Rail journeys are bucket list experiences in themselves, but travellers wishing to take their holiday to the next level can book the train holiday to end all train holidays.
There's a five-day once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you from Venice all the way to Paris in the height of luxury on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train. You'll spend three nights being enchanted by Venice before boarding the glamorous train for a dream trip, spending one night on board the train before arriving into Paris.
Making the trip even more exclusive, you'll be joined by journalist and broadcaster Michael Portillo, a rail enthusiast who will give an evening talk and Q&A while taking his first trip on this magnificent train.
Equal parts romantic and glamorous, this very special rail journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' 1920s and 1930s carriages not only takes passengers between two of Europe's best cities, but back in time to the golden age of train travel.
The experience begins in La Serenissima itself, with three nights spent exploring the city at your own pace. Prepare to see famous landmarks like St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, as well as enjoying comfortable accommodation, a glittering drinks reception and a three-course dinner with Michael Portillo.
Then it's time to board Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where you'll be staying in the famously decadent sleeper cabins and enjoying lunch, dinner and breakfast. The plush interiors, attentive service, and the fine champagnes all play a part in giving the train that world-famous je ne sais quoi.
Its romantic ambience has also made the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express a favourite location for proposals, with around 30 couples getting engaged on the train every year and plenty more celebrating milestone anniversaries on this extraordinary holiday. If you're celebrating a big anniversary or are looking for a trip for two like no other, this unforgettable rail journey could be for you.
From the gleam of the blue-and-gold carriages to the twinkle of the stewards' buttons, this is true luxury travel for those who value the opportunity to savour the journey as much as the destinations en route.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is where you dress for dinner, taking a seat in swish surroundings for the finest of four-course meals. The evenings don’t end after coffee — the famous Bar Car 3674 is where guests gather for drinks (perhaps unsurprisingly, the Agatha Christie is the most popular cocktail choice) and meet other passengers around the baby grand, with the festivities only ending when the last guest retreats to their cabin.
The incredible journey from Venice to Paris is one for those who are able to splurge as it starts from £5,999. Attracting holidaymakers who are feeling flush — or those who have saved for a once-in-a-lifetime luxury adventure — the journey is extravagant from start to finish.
As well as flights from London Heathrow to Venice and private transfers from the airport to the hotel, you'll also get Premier Eurostar seats on the Eurostar from Paris to London to soften the blow of your eventual return.
Prefer a rail trip in the UK? You can sample the luxury of Belmond’s trains on a day trip instead. Good Housekeeping's exclusive journey to Highclere Castle includes a journey on sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the British Pullman, A Belmond Train.
You'll board a splendid art deco carriage in London Victoria, before being treated to a bellini and a three-course brunch before exploring Highclere. You'll then have a sumptuous dinner on the British Pullman, as well as hearing from Lady Carnarvon and Gaby Huddart.
