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Embark on a Mediterranean odyssey shaped by regal touches – from Cunard’s storied hospitality to a private royal butler occasion, culminating on board the world’s most celebrated train.
There is a certain lineage to true luxury, and this journey traces it with quiet assurance. It begins on board Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, where anticipatory service accompanies you along Adriatic shores to Dubrovnik’s storied walls, before Corfu and Cephalonia unveil the Ionian’s languid charm. Along Italy’s shores, indulge Capri’s glamour or Pompeii’s haunting stillness, both within reach of Rome.
The route turns inland through Tuscany’s sun-gilded hills to Florence, before three nights in Lake Garda – where, reserved solely for Imagine Cruising guests, a private royal butler event with Grant Harrold at Villa Cariola offers rare insight into royal tradition. The finale is inevitable in its grandeur: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, carrying you overnight from Verona to Paris in exquisitely appointed splendour.
Embark on a Mediterranean odyssey shaped by regal touches – from Cunard’s storied hospitality to a private royal butler occasion, culminating on board the world’s most celebrated train.
There is a certain lineage to true luxury, and this journey traces it with quiet assurance. It begins on board Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, where anticipatory service accompanies you along Adriatic shores to Dubrovnik’s storied walls, before Corfu and Cephalonia unveil the Ionian’s languid charm. Along Italy’s shores, indulge Capri’s glamour or Pompeii’s haunting stillness, both within reach of Rome.
The route turns inland through Tuscany’s sun-gilded hills to Florence, before three nights in Lake Garda – where, reserved solely for Imagine Cruising guests, a private royal butler event with Grant Harrold at Villa Cariola offers rare insight into royal tradition. The finale is inevitable in its grandeur: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, carrying you overnight from Verona to Paris in exquisitely appointed splendour.
Enjoy an exclusive evening at Villa Cariola, hosted by former royal butler Grant Harrold, set amid the villa’s period interiors and sweeping parkland. Discover the finer points of royal etiquette and protocol, brought to life through Grant’s first-hand stories from within the Royal Household. A rare and memorable occasion, set against one of Lake Garda’s most elegant backdrops.
Step into the world of royal service with Grant Harrold, former butler to Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Having spent seven years within the Royal Household at Highgrove, Grant also served the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales. Now a bestselling author and broadcaster, he brings first-hand stories from behind palace doors to life.
Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda is framed by dramatic mountains to the north and gentle, olive-clad hills to the south, its glittering waters dotted with pastel-hued villages. Lemon groves and vineyards cascade down to the shore, while medieval castles and elegant villas hint at centuries of aristocratic retreat. Its timeless beauty has long captivated travellers seeking a slower pace.
Board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Verona for an overnight journey steeped in vintage glamour. Spend the afternoon admiring the passing scenery from your cabin, before enjoying a three-course lunch and a leisurely four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs. Retire to your cabin, transformed into a cosy bedroom, as the train carries you onward through the night to Paris.
Enjoy an exclusive evening at Villa Cariola, hosted by former royal butler Grant Harrold, set amid the villa’s period interiors and sweeping parkland. Discover the finer points of royal etiquette and protocol, brought to life through Grant’s first-hand stories from within the Royal Household. A rare and memorable occasion, set against one of Lake Garda’s most elegant backdrops.
Step into the world of royal service with Grant Harrold, former butler to Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Having spent seven years within the Royal Household at Highgrove, Grant also served the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales. Now a bestselling author and broadcaster, he brings first-hand stories from behind palace doors to life.
Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda is framed by dramatic mountains to the north and gentle, olive-clad hills to the south, its glittering waters dotted with pastel-hued villages. Lemon groves and vineyards cascade down to the shore, while medieval castles and elegant villas hint at centuries of aristocratic retreat. Its timeless beauty has long captivated travellers seeking a slower pace.
Board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Verona for an overnight journey steeped in vintage glamour. Spend the afternoon admiring the passing scenery from your cabin, before enjoying a three-course lunch and a leisurely four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs. Retire to your cabin, transformed into a cosy bedroom, as the train carries you onward through the night to Paris.
Arriving in Venice, transfer to your hotel and check in for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Four Points by Sheraton Venice Mestre
Arriving in Trieste, you’ll transfer to the port to embark your ship. This elegant Adriatic gateway, with its Austro-Hungarian architecture and grand seafront piazzas, sets an atmospheric tone for the voyage ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
Dubrovnik’s honey-coloured walls and terracotta rooftops rise dramatically above the Adriatic. Wander the marble streets of the old town, framed by centuries of Venetian and Ragusan history, or admire the coastline from the ancient ramparts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
Lush and languid, Corfu blends Venetian, French and British influences within its elegant old town. Olive groves cascade down to turquoise coves, while the island’s laid-back charm invites a slower pace ashore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
Rugged mountains and pine forests give way to some of Greece’s most striking turquoise waters on Cephalonia. Traditional villages and dramatic coastal scenery make this a beautifully unspoilt island stop.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
Cruise through the dramatic Messina Strait, the narrow channel separating Sicily from mainland Italy, with rugged coastlines visible on either side.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
From Salerno, choose your Italian escape: the glamorous cliffs and boutiques of Capri, or perhaps the haunting, remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii, frozen since Vesuvius’s eruption nearly two thousand years ago.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth
Disembarking at Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome, you’ll transfer onward to Florence for an overnight stay on the city’s outskirts, ready to explore Tuscany’s Renaissance capital.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hoxton Florence
Leaving Florence behind, you’ll transfer to Lake Garda for a three-night stay beside Italy’s largest lake, framed by mountains and pastel-hued villages.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Solho Hotel Bardolino
Spend the day at leisure beside Lake Garda, its glittering waters and dramatic mountain backdrop offering the perfect setting to unwind at your own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Solho Hotel Bardolino
Today brings the holiday’s centrepiece: an exclusive royal butler event with Grant Harrold at Villa Cariola, a rare opportunity to discover the etiquette and traditions of royal service in an elegant lakeside setting.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Solho Hotel Bardolino
Transfer to Verona to embark the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Spend the afternoon admiring the passing scenery from your cabin, before a three-course lunch and a leisurely four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Breakfast is served in your cabin before arrival into Paris Gare de l’Est, where you’ll transfer to the Eurostar for your journey home to London.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy Cunard Queen Elizabeth’s spectacular heritage, sense of occasion and huge array of activities, including ballroom-dancing, lawn bowls and Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room.
When Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II conducted the naming ceremony in her own honour in October 2010, she continued a marvellously regal formal cruising tradition. Cunard has maintained all the refined styling, amenities and service associated with the Golden Era of cruise sailing and added modern facilities, leisure, and entertainment opportunities.
Stunning accommodation and the most exceptional fine dining you’ll ever experience at sea are highlights of the glorious Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. You could dance the night away in the Queens Room at a themed ball, enjoy Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters, or watch a polished production in the Royal Court Theatre. You’ll have three main gourmet restaurants to choose from, promising gastronomic delights to suit all tastes. And with spacious accommodation and two lovely pool areas, along with the Mareel® Wellness & Beauty sanctuary, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing cruise.
From classic British and French in the Britannia and Grills restaurants to the best steak onboard at The Verandah, plus a range of international cuisines at The Lido, there’s something to suit every taste.
Bars & Lounges*
*Available at an additional cost
^Included when staying in a Britannia Club Balcony stateroom
+Included when staying in a Queens Grill Suite
** Included when staying in a Princess Grill Suite
Browse the art gallery and luxury boutiques, try your hand at croquet and fencing or take part in fitness classes or deck games. Alternatively, relax by the Pavilion Pool or in Mareel® Wellness & Beauty.
There’s never a dull moment with West End-style productions at the Royal Court Theatre, and a full live music programme, plus ballroom dancing in the Queens Room.
When Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II conducted the naming ceremony in her own honour in October 2010, she continued a marvellously regal formal cruising tradition. Cunard has maintained all the refined styling, amenities and service associated with the Golden Era of cruise sailing and added modern facilities, leisure, and entertainment opportunities.
Stunning accommodation and the most exceptional fine dining you’ll ever experience at sea are highlights of the glorious Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. You could dance the night away in the Queens Room at a themed ball, enjoy Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters, or watch a polished production in the Royal Court Theatre. You’ll have three main gourmet restaurants to choose from, promising gastronomic delights to suit all tastes. And with spacious accommodation and two lovely pool areas, along with the Mareel® Wellness & Beauty sanctuary, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing cruise.
From classic British and French in the Britannia and Grills restaurants to the best steak onboard at The Verandah, plus a range of international cuisines at The Lido, there’s something to suit every taste.
Bars & Lounges*
*Available at an additional cost
^Included when staying in a Britannia Club Balcony stateroom
+Included when staying in a Queens Grill Suite
** Included when staying in a Princess Grill Suite
Browse the art gallery and luxury boutiques, try your hand at croquet and fencing or take part in fitness classes or deck games. Alternatively, relax by the Pavilion Pool or in Mareel® Wellness & Beauty.
There’s never a dull moment with West End-style productions at the Royal Court Theatre, and a full live music programme, plus ballroom dancing in the Queens Room.
From exquisite fine dining to sophisticated lounges and unparallel service, spend your days on board doing as much or as little as you like.
Travel between a collection of magnificent cities on board the classic carriages, which will transport you back to the Golden Age of travel with their gleaming French-polished cherry wood marquetry, opulently embroidered upholstery, and vintage fittings.
Every part of your journey is designed to help you capture a little of the magic of a bygone era, whether that’s the gentle clinking of solid crystal glassware in the bar car, or the traditional hospitality of your besuited steward. Travelling on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and one which more than lives up to its reputation.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a moving masterpiece, made up of meticulously restored sleeping cars from the 1920s and 1930s. Stepping on board is like entering a world of classic elegance and vintage glamour. The train features three magnificent dining cars, where guests gather to enjoy exquisite, multi-course meals prepared by expert chefs using the finest seasonal ingredients. These dining cars – each with its own unique Art Deco style – are considered the heart of the train, combining sophisticated ambiance with exceptional culinary experiences.
Equally iconic is the vibrant 3674 Bar Car, a guest favourite adorned with striking blue zebra print and gold detailing. Here, passengers sip handcrafted cocktails while listening to live music from the elegant baby grand piano, played each evening before and after dinner. The train also features a charming on-board boutique offering exclusive keepsakes.
The cuisine on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nothing short of extraordinary – a true celebration of taste, artistry, and tradition. It’s hard to believe such exquisite dishes are crafted in the compact kitchens of a moving locomotive. Each plate is presented with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a harmony of colour, texture, and flavour that rivals the finest restaurants in the world. At the helm is celebrated Michelin star chef Jean Imbert, who brings a fresh, modern touch to the train’s storied culinary heritage. Drawing inspiration from the destinations along the route, he uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients to create moments of pure gastronomic delight.
Guests are invited to choose from one of two sittings for each meal, ensuring an intimate and unhurried dining experience. Every course is perfectly complemented by a thoughtfully selected wine pairing, enhancing the journey through both landscape and palate. In the afternoon, a luxurious afternoon tea is served – complete with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and fine teas.
While the carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express have evolved over the decades, the exquisite service remains a hallmark of the experience. Every journey is tailored to the individual, with each guest receiving impeccable, personalised attention from the moment they step onboard. Finely attired in their iconic blue-and-gold livery, the stewards are always on hand to anticipate and fulfil your every need, whether it’s transforming your cabin from a stylish sitting area into a luxurious sleeping compartment, preparing a nightcap, or simply ensuring your comfort throughout the journey.
These dedicated professionals are specially selected for their poise, discretion and exceptional attention to detail. Many stewards have served on the train for decades, embodying a deep knowledge of its traditions and an innate understanding of true hospitality. Just a glance or gentle request is enough to summon attentive service delivered with charm and efficiency.
Travel between a collection of magnificent cities on board the classic carriages, which will transport you back to the Golden Age of travel with their gleaming French-polished cherry wood marquetry, opulently embroidered upholstery, and vintage fittings.
Every part of your journey is designed to help you capture a little of the magic of a bygone era, whether that’s the gentle clinking of solid crystal glassware in the bar car, or the traditional hospitality of your besuited steward. Travelling on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and one which more than lives up to its reputation.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a moving masterpiece, made up of meticulously restored sleeping cars from the 1920s and 1930s. Stepping on board is like entering a world of classic elegance and vintage glamour. The train features three magnificent dining cars, where guests gather to enjoy exquisite, multi-course meals prepared by expert chefs using the finest seasonal ingredients. These dining cars – each with its own unique Art Deco style – are considered the heart of the train, combining sophisticated ambiance with exceptional culinary experiences.
Equally iconic is the vibrant 3674 Bar Car, a guest favourite adorned with striking blue zebra print and gold detailing. Here, passengers sip handcrafted cocktails while listening to live music from the elegant baby grand piano, played each evening before and after dinner. The train also features a charming on-board boutique offering exclusive keepsakes.
The cuisine on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nothing short of extraordinary – a true celebration of taste, artistry, and tradition. It’s hard to believe such exquisite dishes are crafted in the compact kitchens of a moving locomotive. Each plate is presented with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a harmony of colour, texture, and flavour that rivals the finest restaurants in the world. At the helm is celebrated Michelin star chef Jean Imbert, who brings a fresh, modern touch to the train’s storied culinary heritage. Drawing inspiration from the destinations along the route, he uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients to create moments of pure gastronomic delight.
Guests are invited to choose from one of two sittings for each meal, ensuring an intimate and unhurried dining experience. Every course is perfectly complemented by a thoughtfully selected wine pairing, enhancing the journey through both landscape and palate. In the afternoon, a luxurious afternoon tea is served – complete with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and fine teas.
While the carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express have evolved over the decades, the exquisite service remains a hallmark of the experience. Every journey is tailored to the individual, with each guest receiving impeccable, personalised attention from the moment they step onboard. Finely attired in their iconic blue-and-gold livery, the stewards are always on hand to anticipate and fulfil your every need, whether it’s transforming your cabin from a stylish sitting area into a luxurious sleeping compartment, preparing a nightcap, or simply ensuring your comfort throughout the journey.
These dedicated professionals are specially selected for their poise, discretion and exceptional attention to detail. Many stewards have served on the train for decades, embodying a deep knowledge of its traditions and an innate understanding of true hospitality. Just a glance or gentle request is enough to summon attentive service delivered with charm and efficiency.
Cunard boasts some of the most spacious staterooms at sea, and each one comes with a myriad of services, features, and amenities for you to enjoy.
Cunard Queen Elizabeth’s well-appointed inside staterooms offer a haven of comfort and style for you to enjoy during your voyage. You’ll find thoughtful features and luxurious amenities throughout to ensure that extra special touch.
Beautifully positioned to offer spectacular sea views, Cunard’s Oceanview staterooms provide a private escape from which to enjoy the sights of the horizon. The perfectly framed views are the ideal backdrop to your luxurious surroundings.
Escape to your own private outdoor space in one of Cunard’s obstructed view Balcony staterooms, where you can sit back and feel the crisp sea air on your skin. Complete with fabulous features and thoughtful amenities, you’ll be sure to be well looked after.
Delight in breathtaking sea views that can be enjoyed from both inside and outside your Grill Suite. A voyage with a Grill Suite reservation will offer a whole new level of indulgence with the extra special touches of fine-dining experiences, and exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Terrace
Offering stylish rooms and suites in a prime location within 10 minutes of the airport and five minutes from Venezia Mestre Ospedale Train Station, Four Points by Sheraton Venice Mestre promises a relaxing and convenient stay. Accommodation here boasts plush bedding, free Wi-Fi, smart amenities, flat-screen TV and contemporary design. The hotel’s restaurants serves both Italian and international cuisine, while the on-site gym is equipped with modern fitness equipment. With excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, the hotel provides a perfect blend of comfort and accessibility.
Hoxton Florence combines stylish, contemporary design with authentic Tuscan flair. Spacious rooms and suites feature thoughtful touches and city views, while lively lounges, a rooftop restaurant, and relaxed communal spaces invite conversation. Across two buildings, the hotel boasts 158 rooms and one three-bedroom house, a coastal-inspired restaurant, a vibrant wine bar, a huge garden terrace, plus curated art installations and engaging cultural experiences throughout the property.
Located in the historic centre of Bardolino, the Solho Hotel Bardolino is a fantastic choice for travellers seeing relaxation and pleasure. Here, you’ll find outstanding service, genuine Italian hospitality and a magnificent view of Lake Garda. As one of Bardolino’s newest hotels, you’ll delight in the minimalistic yet comfortable décor throughout with stylish and spacious rooms providing the perfect space to recharge. Savour a continental breakfast before taking a refreshing dip in the panoramic rooftop pool before you sip on a signature cocktail as dusk falls over the shimmering lake.
Mediterranean charm exudes from Hotel Villa Garuti Village’s terracotta hues and lush gardens. Discover nearby attractions like Sirmione and the Scaliger Castle, or simply soak up the ambience of your lush surroundings. Accommodations blend modern comfort with traditional Italian style, some boasting private balconies with lake views. Take a dip in the refreshing outdoor pool, and dine on local delicacies on the terrace. Additional facilities include a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, and a restaurant serving delectable Italian cuisine.
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