Luxurious Italy & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris
Sail to Capri, a sun-drenched island in the Gulf of Naples. Here, join a Local Expert for a tour of the iconic rocks jutting out from the sea, also known as the Faraglioni Rocks. For lunch, feast at the Michelin-starred Mammà, where you can enjoy world-class Southern Italian fare and sweeping views of the sea. See Florence your way with a choice of activities: Join an art historian and visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David or walk with a local food expert and taste this Tuscan town’s most decadent treats. Then, enjoy a special VIP experience in Venice: a Local Expert will lead you through Doge’s Palace — a spectacular and expansive mansion and the seat of the city's government — on a private, after-hours tour.
- You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
- At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Complimentary, airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.
Day 1: Buongiorno Rome
Begin your Italy luxury tour journeying to your luxurious hotel by private chauffeur. As night falls, delight in the romance of the Eternal City before gathering for a delicious Welcome Dinner of Italian cuisine and wine at a restaurant known only to locals, near Rome’s famous Pantheon. Watch the world go by as you savour a meal with new friends.
Included Dining: Dinner
Day 2: Rome and the Vatican
Explore the Eternal City and Vatican Museums under the guidance of historians and experts. Admire magnificent frescos and unlock religious history at the Vatican before touring the mighty Colosseum and viewing the Roman Forum.
Every side street has something to offer, as you’ll see on a guided exploration of the hidden sites of Rome with your knowledgeable Local Expert. Get away from the crowds and discover more culture and art in this living masterpiece.
Enter the Vatican Museums before they open to the public and visit the Sistine Chapel on a tour with your Local Expert. Be awed by the frescoes that adorn the walls and roof, painted by masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, enhanced by the calm before the crowds appear.
Stroll around the Roman Forum, learning more about the ancient ruins of government buildings while enjoying the panoramic views over the Eternal City. Then, skip the queues to view the iconic Colosseum and hear the remarkable history of the largest amphitheater in the ancient world.
Included Dining: Breakfast
Day 3: Pompeii and the Isle of Capri
At the ruins of Pompeii, walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century, when a volcanic eruption engulfed the streets. Hear more about the lavish lives the locals lived and visit well-preserved ruins of baths and local shops.
In Capri arrive in style for your overnight stay as the jet-set do, traveling to your luxurious Capri hotel by open-top taxi. Don’t forget your headscarf or hat and sunglasses so passersby can speculate about the visiting VIP.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Explore the Isle of Dreams
Embark on a private cruise that takes you around the dramatic coast of Capri to seek out hidden coves and grottos that few get to see. The White Grotto is a dazzling sight with the stalactites that dangle over its entrance.
After your morning cruise, cool off from the Mediterranean sun with a refreshing local beverage, the lemon granita. Freshly made with sweet Sicilian lemons, this tasty drink will add zing to your day before more exploring.
Take in beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples from the privileged perch of Michelin-starred Mammà restaurant. Savour a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavours in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Umbria, Assisi and Perugia
Discover jewels of Umbria and personalise your day. View the 28 incredible frescos of the Basilica of St. Francis with a local historian. Or, with the help of your local gourmand, learn the roots of Umbrian cuisine and taste heavenly flavours including local olive oils and truffle-infused cured meats.
Included Dining: Breakfast
Day 6: San Gimignano and Tuscany
Meet Marta, fourth-generation weaver and recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti. Discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop and sharing their own piece of a colourful history. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Marta and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs.
Delight in a private wine tasting tour with the owners of Guardastelle Estate and lunch surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. If you are traveling on a Founder's Collection departure, on Day 6 you are invited to an exclusive lunch and wine tasting with Marchese Mazzei at his centuries-old Tuscan estate. This experience will replace the lunch and wine tasting at the Guardastelle Estate.
Get a taste of magnificence in gelato form. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan ice cream parlour of World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his creamiest treats. It may be difficult to leave.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Renaissance Florence
Personalise your day in this flamboyant city. Join an art historian to explore Renaissance Florence in the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, or explore markets and gourmet stores with a local foodie, illuminating Florentine specialties. Take a fascinating foraging trip for the region's aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog. Dine on regional dishes including 'Fiorentina' — Tuscan steak seasoned and grilled to perfection — over dinner at a Tuscan Villa.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Tuscan Cuisine and Pisa
Immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan food with a hands-on cooking class in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family. Source fresh ingredients from the blooming garden and learn how to roll your own fresh pasta with a professional Italian chef.
In Pisa, you will be accompanied by your Local Expert, marvel at the gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the Duomo and baptistery.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Exploring the Cinque Terre
Experience some of the most awe-inspiring coastal scenery on earth at the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre. Join your Local Expert and discover charming Manarola, a picturesque fishing village, before traveling by train to the historic and colourful resort town of Rapallo.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Venice and the Doge's Palace
You’re treated to the most glamorous of arrivals as you dock at your waterfront hotel. Luxuriate in its charms before an after-hours visit to the magnificent Doge's Palace. Formerly the Doge's residence and the seat of Venetian government, the Palace is the symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As the crowds disappear, discover the history, art and culture of the Venetian Republic through the eyes of your local art historian on an after-hours tour.
Included Dining: Breakfast
Day 11: The Magic of Venice
Experience the classic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train journey. Depart Venice late morning for a romantic overnight journey to Paris. The bygone glamour of luxury travels breathes within the vintage carriages of the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It is, quite simply, the most storied set of carriages in the world transporting you to another world entirely. From the art deco flourishes to the masterful marquetry the train epitomises the opulence and elegance of the Golden Age of travel.
Be enticed by the flavours of Europe aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as local and fresh ingredients are taken on board at stops along the route. From a delicious three-course lunch to a sumptuous four-course dinner and continental breakfast served in your cabin, you are treated with unique dining experiences.
Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Paris
Your wonderful stay concludes with private transfers to the airport after breakfast.
Included Dining: Breakfast
This itinerary is subject to change.
Sunday Jun 25, 2023 - Thursday Jul 6, 2023
- From $19,800 pp twin share
- From $28,190 pp sole use
Sunday Jul 9, 2023 - Thursday Jul 20, 2023
- From $19,575 pp twin share
- From $27,945 pp sole use
Sunday Jul 23, 2023 - Thursday Aug 3, 2023
- From $19,575 pp twin share
- From $27,945 pp sole use
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
Luxury hotels and resorts along with unique and boutique accommodations are part of every journey.
Rome - Palazzo Montemartini:
The iconic Palazzo Montemartini offers the perfect blend of rich history and contemporary design. Rooms boast minimalistic elegance while mirroring Rome's unique ambience.
Capri - Quisisana Hotel:
Overlooking Capri's central plaza, Quisisana Hotel is in prime position for exploring the Isle of Capri. Rooms are designed with effortless Mediterranean elegance, matching perfectly with the idyllic backdrop of lush greenery and turquoise water.
Sorrento - Hotel Sorrento Palace (Seaview Executive Rooms):
The Sorrento Palace offers panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, located a short walk from Sorrento's main square, Piazza Torquato Tasso. The elegantly designed guest rooms are fitted with modern comforts and balcony for you to enjoy.
Perugia - Brufani:
Since 1884, the exclusive Brufani has housed royalty and celebrities. It is situated in the historic heart of Perugia and the only five-star hotel in the city. Fine Umbrian dining and a luxurious wellness spa are some of the highlights that make the Brufani extra special.
Florence - Hotel Montebello Splendid:
Centrally located in the heart of Florence, the five star Hotel Montebello Splendid boasts charming atmosphere with elegant guest rooms, decorated in neoclassical Florentine tradition.
Rapallo - Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa:
The Grand Hotel Bristol Resort and Spa is a classic property, overlooking the Mediterranean and offering spacious rooms decorated in the Art Nouveau style.
Venice - Hotel Metropole Venice:
Set in the heart of Venice and overlooking the lagoon, Metropole escapes traditional luxury clichés and expresses its personality through an eclectic décor, relic mirrors, rugs from the Far East, red velvets and antique collections.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train epitomises the glamour and elegance of the Golden Age of Travel. The elegant 1920s art deco style decor, luxurious cabins and world-class dining ensure that you travel in style.
What is the role of the Travel Concierge?
Your Travel Concierge is the best five-star concierge you've ever met. Their role is to understand your tastes and preferences and to offer personalised touches to ensure your tour is as individual as you are.
Fluent in the local language and with an in-depth knowledge of any given destination, your Travel Concierge is also the ultimate travelling companion, helping you to build an understanding of new places that goes beyond the superficial.
How many guests will be in my group?
All Luxury Gold tours are small group tours, with an average of 20 guests. In such a small group, you'll receive more personal attention from your Travel Concierge, and you'll benefit from access and experiences not available to larger groups.
How will I get to and from the airport?
Your seamless experience with Luxury Gold begins as soon as you're ready to depart. Our private door-to-door transfer service will collect you from your home and take you to the airport. On arrival, a private transfer will transport you to your hotel.
How much walking is involved on a Luxury Gold tour?
Our activity levels give you an idea of what to physically expect from your Luxury Gold tour. We have divided all tours into three categories: Leisurely, Balanced and Dynamic. All tours have been assigned one of these categories. This tour is rated as Dynamic: Longer distances and inclined surfaces
If you're looking for a more active pace, you will love our dynamic tours. These tours can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills. Dynamic tours include a variety of morning start times to maximise sightseeing and regular evening activities.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
This holiday deal has expired.
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.