Orient-Express is launching a new itinerary focusing on the works of Renaissance artists Leonardo and Michelangelo.
Commencing on 16 May 2012, the nine-day tour will travel from London to Milan and Florence, taking in some of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo’s finest works, including The Last Supper and the statue of David. Guests will be accompanied by an expert from London’s National Gallery, which will soon host a new da Vinci exhibition.
The journey begins with an exclusive viewing of the British Museum’s collection of drawings by Leonardo and Michelangelo, which are not normally on show to the public. This will be followed by a visit to the National Gallery to see Leonardo’s painting, The Virgin of the Rocks, together with two paintings by Michelangelo.
Following a night at London’s Goring Hotel, guests board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in London for the overnight journey to Milan. Here, guests will be able to view Leonardo’s famous fresco, The Last Supper, in Milan’s Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, as well as taking in a visit to Milan’s Ambrosiana Library to see Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus.
Guests can also visit the Castello Sforzesco, Brera Art Gallery and attend a performance at the opera house, La Scala.
After three nights in Milan, guests travel to Florence to spend three nights at the Villa San Michele hotel. The stay in Florence includes trips to the Franciscan church, Chiesa di Ognissanti, the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s original David is housed, the Santa Maria Novella church, and the Uffizi Gallery.