Berlin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Day 1 London - Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for a journey to London Victoria station to board the Belmond British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (5T). Brunch is served as you start this iconic journey through Kent. You will be attentively looked after with exquisite service from your personal Venice Simplon-Orient-Express hostess, who will also accompany you during the coach and Eurotunnel shuttle to Calais, offering champagne and snacks. We then continue our journey by joining the continental carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for our overnight journey to Berlin. This evening a four-course dinner is served on board, while your private cabin is transformed into a cosy bedroom, although you may like to spend some time in the Champagne Bar before retiring. Please note: dress code applies. Day 2 Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Berlin As our journey continues through beautiful scenery, enjoy breakfast in your private cabin at a time that suits you. A scenic highlight awaits as we head into the Rhine Valley, following the curvature of this river, lined by vineyard-covered hills, quaint villages of half-timbered houses and an abundance of fairytale castles. A leisurely three-course lunch is served in the beautiful restaurant cars and, later, tea and pastries are served in the comfort of your cabin. We arrive in Berlin Hauptbahnhof station early this evening, and transfer to The Westin Grand Berlin (4T). Dinner is included at our hotel tonight. Day 3 Berlin This morning we take a tour of Germany’s fascinating capital. Berlin was just a small trading post in the 13th century, but rose and fell in importance with trade, war and revolution. Of course it is the last century that will forever be associated with this city - the Nazi headquarters and the huge concrete division of East and West Germany, and then the momentous occasion of the fall of the wall on 9 November 1989. Our tour takes us to Berlin’s most notable spots, with sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the mile-long section of the Berlin Wall which stands as a memorial; plus the magnificent architecture that reflect its past grandeur, including Victory Column and Bellevue Palace, a regal residence now the primary home of the president; and their modern counterparts - many new, creative experiments are changing Berlin’s skyline, reflecting the energy and enthusiasm of this multicultural metropolis. The extraordinary concert hall of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is one example of a controversial project from the 1960s, which has since influenced halls around the world. This afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. Although the city is large, the centre is compact and our hotel is in a central location, making it easy to navigate by foot or public transport. Day 4 Berlin You have a full day to discover Berlin further at your leisure. With many museums and art galleries to choose from, maybe visit the Reichstag, the parliament building which has witnessed many of Germany’s most momentous events in the last 130 years, and offers some of the best views over Berlin through its glass dome. Or take the U-Bahn to visit Charlottenburg Palace, a beautiful rococo summer residence named after Sophie Charlotte of Hanover, the first Queen consort in Prussia, for whom it was built by Elector Friederich III in 1699. The multitude of impressive treasures displayed here includes the remaining pieces of the Prussian crown jewels. Day 5 Berlin - London This morning we depart for Berlin Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.