Venice and The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Board your direct flight to Venice from London. When you arrive, get a taste of life in the city as you are transferred by private water taxi to your luxurious four-star hotel. This will be your base for the next three nights.

You're free to explore the beautiful Renaissance city of Venice at leisure. You could begin by exploring the labyrinthine network of cobbled streets, side canals and picturesque little bridges the city is famous for. Getting lost is part of the charm, and you may well discover your own favourite part of the city in doing so.

Venice boasts museums, galleries and other historical attractions aplenty. You could choose to visit the magnificent St Mark's Cathedral, admire the work of Renaissance masters at the Church of San Sebastiano or take in the stunning Venetian Gothic facade of the Doge's Palace.

Hop aboard a traditional Venetian gondola for a private ride along the Grand Canal and surrounding area. This is a fantastically relaxing way to experience the city and a fitting end to your Italian travels - simply sit back and spot famous landmarks from your barge, or watch the world go by.

If you have time left to explore further, you could venture out to the Island of Burano. A 40-minute vaporetto ride from the main city, the island boasts old world buildings painted every colour of the rainbow and a host of traditional trattorias serving fresh seafood and homemade pasta dishes.

Transfer to the station for the highlight of your tour: an overnight journey from Venice to London on board the opulent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The height of elegance, class and style, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a five-star hotel on wheels, complete with beautiful cabins, excellent service and truly five-star cuisine.

Watch the scenery change from your comfortable cabin on your way to Paris. Alternatively, take advantage of the old-world glamour of the train's high-end bars and lounge carriages as you're transported back to the golden age of rail travel.

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express before transferring to your London-bound Belmond British Pullman train via luxury coach.