Take the world's most glamorous, historic rail journey: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice, with three blissful nights in a Palazzo on the Grand Canal: Exclusive CountryClubuk rates: the dates are April 11 to 15, 2024 orient-express to venice best uk price

Join us on one of the world’s most iconic and romantic journeys—the Orient-Express to Venice. On this great train journey from the Golden Age of travel we shall enjoy two days on board the Orient-Express as it glides through the Alps on the famous Gotthard route to Venice, and three nights living as a Venetian noble in a 15th-century private palazzo on the banks of the Grand Canal. We have advantageous rates for this, the most sought-after route of the Orient-Express in high season. It promises to be an unmissable event.

You can enjoy five wonderful, exciting days: sleep the night aboard the ‘King of Trains, and the Train of Kings’ as it travels from Paris to Venice, be pampered by your personal steward, revel in its history of spies and intrigue, and enjoy gourmet dining and spellbinding views of the Alps. Then reach Venice and live in another celebrated piece of history, the glorious Ca’ Sagredo, the finest private palazzo on the Grand Canal, decorated with original frescoes, gilded mirrors, rich Italian silks and velvets. One of the world’s great hotels—and the only hotel in Italy to be declared a National Monument—this will be your home while savouring the pleasures of the world’s most romantic city. Together, the experience is out of this world.

The dates are Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 15, 2024, when the sights of Venice and the views from the Orient-Express of the Swiss Alps and the Italian Dolomites in springtime will be stunning in their beauty. This exclusive Members-only, tailor-made, five-day trip will be exceptional and exclusive. And we are delighted to have secured an advantageous CountryClubuk rate, saving our Members well over £1,000 per person. For full details, please read on!

Spies used the Orient-Express as a secret weapon. A French President tumbled from it. Hitler wanted it destroyed. The real-life, and fictional dramas of the Orient-Express will transport you back in time. Tolstoy and Trotsky, Marlene Dietrich, Lawrence of Arabia and the spy Mata Hari were all passengers. Ferdinand of Bulgaria, scared of assassins, was observed locking himself in the bathroom. Belgium’s King Leopold II rode the train to Istanbul after making elaborate arrangements to infiltrate a Turkish harem. The King of Bulgaria, an amateur engineer, insisted that he be allowed to drive the train through his country, which he did at perilous speeds. Czar Nicholas II demanded that special cars be built for his visit to France, and some decades later the French President Paul Deschanel tumbled from one of these cars in the dead of night, an event that prompted such ridicule that eventually he resigned. Hitler tried, and failed, to have the Orient-Express destroyed.

The truths of the Orient-Express are stranger even than the fiction: but Hercule Poirot solved his most famous case on it, Alfred Hitchcock’s lady vanished from it and James Bond’s Sean Connery rode it for The Spy Who Loved Me, followed by Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp and Judi Dench for the film update of Murder on the Orient Express—not forgetting its role in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But there has never, despite the novels, the films and the intrigue, been a murder on the Orient-Express.

The first Orient-Express pulled out of Paris bound for Istanbul in 1883 for the 1,700-mile trip across Europe and thus began a lifelong love affair which we can still experience. We shall step inside those legendary original rail cars with their inlaid marquetry, polished brass, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, to make our way across Europe in a frisson of excitement—everybody stops to look as the Orient-Express pulls into a station, or steams under a bridge or past a railway crossing. It is simply the most famous train in the world.

The mystique and glamour of Agatha Christie linger throughout, from the genuine carriages to the crisp linen, the French silverware and heavy crystal glassware, the personal stewards and the white-gloved service, as faultless as one would expect of this grand hotel on wheels. Carriages are meticulously maintained to ensure an authentic experience, from the original sleeping cars of the 1920s and ’30s, the three dining cars and elegant bar car with its baby grand piano. Each carriage has a history—if only it could tell! Such as carriage 3309, which became stuck in a snowdrift outside Istanbul and gave rise to the scene in the famous film.

The classic Venice trip is still the most romantic of all. This is the route which gives you the finest scenery by day—the return Venice trip is less costly, but you pass the best views at night! On the route to Venice the scenery along the way is breathtaking. As we glide through lush, rolling countryside, beneath majestic, snow-capped mountains and alongside deep blue lakes, we shall savour every moment.

As the Orient-Express pulls away from the Gare de l’Est station en route to Venice we shall have time in which to relax and let the atmosphere of the train sink in. There’s much to marvel at, even in the cabins’ ingenious design. A washbasin is concealed in a handsome wood cabinet. A plush daytime sofa is transformed into cosy upper and lower berth beds with crisp damask sheets by our cabin steward while we dine in the evening. The beds are then whisked away again after breakfast. This magically discreet service is all part of the experience, as is dressing for dinner—black tie is not compulsory, but oh how it adds to the romance!

And then there’s the famous Orient-Express Bar Car 3674 with its baby grand, which is truly the place to be for the de rigueur pre-dinner drink—perhaps a bottle of the Orient-Express Champagne—and to revel in the ambience of the train as it rolls through the countryside towards Venice—first to Paris, then over the famous Gotthard Pass and on to Verona and, eventually, Venice. As the sun dips and the vintage lights begin to glow against the polished wood and brass, the pianist begins to play airs from that older era; all create the mood of romance, mystery and delight. Through northern France, the train crosses some of the most fought-over country in Europe, though it looks smiling enough in the gathering dusk. And besides feasting our eyes on this magical scene, we’ll feast on the Orient-Express cuisine in the elegant 1920s Restaurant Cars, L’Orientale, Côte d’Azur, Etoile du Nord.

A delicious four-course dinner is already being prepared by a batterie of chefs under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Jean Imbert, a culinary master who takes his inspiration from what is seasonal and local—but to the Chef of the Orient-Express ‘local’ extends to choice ingredients from across the train’s far-flung destinations. There may be lobster with truffles, fillet of sole with caviar, venison with cranberries, salt marsh lamb and ginger, fine cheeses, and scrumptious creations such as coffee bavaroise, Amaretto sorbet, or fantasies of chocolate and fruits. Whatever is on the menu we know it will be superb, and beautifully served by the skilled stewards. Service on this train is unmatched—and dinner is a leisured, glamorous delight. It will be followed, at the time of our choosing, by a nightcap or two, before retiring to our cabins—or a suite, if you wish—to be rocked to sleep by the train.

We awake to views of the Alps in all their snow-capped glory. It’s a magical awakening, and from here on the beauty and fascination of the scenery is unparalleled pleasure. We shall travel through the astonishing Gotthard Pass between Basel and Airolo, a masterpiece of railway engineering and breathtaking sights. The route offers stunning visions of the mountains as well as picturesque towns on both sides of the Italian border.

We’ll pass the three-castled town of Bellinzona, Lake Luzern and Lake Como, and picturesque towns of Lugano and Chiasso before the mountain landscape gives way to vineyards en route to Verona. As these visions soar around us there will be, first, Continental breakfast, and later, a gourmet three-course lunch, followed, later still, by fresh pastries as we travel through the Dolomites. Was it not Robert Louis Stevenson who held that to travel was more important than to arrive? All who have imagination will take the greatest pleasure in this iconic train journey.

Eventually—too soon for some!—we shall arrive. Venice lies before us as we cross the Venice Lagoon and roll in to Santa Lucia station. Here we leave the train, continuing the pleasure by water taxi—or gondola if you prefer—to historic Ca’ Sagredo, where we shall live in historic, palatial luxury for three nights. It will give us plenty of time in which to explore this stunningly beautiful city—and April is a perfect time of year to be here, not yet high summer yet already warm, less crowded, and with long nights to soak up the magic of the city, starting with the picture-perfect pink palazzo which is Ca’ Sagredo itself.

Together, the Orient-Express and Ca’ Sagredo are an unmissable combination. For full details, and how to book, please read on!

LUXURIOUS NIGHTS AND DAYS AT THE HISTORIC CA’SAGREDO PALAZZO ON THE GRAND CANAL

Our Members not only enjoy admiring works of art, they like to stay in them. First, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a masterpiece in itself; followed by the breathtakingly romantic 15th-century Venetian palazzo on the Grand Canal—Ca’ Sagredo.

The only hotel in Italy to be designated a National Monument, this glorious and historic palace offers us the Venice of nobles, artists and doges. It was the home of the noble Morosini family, and later the Sagredo, one of Venetian aristocracy’s most influential families. Now, behind the romantic pink façade lie sumptuous rooms and suites, immersed in their own historic Venetian past. Ca’ Sagredo is home to important works of art—paintings by eminent painters of the 18th and 19th centuries, Sebastiano Ricci, Giambattista Tiepolo, Niccoò Bambini and Pietro Longhi. The frescoed ballroom alone is a national treasure.

Ca’ Sagredo is indeed what its owners name ‘A Private Palazzo, a Noble Residence, a Museum, a Luxury Hotel and much more … ’ It has won a place in the 500 Best Hotels in the World by Travel+Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, and can truly claim status as one of the world’s great hotels.

The beauty of Ca’ Sagredo, which lies between Ca’ D’Oro and the Rialto Bridge, is, as they describe it, ‘weep-with-joy wondrous’. The palazzo still preserves the untouched beauty of an ancient noble residence.

Behind its timeless façade in shades of Venetian pink, it oozes romance in every detail, while the opulently frescoed public rooms echo with epic events of the past. Just gliding up the imposing marble staircase feels positively regal. And to lunch, dine or enjoy a drink in the canal-side restaurant, in your suite or rooftop bar, is a pleasure all its own.

Ca’ Sagredo’s views of the canal life and the historic Rialto Market opposite are storybook scenes of old—and its location is peaceful, just a walk away from the hubbub of busy St Mark’s Square.

Ca’ Sagredo’s 42 rooms and suites are exquisite, with classic Venetian styling, art and antiques. All are beautiful, and original—this is, after all, a National Monument. But to spoil yourself with the most Venetian atmosphere, and to sleep among real art treasures, then the Grand Canal Library Suite is the suite to choose for an unforgettable occasion.

SAGREDO VENETIAN DOUBLE

Overlooking the inner courtyard, with views of the rooftops or the charming square Campo Santa Sofia, these rooms are elegantly furnished in classic Venetian style. They are from 25-30 sq m (215-269 sq ft) in size.

GRAND CANAL DOUBLE

The Grand Canal rooms naturally overlook the Grand Canal and the passing gondolas will make your stay truly Venetian. These spacious rooms (30-35 sq m (223-376 sq ft) are stylishly accented by elegant artwork and beautiful silks, fine fabrics and elegant touches.

GRAND CANAL JUNIOR SUITE

For sunrise over the Grand Canal, this is a delightful suite to book! Grand Canal Junior Suites are a celebration of Venetian style, decorated in shades of brown, cream and gold, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening on to views over the Grand Canal. They are 35-45 sq m (376-484 sq ft).

GRAND CANAL SUITE

This is the way to live like a noble Venetian! The exceptional Library Suite is designed to create both history and luxury.

This is a masterpiece of history, luxury and design, giving breathtaking views over the Grand Canal, gilded furniture including the 18th century library bookshelves and everything a noble Venetian could wish. These bookshelves once fostered Zaccaria Sagredo’s massive collection of volumes and printings and still nowadays completely cover the walls. This unique suite combines a magnificent historic ambience with sleek and contemporary touches.
It is 55 sq m (591,80 sq ft.)

THE FULL EVENT

Included in this sumptuous five-day, four-night stay:

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express overnight journey to Venice, including gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs;
Water taxi from Venice station to five-star palazzo Ca’ Sagredo;
Three nights’ stay in Ca’ Sagredo on a bed-and-breakfast basis;
Return transfer from hotel to airport;
Return economy flight, Venice to London.

The Orient-Express no longer travels to Venice from London. Your Member Services team are happy to book your Eurostar or air travel from UK to Paris, with transfers and hotel or club night/s at advantageous CountryClubuk rates. To add extra nights in Venice or Paris, to upgrade to an Orient-Express suite, to upgrade your return flight to London, or to check availability and price of the return Orient-Express train, please call Member Services on 020 7399 2960.

BOOK YOUR PLACES

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in an Historic Cabin for two sharing, with a Sagredo Venetian Double room at Ca’ Sagredo, all for £4,497 per person (two sharing) instead of the full non-Member price of £5,760pp: click here now to book your places.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Cabin for two sharing, with Grand Canal Double at Ca’ Sagredo, all for £4,927 per person (two sharing), instead of the full rate of £6,192pp: click here now to book your places.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Cabin for two sharing, with Grand Canal Junior Suite, all for £5,397 per person (two sharing), instead of the full non-Member price of £6,736pp: click here now to book your places.

Bookings subject to our Club Rules and terms and conditions, and the terms and conditions of our travel partners.

To book by phone, please call us on 020 7399 2960.

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