Michael Portillo
Journalist and broadcaster
Michael Portillo is a British broadcaster and former politician who has over the last sixteen years hosted a range of TV documentaries about railway travel on five continents.
Expert-led
Explore magical Venice and ride the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Michael Portillo
Stay in Venice for two days before hopping on board one of the world's great trains for a journey to Paris
On this very special trip you'll spend three nights in Venice before boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an overnight journey to Paris. This magnificent train has a rich history, famous for transporting royalty and celebrities in inimitable style since the golden age of travel of the 1920s.
Making the trip even more exclusive is the company of journalist Michael Portillo, who'll join you for an evening talk and travel with you on board the train. Michael is a true rail enthusiast and has presented many series on train travel, but this will be his first time travelling on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Your first three nights will be spent in enchanting Venice, with time to explore the city at your own pace. You could choose to visit famous landmarks like St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace and immerse yourself in Venetian life. You will stay at a gorgeous hotel in the city, such as the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal which is close to Mark's Square and has lovely views of the Grand Canal.
On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you'll take a seat in the plush dining car where you'll be served expertly mixed aperitifs before feasting on a seasonal four-course d'hôte menu for dinner, with a sommelier on hand with the perfect pairings.
After dinner, you may choose to gather in Bar Car '3674' for an evening of cocktails and conversation before retiring to their luxurious cabins for a wonderful night's sleep between crisp damask sheets and fine blankets.
After your overnight journey, you'll enjoy a breakfast of fresh coffee, fruits, warm breads and pastries served in your cabin before disembarking in Paris at the end of an unforgettable journey.
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Reasons to book
Exclusive events with Michael Portillo
Hosting an exclusive talk and Q&A and joining you for your train journey will be journalist and broadcaster Michael Portillo
Board a legendary train
Reminiscent of the golden age of travel, there’s no train quite as decadent and famous as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Delicious food
On your luxury train journey you’ll sip on an aperitif before enjoying a four-course dinner freshly prepared by accomplished chefs.
Fine wine
As well as mouthwatering seasonal table d'hôte menus, you’ll also be treated to a fine selection of wines selected by the train’s sommeliers
Explore Venice
You’ll spend three nights in Venice with time to explore some of the city’s most famous attractions
Stay in a luxury hotel
Your three nights in Venice will be spent in a stylish and comfortable hotel, such as the luxurious Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
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Tour brochure
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Your expert guides
Price includes
- Flights from London Heathrow to Venice (regional flights available at a supplement)
- Private transfers from the airport to the hotel
- Three nights' bed and breakfast at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (or similar) in Venice
- Drinks reception on the third night
- Three-course set menu group dinner with Michael Portillo with local wine, water and coffee included
- Overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Historic Twin Cabins with all meals, wine with lunch and dinner and dedicated steward service included, upgrades available at a supplement
- Group transfer from Paris Austerlitz to Paris Nord
- Eurostar in Standard Premier Class back to London (flights available on request at a supplement)
- Includes £500pp savings*
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Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in VeniceVenice, Italy
Today you'll arrive in Venice, where you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel for the next three nights. Once you've checked in, you'll have the rest of the afternoon or evening free to explore Venice at your own pace and find dinner in one of the city's various excellent restaurants.
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Day2VeniceVenice, Italy
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you'll have a whole day free to explore Venice at your leisure.
There's so much to see and do in the so-called 'City of Water' that you'll have no trouble filling your day. From Piazza San Marco to the Grand Canal and Bridge of Sighs, there's incredible architecture to admire. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to explore.
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Day3Venice and dinner with Michael PortilloVenice, Italy
You'll have another day to continue to explore independently today, as you look forward to a very special evening.
Tonight, you'll enjoy an exclusive drinks reception and dinner with Michael Portillo, who'll give a fascinating talk after your meal.
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Day4Venice Simplon-Orient-ExpressVenice, Italy
Today you'll be transferred to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a sensational overnight journey to Paris, during which you'll be treated to fine food and wine as you mingle with other guests and get the opportunity to talk to Michael Portillo, who'll be joining you for the journey.
To step aboard this exquisite train is to step back in time, with its meticulously restored 1920s carriages. Wine and dine in plush dining cars and raise a toast in the iconic Bar Car '3674' as a pianist plays the baby grand.
In the evening, be sure to dress to impress and savour culinary delights in the most elegant surroundings imaginable, while your steward converts your cabin into sleeping berths ready for you to settle in for a night between luxurious sheets.
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Day5DepartureParis, France
You'll enjoy a delicious breakfast in your cabin this morning, before your journey comes to an end as the train pulls into Paris, where it's time to make your way home via Eurostar.
Accommodation
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
Venice, Italy
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal is located in a historic palazzo from the early 1600s, located in the heart of Venice. A few steps from St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, it has stunning views of the Grand Canal, with direct access to the water.
Brought to you by
TS Tours in partnership with Fred.\Holidays
This tour is operated solely by TS Tours
TS Tours, which specialises in bespoke and expert-led tours, is working in partnership with Fred.\Holidays, who offer tailor-made holidays to inspiring destinations.
For general information, click here.
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Availability
From
Mon,
Mon,
Mar 24, 2025
To
Fri,
Fri,
Mar 28, 2025
Duration
5 Days
Price per person
£5,999*
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room and a historic twin cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Includes £500pp savings, subject to availability and capacity controlled. Single supplement from £3,880pp. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Fred.Holidays, operator terms and conditions also apply.
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