Embrace sumptuous hotel stays in Paris and Rome, travel on the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Rome, and embark on a lavish Eastern Mediterranean cruise.
Enjoy a three-night hotel stay in Paris before joining the exquisite Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Make yourself at home in the historic, French-polished cherrywood carriages for the journey to Rome for a two-night stay. Explore its streets steeped in history, where Byzantine mosaics grace church ceilings and cool catacombs slumber beneath your feet.
Transferring to Civitavecchia, join Cunard’s Queen Victoria for a beautiful Mediterranean cruise taking in the wonders of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Malta and Italy. Highlights of your sailing include Cephalonia and Corfu, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik, Zadar, and the small but mighty island of Malta. Your journey ends back in Civitavecchia to delight in a final Rome hotel stay.
Your Imagine Holiday Includes
14 night full-board cruise on board Queen Victoria
2 day all-inclusive luxury Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train journey from Paris to Rome:
Dedicated steward service
Three-course lunch, four-course dinner and continental breakfast
3 night four-star hotel stay in Paris at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Rome at the Starhotels Metropole
All hotel stays include breakfast
Auckland departure – regional flights available
Overnight flight
Your Voyage
Your Itinerary
Your holiday begins as you fly from New Zealand to your destination.
One of the most romantic and iconic cities in the world, Paris is the perfect destination on any cruise journey. Its stunning landmarks include the towering yet magnificent Eiffel Tower, and the iconic cobbled streets of Montmartre.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Pullman Paris Montparnasse
Begin your journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Rome. Savour an all-inclusive dinner in the original 1920s dining car as the historic locomotive winds through the French countryside.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Drink in the sights of Italy’s ancient capital, where you can follow in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors at the Colosseum, and experience la dolce vita as you stroll around streets familiar from countless classic movies.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Starhotels Metropole
Embark Queen Victoria, a floating emblem of luxury that marries heritage and innovation with sleek design and Cunard’s iconic black and red livery. Recline in plush public rooms, relish gourmet dining, and unwind in the spacious cabins.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Discover the captivating allure of Cephalonia, Greece’s hidden gem. From turquoise waters and stunning beaches to charming villages and ancient ruins, this island paradise beckons with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Corfu: A captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Wander through Venetian streets, bask in golden sunsets, and indulge in mouthwatering cuisine. Immerse yourself in the island’s allure and create lifelong memories.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Prepare to be enchanted by Kotor, Montenegro’s crown jewel. With ancient cobblestone streets, majestic fjords, immerse yourself in its rich history. Let Kotor’s beauty leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Dubrovnik, Croatia’s “Pearl of the Adriatic,” enchants with medieval charm and coastal beauty. Historic city walls, cobblestone streets, and stunning views make it a captivating blend of history and scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Uncover Trieste’s allure: a city where history, literature, and grand architecture converge. Wander its streets, adorned with neoclassical and art-nouveau marvels, and feel the vibrant pulse that links past and present.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Zadar, Croatia’s coastal jewel, fascinates with its Roman heritage and modern vibrancy. From the Sea Organ to historic streets, it offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Embrace the Mediterranean allure of Split, Croatia. With its historic Diocletian’s Palace, stunning coastal views, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a city that invites you to explore the crossroads of history and modernity along the Dalmatian coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Discover Valletta, Malta’s captivating capital, where ornate palaces, museums, and historic fortifications await. Stroll the narrow streets with overhanging balconies, immerse in its rich heritage, and let Valletta’s charm inspire your every step.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Embrace the Mediterranean elegance of Sorrento. With its cliffside views, lemon-scented streets, and Italian charm, it’s a town that invites you to indulge in la dolce vita and savour the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Queen Victoria
Disembark your ship in Rome to enjoy a one-night hotel stay. Steeped in rich heritage, the iconic Colosseum and Pantheon will transport you back in time, while Vatican City, an independent city-state, is home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Starhotels Metropole
Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Queen Victoria
There’s something distinctly refined and regal about a Cunard cruise and the beautiful Queen Victoria certainly upholds its fine traditions. Even before you board this beautiful ship, you’ll note the trademark black and red livery which, together with her sleek modern design, immediately sets the theme of proud cruising heritage married with innovative features for today’s cruise guests.
Cunard has captured all the refined styling and service associated with the golden era of cruising and added modern leisure and entertainment facilities. From her plush, elegantly decorated public rooms to her gourmet dining and luxurious, spacious cabins, Cunard’s Queen Victoria exudes class. The range of options for high-quality entertainment, as well as serene relaxation make for the cruise holiday of a lifetime. Dance in the grand ballroom, enjoy Afternoon Tea, watch extravagant stage shows or simply relax beside one of the lovely pool areas.
- Tonnage 90,049 tons
- Length 965 ft (294.00 m)
Life on board Queen Victoria
From its gourmet dining rooms to its spacious cabins, you’ll enjoy high-class surroundings, enriching on-board activities and a truly regal way to travel.
dining
From white-gloved waiter-service Afternoon Tea to the stylish Steakhouse at The Verandah, Queen Victoria is home to several elegant dining venues.
- Britannia Restaurant
- The Lido
- Steakhouse at The Verandah*
- The Golden Lion*
- Dinner at the Lido*
- Al Fresco Dining*
- Café Carinthia*
- Britannia Club Restaurant^
- Queens Grill+
- Princess Grill**
Bars & Lounges*
- Commodore Club
- Gin & Fizz
- The Golden Lion
- Queens Room
- Chart Room
- Yacht Club
- Casino
- Winter Garden
*Available at an additional cost
^Included when staying in a Britannia Club Balcony stateroom
+Included when staying in a Queens Grill Suite
** Included when staying in a Princess Grill Suite
Facilities
Fill your days with active pursuits or cultured activities such as the enriching Insights speaker programme, classical concerts, wine tasting or ballroom dancing.
- Library
- Open-air pool
- Fully-equipped gym
- Traditional Afternoon Tea
- Gala Evenings
- Film screenings
- Planetarium shows
- Deck and board games
- Sports facilities
- Dance classes
- Spa
entertainment
Highlights include international cabaret artists, ballroom dancing, live music, theatre productions in the Royal Court Theatre and cocktails at the Yacht Club.
- G32 Nightclub
- Queens Room
- Empire Casino
- Illuminations
- Royal Court Theatre
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel between a collection of magnificent cities on board the classic carriages, which will transport you back to the Golden Age of travel with their gleaming French-polished cherry wood marquetry, opulently embroidered upholstery, and vintage fittings.
Every part of your journey is designed to help you capture a little of the magic of a bygone era, whether that’s the gentle clinking of solid crystal glassware in the bar car, or the traditional hospitality of your besuited steward. Travelling on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and one which more than lives up to its reputation.
Whether you choose to make the iconic journey between London and Venice, to the lofty domes of Istanbul or the vibrant streets of Berlin, you’ll be privy to some of the finest dining experiences on board the rails.
Life on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
From exquisite fine dining to sophisticated lounges and unparallel service, spend your days on board doing as much or as little as you like.
Carriages
The train is made up of sleeping cars dating back to the 1920s and 30s, plus three dining cars, a bar car with an elegant baby grand piano which is played every evening before and after dinner, and an on-board boutique. The most famous carriages are undoubtedly the three dining cars, where all the guests of the train come together for sumptuous cuisine in the most genteel surroundings. The vibrant 3674 Bar Car, with its blue zebra and gold detailing, is also a guest favourite.
Food
The cuisine on board is truly exceptional – its presentation is as such it’s hard to believe that it has been created on board a moving locomotive. Chef Jean Imbert blends the rich heritage of the train with his own passion for fresh seasonal produce to create moments of culinary perfection.
You will be asked to choose from one of two sittings each meal, where you will enjoy multi-course dining of the highest calibre, accompanied by perfectly paired wines. Each afternoon, you will also be offered a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Service
While the carriages have differed over the years, the exquisite service remains unchanged. Every stay is unique to each guest, with your finely attired stewards available for your every whim and to transform your cabin between a sitting area or sleeping bunks. Whatever you need, capture the attention of a liveried blue-and-gold attendant and you’ll find every request taken care of. The stewards are specially chosen for their excellent attention to detail, and many have worked on board the train for decades.
Cabins & Suites
Cunard boasts some of the most spacious staterooms at sea, and each one comes with a myriad of services, features, and amenities for you to enjoy.
inside Prices from $15,999pp
Cunard’s well-appointed inside staterooms offer a haven of comfort and style for you to enjoy during your voyage. You’ll find thoughtful features and luxurious amenities throughout to ensure that extra special touch.
- A half bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
- 24-hour room service
- Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
- Satellite TV
- Refrigerator
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
- Bathrobe and slippers
Oceanview Prices from $16,999pp
Beautifully positioned to offer spectacular sea views, Cunard’s Oceanview staterooms provide a private escape from which to enjoy the sights of the horizon. The perfectly framed views are the ideal backdrop to your luxurious surroundings.
- A half bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
- 24-hour room service
- Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
- Satellite TV
- Refrigerator
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
- Bathrobe and slippers
balcony Prices from $17,999pp
Escape to your own private outdoor space in one of Cunard’s Balcony staterooms, where you can sit back and feel the crisp sea air on your skin. Complete with fabulous features and thoughtful amenities, you’ll be sure to be well looked after.
- A half bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
- 24-hour room service
- Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
- Satellite TV
- Refrigerator
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
- Bathrobe and slippers
Grill Suite Prices from $23,999pp
Delight in breathtaking sea views that can be enjoyed from both inside and outside your Grill Suite. A voyage with a Grill Suite reservation will offer a whole new level of indulgence with the extra special touches of fine-dining experiences, and exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Terrace.
- Complimentary room service
- Satellite TV, illy coffee machine and world atlas
- Bathroom with bath and shower
- Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
- Velour robe and slippers
- Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
- A selection of fresh fruit, delivered daily
- Sparkling wine and chocolates to welcome you on board.
- Your own Grills Concierge for the duration of your stay
- A spacious private balcony with table and chairs to relax in
- A seven-pillow concierge menu
- Freedom dining in the Princess Grill restaurant
- Optional in-room dining from the Princess Grill menu
Your Hotel Stays
Paris
Pullman Montparnasse (Or Similar)
Artistic and stylish yet elegant, the Pullman Montparnasse is the flagship hotel of the Pullman brand. With 32 floors, this magnificent hotel is something of a spectacle and boasts the highest open-air rooftop bar in Paris. Rising 377 feet above Paris, you’ll soon discover the scenic Skybar is a mesmerising destination perfect for stargazing and enjoy a cocktail while drinking in the city’s skyline. Here, you’ll relish two dining options, Fi’lia Paris, which offers Italian food with Mediterranean influences and created from traditional recipes, with fresh ingredients or Umami Burger Paris serving international cuisine
Rome
Starhotels Metropole (Or Similar)
Housed in an elegant building with stylish and sleek décor, Starhotels Metropole Rome offers a classical yet comfortable stay in a wonderfully central location. As your ideal base for exploration of Rome, here you’ll savour friendly Italian service and a tranquil atmosphere providing a welcomed serene enclave amidst the city’s bustle all the while being within a 10 minutes’ walk from world-famous attractions, such as The Colosseum, the Rome Opera House and the Trevi Fountain. Head to the sophisticated Bistro Rendez Vous lounge bar for a coffee, light lunch or dine in the Apicio Restaurant on authentic Roman cuisine in a stylish, intimate setting.
