Venice

La Serenissima, the Queen of the Adriatic, an Italian wonderland maze of islands, bridges and canals, pigeons and brides, champagne and string music, a place for the eternal romantic to glide down a heavenly canal.


Stay at - Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin, Giudecca Island

Go shopping - take the private launch to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and start walking

Eat at - Fortuny Restaurant at the Cipriani
Osteria Enoteca San Marco
Harry's Bar

Take side trips to - Murano

Be sure to visit - Piazza San Marco
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale di Venezia)
Bridge of Sighs
St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco a Venezia)

Best time of year to go - late summer

Best things to buy - Murano glass, masks, leather, lamps and lampshades, paper products, lace

Best indulgence - private gondola ride, sitting in Piazza San Marco watching brides, floating in the saltwater pool at the Cipriani

Fly into - Venice Marco Polo (VCE)

Transportation - Rail, bus and taxi all connect the airport to the city. When in the city, walk or take water transport. Hire a car and driver for excursions into the countryside. The Hotel Cipriani has a private launch which will take you to San Marco in four minutes.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

For sheer opulence, intrigue and romance, there is no better way to wind one's way through the Alps between Paris and Venice than on the undisputed Queen of the Rails, the Orient-Express.


Stay - in your compartment aboard the Venice Simplon Orient-Express

Go shopping - at points on either end, and in the Boutique on board. Indulge in a new hat or accessory before boarding to make a stylish and memorable entrance.

Eat - in one of three Restaurant Cars aboard the train, and in your compartment

Take side trips to - the train runs from Paris to Venice, with optional boarding in London. Optional side trips and hotel stays can be taken on either end, either in Paris or Venice or through the Italian or French countryside.

Be sure to visit - the Bar Car

Best time of year to go - June through September

Best things to buy - Orient-Express souvenirs on board, lamps, crystal, timepieces, leather, scarves, collectibles.

Best indulgence - Watching Switzerland pass by outside the window while being catered to in comfort and luxury inside.

Fly into - Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Venice (VCE); alternately, London Heathrow (LGW) or London Gatwick (LGW) for pre-boarding the train in London

Transportation - take a taxi to and from the train, and water taxis in Venice

Optional journeys can be made to Rome, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Krakow. Check for current itineraries of special journeys offered. The Orient-Express makes occasional day trips between Venice and Rome.