Day 4 - Seville
The capital of Spain’s Andalusia region will win you over with its incredible gothic architecture, winding medieval lanes and lively tapas bars. Famous for Flamenco dancing – don’t miss the chance to visit a Flamenco club helping to keep the intimacy and intensity of this centuries-old tradition alive. Visit the ornate Alcázar castle complex, built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty and the city’s Gothic Cathedral, where you’ll find Christopher Columbus’s tomb.
Day 5 to 7 - At Sea
Your days on board the Queen Victoria can be active and lively, or as calming and chilled as you like; there’s something on board to suit your every mood from swimming in the pool to relaxing in the spa; joining in with Book Club to browsing the Royal Arcade.
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
Today you’ll discover beautiful Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and renowned for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls. Take a walk around the city walls and gaze upon the fantastic view of the Old Town and glittering Adriatic or, discover more about Dubrovnik’s history at the Cultural History Museum, once the palace for the elected rector who governed in the late 15th Century.
Day 9 - Zadar
Walk the atmospheric streets of the old town on the peninsula, containing 34 churches all with a rich history. Listen to the relaxing sounds of the Sea Organ as you stroll along the seafront at sunset. Take a dip in the clear waters, or relax in a café and watch the people go by.
Day 10 - Venice - Disembark Queen Victoria and Hotel Stay
Today, you’ll bid farewell to Queen Victoria in Venice and transfer to your hotel where you’ll enjoy a two night stay. Discover seductive passageways that lead to secret squares and dramatic Gothic architecture, and sample the famous Venetian cuisine, a plate of baccala mantecato perhaps, or a risotto al nero di seppia.
Day 11 - Venice - Hotel Stay
Explore the romance of Venice through its enchanting atmosphere, iconic landmarks and intricate architecture. Glide through the labyrinthine canal streets on a gondola as you admire the remarkable Renaissance and Gothic palaces, lining their path. Head to the heart of Venice, St. Mark’s Square, home to impressive St. Mark’s Basilica and marvel at its ornately decorated luminous Byzantine mosaics or pay a visit to Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Day 12 - Lake Maggiore - Hotel Stay
Begin your Italian Lakes retreat with a hotel stay in Lake Maggiore, located on the cusp of the magnificent Gulf of Borromeo. Spend some time exploring with a visit to one of northern Italy’s most spectacularly sited monasteries, Santa Caterina del Sasso. The beautiful buildings span the 13th and 14th centuries and cling to the high rocky face of Lake Maggiore’s southeast shore, providing superb views from the tiny courtyards. Climb up 80 steps from the Santa Caterina ferry quay and enter by the portico, as you pass through the south monastery, you’ll be greeted by gothic architecture and fresco series depicting the Danza Macabra (Dance of Death).
Day 13 - Lake Maggiore - Hotel Stay and Tour
Today you’ll enjoy a picturesque panoramic train journey from Domodossola to Locarno, across 52km of magical landscapes and lush vegetation. This unforgettable experience will take you through the stunning Centovalli, “One Hundred Valleys”, as you pass by deep gorges and crevices with glittering, cascading waterfalls; and venture across colourful alpine meadows, over numerous bridges and through vineyards and forests of chestnut trees. Upon arriving in Locarno, on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore, you’ll enjoy some time to embrace the atmospheric surroundings and explore the treasures within. Pay a visit to Madonna del Sasso, a highly decorated Catholic sanctuary overlooking the city, which can be reached by the funicular railway.
Day 14 - Lake Maggiore - Hotel Stay
The day is yours to explore the enchanting lake views and natural attractions. Delve into the depths of the art and culture encased within the landscapes. Head to Isola Bella and be transported to a bygone era where the baroque architecture blends with the lush green gardens. Wander through the palace, passing elegantly furnished living rooms and gaze out at the splendid views of the lake or, lose yourself in the paradise of the Italian Baroque Garden. Filled with statues, terraces, stairways, balustrades and beautiful flora, you’ll enjoy a blissful atmosphere and glimpses of a time of days gone by.
Day 15 - Lake Como - Hotel Stay
Your next lake stop will be the magnificent Lake Como. Poised in the shadow of the snow-draped Rhaetian Alps and nestled between steep-wooded hills, the spectacular surroundings of Lake Como welcome you with open arms. Shaped like an upside-down Y, its meandering shoreline is dotted with ancient villages and exquisite villas. Wander aimlessly along the lake, crossing through gardens, visit the main square and explore the centre’s history or head to Brunate using the funicular and witness breathtaking views of the shore and lake below.
Day 16 - Lake Como - Hotel Stay and Tour
Today you’ll board a bus to Tirano, located in the Valtellina valley in Italy. From here you’ll embark a panoramic train for a journey to St. Moritz, passing through the Poschiavo Valley and the Engadin. En route, you’ll enjoy incredible sights of majestic mountains and quaint little towns as you trundle over the Brusio spiral viaduct, past Puschlaversee, over Alp Grum and onto the magical Bernia Pass. Before reaching your final destination of St. Moritz, you’ll savour incredible views of Lake Bianco and its shield of the snow-capped Morteratsch Glacier. St. Moritz offers the perfect opportunity to ski, enjoy a bike ride or explore the town that has hosted the Winter Olympics twice.
Day 17 - Lake Como - Hotel Stay
Embrace your last full day on Lake Como. This iconic destination offers something for everyone. For movie fans, head to the iconic Villa Balbianello, an elegant and romantic 18th century residence that has not only hosted writers and travellers but has also provided a set for numerous films including James Bond and Star Wars. For science and history fans, pay a visit to Tempio Voltiano, a museum situated in the city that is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, a prolific scientist and the inventor of the electrical battery. Or, for fashion fans, discover the Silk Museum and learn more about the production process from silkworms to coloured yarns, handprints to fashion collections – a truly unique day out.
Day 18 - Lake Garda - Hotel Stay
Italy’s beautiful lakes are one of the country’s most scenic regions, where the Northern Alps tumble down into shimmering waters, dotted with silver-leafed olive trees and pretty villages. Each little town on the lake brings a chocolate box of new discoveries: a church resplendent with Renaissance frescoes, a lush botanical garden, a cable car soaring high into snow peaked mountains – there’s so much to discover.
Day 19 - Lake Garda - Hotel Stay and Tour
Today you’ll enjoy a fabulous wine tour at a local winery. Beginning with a tour of the winery and beautiful vineyard, you’ll discover more about the soil, grapes, the wine and how it’s made. Tickle your taste buds with tastings of typical wines which you’ll savour paired with some delicious nibbles of breadsticks, cheese and olives.
Day 20 - Verona - Embark Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel to London encased in absolute luxury, enjoying sumptuous cuisine and refined entertainment during a journey you’ll remember forever. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfort of your cabin, admiring the exquisite passing scenery. After a three-course lunch and more relaxation, you’ll enjoy a leisurely four-course dinner, prepared on board by skilled French chefs. Following dinner, return to your cabin and discover its effortless transformation into a bedroom.
Day 21 - London - Disembark Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
After breakfast and a delicious brunch, you’ll arrive at the French coast to cross the channel. On the other side, you’ll embark the fabulous British Pullman and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, accompanied by a glass of English sparkling wine as you glide into London’s Victoria Station. After disembarking British Pullman, you’ll make your way home.