Northern Italy, Paris & the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Train

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Paris

An unforgettable overnight journey on one of the world’s most glamorous trains—the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express—from Venice to Paris is at the heart of this luxury tour, which also includes private touring and stays at the top luxury hotels in Milan, Lake Como, Venice and Paris.

Begin in Milan, Italy, a city of fashion, finance and cultural treasures. During private city touring, see the beautiful Duomo, an impressive Gothic cathedral and city landmark. Browse upscale boutiques under the glass ceilings of the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. Peruse Italian art masterpieces in the Pinacoteca di Brera museum and see exhibitions of contemporary art at the Fondazione Prada. Perhaps have a meal at one of the many restaurants in the charming Navigli canal district. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper and attend an opera at Teatro alla Scala.

Continue to beautiful Lake Como and stay at an acclaimed waterfront luxury hotel. Enjoy a private boat excursion to Bellagio, one of Lake Como's most picturesque towns, to explore the beautiful backstreets and exquisite gardens or visit other historic estates and aristocratic villas around the lake. Also enjoy free time to take advantage of the hotel's extensive leisure facilities, including beautiful gardens, swimming pools and fine-dining restaurants. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a private excursion across the border into nearby Switzerland to spend time in charming Lugano or visit designer shopping outlets.

Continue to romantic Venice. During flexible private touring, visit favorite local neighborhoods, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Take a private cruise through the Venetian lagoon to visit islands such as Murano (famous for glass), Burano and Torcello. Your expert guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice, including learning about its unique architecture and urban design, discovering hidden neighborhoods, and sampling local food and wine at Venetian bacari (bars). Also enjoy a gondola ride with musicians through the narrow canals and a tour of the Doge's Palace. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange activities such as shopping for high-quality glass and silk products, a private Venetian mask-painting lesson, special access to museums and art sites, and much more.

Next, board the ultra-luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, for an overnight journey from Venice to Paris. Enjoy the romance of restored 1920s train carriages that recall the golden age of train travel. Have a formal meal in the dining cars and perhaps relax with a drink accompanied by piano music in the bar car.

Conclude in Paris, France. With your own private guide and driver—sophisticated experts who will share the very best of Paris with you—explore Paris according to your interests. Tour the city's most interesting neighborhoods, markets, boutiques, specialty food shops, gardens, museums and other cultural attractions. A few of our favorites: Walk among centuries-old mansions on exclusive Ile Saint-Louis. See the stained glass windows of exquisite Sainte-Chapelle, see iconic Notre Dame. Visit the backstreets of Montmartre. Climb the steps to the Sacre Coeur Basilica for panoramic views. Explore Le Marais, whose private homes once belonged to kings, noblemen and courtesans. Wander the old Jewish quarter to the Place des Vosges, the city's oldest and one of its most beautiful squares. See the art treasures of museums such as the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, l'Orangerie, Centre Pompidou, Fondation Louis Vuitton and other major museums. Or visit smaller specialty museums off the beaten track. If desired, enjoy reservations at one of the restaurants atop the Eiffel Tower. Stroll the Latin Quarter and relax in the Luxembourg Gardens. Shop exclusive boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Rue Royale. Take a break at Left Bank cafes made famous by poets and philosophers, and stop in the church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange personalized shopping (antiques, flea markets, haute couture, tea, copperware and cooking utensils, chocolate, fashion and more). Perhaps spend hours enjoying a degustation gastronomique at a leading restaurant.

Artisans of Leisure can customize many of our private Italy and France tours to incorporate journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train.