2016 - TM Great Rail Journeys

28 – www.travelmarvel.com.au – Day 1. Arrive Paris. On arrival we transfer to our hotel, the well- located Starhotel Castille for two nights. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant; afterwards why not take a stroll down the magnificent Champs Elysées? Stay (Two Nights): Paris, Starhotel Castille. D Day 2. Paris. We begin the day with a guided tour of Paris by coach and foot, which takes in this captivating city's most famous sights. We see the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, the magnificent monument completed in 1836 to commemorate victories by French armies. This afternoon is free for you to explore independently. B Day 3. First Class Rail, Milan. From Paris we travel on the high-speed TGV, heading southeast towards the mighty Alps. We cross the border into Italy, passing through Turin on our way to Milan, home of Italy's stock exchange and renowned as an international fashion hub. On arrival we transfer to our hotel in the heart of Milan. After dinner tonight, take a leisurely stroll through the city or perhaps relax at a pavement cafe with a cappuccino and watch Milan come alive as night falls and the streets are set aglow. Stay (Two Nights): Milan, Starhotel Ritz. BD Day 4. Milan. Milan is well known as one of the fashion capitals of Europe, but it also offers its visitors plenty in the way of history and culture. We begin our day with a guided coach and walking tour, including a visit to the incredible Duomo, which took nearly 600 years to build. We also visit the famous opera house, the Teatro alla Scala, and the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade. Your afternoon and evening are free to explore as you wish. B Day 5. First Class Rail, Venice. Sit back and enjoy our First Class train journey to Venice, the floating city of shimmering waterways, elaborate bridges and ornate palaces. Arriving at the city's Santa Lucia station, we are greeted by a truly glorious view of the glistening Grand Canal, before we transfer to our hotel. Your afternoon is free to relax and begin your exploration of the 'Bride of the Sea'. Allow yourself to get lost among the winding lanes and twisting alleyways of this incredible city or take to the water to view Venice from a different perspective. Stay (Three Nights): Splendid Venice. BD Day 6. Venice. Today we enjoy a guided tour of Venice, including the magnificent St Mark's Square, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful city squares in the world. Overlooked by St Mark's Basilica, the large open space is surrounded by the Doge's Palace, the Procurator's residence, the famous Sansoviniana Bookshop and the iconic bell tower, as well as the waters of the lagoon. With our local guide, we'll continue exploring the narrow streets and small squares to visit more of Venice's main sights. Among many charming highlights, we'll see the famous Rialto Bridge that spans the Grand Canal. You are then free to spend the afternoon soaking up The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 9 Days | Paris | Milan | Venice | Venice Simplon-Orient-Express YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES Services of a professional Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and expert local guides 7 nights in premium accommodation 1 night in luxury aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express 14 meals – 8 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 5 dinners (D) First Class rail travel Airport transfers and tipping SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS See the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris Discover the rich history of Milan Uncover the best of Venice with your local guide, including St Mark's Square Step back in time aboard the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the calendar turns back and you're in the golden age of travel BEGIN AND END IN PARIS Your journey comes full circle in Paris. Whether you're visiting for the first time or the third, the magic never fades. It's hard not to fall in love with a city that loves you back.

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