Venice Simplon Orient Express and Classic Italian Cities

On arrival in Rome, you'll transfer to your chosen 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

You can enjoy a free day in Rome today, wandering the historic streets and stopping for lunch at one of the city's authentic pizzerias. Take some time to visit the many monuments and water fountains, especially the iconic Trev Fountain. Relax in one of the squares at a pavement café and stroll around with a gelato while you sight-see. Or, choose one of our optional excursions, which are bookable at a supplement, and get to know Rome even better.

Take some time in Rome this morning to snatch up any last minute souvenirs in the little shops and boutiques, and then walk to the station or take an optional transfer, ready to catch your train to Florence. Your highspeed train takes just under two hours and travels from Rome, through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside, to the cultural city of Florence. On arrival in Florence take your optional transfer, or walk to your nearby hotel. Choose between our 4* hotels, on a B&B basis.

Enjoy a free day in the cultural city of Florence today and get to the know the city a little better. The entire city is a canvas and there's art to be found everywhere, but you can also spend some time in a gallery to really soak up the art on offer. Relax in one of the squares with a coffee and taste some authentic Tuscan cuisine in one of the restaurants at lunch time. Or, choose one of our optional excursions, which are bookable at a supplement, and get to know Florence and beyond.

You'll have a free morning in Florence this morning, to pick up any last minute souvenirs, before it's time to walk to the station to catch your highspeed train to Venice. Your journey will take just over two hours and will take you through the stunning Tuscan countryside, through the wine region of Emilia-Romagna, all the way to Venice. On arrival in Venice, you can either take an optional transfer, or walk, to your hotel. Choose one of our 4* or 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

Relax and enjoy a free day in Venice today and get acquainted with the water city. Take some time to stroll around the squares, stopping for a coffee or a gelato here and there, and visit some of the historic cafes and bars. Walk over the many iconic bridges that stride the canals, and visit a museum, or simply marvel at the incredible gothic architecture. Or, choose one of our optional excursions at a supplement.

Enjoy a free morning in Venice for any souvenir shopping or last minute sight-seeing, before it's time to take a very special journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express. As you approach the restored 1920s carriages of this luxury train, you'll get a since of the adventure to come. And when you step aboard, the true beauty and sophistication of the train becomes the setting for the rest of your journey. Relax in your cabin as the beautiful Italian countryside roles by your window, and make your way to one of the restaurant cars for your elegant three course lunch. Cosy up with a good book, or gaze through your window at the beauty of Italy.

When it's time for dinner, head to one of the chic restaurant cars for your luxury four course dinner, and enjoy each wine your sommelier expertly pairs for you. Your onboard pianist awaits in the bar car to entertain you and your new friends after dinner, while you sip a cocktail or two.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries drifts along the corridors of this opulent train this morning. Take your breakfast in your cabin as your steward attends to your needs, or wander along to one of the restaurant cars and enjoy your breakfast, which includes smoked salmon and caviar. When you arrive in Paris you'll leave this sumptuous train and catch the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.