Villeggiatura by Train: Paris to Venice, the Slow and Glamorous Way
FUN FACT
Villeggiatura comes from the Italian tradition of leaving the city for a long, slow summer holiday. The perfect excuse to do absolutely nothing, beautifully.
Why This Journey Is Worth Dreaming About
Picture it: you leave Paris on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, dine and sleep on board, and roll into Venice the next afternoon. No airport queues, no rushing. Just a window, wonderful company (even if that company is you), and the slow, delicious art of getting there.
That's the spirit of Villeggiatura by Train, Belmond's Paris to Venice journey, running 20–23 June 2027. Villeggiatura is the classic Italian idea of the slow summer holiday: leaving the city behind and letting the days stretch out. And honestly, babe? It might be the most romantic way to cross Europe.
Let's be honest, hopefully you've been saving. This is a true splurge. But it's also the kind of trip that makes you feel completely looked after, from the moment you step on board. It's also a beautiful excuse to bring someone along: your best friend, your sister, your partner, or your mum for a birthday she'll never forget.
The Journey at a Glance
When: 20–23 June 2027
Route: Paris to Venice by train
One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Two nights at Hotel Cipriani, a Belmond hotel on Giudecca Island
Timings (approximate): departing Paris around 4pm, arriving in Venice around 5pm
Pricing isn't published, so ask us for current availability and rates.
A Night on the Rails
You can choose between Historic, Suite and Grand Suite cabins, and sole-occupancy options are available, which is handy if you're traveling solo. Sharing with a friend, sister, mum or partner? Even better!
The food is part of the magic. Your fare includes a full breakfast, lunch and dinner on board, with sommelier-selected wines to match. All you have to do is show up hungry.
Two Nights at Hotel Cipriani
Once the train pulls in, the hard part is over. Transfers between Venice Santa Lucia station and Hotel Cipriani are included, and so are private transfers from the hotel to the station or Venice Airport when you leave. Effortless, just how arrival should feel.
Cipriani sits on Giudecca Island, a short hop from the crowds of central Venice, which makes it a calm place to unwind after the rails.
Choose Your Experience
During your stay you can pick one Hotel Cipriani experience:
A wellness treatment
An exclusive visit to a glass-blowing furnace
A Bellini-making class at Bar Gabbiano
I'd go for the Bellini class if you're after something social, or the furnace if you want a story to bring home.
A Michelin-Starred Evening
Your stay includes breakfast, an aperitivo, and dinner at ORO, the 1 Michelin star restaurant. Expect a tasting menu by Head Chef Vania Ghedini, paired with wine.
Who This Journey Is Perfect For
Whether you're traveling solo or sharing it with someone you love, the logistics are handled for you: the train, the meals, the transfers, the hotel. You get to simply enjoy it. Here's who we think it's perfect for:
A girls' getaway with your best friend or your sister
A romantic escape with your partner
A birthday surprise for your mum, one she'll talk about for years
A solo adventure, with sole-occupancy cabins available
Everything flows from train to station to hotel, with dining and transfers in place
Cabin rates aren't published, so ask us for current availability and rates.
Ready to Go?
The Villeggiatura by Train journey runs 20–23 June 2027. Let us take care of the booking while you start picking the glamorous outfits.