We’re back with our travel chronicles and this time it ain’t one city we plan to discover, in attempts to woo Ms. Vacation we illustrated an itinerary on the rails with scenic views of Europe’s treasured gems. We hop on board the Venice – Simplon Orient Express, the steam locomotive that is the gleaming beacon of wanderlust and venture into Europe immersed in vintage grandeur. From Venice to London (with love) and an indulgent pause in Prague, we’re back with DSSC’s summer expeditions part dos that will make you want to book your tickets pronto!
It isn’t just Venice, it’s breathtaking!
With no intentions of skipping the alluring life on the Grand Canal, we’ll be shacking up at Cima Rosa Boutique B&B, before boarding the Orient Express. The serene view of the lagoon and gondolas passing by calls for breakfast in bed (it’s called B&B for a reason) and a siesta after. Ringing in the holiday with the bells at Basilica di San Marco, we will be exploring the opulent domes and luminous mosaics of this sumptuous church.
Image: traveldigg.com; Rialto Bridge
Post our second dose of meriggiare (laze a la Italiano), a trip to the farmer’s market and an exclusive cooking session with the wildly talented chef, we’ll be demolishing pastas and soaking up some Vitamin-D on the terrace of L’Alcova Restaurant. Located amidst the bustling fish market on the banks of the Grand Canal, L’Alcova is the most sought out restaurant for culinary aficionados around the globe. Pushing through abbiocco (the desire to nap after a grande meal), evenings in Venice are meant to be spent at the Rialto Bridge and it would be criminal to forget about the romance-wrapped gondola rides. As the sun sets, so shall we, in our train cabin before a black-tie supper aboard the luxury train that is an icon of pre-war glamour, continental charm, and impeccable service.
Czech out Prague
A scenic breakfast, rejuvenating spa, seasonal table d’hôte, and a bottle (read, three) of champagne later, we’ll disembark for czech’ing out Prague. Continuing the baroque experience on still land, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa is where we’ll be hoarding our splurging results for the next two days. A stone’s throw away, our evening will be spent navigating the serried rows of historical buildings boasting of cultural treasures in the fairy-tale like fortress that is the Prague Castle. However, it’s not just architectural splendour that lured us to Prague, Czech food and beer culture played a major hand and supper at La Degustation, by Michelin-starred Czech chef Oldřich Sahajdák is the perfect way to delve into it.
Image: prague.eu; Aquarius Restaurant
A cuppa joe at Barocco Veneziano Café and traditional trdelník (a deliciously sweet, fire-cooked cake) from the streets enroute the historic Charles Bridge is the perfect way to kickstart the day. As history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, Bellevue Restaurant on the Smetana’s river bank with a view of the Bridge that embodies medieval metropolis is where we’ll be gorging our past-noon spread. Not missing out on the quintessentially European destination, next on the bucket list is Old Town Square. Live piano, homemade pasta, fresh seafood, the Prague expedition will come to a full circle at the Aquarius Restaurant.
Europe ain’t done until you visit London
Back to the chugging exploit on Orient Express, we look forward to haute cuisine by chefs onboard, high tea, and encounters at the Bar Car with polyglot fellow travellers. While views of the French Coast coupled with apericena (pre-dinner drinks x10 and canapés x5) will mark our arrival in London bittersweet; the train might come to a halt, but our expedition adventures will continue in this dazzling city. Spending one day in Britain’s hub, we wouldn’t dare to leave without a walk around Camden & Covent Garden interspersed with many food & tipple breaks. Evening splurges on Old & New Bond Street, catching the sunset over drinks & sushi at SushiSamba and supper at three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse At The Dorchester and we can say addio to London!
If summer travels are meant to be extravagant the Orient Express takes it up a notch and complete with our escapades, we can’t wait to hop on board.
Book the next available journey aboard the Orient Express here.
DSSC Top Tip: For a more comprehensive must-visit-must-eat list for London, please contact shreya@dssc.co. Trust us, there will be no better suggestions than from her.
Featured Image Courtesy: abercrombiekent.com
