Itinerary - 8 Night Luxury Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

Board the Orient Express to Venice

Board the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman at London Victoria Station. Enjoy a sophisticated brunch as you roll through the Kentish countryside before travelling under the Channel Tunnel to France. Step aboard the illustrious carriages of the Venice Simplon Orient Express and settle into your private compartment. Soak in the scenery before enjoying a quality dinner, prepared by the highly skilled chefs aboard the historic restaurant cars. Sip an Agatha Christie Bellini in the Lounge Car before retiring for bed.

Days 2 and 3

Venice

Awake to breakfast in your compartment as you weave through the magnificent Swiss Alps. Pass through snow-capped mountains and quaint villages as you relax aboard the Orient Express. Sample more delicious food with a leisurely 3 course lunch as the train travels though the Italian Dolomites and onwards through the spectacular Brenner Pass. Cross the beautiful Venetian lagoon and arrive into Venice' Santa Lucia station in the early evening. On arrival check-in at the historic Centurion Palace for your 2 night stay.

Spend two days exploring the "city of canals" by visiting some of the Venetian masterpieces such as the Basilica of San Marco adorned with Byzantine architecture and glimmering angels dotted across the ceilings. Alternatively take a stroll along St. Mark's Basin up the waterfront promenade, with the bell towers of San Giorgio Maggiore on the left and San Marco on the right. Stop for a glass of prosecco alongside the beautiful Grande Canal and shop for traditional Murano glass at one of the many pretty boutiques on the island.

Day 4

Venice to Rome

After breakfast, sit back and relax on your first class journey to Rome. Pass quaint Italian villages and rolling fields before arriving at Rome Termini (journey time approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes).

Check in at the beautiful 5* Regina Baglioni Rome for your 2 night stay.

Day 5

Rome

Enjoy two days exploring Europe’s largest open air museum. Shrouded in legend, Rome is home to hundreds of ancient artifacts, architecture and beautiful churches and Basilicas such as St Peter’s and St Martin’s. Take a tour of the Vatican to discover the fascinating stories behind the smallest country in the world. Stop for a delicious Italian ice-cream in one of the pretty cafés by the Trevi fountain and then walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the famous Colosseum. Don’t forget to have your photo taken with one of the slightly more modern gladiators outside!

Day 6

Rome to Amalfi

After breakfast take the train from Rome to Naples (approximate journey time 1 hour 20 minutes). A private transfer (included in the package price) will whisk you through the stunning scenery and straight to your hotel. Check in at the Santa Caterina Amalfi for your 3 night stay.

The Santa Caterina Hotel in Amalfi is a small luxury family run hotel with 70 comfortable bedrooms and suites. The hotel is set at the top of the cliff, and the gardens run down to the sea in a series of terraces. At sea level (also accessible by two elevators, and a scenic path) is a sea water swimming pool, sunbathing decks, and a restaurant, café and a bar. The hotel is set on the famous Amalfi drive, with panoramic views over the Amalfi coast.

Days 7 and 8

Amalfi

Beautifully located perching on the cliffs of the famous Amalfi coast, Amalfi is home to attractive whitewashed houses built within a picturesque web of staircases and alleyways. Visit the impressive St Andrew's Cathedral and 12th Century Campanile (bell tower). Make the short journey to Ravello to see the ancient villas or take a boat to the Emerald Grotto - a beautiful cave only filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and relax in the welcoming sunshine.

Day 9

Amalfi to London

After breakfast, your driver will meet you outside the hotel to escort you back to Naples in your own private transfer (included in the package price) in time to board your British Airways flight back to London.