The charm of Venice is complemented by the sheer grandeur of Rome. The Italian capital was, for many centuries, the capital of the Western world; the home of emperors and gladiators, saints and sinners, a succession of popes and a host of artists. Their stories live on in this endless, fascinating metropolis.
The Eternal City has to be one of the most invigorating destinations in the world. With its temples and monuments from the Roman Empire, beautiful Renaissance architecture and art, a spacious piazza around every corner and a romance and passion for life emanating from its locals.
On your sightseeing list you'll have the Colosseum where it's said that the cries of the gladiators can still be heard. The Pantheon, a repurposed pagan temple, is a stunning architectural feat, holding up one of biggest domes in the world. The Vatican City is home to the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes.
For art lovers there is so much to see in this city overflowing with delights, but don't miss the Villa Borghese. Filled with Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in one gallery with Italy's modern art collection in the other. And all set in beautiful parkland.
And don't forget to toss a coin (or three!) into the world's most romantic fountain, the Baroque masterpiece immortalised in La Dolce Vita, the Fontana di Trevi.
Once you're ready for a change after an intense cultural feast why not enjoy Rome's elegant shopping avenues or make your way to the relaxed Trastevere area on the west bank of the Tiber, home to the bustling Piazza Santa Maria, picturesque narrow streets and some of the best places to sample genuine roman specialities at very decent prices.
Dining al fresco, enjoying the evening breeze whilst watching the world go by is one of the joys of a visit to Rome. There are many excellent fine dining restaurants as well as traditional trattorias, osterias and pizzerias.
Venice is a beautiful magical city which for centuries has been bewitching travellers and yet never loses its power to enchant us. A first trip to Venice is a truly unforgettable experience, but with over 119 islands and over 2000 alleys or Calli as they are known in Venice, there is always something new to discover even for seasoned visitors.
Marco Polo and Giacomo Casanova, two legendary Venetians, reflect the enduring passions of this historic city. A love of water, travel, exploration and a thirst for new experiences is the gift of Marco Polo while Casanova instilled in the city a passion for all that is romantic and delights the senses.
He made his mark in the form of the dancing of the Venice Carnival, the love of food and wine and of course the art of seduction; practiced not just by the inhabitants of this most romantic of destinations, but by the city itself.
The calm tidal waterways weave their way through the multitude of islands which make up the city of Venice. The crumbling facades of once lucrative warehouses and majestic merchants' residences line the canals. Glittering domes top the churches and cathedrals and the many architecturally impressive theatres vibrate to the sound of music throughout the year.
This is a city of contrasts, where decay sits alongside opulence and water reigns supreme; giving fame whilst taking away stability. The tourist is well catered for here with a wealth of world-famous sights to choose from, but take the time to turn off into the backwaters and side roads where the true Venice awaits you.
And what better way to combine these beautiful and stylish cities than on board the most beautiful and stylish of transports - the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
