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
Stay in magical Venice and ride the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Michael Portillo
Stay in glorious Venice and ride the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Michael Portillo
Explore magnificent Venice with a stay for three nights, before you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a luxurious overnight trip.
You will also enjoy the company of Michael Portillo in this exclusive break; Michael will join you for drinks and dinner one evening, host an insightful talk and join your group on board the historic train.
Immerse yourself in Venetian life with your three-night stay in the city, then explore its unique sights - choose to visit famous landmarks like St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. You will stay at a beautiful hotel in the city, such as the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal which is close to St Mark's Square and has lovely views of the Grand Canal.
On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you'll indulge in a seasonal four-course d'hôte menu for dinner, plus you'll have the chance to meet with your fellow guests and Michael Portillo over sommelier-selected wines.
After dinner and drinks, you'll retire to your comfortable cabin for a wonderful night's sleep between crisp damask sheets and fine blankets. The next morning, you'll dine on a breakfast of fresh coffee, fruits, warm breads and pastries served in your cabin before disembarking in Paris.
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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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You'll be joined by
Price includes
- Private transfers from the airport to the hotel
- Three nights' bed and breakfast at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (or similar) in Venice
- Complimentary upgrade from a standard room to a Superior Grande Canal room at your hotel*
- 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
- Transfer from Paris Nord to the airport (if you would like to arrange an additional night's stay in Paris, please speak to our reservations team)
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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 you will take your transfer to the airport to continue on your journey home.
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.
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