The Venice Simplon Orient Express 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, travelling in comfortable Standard Premier Class, with a complimentary meal and drinks served on board. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for two nights, the well located Rochester Champs Elysées. Dinner is included tonight in a local restaurant; afterwards why not take a stroll down the magnificent Champs Elysées? (E,D)

We begin the day with a guided tour of Paris by coach and on foot, which takes in this captivating city's most famous sights. We see the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, the magnificent monument completed in 1836 to commemorate victories by France's armies. This afternoon is free for you to explore independently. Our recommendations for first time visitors include the bustling Montmartre district and the incomparable Eiffel Tower, whereas returning travellers will have their own favourite haunts, such as the Musée d'Orsay or the vast collection of modern art at the Pompidou Centre. (B)

From Paris we travel on the high-speed TGV, heading south-east towards the mighty Alps. We cross the border into Italy, passing through Turin on our way to Milan, Italy's fast-paced and fashionable economic capital. On arrival we transfer to the centrally located NH Touring Hotel for a two-night stay. There is time to relax at the hotel or explore independently before we enjoy dinner in an authentic Milanese trattoria. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the city or perhaps sit at a pavement café with a cappuccino and watch Milan come alive as darkness envelops this lively city. (B,D)

Milan is well-known as one of the fashion capitals of Europe, but it also offers its visitors plenty in the way of history and culture. We begin our time in Milan with a guided tour, by coach and on foot, including a visit to the incredible Duomo - the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. We visit the world's most famous opera house, the 'Teatro alla Scala', and the beautiful 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade, the 'Galleria Vittorio Emanuele'. Your afternoon and evening are free to explore at your own pace. (B)

Sit back and enjoy our First Class train journey to Venice, the floating city of shimmering waterways, elaborate bridges and ornate palaces. Arriving at the city's Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal, we are greeted by a truly glorious view of the shimmering Venice lagoon. A private boat journey gives us our first chance to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of this unique city as we are transported through the winding canal ways and past ancient palazzi to our hotel for three nights, the 4-star Hotel Splendid Venice, which enjoys a wonderful location in the heart of the city close to the world renowned St Mark's Square. Your afternoon is free to relax and begin your exploration of Venice. Allow yourself to get lost among the winding lanes and twisting alleyways of this incredible city. The hotel is right on a canal; so you could choose to relax and watch gondolas gliding past from comfort of the hotel lounge. Tonight we dine in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a guided tour of Venice, including the magnificent St Mark's Square, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful city squares in the world. Overlooked by St Mark's Basilica, the large open space is surrounded by the Doge's Palace, the Procurator's residence, the famous Sansoviniana Bookshop and the iconic bell tower, as well as the waters of the lagoon. Our local guide takes us on a walking tour of the city, leading us around the narrow streets and small squares to visit some of Venice's main sights, including Venice's incredible Opera House, 'Teatro La Fenice', and the famous Rialto Bridge, completed in 1591 and an architectural gem that spans the Grand Canal. You are free to spend the afternoon soaking up more unforgettable sights. One of the best ways of seeing the city is to travel along the entire length of the Grand Canal by boat, as many of Venice's finest buildings line its banks. Take an enchanting gondola ride on the canals, or explore using Venice's water-bound public transport network - the Vaporetti. Tonight we dine in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Today gives you the opportunity to further explore Venice. Perhaps visit the nearby island of Burano, famous for its lacemaking and full of colourful streets lined with pastel-painted houses, or the island of Murano, which is renowned for its gorgeous glassware. For some local Venetian atmosphere, take a stroll through the lively Rialto Fish Market or climb the Campanile de San Marco for a bird's eye view of Venice and an incredible panorama of the buildings clustered around the city centre and the sparkling lagoons further out. (B)

This morning we join the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the legendary luxury train which has inspired countless writers and film-makers. After your steward settles you into your comfortable compartment, all you need to do is relax and watch the stunning scenery as it passes by the window. Enjoy lunch as we pass through the magnificent Italian Dolomites and travel up through picturesque Austria over tea and pastries. It is soon time to dress for dinner - why not sip a cocktail in the bar car before making your way to one of the restaurant cars, where you are served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by a skilled French chef. The minimum dress requirement in the evening is a suit and tie for gentlemen and an equivalent for ladies. You may want to linger over a nightcap listening to the sound of the baby grand piano, and when you are ready, you can retire to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom. A continental breakfast is served in your cabin on the morning of Day 9 as we pull into Paris, from where we transfer to Paris Nord to catch our onward Eurostar to St Pancras International. Alternatively, you may be tempted by the option of continuing by the Orient Express Pullman Train to London Victoria. (Day 8-B,L,D; Day 9-B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday