PARIS TO TUSCANY & CASTELLO DI CASOLE
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A LEGEND OF THE RAILS
Embark on a thrilling journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as it heads to Tuscany, connecting Paris with our celebrated farm estate, Castello di Casole
11–14 May, 2025
Step aboard a legend in motion and embrace a special form of slow travel as we traverse verdant scenery, deep into the Tuscan hills. This exceptional adventure begins in Paris, glides through picturesque French and Italian landscapes and includes a visit to the historic city of Siena, before culminating at the luxurious Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany.
Estimated departure, Paris Gare d'Austerlitz: 3:30pm — Estimated Arrival, Florence: 2pm
Prices from £9,350 per person
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
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INCLUDES
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS
Private pick up from your Paris residence to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz, shared transfers from Florence station to Siena, shared transfers from Siena to Castello di Casole.
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION
One unforgettable night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express and two nights at Castello di Casole with breakfast included.
Historic Cabin Guests aboard the train will stay in a Junior Suite at Castello di Casole; Suite Guests (Twin or Double) will stay in a Suite; Grand Suite Guests will stay in a Suite.
SUMPTUOUS DINING
A seasonal signature table d'hôte menu crafted by Chef Jean Imbert on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
SOMMELIER WINES
Our sommelier’s selection of wines when served in the restaurant cars on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
DEDICATED STEWARD SERVICE
To attend to your every request as you unwind in style on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
EXCLUSIVE EXTRAS
Private guided tour of Siena’s historic centre, exclusive visit to Palazzo Pannocchieschi d’Elci with aperitif and curated cocktails, a 'Festa del Villaggio' with a convivial ‘Sagra’-style lunch with local producers, stargazing session with a professional astronomer, complimentary wellbeing activities including bike tours, hiking and yoga.
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MEET THE LEGEND
CASTELLO DI CASOLE
Originally a medieval castle on an ancient Etruscan site, Castello di Casole is a haven of luxury and peace that pays homage to acres of astonishing natural life and agricultural traditions.
Here, embrace a host of wellness and sport activities, from perfecting your serve at our new tennis court to exploring the breathtaking surroundings on a cycling tour in partnership with L’Eroica.
As a vision of self sufficiency and sustainability, Casole has become a guardian of the land, preserving, enriching and sharing in its produce. During this special journey, guests can look forward to a special 'Festa del Villaggio' with local artisans and suppliers.
Day One
All Aboard
Board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris, ready for your journey to Tuscany. Settle into your cabin, where plush upholstery and soft lighting create an atmosphere of timeless glamour. Against this elegant backdrop, your personal journey will slowly unfold. Your steward greets you with a glass of champagne as you take in the refined surroundings. Later, a selection of pastries is served alongside tea and coffee as the train begins its journey south through the captivating landscapes of France.
Enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif in Bar Car ‘3674’ before making your way to one of the magnificent dining cars, infused with the vision of Chef Jean Imbert. His exquisite menus pay respect to the regions and cultures touched on the journey and reinvigorate time-honoured classics with a modern twist. Accompanying the feast are bottles from the train’s wine collection, an homage to Europe’s finest appellations. After dinner, the bar is waiting to welcome you back. Enjoy signature cocktails, tinkling piano music and playful spontaneity into the early hours.
Day Two
An Italian Adventure
Wake to idyllic and picturesque Swiss vistas and savour a leisurely continental breakfast in the comfort of your cabin. As the train approaches Florence, enjoy lunch onboard the train before arrival.
Note: Your steward will be able to give you further information regarding your arrival, luggage and transfer procedures. Please be aware that no porters are available at the station.
Upon arrival, disembark for a shared transfer to Siena. Prepare for a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, a breathtaking mix of rolling hills and verdant vineyards. In Siena, private expert guides await to lead you through the city’s enchanting medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Following the tour, enjoy an exclusive visit to Palazzo Pannocchieschi d’Elci, a 13th-century aristocratic palace and the first residence to be built on the breathtaking square. From the palace’s tower, take in an extraordinary view over Siena while sipping curated cocktails crafted by the barman of Castello di Casole, served with a fine selection of aperitifs. As the afternoon draws to a close, a private transfer will take you to Castello di Casole, a breathtaking farm estate steeped in legend, its roots going back to Etruscan times.
You can choose to dine in the fine dining restaurant Tosca, or at the Emporio del Castello with a family-friendly atmosphere, or simply enjoy an aperitif with tapas at the Bar Visconti lounge. Kindly note, dinner not included in the package and incurs an additional cost.
Day Three
The Bounty of Tuscany
Start your day with an indulgent breakfast at Tosca, before enjoying the hotel’s many attractions at your leisure. The Chef will propose a variety of local products and you can enjoy the Chef’s specialty at the live station.
Discover a host of complimentary wellness and outdoor activities, such as bike tour, hiking, yoga sessions, or simply unwind by the pool. Or you may wish to choose from optional experiences with an additional fee such as a spa session, tennis clinics or sound healing experience in the forest.
Midday, gather for the Festa del Villaggio in the main courtyard. The former ancient village is brought back to life with a convivial “Sagra”-style lunch, offering a true immersion into the typical flavours of Tuscany. You will find cooking stations, meet local food producers, and engage with talented artisans who showcase their creations and share the stories behind their specialties. Traditional Tuscan music livens up the event, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates the region’s culinary and cultural heritage while highlighting the unique essence of the territory.
As night falls, experience an exclusive stargazing session in the outdoor amphitheatre, guided by a professional astronomer. In the evening, choose to indulge in a memorable dinner at Tosca, where high-quality products of the land are elevated into sumptuous Tuscan delicacies. Alternatively, savour irresistible grilled treats and pizzas at Emporio del Castello. Kindly note, dinner is not included in the package and incurs an additional cost.
Day Four
Leave Your Heart in Tuscany
Linger over a final breakfast, gazing out at the leafy Tuscan landscape, and take a last stroll through the grounds before checking out and continuing your onward travels.
Common Questions From Our Passengers
What do I wear on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train?
You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train! For dinner, we ask for formal evening attire and many guests like to don black tie and wear their most glamorous finery for the occasion. Smart daywear is appropriate during the day. At lunch, for example, a jacket/tie or equivalent is suitable. Jeans are not acceptable at any time.
Can the Venice Simplon-Orient Express accommodate special dietary preferences?
We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan etc, provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do, however, regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Are children permitted on board?
Children are welcome to join us on board, and infants under the age of two at the time of departure travel free. Parents must provide their own food and a bassinet for sleeping. Given the space constraints of a Twin Cabin, we always recommend booking an interconnecting cabin or Grand Suite for our guests' comfort. The ambiance aboard the train is geared towards our adult passengers. For this reason, it is at the Train Manager’s discretion that children may accompany their parents in the bar and restaurant cars.