2026 Luxury Rail and Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Silversea

2026 Luxury Rail and Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Silversea

Day 1 – Arrive in Rome, Italy – 22nd June 2026

Board your morning flight from London Heathrow (regional available) to Rome. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the Martis Palace Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. With its layers of history, vibrant culture, and timeless charm, Rome offers no shortage of things to see and do. Explore ancient wonders like the Pantheon and Roman Forum, or simply relax with an aperitivo in a sunlit piazza as the city comes to life around you.

Day 2 – Embark Silver Muse in Rome, Italy – 23rd June 2026

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and the remainder of your morning at leisure in Rome.

Around midday, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the port of Civitavecchia, where the magnificent Silver Muse awaits. Step aboard this stunning ship and begin your 10-night voyage in style. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the ship’s elegant surroundings, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service.

Day 3 – Naples, Italy – 24th June 2026

Raw, unvarnished, and refreshingly authentic, Naples is Italy’s third-largest city and a place like nowhere else. You’ll soon discover the unique energy and exuberance of this sprawling city, which balances urban grit and timeless wonder like no other. Set on the breathtaking Bay of Naples, with the looming cone of Mount Vesuvius puncturing the blue sky close by, it can take a little time for Naples to work its way under your skin – but once you attune to its rhythms, you’ll be hopelessly under its spell.

Day 4 – Giardini Naxos (Sicily), Italy – 25th June 2026

Hugging a long, sweeping bay, Giardini Naxos welcomes you ashore to some of Sicily’s most scenic and historic sites. Naxos was the first Greek settlement in Sicily, and it is surrounded by remarkable remains and swirling mythology. With a long arc of sun-soaked golden sand, you can kick back by the waves – and cool off with a dip into the sea’s refreshing embrace. Up above the seaside revelry, the spectacular Taormina hillside town perches – containing rich Roman and Greek history. Visit to encounter one of Sicily’s best views, as you look down over the rejuvenating blue of the sea, and the looming backdrop of Mount Etna rising in the distance.

Day 5 – Valletta, Malta – 26th June 2026

Recognised as 2018’s European Capital of Culture, Valletta is a fascinating and dense haven of history and intrigue. Perched high on the imposing Sciberras Peninsula, Valletta immediately presents its massive, protective walls and vertical bastions to visitors arriving by sea. Rising to 47 metres in places, the fortifications protect lavish palaces, grand domes and illustrious gardens.Built by the Knights of St John on the narrow peninsular, Valletta is a compact, richly historical treasure trove of Baroque wonders.

Day 6 – Day at Sea – 27th June 2026

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 7 – Kotor, Montenegro – 28th June 2026

Embedded into the slopes of the steep Lovćen mountain, and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, the fortified town of Kotor boasts a spectacular, imposing staging that few can match. Squeezing in through the tight Bay of Kotor is a daunting and impressive approach, as you arrive via one of Europe’s most stunning waterways. A pearl of Montenegro and the Adriatic, Kotor’s warren-like streets drip with history and authenticity.

Day 8 – Bari, Italy – 29th June 2026

Bari is a historic port town that invites you on a journey through everyday life in Italy’s unpretentious south. Explore further afield to immerse yourself in Puglia’s beauty and cultural wonders – or simply soak up the atmosphere roaming the crooked streets of Bari’s old town – Bari Vecchia – where matriarchs roll out sheets of pasta in open doorways, footballs rattle along dusty streets, and sun-wrinkled old men lay out hands of cards.

Day 9 – Dubrovnik, Croatia – 30th June 2026

Croatia’s crowning glory rears up vertically from the tranquil waters of the Adriatic, and Dubrovnik’s daunting fortress town is a truly imposing sight to behold. Encircled by chunky stone walls so thick and dramatic they could have been purpose-built as a film set, this city’s unmatched old town is the setting for countless films and shows – from Star Wars to Robin Hood, Game of Thrones, and every production in between seeking a truly authentic medieval flavor.

Day 10 – Split, Croatia – 1st July 2026

Bathing in the Dalmatian Coast’s generous sunshine, and overlooking sparkling, island-studded waters, Split is a city of romantic beauty, built around an extraordinary – still beating – historical heart. The setting may be spectacular, but it’s the Diocletian’s Palace – a Roman remain of incredible scale and detail that is truly bewitching. While immensely historic, Split hasn’t been afraid to move with the times, and the stone walls encasing the streets are alive with buzzy bars and quiet nooks, where bottles of red wine are uncorked and delicious meals devoured.

Day 11 – Zadar, Croatia – 2nd July 2026

Croatia’s Capital of Cool, Zadar is a dazzling mesh of influences and creativity. Romans founded the city before the Venetians, Austrians, French, and Italians all had their say, leaving a wealth of architectural interest. Glorious turquoise-water beaches and heavenly waterfalls also lie within easy reach of this energetic city of festivals and outdoor fun. See the old town, with its robust city walls, boasting decorative stone gateways and marble streets.

Day 12 – Arrive in Venice, Italy – 3rd July 2026

Following your 10 night voyage aboard Silver Muse, disembark the ship in the city of love, Venice. A private water taxi will be waiting to take you to your hotel, Sina Centurion Palace, where you will spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

Day 13 – Board Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Venice, Italy – 4th July 2026

Wake up in Venice and enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel. Soon, you will be collected by water taxi and transferred to Venice Santa Lucia station ready for the grand finale of this incredible itinerary.

Feel the thrill of anticipation at Santa Lucia Station as your journey begins. Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and make yourself comfortable in your cabin. Luxurious upholstery, polished marquetry and soft lighting set the scene for the glamour to come.

Sit down to a delicious three-course lunch in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. Through the window, the changing scenery takes in the majestic Italian Dolomites and, after Innsbruck mountains, the spectacular Arlberg route. During a relaxing afternoon, browse our onboard boutique for exclusive, elegant gifts or simply unwind in your cabin where a French goûter, served by your steward, makes an indulgent treat.

Soon it’s time to dress for dinner. Whet your appetite with an aperitif in Bar Car ‘3674’ before making your way to one of the dining cars. Here, the imagination of celebrated chef Jean Imbert influences both the décor and the menu. Seasonal specialities are accompanied by exceptional wines. After dinner, a lively ambience awaits back at the bar. Listen to the resident pianist play the baby grand as you sip sublime and classic cocktails.

Day 14 – Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Eurostar to London, UK – 5th July 2026

Today, your luxury cruise and rail itinerary comes to an end. Unwind in your cabin this morning as your steward serves a French breakfast. Continue absorbing the scenic French countryside as the train makes its arrival into Paris. After disembarking the train at Paris Gare De Austerlitz or Gare De l’Est, transfer* to Paris Gare Du Nord for onward Eurostar to London St Pancras.

*Transfer between Paris stations not included.

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HOTELS

Martis Palace Hotel, Rome

The Martis Palace Hotel is a refined boutique hotel located in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, just steps from Piazza Navona. This elegant property blends Renaissance architecture with contemporary design, offering 26 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city’s landmarks, as well as a stylish lounge and library. The hotel also features a charming breakfast room and in-house restaurant serving classic Roman cuisine. At Martis Palace, guests can expect exceptional service and a warm, personalised welcome in one of the most iconic quarters of the Eternal City.

Sina Centurion Palace, Venice

Once Palazzo Genovese, today Sina Centurion Palace, a 5 star luxury hotel located on the Grand Canal with stunning views of both the Grand Canal and the traditional venetian internal garden. There are 50 rooms and suites with contemporary interiors, either overlooking the Grand Canal or the private internal garden. The hotel’s Antinoo’s Lounge & Restaurant is the ideal location for a romantic dining experience in Venice, thanks to the wide windows and private outdoor decking overlooking the Grand Canal.

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