Having been transported to an era of timeless nostalgia and glamour, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will come to a halt in Verona. Your time on Venice Simplon-Orient Express will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip, thanks to the train’s rich craftsman ship and unparallel standards of service. Following the termination of your first-class rail experience, you will disembark and transfer to the magical Lake Garda where you begin your three-night stay.

In Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, you’ll have chance to savour its magical stretch of water during your stay at Solho Hotel Bardolino. Use your leisure days here to indulge in the serenity of Lake Garda and explore this compelling destination. The lake’s southern region is home to olive groves, Romanesque architecture, and lakeside beaches. Meanwhile the north is characterised by dramatic scenery, hemmed in by the majestic Alps and rolling vineyards. Glide across the glassy lake on a boat tour, wander the pretty towns, or you could embark on a delicious wine tasting in Bardolino.

Embark Silver Moon, the epitome of 21st century luxury cruising. Boasting a stylish opulence this vessel is the perfect accompaniment to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. On board, choose from one of the six restaurants to provide an immersive culinary experience. Explore world cuisines from Atlantide with its European seafood dishes to Kaiseki where you can sample delightful sushi rolls and hibachi from Japan. Expect Silversea hallmarks such as spacious suites to relax in and a butler service to attend to your every need.

Venice is an enchanting city of beauty and intrigue. 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. While Venice is famed for its floating city status, there is so much more magic to explore beyond the iconic Grand Canal gondola rides. Here you will spend overnight in port.

Located on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, picturesque Piran, is renowned for its Venetian gothic architecture. Marvel at Piran’s old town – one of the best-preserved of its kind in the Mediterranean. Meander down the winding alleyways of this historic harbour town or idle the beautiful natural surroundings such as pebble beaches, olive groves and salt pans. Long, wide paths trace the coast paving the way for scenic walks. Fall in love with the magnificent sunsets and exquisite seafood cuisine this town has to offer. Visit the Maritime Museum and enjoy seasonal events and culinary offerings.

Croatia’s second largest city, Split, combines archaeological treasures, natural beauty, and modern Dalmatian life with consummate ease. With its spectacular setting – a mountainous backdrop offset by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea – it is no wonder that a powerful Roman emperor once chose to build his palace here. Today, Diocletian’s Palace is one of the finest and best-preserved Roman monuments in the world and takes up a large area of the delightful Old Town.

An island perched within the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is blessed with stunning beaches, historic fortresses, and blankets of sweet-smelling lavender fields. If you want to stretch your legs, you could take a boat trip to the neighbouring Pakleni Islands, the home of secluded coves and sheltered bays with iridescent turquoise waters.

The turquoise waters of Corfu await. Museums and a strong cultural pride betray this beautiful island’s history as an early seat of European learning. Away from the resorts, you’ll find magnificent mountains carpeted with woodland, where towering Cyprus trees stand guard over inviting trails. Explore Corfu’s cosmopolitan old town, an unesco acclaimed heritage site, adorned with neoclassical influences. Indulge in Grecian food with venetian influence before spending overnight in port.

During your day at sea, relax in your spacious suite and let your butler take care of your every need. Or you could explore the elegant public areas on board Silver Moon find yourself enjoying delicious cocktails at Dolce Vita or unwind in the Panorama lounge as the sunsets to the harmonious sounds of a skilled pianist.

Malta’s petite capital is a confused tangle of honey-coloured streets and 16th-century palaces, each one grander and more beautiful than the last. Discover the Baroque treasures of St. John’s, home to a Caravaggio masterpiece, or the more modern additions of the City Gate and the Opera House. With so much packed into such a small area, it’s no wonder the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strung along a sweeping bay overlooked by Mount Etna, lays Giardini Naxos of Sicily. Enjoy classic Italian pastimes from sunbathing to waterfront dining with specular views of Sicilian hills. Discover a treasure trove of boutique shops and antique sellers. Head to the harbour for superlative seafood cuisine. Visit the Alcantara Valley to bewilder wonderful gorges and a stunning natural canyon, created by multiple earthquakes over time.

The town of Sorrento lies on Italy’s fabled Amalfi Coast, known for its pastel-coloured towns perched on steep hills that rise out of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Full of small, family-run shops selling everything from lacework to Limoncello to exquisite ceramics, it is also where you can get a boat to the island of Capri, a few miles off the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. Capri has been on the international jet set’s itinerary since the 1950s when celebrities including Jacqueline Onassis, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren flocked here. 

Your cruise ends in Civitavecchia where you’ll disembark Silver Moon and transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, filled with a wealth of magical memories.