Scenic Danube River Cruise & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Luxury river cruise, Venice stay and iconic overnight rail journey to Paris
Combine a luxury Scenic Danube river cruise with time in Venice and an unforgettable overnight journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris.
This tailor-made rail and river cruise holiday brings together two very different ways to experience Europe. Begin with a seven-night Scenic river cruise through the cultural heart of the Danube, then continue to Venice before boarding the legendary blue-and-gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Depending on the matched departure dates, your Scenic journey can include Budapest, Vienna, the Wachau Valley, Melk, Linz, Regensburg and the wider Danube region. After the cruise, Mulberry Travel can arrange onward rail or air travel to Venice, a luxury hotel stay and all required private transfers.
Your journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express now operates from Venice to Paris. On arrival in Paris, choose an additional hotel night, a Eurostar connection to London or a longer tailor-made European extension.
Selected train dates may qualify for current VSOE deals and special offers. Mulberry Travel will check the latest rail promotion when matching the Scenic cruise and train departure dates.
Flights can be included, while no-fly travel from London may also be possible using Eurostar and onward European rail connections.
CONTACT US to discuss matched Scenic and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express dates for 2026 or 2027.
- 7-night Scenic Danube river cruise
- Meals, beverages and included Scenic experiences
- Onward travel from the Danube region to Venice
- 2-night luxury hotel stay in Venice
- 1 night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Venice to Paris luxury rail journey
- Optional Paris hotel stay
- Eurostar or flight arrangements
- Private transfers throughout
- ATOL protected package where applicable
Tailor-made packages available
exact duration, route, hotels and inclusions depend on matched Scenic and VSOE availabilityScenic Cruise & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Quick Answer
A Scenic and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express holiday combines a seven-night luxury Danube river cruise with a Venice hotel stay and an overnight VSOE journey from Venice to Paris. Mulberry Travel matches the cruise and train dates, then arranges hotels, flights or rail travel and private transfers as one tailor-made itinerary.
Luxury Danube River Cruise and Orient Express Holiday
Two exceptional ways to travel through Europe
Scenic’s Danube river cruises offer a relaxed way to discover Central Europe, with accommodation, dining and many destination experiences included aboard a purpose-built Scenic Space-Ship.
After several days exploring the Danube, continue to Venice for a luxury hotel stay before joining the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The change of pace makes this combination especially appealing: first unpack and cruise through Europe, then dress for dinner and experience the theatre of one of the world’s most famous luxury trains.
This is a tailor-made Mulberry Travel itinerary rather than one fixed Scenic departure. We select compatible cruise and train dates and arrange the connecting travel between the Danube region and Venice.
Example Scenic Danube & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Itinerary
This is an illustrative Budapest-to-Munich itinerary. Exact ports, sequence, cruise direction and included experiences vary by Scenic departure. Reverse-direction combinations can also be arranged.
Day 1 – Budapest, Hungary
Fly or travel by rail to Budapest, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your Scenic Space-Ship.
Settle into your suite and begin your seven-night luxury river cruise through the heart of Central Europe.
Day 2 – Budapest
Discover the Hungarian capital through a choice of included experiences. Budapest’s riverside landmarks, thermal-bath culture, historic districts and grand architecture make it a memorable beginning to the cruise.
Day 3 – Vienna, Austria
Arrive in Vienna, a city renowned for imperial palaces, classical music, elegant cafés and striking architecture.
Your Scenic programme may offer a choice of guided sightseeing, cultural visits or a special Scenic Enrich experience, depending on the departure.
Day 4 – Vienna or Bratislava
Enjoy further time in Vienna or choose an alternative excursion to Bratislava, subject to the scheduled Scenic programme.
Return to the ship for another evening of included dining and drinks as your journey continues along the Danube.
Day 5 – Dürnstein and Melk
Cruise through the Wachau Valley, known for vineyard-covered hillsides, medieval towns and historic abbeys.
Included choices may feature Melk Abbey, guided walking experiences or a more active cycling or hiking option.
Day 6 – Linz, Salzburg or Český Krumlov
From Linz, Scenic excursions may include Salzburg, the Austrian countryside or the historic Czech town of Český Krumlov, depending on the itinerary.
Day 7 – Regensburg, Germany
Explore Regensburg and its preserved medieval centre, riverside setting and Roman heritage before enjoying your final evening aboard the Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 8 – Disembark and continue to Venice
Disembark in the Munich region and continue to Venice by rail or air, depending on the matched itinerary and your preferences.
On arrival, transfer to your luxury Venice hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 9 – Venice
Enjoy a full day in Venice. Explore St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, the canals and quieter neighbourhoods independently, or add a private guided tour arranged by Mulberry Travel.
Day 10 – Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Transfer to Venice Santa Lucia Station and board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for your overnight journey to Paris.
Settle into your Historic Cabin, Suite or Grand Suite before enjoying lunch in one of the train’s beautifully restored dining cars.
As evening approaches, dress for dinner and experience fine cuisine, sommelier-selected wines and the atmosphere of the Bar Car before retiring to your private accommodation.
Day 11 – Arrive Paris
Wake aboard the train as a French breakfast is served in your cabin. Relax during the final part of the journey before arrival in Paris.
On arrival, continue to a Paris hotel for one night or transfer to Gare du Nord for a carefully timed onward Eurostar connection.
Day 12 – Paris or return to London
After breakfast, enjoy some final time in Paris before travelling home by Eurostar or flight.
All routes, excursions, rail timings and cruise schedules are subject to availability and operational change. The final itinerary will be confirmed at quotation and booking stage.
Scenic Danube River Cruises
Scenic’s purpose-built Space-Ships provide an intimate and comfortable base for exploring the Danube. Rather than changing hotels between destinations, you unpack once while the ship carries you between historic cities, towns and river landscapes.
Scenic inclusions may feature:
- Riverview accommodation aboard a Scenic Space-Ship
- Meals throughout the river cruise
- Premium wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks, subject to Scenic’s current inclusions
- Butler service
- A choice of Scenic Freechoice excursions
- Selected Scenic Enrich experiences
- Onboard entertainment and enrichment
- Wi-Fi
- Gratuities
- Selected transfers
Exact inclusions, facilities and experiences vary by ship, suite category and departure.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the world’s most celebrated luxury trains, known for its restored historic carriages, Art Deco interiors, exceptional dining and highly attentive service.
The current classic northbound journey travels overnight from Venice to Paris. Guests can choose from Historic Cabins, Suites and Grand Suites, subject to departure and availability.
Your Venice to Paris journey typically includes:
- Transfer from your Venice accommodation to the station
- One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Three-course lunch
- Four-course dinner
- Sommelier-selected wines with included restaurant-car meals
- French breakfast served in your cabin
- Dedicated steward service
Why Combine Scenic with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
A luxury river cruise followed by a legendary rail journey
A Scenic river cruise gives you time to explore several destinations without repeatedly packing and changing hotels. Included excursions and onboard hospitality create a relaxed beginning to the holiday.
Venice then provides a natural change of pace before the grand finale aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. After two nights in the city, the overnight train transforms the return journey into one of the highlights of the holiday.
Mulberry Travel coordinates the parts that are not included within the individual Scenic or Belmond bookings, including the connection to Venice, hotel stays, private transfers, flights, Eurostar and additional nights.
Scenic Gems of the Danube
Budapest, Vienna, the Wachau Valley and Bavaria
Scenic’s Gems of the Danube is an eight-day river itinerary operating between Budapest and the Munich region on selected 2026 and 2027 dates. The exact direction and port sequence depend on the departure selected.
Typical highlights include Budapest, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz and Regensburg, together with choices of included sightseeing and cultural experiences.
Mulberry Travel will prioritise cruise dates that connect sensibly with a Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departure, adding extra hotel nights where required rather than creating an unnecessarily rushed journey.
No-Fly Scenic and Orient Express Holidays
Travel from London by Eurostar and European rail
A no-fly version may be possible on selected dates. Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, continue through Europe by daytime or overnight rail and join your Scenic cruise in Budapest or the Munich region.
After the cruise, travel onwards to Venice and return aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris before completing the final journey to London by Eurostar.
No-fly itineraries require additional travel days and hotel stays, but they create a more immersive European rail holiday and avoid airports throughout the journey.
Scenic River Cruise & VSOE FAQs
- Can a Scenic river cruise be combined with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
Yes. Mulberry Travel can match selected Scenic Danube cruise dates with compatible Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departures and arrange all connecting travel, hotels and transfers. - Is this an official Scenic package?
No. It is a tailor-made Mulberry Travel itinerary combining separately available Scenic and Belmond journeys. The final route depends on compatible cruise, train and hotel availability. - How long is the complete holiday?
An example itinerary is approximately 11 nights or 12 days, including seven nights aboard Scenic, two nights in Venice, one night aboard the VSOE and one night in Paris. The duration can be adjusted. - Does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travel from Venice to London?
The current classic northbound journey operates from Venice to Paris. Mulberry Travel can add a Paris hotel stay or an onward Eurostar journey to London. - What Scenic itinerary is used?
Gems of the Danube is the most natural starting point, although alternative Scenic Danube itineraries may work depending on the preferred dates and journey direction. - Can I upgrade my Scenic suite?
Yes. Available accommodation may range from standard riverview cabins to Balcony, Junior and Royal Suite categories, depending on the ship. - Can I upgrade my VSOE cabin?
Yes. Historic Cabins, Suites and Grand Suites can be requested, subject to availability and the selected departure. - Can flights be included?
Yes. Flights, transfers and hotels can be combined into a fully arranged package, with ATOL protection where applicable. - Is a no-fly itinerary possible?
Selected dates may be arranged using Eurostar and European rail connections, although additional travel days and hotel nights will usually be required. - Are VSOE special offers available?
Selected train dates and cabin categories may qualify for current promotions. View our latest Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers or ask us to check the best available promotion.
