening meal in the Art Deco-inspired dining car and post-dinner drinks and entertainment in the bar, enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep as the train makes its way through Europe. You’ll arrive in Venice in style the next day.

After disembarking, enjoy a scenic water taxi ride to the decadent Gritti Palace, a Venetian landmark that sits in prime position on the Grand Canal and has long been a favourite of stars from Elizabeth Taylor to Ernest Hemingway. Head to the terrace for quintessential Venetian views alongside some cicchetti (tapas) and champagne, and if you can drag yourself away, explore the picturesque canal byways on a gondola, including peaceful and secluded spots around the Grand Canal, and stroll over the Rialto Bridge and stop for a refreshing drink on the waterfront as you watch the boats pass by. As well as being a living museum in itself, Venice is also home to some fantastic galleries – we love the personal collection of influential American art collector and socialite Peggy Guggenheim, which showcases many of the giants of modern art.