JOURNEY FROM PARIS TO TUSCANY
STEP ABOARD THE LEGENDARY VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
Day 1 - May 11
PARIS TO TUSCANY
Continuing the legacy of Paris to Portofino, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express meets another property steeped in history: Castello di Casole. Let the train’s stunning scenery captivate you as idyllic European landscapes unfold beyond your cabin window.
As evening falls make your way to one of the magnificent dining cars, where both the ambience and menus are infused with Chef Jean Imbert’s imagination. The menu, a curated list of seasonal specialities, are accompanied by exceptional wine parings. After dinner, a lively ambience awaits at Bar Car ‘3674’. Listen to the resident pianist play as you sip sublime and classic cocktails. From the romance of Paris to the radiant charms of Tuscany, every moment is a celebration of beauty, refinement, and timeless allure.
Day 2 - May 12
IMMERSED IN LEGEND
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. 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. 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.
Explore the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares, renowned worldwide for its architectural splendour and for hosting the famous Palio di Siena horse race. Majestic buildings surrounding the shell-shaped piazza include the Palazzo Pubblico – town hall – and its distinctive bell tower, the Torre del Mangia.
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 the extraordinary views over Siena while sipping curated cocktails crafted by the barman of Castello di Casole, served with a fine selection of aperitifs.
TREASURES OF IL BEL PAESE
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. Settle into your enchanting room and breathe in the magic – from vineyards and olive groves to wildlife and wellness, a bucolic immersion awaits. You can choose to dine in the elegant 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.
Castello di Casole is a sanctuary steeped in years of history, with origins tracing back to the Etruscan civilisation. Nestled amidst lush, vibrant landscapes, this former medieval castle seamlessly blends centuries of heritage with the natural beauty that surrounds it. The estate, dedicated to preserving the region’s agricultural traditions, embraces sustainability and wellness, offering an unparalleled experience that honours both the land and its rich history.
With sweeping views and a legacy of noble craftsmanship, Castello di Casole invites you to immerse yourself in a timeless retreat where past and present coexist in perfect harmony. Unwind at your own pace: swim in the serene infinity pool overlooking the rolling hills, wander through olive groves and vineyards, indulge with ultimate relaxation at Essere Spa, or ascend the winding hill to Casole, where the estate’s monumental grandeur awaits.
Day 3 - May 13
THE ART OF SLOW TRAVEL
Awake at Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel in Tuscany, a magnificently restored 10th-century castle nestled within 3,200 acres of rolling hills, lush valleys, vineyards, and olive groves. Start your day with an indulgent breakfast, before enjoying the hotel’s many attractions at your leisure. Your day plays out at your own pace. 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: treat yourself to a spa session, tennis clinics or sound healing experience in the forest, explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside on a jeep safari tour, join a cooking class, or sample local wines at a private tasting with the Sommelier.
A RETREAT STEEPED IN LEGEND
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.
STARGAZE IN STYLE
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. As night falls, experience an exclusive stargazing session in the outdoor amphitheatre, guided by a professional astro tourist guide. Using state-of-the-art telescopes, discover constellations, planets, and galaxies in one of Italy’s best certified astrotourism locations.
Day 4 - May 14
ARRIVEDERCI
Linger over a final breakfast, gazing out at the leafy Tuscan landscape. Here, amidst the timeless splendour of Tuscany, practise la dolce vita - the art of cherishing life’s most exquisite moments. Take a last stroll through the grounds before checking out and continuing your onward travels.
11th - 14th May 2025 Embark on an Exquisit Journey from PARIS to TUSCANY
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Castello di Casole
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express redefines the art of travel, offering an unparalleled journey through the world’s most breathtaking destinations, all in the comfort of your private cabin. A true pioneer in slow travel, it invites you to surrender to the luxury of time, allowing you to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with life’s finest pleasures. Immerse yourself in a world where time slows and every moment is a celebration. Delight in leisurely lunches, revel in glamorous evenings, and enjoy the rare luxury of uninterrupted relaxation. On board, Jean Imbert’s culinary artistry will elevate your experience, as you indulge in world-class dining while traversing aweinspiring landscapes. Special amenities in your cabin further enhance your journey, making every detail a reflection of the extraordinary elegance that defines the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
