Monday - Venice - Vienna
Depart Venice this afternoon on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Relax over afternoon tea as you travel 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.
Tuesday - Vienna
Brunch is served as you approach Vienna, where the train arrives early afternoon. The remainder of the day and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this beautiful city is easy to explore. Why not take a horse-drawn carriage ride past the many architectural splendours of the Ringstrasse? Overnight at the Grand Hotel Wien in the heart of the city.
Wednesday - Vienna & Slovakia
Breakfast at the hotel before departing mid-morning on VSOE for a full day’s scenic journey across Slovakia. Called the Country at the Heart of Europe, Slovakia is famous for the Tatras Mountains dotted with villages steeped in peasant traditions. Relax over lunch before an afternoon visit to the attractive town of Banska Bystrica. Dinner and overnight on board as the VSOE crosses into Poland.
Thursday - Krakow
A leisurely brunch is served before VSOE arrives in Krakow. Spend the afternoon discovering the city’s many charms. One of the architectural gems of Europe its Old Town is filled with historic buildings, monuments and museums. In the evening, enjoy a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine - a place unlike anywhere else in the world. The largest of the chapels, Blessed Kinga, is richly furnished with sculptures, bas-reliefs, and large chandeliers entirely made from salt. A traditional Polish feast follows in the Haluzska Hall 125 metres underground. Overnight at the Sheraton Krakow Hotel.
Friday - Krakow
Breakfast at the hotel before exploring more of this fascinating city - from the unique medieval market square with its Cloth Hall full of artisan’s shops selling exquisite amber jewellery to the Cathedral and fortified Royal Castle standing high on Wawel Hill, Krakow is a delight. Alternatively, optional tours can be arranged to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II; Auschwitz & Birkenau; the Jewish Quarter in Krakow or to the mountain resort of Zakopane (additional cost applies). Overnight at the Sheraton Krakow Hotel.
Saturday - Krakow-Warsaw
After breakfast there is time for a final stroll through the cobble-stoned streets of Krakow before rejoining the VSOE for a mid-morning departure. Lunch is served en route to Warsaw before an afternoon arrival into Poland’s capital for an overnight stay at the prestigious Le Royal Méridien Bristol. This evening, enjoy a private Chopin piano recital followed by dinner.
Sunday - Warsaw & Malbork
Pass the morning exploring Warsaw’s medieval Old Town, an outstanding reconstruction of buildings from the 13th to 20th centuries just a short walk from the hotel. Alternatively, take a stroll through Royal Lazienki Park, home to one of Europe’s most romantic summer palaces. Rejoin VSOE for a mid-day departure for Prague. After lunch, visit the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, a 13th-century fortified monastery and a supreme example of a restored medieval brick castle. Later this evening, join fellow travellers for a sumptuous final dinner on board.
Monday - Prague
Breakfast on board before the VSOE reaches Prague, a city rich in history and architecture and journey’s end for the Grand Tour.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spisky Hrad Castle - UNESCO World Heritage Cultural List, 1993
Krakow Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage Cultural List, 1978
Wieliczka Salt Mine - UNESCO World Heritage Cultural List, 1978
Warsaw Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage Cultural List, 1980
Note: The Polish Board of Tourism are planning a varied programme of events and celebrations in 2007 to mark the 750th anniversary of the founding of the city of Krakow.
What's New?