Rail holidays Venice Simplon- Orient-Express www.expressionsholidays.co.uk 01392 441275
EXPRESSIONS RAIL HOLIDAYS Venice Simplon- Orient-Express 4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS PLUS A journey on the legendary Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice has to be the ultimate train journey across Western Europe. It allows you to enjoy the luxury of rail holidays as it used to be, conjuring up the romance of the Twenties and Thirties, when rail travel flourished and was deemed to be the only civilised way to journey across Europe. Welcome onboard A journey on the legendary Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice has to be the ultimate train journey across Western Europe. It allows you to enjoy the luxury of rail holidays as it used to be, conjuring up the romance of the Twenties and Thirties, when rail travel fl ourished and was deemed to be the only civilised way to journey across Europe. The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express continues that tradition of elegance and refi nement and is a totally delightful and memorable experience. The London to Venice train journey allows you for almost a day and a half to breathe in the style and service of a by-gone age, whilst enjoying the changing landscape as you travel across some of Europe s most spectacular scenery. Stay in a luxurious hotel in Venice to extend your holiday - click the tabs above for some sample packages to some of our favourite hotels in Venice. The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express train The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express runs from London to Venice and from Venice to London on selected dates throughout the year. Accommodation on board the luxury train is in private cabins with a washbasin cabinet. In the daytime your cabin is a seating area, then whilst you are at dinner it is transformed by the stewards to become a luxurious bedroom with one upper and one lower bed. It is also possible to stay in two interconnecting cabins, using one as a private lounge and the other as a bedroom. Meals (included in the price) are served in one of the three restaurant cars with gourmet dishes being freshly prepared by French chefs. Relax after dinner in the bar car where you can enjoy cocktails in glamorous surroundings. Your holiday Combine a journey on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express with a three night stay at a luxury hotel in Venice. You may choose to travel aboard the luxury train either on the outbound or homeward journey - the route varies slightly depending on which direction you travel. Click the tabs above for full details about the different variations. Prices from 3,410 per person This includes a one-way journey from Venice to London on the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express, 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at a hotel in Venice, private water taxi transfers, and fl ights to Venice. Special Offer We can offer holidays on the Orient Express for 2019 at 2018 prices until further notice. As soon as VSOE notify us of any changes in rates for 2019, this offer will cease. Telephone number 01392 441275 Email info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 2
THE ORIENT EXPRESS HOLIDAY London to Venice Begin your rail holiday on the Eurostar from London to Paris, where you transfer to a train bound for Zurich. Stay for one night in Zurich before continuing by train to Venice where you spend three nights. Following your stay in Venice, board the Venice-Simplon-Orient- Express for the homeward journey, arriving into London the following day. The journey You depart from London Victoria railway station late morning on board the British Pullman train, having lunch on board before reaching the coast. You cross the Eurotunnel to Calais and then board the continental train. Dinner is taken en route to Paris and then by breakfast time you have reached the Alps. You travel through the astonishing Gotthard Pass in Switzerland, a masterpiece of railway engineering which offers stunning views of the mountains as well as picturesque towns on both sides of the Italian border. You enjoy lunch and tea on board before arriving at Santa Lucia station in Venice, reaching the Grand Canal in the late afternoon. Our suggested holiday arrangements include: London to Venice on the Venice Simplon- Orient-Express train Private deluxe water taxi transfers in Venice from the station to your hotel and from your hotel back to the station or the airport Three nights bed and breakfast at your chosen hotel in Venice Then either return fl ight from Venice back to the UK (with British Airways to London or with another airline to a UK regional airport) Or train from Venice to Zurich via Milan with one night s bed and breakfast in Zurich (for example at the Hotel Ambassador a l Opera or other hotels on request) and then train from Zurich to Paris, and Paris to London by Eurostar Departure dates - London to Venice The 2018 London to Venice departure dates for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are: October 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 28 November 1 The 2019 London to Venice departure dates for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are: March 21 April 4, 11, 14, 25, 28 May 5, 9, 12, 19, 23 June 2, 9, 13, 20, 23, 27 July 4, 11, 18, 25. August 1, 8, 15 September 5, 12, 15, 19, 22, 29 October 3, 6, 13, 17, 27, 31 November 3 Scenery en route Venice to London Begin your rail holiday on the Eurostar from London to Paris, where you transfer to a train bound for Zurich. Stay for one night in Zurich before continuing by train to Venice where you spend three nights. Following your stay in Venice, board the Venice-Simplon-Orient- Express for the homeward journey, arriving into London the following day. The journey You depart from Venice mid-morning, heading towards Verona, the Dolomites and then the Alps. On this journey you travel through the Brenner Pass and then the Arlberg Pass. You enjoy lunch and tea on board and then by dinner time you are heading west into the sunset. Stay overnight on board and then from Paris the train heads back to Calais and the Eurotunnel crossing. You reach London Victoria station in the late afternoon. Our suggested holiday arrangements include: Venice to London on the Venice Simplon- Orient-Express train Private deluxe water taxi transfers in Venice from the station to your hotel and from your hotel back to the station or the airport Three nights bed and breakfast at your chosen hotel in Venice Then either fl ight from London to Venice(with British Airways to London or with another airline to a UK regional airport) Or train from London to Venice via Zurich and Milan with one night s bed and breakfast in Zurich (for example at the Hotel Ambassador a l Opera or other hotels on request) Departure dates - Venice to London The 2018 Venice to London departure dates are: October 3, 6, 17, 20, 31 The 2019 Venice to London departure dates are: March 20, 27 April 3, 10, 13, 24, 27 May 8, 11, 22, 26 June 1, 5, 12, 19, 22, 26 July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7, 14, 20 September 11, 14, 18, 21 October 2, 5, 16, 30 Telephone number 01392 441275 Email info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 3
Choice of hotels Here is a summary of each of the hotels we suggest staying at on this rail holiday including the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express. Hotel Bisanzio - 4 star The Hotel Bisanzio is the perfect place from which to explore Venice, with comfortable rooms and excellent service. Situated just 300 metres from St Mark s Square, this 16th century palazzo is just the very beginning of your historic exploration of this magnifi cent city. The quirky Venetian style pervades throughout, with parquet fl oors, Murano glass lamps, walnut wainscoting, and antique furnishings that really set off this distinctive look. Hotel Flora 3 star The family-owned, 3 star Hotel Flora, with just 44 rooms, is an oasis of Venetian charm and character, situated along a short narrow alleyway just off a stylish street in a less bustling part of the city between St Mark s and the Accademia, yet only a short distance from the Grand Canal. The pretty reception area opens onto a shady courtyard, bordered by the creeper-clad, shuttered hotel building. Here you can enjoy a refreshing drink after a day s sightseeing and breakfast in fi ne weather. The rooms vary in size and style, some of the larger ones being ornately furnished in a Venetian style and others being smaller and more typical of a traditional cosy hotel. Early booking is highly recommended. Palazzo Giovanelli 4 star A four-star superior hotel overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice, the Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli combines contemporary stylishness with the history of its setting: just a few minutes away from St Mark s Square and the Rialto Bridge. A waterside gate also provides gondola access. Stone archways and marble fl oors are in keeping with the history of the building, and yet there is captivating modern and ancient sculpture and painting. Each of the guestrooms either has a view of the Grand Canal, the hotel s pretty courtyard, the Ca Pesaro, or the Church of San Stae. Ca Sagredo 5 star This is a luxurious palazzo hotel which overlooks the Grand Canal, opposite the historical Rialto market. The 15th century palace has been declared as a National Monument, and is perfect for those seeking an elegant ambience in a historic setting. The hotel has 42 rooms and suites, each decorated in classic Venetian styling with antique furniture, gilt mirrors and Murano glass. Enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine on the splendid panoramic terrace of l Alcova restaurant from where you can watch the gondolas and boats glide along the water. Hotel Luna Baglioni 5 star A popular and very comfortable hotel in an outstandingly convenient location near the western edge of St Mark s Square. While a hotel has occupied the site since the Middle Ages, the present building has recently been refurbished both inside and out. Bedrooms are home to plush carpets, high-quality furnishings, and elegant decoration, all offering a high level of general comfort. The hotel has its own landing stage for private water taxis. Kempinski San Clemente Palace 5 star The Kempinski San Clemente Palace is situated on its own island, in the Venetian lagoon, and it occupies a former monastery with 12th century church and historic courtyards. A complimentary shuttle boat takes you from the hotel to the Piazza San Marco. The hotel exterior is grand and majestic and from each room, a different view across the ancient spires, opulent palaces, and narrow canal ways of Venice is possible. The room types are numerous and the suites are, almost without exception, completely unique, with different furnishings, design styles, and space arrangements in each. There is a choice of dining, three bars, verdant grounds with tennis court and outdoor heated pool, and Merchant of Venice Spa. Belmond Hotel Cipriani 5 star deluxe The Belmond Hotel Cipriani is a legendary hotel in an exquisite location, set amid its own beautiful gardens on the island of Giudecca. Guests can take advantage of the private motorboat service which is on call 24 hours a day to ferry them across the lagoon to St Mark s Square, a journey which takes just fi ve minutes. Elegantly decorated bedrooms overlook San Giorgio Island, the Casanova Garden or the lagoon, while each of the three restaurants enjoy a lovely location. The hotel is an excellent option for those who don t want to stay in the centre of Venice. Hotel Bisanzio, Venice Ca Sagredo, Venice Luna Hotel Baglioni, Venice Kempinski San Clemente, Venice Palazzo Giovelli, Venice Belmond Cipriani, Venice Telephone number 01392 441275 Email info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 4
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS The map below illustrates the route outlined in this touring itinerary, with stops and places of interest highlighted. Telephone number 01392 441275 Email info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 5
GENERAL INFORMATION PRICES PER PERSON London to Venice including: London to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train Private deluxe water taxi transfers in Venice from the station to your hotel and from your hotel back to the station or the airport Three nights bed and breakfast at your chosen hotel in Venice Then either return fl ight from Venice back to the UK (with British Airways to London or with another airline to a UK regional airport) OR train from Venice to Zurich via Milan with one night s bed and breakfast in Zurich (for example at the Hotel Ambassador a l Opera or other hotels on request) and then train from Zurich to Paris, and Paris to London by Eurostar From 3,770 staying at the Hotel Bisanzio, a charming, traditional, boutique-style 4-star hotel a few minutes walk from the Riva degli Schiavoni and St Mark s Square. From 3,855 staying at the Hotel Flora, a gem of a 3-star hotel, in a very convenient location for both St Mark s and the Accademia. From 3,945 staying at the Palazzo Giovanelli, a 4 star hotel with just 41 rooms enjoying a very convenient location on the banks of the Grand Canal ideally placed for Rialto and the Accademia. From 4,180 staying at Ca Sagredo, a luxurious fi ve-star hotel in a central location which is perfect for those seeking an elegant ambience in an historic setting. From 4,235 staying at the Kempinski San Clemente Palace, a unique 5-star hotel, on its own island with gardens and outdoor swimming pool. From 4,330 staying at Hotel Luna Baglioni, a popular fi ve-star hotel in an outstandingly convenient yet charming location near St Mark s Square. From 5,190 staying at Belmond Hotel Cipriani, a legendary hotel in an exquisite location amid gardens on Giudecca Island, just across the lagoon from Venice. BOOKING CONDITIONS Our booking conditions apply to all holidays. A copy can be found on our website and a copy is also sent to you with a written quotation and when you make a booking. FINANCIAL PROTECTION Expressions Holidays offers full financial protection for all holidays you book with us. If your holiday includes a flight, the ATOL (3076) covers the costs of the holiday. If the holiday does not include a flight, it is the ABTOT bond that protects the cost of the holiday. We are also members of AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators) and ABTA. Expressions Holidays Lynx House, Pynes Hill, Exeter EX2 5JL Prices are per person sharing a double are based on travelling back by train with a night in Zurich. If you choose to fl y back deduct 360 per person. If you choose to do the holiday the other way round and travel back from Venice to London, deduct 150 per person. First class rail is available, at a supplement of about 250 per person, depending on the times of the trains you choose to take. HOW TO BOOK To make a booking, just phone us on 01392 441275 and we can take you through the details we need and start the booking process. The deposit payable will be advised by your sales consultant at the time of booking. Telephone number 01392 441275 Email info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 6