Journey off the beaten track from the glories of Venice following celebrated routes travelled by the Orient-Express in decades past. Both Krakow and Dresden were once cut off from Western Europe but have now re-emerged with all their former magnificence and superb cultural heritage restored.
VENICE - KRAKOW - DRESDEN - PARIS - LONDON
8 days / 7 nights
Thursday - Venice : Embark late afternoon on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, at Venice Santa Lucia Station, and settle into your compartment as the train travels through the wonderful mountain scenery of the Italian Dolomites and Austrian Alps. Later, indulge in an aperitif in the bar before enjoying a splendid dinner in one of the opulent dining cars. Meanwhile, your compartment is converted to a cosy bedroom for your first night on board.
Overnight on board.
Friday - Krakow : Breakfast is served in your compartment as you travel through the ever-changing views of the Slovakian countryside and the Tatras Mountains. A leisurely lunch is served on board as the train crosses into Poland with an afternoon arrival in Krakow, an architectural gem and one of Europe's most beautiful and vibrant cities. Enjoy two nights in this delightful city in the Sheraton Hotel.
Overnight in Krakow.
Saturday - Krakow : Your time in the city is at leisure, although optional sightseeing can be arranged before or on arrival. Most major sights are easily accessed on foot and you can admire the dazzling architecture as you stroll the cobbled streets. This evening, enjoy a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, described by an 18th century visitor as no less magnificent than Egypt's pyramids, with its astonishing underground chapels, sculptures and gigantic chandeliers - all made from salt. That evening, enjoy a traditional Polish feast.
Overnight in Krakow.
Sunday - Krakow : A morning at leisure before an afternoon excursion outside of Krakow with refreshments. Later, transfer to the station to rejoin the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for dinner and a further night on board as the train travels towards Germany.
Overnight on board.
Monday - Dresden : Breakfast is served in your compartment as you approach Dresden, where the train arrives this morning. Dresden is located along the banks of the river Elbe and situated in between the Ore Mountains and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains - picture perfect! This magnificent baroque city is your home for two nights: you stay at the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Hotel, with sights such as the Semperoper and extraordinary Green Vault right on your doorstep.
Overnight in Dresden.
Tuesday - Dresden : Spend the day at leisure admiring the stunning architecture that Dresden has to offer such as the famous Frauenkirche Church which was completed in 1743 and Zwinger Palace - a grand palace with a stunning German Baroque facade built in the 18th century. As well as such splendid architecture, Dresden also boasts internationally renowned art collections and museums (over 40), and a world of music and theatre of rare diversity. Late afternoon enjoy a short cruise along the Elbe River followed by dinner this evening at Schloss Eckberg, a local private venue on the outskirts of the city. Return by road transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Dresden.
Wednesday - Dresden : Perhaps enjoy a stroll around Dresden, one of the greenest cities of the world, before rejoining the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express early afternoon. Enjoy afternoon tea and dinner on board as you continue your journey towards France.
Thursday - Paris : The train arrives in Paris shortly after breakfast and as you travel through Northern France to Calais a delicious brunch is served. Hostesses will escort you to waiting coaches when you arrive at the Channel port for the journey to England via Eurotunnel. On arrival in Folkestone the British Pullman and afternoon tea await before arriving in London around 17:45.
Timetable |
Arrive |
Depart |
|
| Thursday | Venice (Santa Lucia Station) | 14:58 | |
| Friday | Krakow (Glowny Station) | 14:56 | |
| Overnight in Krakow - Sheraton Hotel | |||
| Saturday | Krakow - Day at leisure | ||
| Overnight in Krakow - Sheraton Hotel | |||
| Sunday | Krakow | 19:15 | |
| Monday | Dresden (Hauptbanhof Station) | 11:22 | |
| Overnight in Dresden - Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Hotel | |||
| Tuesday | Dresden - Day at leisure | ||
| Overnight in Dresden - Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Hotel | |||
| Wednesday | Dresden | 15:24 | |
| Thursday | Paris (Gare de l'Est) | 08:04 | 09:00 |
| Calais | 12:30 | ||
| Folkestone | 15:00 | ||
| London (Victoria) | 17:45 | ||
Departures 2012 :
| July 5. |
Train Fares (Per Person) 2012 :
Venice - Krakow - Dresden - Paris
|
Cabin Suite |
| Venice - Krakow - Dresden - Paris - London (Including Hotels) | £5,430 |
| Venice - Krakow - Dresden - Paris (Including Hotels) | £5,150 |
Prices for shorter sectors can be found at 'Train Only Fares'.
Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy.
Cabin Suite : A Suite is made up of two interconnecting double cabins. At night, choose between single beds or keep one cabin as a lounge with upper and lower berths in the other cabin.
Please note : the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route is subject to change without prior warning due to last minute railway engineering works or similar.
