13 Nights | August 2027 | Cunard Cruise, Lake Garda & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
This is one for the bucket list. Your holiday begins with a 7 night Cunard cruise onboard the elegant Queen Elizabeth, then continues with stays in Florence and Lake Garda, an exclusive afternoon with former royal butler Grant Harrold, and an overnight journey on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris before the Eurostar home.
After a night near Venice, you sail from Trieste down the Adriatic to the walls of Dubrovnik, on to Corfu and Cephalonia, through the dramatic Messina Strait and into Sorrento, gateway to Capri and Pompeii. From Civitavecchia you head to Florence, then spend three nights beside Lake Garda, including a private royal butler event with afternoon tea at the historic Villa Cariola, before boarding the Orient-Express in Verona.
What’s Included
- Exclusive royal butler event with Grant Harrold at Villa Cariola
- Overnight Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey from Verona to Paris
- 7 night Cunard cruise onboard Queen Elizabeth
- Book a Grill Suite and receive an upgrade to a suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Cunard Cruise
- 7 night cruise onboard Queen Elizabeth from Trieste to Civitavecchia
- All meals onboard
- Calls at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Cephalonia and Sorrento, plus scenic cruising through the Messina Strait
Royal Butler Event
- An exclusive lakeside afternoon with former royal butler Grant Harrold
- Royal etiquette, tradition and first-hand stories over afternoon tea at Villa Cariola
Rail Journeys
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Verona to Paris in a Historic Cabin
- Dedicated steward service
- Three-course lunch, four-course dinner and continental breakfast
- Full porterage service
- Eurostar Plus from Paris to London
Hotel Stays
- 1 night at Four Points by Sheraton Venice Mestre (or similar)
- 1 night at The Hoxton Florence (or similar)
- 3 nights at Park Hotel Casimiro, Lake Garda (or similar)
- Breakfast included at every hotel
Flights & Transfers
- Outbound flight from London, with regional departures available
- Return to London by Eurostar Plus
- Transfers throughout
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Venice (Mestre), Italy
Fly from the UK and check in for one night.
Day 2
Trieste, Italy
Embark Queen Elizabeth in this elegant Adriatic port.
Day 3
At Sea
Day 4
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Walk the ancient city walls and marble streets of the Old Town.
Day 5
Corfu, Greece
Explore the Venetian old town or relax in a turquoise cove.
Day 6
Cephalonia, Greece
Pine-clad mountains, pretty villages and striking blue water.
Day 7
Messina Strait
Scenic cruising between Sicily and mainland Italy.
Day 8
Sorrento, Italy
Clifftop views and lemon-scented streets, with Capri and Pompeii within reach.
Day 9
Civitavecchia & Florence, Italy
Disembark and transfer to Florence for one night.
Day 10
Lake Garda, Italy
Transfer to Lake Garda for three nights.
Day 11
Lake Garda, Italy
A day at leisure beside Italy’s largest lake.
Day 12
Lake Garda, Italy
Your exclusive royal butler event with Grant Harrold at Villa Cariola.
Day 13
Verona, Italy
Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for lunch, dinner and an overnight journey.
Day 14
Paris, France
Breakfast in your cabin, then the Eurostar Plus home to London.
The Cruise Experience
Named by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, Queen Elizabeth carries on the great traditions of Cunard, with refined Golden Era styling and a real sense of occasion. Spend your days with afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters in the Queens Room, a themed ball, croquet or lawn bowls, or simply relax by the pool.
Dining is a highlight, with three main restaurants, classic British and French cooking in Britannia and the Grills, and international choice at The Lido. In the evening, catch a polished production in the Royal Court Theatre or a drink in the Commodore Club, and unwind in the Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa.
Pricing
Inside Cabin from £5,999pp, two sharing
- Oceanview from £6,499pp
- Balcony from £6,999pp
- Grill Suite from £9,999pp, including an upgrade to a suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Departs 5 August 2027. Your holiday is fully protected by ABTA and ATOL.
Why Book With Need That Cruise
We specialise in building complete cruise holidays, not just the cruise itself. You’ll speak directly to our team, we’ll guide you through the full itinerary, and make sure everything is right for you before you book.
Important Information
- Prices are per person based on two sharing and subject to availability.
- Hotels are shown as named or similar.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Ready to Secure Your Spot
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