Discover some of Europe's most romantic cities on board the Venice Simplon Orient Express

2/3/2011 12:00:00 AM


If you're looking for a getaway for two with a difference, why not consider rail tours in Italy and France and discover some of Europe's most romantic cities? Travelling to Paris, Milan and Venice, you can recapture the elegance of rail travel while exploring the romance capitals of the world.

And by taking great rail journeys, you can find yourself travelling in luxury and seeing all the best sights these fantastic and exciting cities have to offer.

Leaving London by Eurostar to start your adventure, you will enjoy complimentary food and drinks before arriving in your first destination - Paris.

Known as one of the world's most romantic cities, Paris is the ideal place to visit with your partner. And with so many wonderful places to see, you will find taking a guided tour of the city - by coach and by foot - one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to spot the finest sights.

Among the wonders to be seen during the tour are the Louvre - famously housing the Mona Lisa - and the Arc de Triomphe.

Exploring on your own later in the day, you will be able to pick and choose where you go. The Eiffel Tower is an ever-popular sight that is absolutely staggering to look at from the ground and offers equally magnificent views across the city from the top.

Those without a head for heights may prefer to stick to ground-level attractions, however, such as the city's vast array of art. The Pompidou Centre is a great place to go if you're a fan of modern works, while walking through the streets you will find plenty of other galleries to venture into.

Once you've finished exploring the delights of Paris, you can board the TGV for the next leg of your trip. Being whisked through amazing scenes such as the Alps, your next destination will be Milan.

Tasting delicious Milanese trattoria and spending some time sipping hot drinks and watching the world go by in a pavement cafe is a perfect occupation for your first afternoon in the city.

While you may associate Milan simply with its high status in the fashion world, you might be interested to know that it also boasts rich historical and cultural attractions that are perfect to discover during a romantic break.

Visit the impressive Duomo and venture to the top to admire an impressive view of the city before heading to one of the world's most famous opera houses - La Scala.

Ending your city tour on a high note is easy with the glorious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - a famous shopping gallery well-known for its age and beauty.

Travelling to Venice next, you will soon find yourself surrounded by the picturesque waterways that the city is so famous for.

Indeed, taking a boat trip through the city is the ideal way to explore. One particular highlight is the Rialto Bridge - a beautiful architectural feat which was completed in 1591.

St Mark's Square is another must-see. Lined with cafes and restaurants, it is something of a mecca for the area's tourists. Taking a guided tour of the city, you will also be able to see Doge's Palace and the famed Bridge of Sighs, among other treasures.

Once you've finished exploring all that Venice has to offer, you can board the stunning Venice Simplon Orient Express. This incredible train boasts carriages dating back to the 1920s and 30s, all lovingly restored to recapture the romance of rail travel.

The ultimate way to end your journey in style, in this train you will find beautifully decorated cabins, dining cars and bars offering the very best cuisine and wine throughout your trip.

Cooked by French chefs, all your food will be freshly prepared on board, while you can enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea from the comfort of your cabin.

Amid all the luxury, don't forget to admire the passing scenery as you journey back to Paris through the Italian Dolomites and Austria.

Arriving in the French capital, you will be able to board the Eurostar once more to take you back to London.

To explore the most beautiful romance capitals of Europe, there is no better way than to travel by train. Allowing you to experience luxury and elegance during your trip, you will be able to enjoy all these stunning destinations have to offer without the stress of arranging your own connections.