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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Portofino

Luxury rail journey from Italian Riviera through Verona to Paris aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Portofino

Marvellous Escapes operates this 7-day tailor-made journey blending coastal Italy with one of the world's most storied trains. The package begins in Portofino, the pastel-hued fishing village on the Italian Riviera, where you stay three nights with a private guided tour of Portofino and nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, plus a free day to wander the harbour or hike the Regional Park. From there, you travel by scenic rail through Milan to Verona for two nights and a guided walking tour of the city's historic plazas and landmarks. On day 6, you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Verona for an overnight journey to Paris, dining in the famous dining cars and relaxing in Bar Car '3674' with a resident pianist. The package suits luxury travellers, repeat rail enthusiasts, and couples seeking both curated experiences and free time to explore at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price does not include flights from the UK; Marvellous Escapes offers either flights to Genoa or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras to Geneva as alternatives, with the rail option adding an extra night in Geneva.
  • Day 1 begins with a flight to Genoa or rail arrival in Geneva; confirm your chosen gateway when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Portofino

    Portofino

    Travel from the UK to Genoa, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Portofino.

  2. Day 2overnight: Portofino

    Portofino

    Exclusive private tour of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure - pastel-coloured waterfront buildings, boutiques, and the iconic Piazzetta.

  3. Day 3overnight: Portofino

    Portofino

    Free day in Portofino at your own pace - stroll the harbour, browse boutiques, hike the Portofino Regional Park trails, or take a boat to San Fruttuoso Abbey.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Verona

    Verona

    Scenic rail journey from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station through northern Italy, with a brief stop in Milan, continuing to Verona.

  5. Day 5overnight: Verona

    Verona

    Guided walking tour through Verona with an expert local guide, taking in Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, and Juliet's House.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Depart Verona

    Shared transfer to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the journey to Paris. Three-course lunch in the dining cars as the scenery changes from the Italian Dolomites to the Arlberg route. Dinner by chef Jean Imbert, with an aperitif in Bar Car '3674' and a resident pianist in the evening.

  7. Day 7rail

    Paris/Return home

    French breakfast and brunch served by your steward as the train arrives in Paris, concluding your journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Private tour of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure exploring pastel-coloured waterfront buildings and the Piazzetta.
  • Day 4Scenic rail journey from Santa Margherita Ligure through northern Italy via Milan to Verona.
  • Day 6Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Verona; three-course lunch in the dining cars, dinner by chef Jean Imbert, aperitif in Bar Car '3674', and a resident pianist in the evening.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Portofino with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Verona with breakfast included
  • Overnight accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • Flights from UK to Genoa, or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras to Geneva via Paris in Standard Premier and First Class (extra night in Geneva)
  • Rail throughout Italy
  • Private and shared transfers
  • Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems
  • Verona walking tour

Questions travellers ask

Is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express included?
Yes. The overnight journey from Verona to Paris is included, with accommodation in a cabin aboard the train, three-course lunch, dinner by chef Jean Imbert, and bar service.
Which hotels are included?
Three nights in a hotel in Portofino with breakfast and two nights in a hotel in Verona with breakfast. The operator names the specific hotels upon confirmation.
Is this an escorted tour?
It is a tailor-made package. You receive a private tour of Portofino and Santa Margherita, a guided walking tour in Verona, and private or shared transfers. Day 3 in Portofino is free.
How much walking is involved?
The Verona walking tour covers Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, and Juliet's House. Day 3 in Portofino is free; you may hike the Regional Park trails or take a boat to San Fruttuoso Abbey at your own pace.
What does the from-price of GBP 5,499 include?
Hotels in Portofino and Verona with breakfast, accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, rail throughout Italy, the private Portofino tour, the Verona walking tour, private and shared transfers, and all meals on the train. Flights or alternative rail from the UK are not included in the from-price.

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