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With our package holidays, we aim to ensure that you begin enjoying your break from the moment you step off the plane. If you want a great value 2023 holiday with flights, transfers, and accommodation included in the price, you've come to the right place. At Hays Travel, we have a range of cost-effective deals in sun-soaked destinations, whether you choose a scorching escape to Zante , an exotic getaway to the Caribbean , or one of our family friendly Lanzarote holidays or Gran Canaria holidays .

You've booked your time off work, so all you need to do is find the right package holiday for you, and look forward to ultimate relaxation! All of our package holidays have been handpicked by our dedicated team of experts, so you're guaranteed to bag a bargain. You can even enjoy long-haul luxury, be tempted by our package holidays to Dubai and enjoy the glamorous cosmopolitan haven first hand, or simply unwind poolside and top up your tan with our package breaks to Mexico .

An increasingly popular choice with holidaymakers looking to save money, our package holidays are usually cheaper than if you were to arrange a similar holiday yourself. We help you cut out the difficulties of booking flights and accommodation separately so you only have to worry about bringing along your passport. Whether you opt to venture further afield with our Greece package holidays or a getaway to Turkey or if you’d prefer to explore beauty spots at home with our UK breaks , we’ve got the perfect escape for you. 

Our package holidays are fully protected by ABTA and ATOL, so you can book your dream getaway in confidence with Hays Travel. What are you waiting for? Be inspired for your next holiday and browse our selection of package holidays, or get even more from your booking with our range of enticing all inclusive holidays  and last minute holiday deals .  You won't find a better bargain anywhere else!

If you’d like further information on any of our package holidays, simply contact us and one of our travel experts will be happy to provide you with guidance on arranging a break that exceeds your expectations.

What are package holidays?

The term package holiday refers to a travel package where your tour operator arranges two or more parts of your holiday (for example, hotel and flights, accommodation, tickets to attractions or car hire). 

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At Hays Travel, we offer package holidays across some of our favourite destinations, so the hardest part will be choosing where you’d like to jet off to. Marmaris , Benidorm and Rhodes are amongst many more locations where you’ll be able to enjoy superb value for money escape, so book now. 

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ENQUIRE ABOUT BELMOND VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT EXPRESS HOLIDAYS

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• Venice Simplon Orient Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Transport yourself back to the luxury and glamour of the Golden Age of travel with a journey aboard the  Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express.  Filled with glamour and sophistication, holidays on the Orient Express are a delight for all the senses and perfect for a luxury trip or special occasion. 

Each carriage of the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express exudes opulence, from the polished wood finishes to the exquisite and delicate upholstery and furnishings. Each carriage has its own story; even walking down the corridors is a magical experience. 

Ready to start planning your journey aboard the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express? Enquire with us to learn more about our Orient Express train holidays today! 

WELCOME ABOARD THE BELMOND VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT EXPRESS

When travelling on our Venice Simplon-Orient Express holidays, all guests will travel in a private cabin, all exquisitely restored to their former glory to offer a truly unique and memorable travel experience. Your cabin steward will provide a personalised service during your Orient Express tour and convert the seating into a luxurious bedroom whilst dinner is served. 

Immerse yourself in the ultimate luxury in one of the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express suites. Inspired by a fusion of the landscapes the train travels through and designs from the Art Deco period, each individually designed cabin has a private marble en-suite bathroom and mosaic floor, a lounge area by day and a double or twin bed at night. For an extra indulgent experience on your Orient Express tour, travel in one of the Grand Suites, where free-flowing champagne, 24-hour butler service and private in-cabin dining will make you feel like royalty. You cannot get more luxurious than this when designing your holidays on the Orient Express.  

Speak to our expert team today to get prices for our Venice Simplon-Orient Express holidays. 

TAKE YOUR SEAT IN THE DINING CAR

Enjoy a luxurious dining experience throughout your Orient Express train holiday with breakfast and afternoon tea from the comfort of your own private cabin. Lunch, dinner and brunch are served in one of 3 individually designed restaurant cars: Cote d'Azur, Etoile du Nord or L' Oriental. 

The Bar Car is in the heart of the train where all guests can enjoy coffee and cocktails with a resident pianist playing, so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey on your luxurious Orient Express holiday. 

With a full range of Orient Express tour options, speak to our expert team to get your plans started! Contact us today to start booking your holiday on the Orient Express! 

3-Night Venice Stay + Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express From £3,999 Per Person

***2024 LIMITED AVAILABILITY REMAINING ***

***2025 NOW ON SALE***

• Three night’s stay in  Venice  with breakfast included. Choose from a full range of 4-5* hotel accommodation
• One night private cabin accommodation aboard the  Venice Simplon-Orient-Expres
• Guided walking tour and gondola ride in Venice
• Flights from the UK to Venice (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras, with an extra night in Geneva or Zurich)
• Secure reservation for the Eurostar in Standard Premier class
• Private water taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel
• Complimentary shared water taxi transfer from your Venice accommodation to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
• Dine on world-renowned cuisine during a four-course dinner including tea, coffee, cheeses
• Dinner served with sommelier selection wines
• Enjoy a three-course-lunch whilst enjoying the views through Europe’s picturesque landscapes
• French breakfast served in your private cabin
• Dedicated cabin steward, on-hand to attend to your needs

• Three night’s hotel accommodation at the Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel with breakfast included 
• Private gondola ride in Venice

• Three night’s stay in  Verona  with breakfast included. Choose from a full range of 4-5* hotel accommodation
• Small Group Walking Tour with Cable Car and Arena Tickets
• Flights from the UK to Verona (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras, with an extra night in Geneva or Zurich)
• Private transfer from the airport to your hotel
• Complimentary shared transfer service from your Verona accommodation to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

• Three night’s stay in  Vienna  with breakfast included. Choose from a full range of 4-5* hotel accommodation
• Hour Vienna City card + Hop on hop off bus tour
• Flights from the UK to Vienna (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras, with an extra night in Frankfurt or Berlin)
• Private transfers to your hotel and railway station in Vienna

• One night’s stay in  Paris  with breakfast included. Choose from a full range of 4-5* hotel accommodation
• One night's 5* accommodation in Budapest with breakfast included
• One night's 5* accommodation in Bucharest with breakfast included
• Three nights’ hotel accommodation in Istanbul. Choose from a full range of 4-5* accommodation
• Three night’s  private cabin accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
• A city tour in Bucharest and Budapest, a Danube cruise and a visit to Peleș Castle in Romania when aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
• Two private guided tours in Istanbul
• Secure reservation for the Eurostar to Paris in Business Premier class
• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey from Paris to Istanbul
• Private transfers throughout
• Flights from Istanbul to London on the return journey

• One night’s stay in  Zurich  with breakfast included
• Two night’s stay in  Zermatt  with breakfast included
• One night’s stay in  St Moritz  with breakfast included
• One night’s stay in Milan  with breakfast included
• Three night’s stay in  Venice  with breakfast included
• Overnight accommodation onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
• Gornergrat Cog railway with Matterhorn views
• Glacier Express Excellence Class
• Bernina Express First Class
• Flights from London to Zurich, or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras to Zurich via Paris in Standard Premier and First Class
• Journey in comfort with your first class Swiss Travel Pass
• Milan to Venice First Class rail
• Shared water-taxi service in Venice
• Secure reservation for the Eurostar in Standard Premier
• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey from Venice to Paris

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Summer 2024 Holidays

Get the best value summer 2024 holidays - on sale now.

It’s never too early to start planning your dream holiday for summer 2024 with Hays Travel! Whether you’re thinking about taking the kids on a fun-packed family getaway , jetting away on a romantic holiday-for-two, living it up on a luxury all-inclusive escape, or exploring famous sights on a city break ; we’ve got lots of ideas to inspire you to book today! Perhaps fly to Balearic and Canary Islands ’ sun-drenched beaches, experience Turkey's thrilling water parks, play golf on Portugal's Algarve , mix sunshine and fun on Spain's ever-popular Costas, revel in Orlando’s theme parks, delight in Mexico’s chilled-out vibes, or discover New York’s iconic sights. Book ahead for the best availability with thousands of free child places , low deposits from £25pp, and the chance to spread the cost with our affordable interest-free monthly payment plans. Contact our experienced travel team today to book your summer 2024 holiday!

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Livvo Hotels Koala Gardens & Aqualand Waterpark

Free child places available

£889 pp

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Riu Touareg

Includes a saving of £824

£759 pp

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Rio Park Hotel

Includes a saving of £452

£589 pp

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Globales Palmanova

Includes a saving of £120

£549 pp

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Hotel Pez Espada

Includes a saving of £187

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BlueBay Lanzarote

Includes a saving of £164

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Hermes Hotel

£349 pp

Mirador Maspalomas By Dunas

Includes a saving of £101

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Stella Aparthotel

£459 pp

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Pine Valley Hotel

£479 pp

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Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide financial protection for your money when you buy a package holiday. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk Package holidays are sold by Viva Holidays as an agent for Hays Tour Operating Limited, ATOL 10531. Viva Holidays benefits from Hays Tour Operating Limited’s membership of ABTA with membership number Y6075. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 020 3117 0599 or www.abta.com Hays Tour Operating Limited are registered in England and Wales with company number 03591401 and VAT number 193167195. Registered office: 25 Vine Place, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR1 3NA. Viva Holidays is a trading name of Viva Holidays Ltd who are registered in England and Wales with company number 06459781 and VAT number GB996320881. Registered office: Central House, 1 Ballards Lane, London N3 1LQ

I went to Venice for the first time. I loved it, but I won't go back due to the massive crowds.

• Tourists flock to Venice, Italy, for its canals and historic architecture, causing overtourism.
• Locals are frustrated by overcrowded streets, environmental damage, and rising living costs.
• I visited Venice in 2022 and saw how mass tourism negatively impacts residents, so I won't return.

The reasons tourists travel to Venice, Italy, are obvious. The city known for its canals and historic architecture feels like a fairytale.

Still, an influx of tourists comes each year, overcrowding streets, causing environmental deterioration and higher living costs. After visiting for myself in 2022, I saw the reasons locals are fed up — and two years later, those issues haven't been resolved.

I loved Venice. It's perhaps the most unique destination I've been to, with its boats in place of cars and vibrant buildings.

But seeing the European destination firsthand helped me see how overtourism impacts residents — and how I was part of the problem.

Venice, Italy, is dealing with an overtourism crisis.

In 2024, Venice has welcomed as many as 75,000 tourists per day, BI previously reported. Venice's city center is only home to 50,000 residents.

The more than 1,000-year-old city, made up of 118 small islands, was simply not built to accommodate so many people.

Venice officials have tried to mitigate the problem by charging a tourist tax , banning large cruise ships , and capping visitor groups .

Still, too many people continue to pile into the historic city.

The city's struggle with mass tourism is nothing new.

Venice has been dealing with overtourism for more than a decade .

According to a 2018 report by the European Parliament , tourism in Venice caused air and water pollution, overcrowding, and decreased residents.

Due to environmental and cultural damage, the city was almost listed on  UNESCO's danger list  in 2021 and 2023.

Back in 2022, I visited and saw the impacts firsthand.

I spent one day exploring Venice during a European train trip through Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland in October 2022.

Even then, it was easy to see how overtourism can spoil a visitor's experience and harm locals' quality of life.

I didn't realize I was part of the problem when I booked accommodation outside the city.

To save money on my trip to Venice, I booked a unique castle stay called Castello di Roncade in a nearby suburb.

After my trip, I learned that daytrippers increase the negative impacts of overtourism since visitors who do not spend the night contribute less to the city's economy.

The first thing I noticed in Venice was the crowds.

The crowds in Venice made my trip stressful, from navigating high-traffic squares to squeezing through narrow alleys with a tour group.

I imagined what it must be like for locals who spend every day surrounded by people on vacation and likely trudge through crowds just to get to work or run errands.

The bridges were especially congested.

Since Venice is comprised of more than 100 islands, there are plenty of bridges between canals — it's known as " the City of Bridges ."

However, there are not enough bridges for tens of thousands of tourists.

Each time I crossed one, I felt like I was trying to get to the front of a crowded concert venue.

Packed restaurants and minimal public seating in the afternoon left me without lunch or a spot to rest.

In the middle of the afternoon, I wanted to sit, rest, and have a bite to eat. But the restaurants around me appeared to be at capacity as people stood waiting for tables. And there were only a few benches — all were full.

Eventually, I settled for gelato and sat on a shaded step. Authorities quickly gestured for me to get up. That's when I realized I was being one of those annoying tourists .

I later learned that sitting in some public spaces is an etiquette violation that can result in a fine in parts of Italy, like Rome and Florence.

For dinner, I had an easier time finding a restaurant near the city's entrance where taxis and tour buses drop off visitors.

I spotted the environmental impacts of overtourism in the canals.

Venice has always been a delicate city due to its position over tectonic plates. With weak foundations, the islands are gradually sinking.

Venice regularly experiences floods from October to January. These have gotten worse in recent years due to climate change and higher tides from motor boats and cruise ships, which also increase air pollution.

Venice also experienced a drought with extremely  low tides  in 2023,  another environmental threat linked to the climate crisis.

When the tide is low, the eroded foundations of the walls lining the canals are easy to see.

During a gondola ride, I spotted damage from high tides on homes lining the canal.

I loved the gondola tour (no judgment!). Floating through the canals was relaxing and gave me a different perspective of the city despite the obstructed views by other boats in the water.

But some of these sights evoked a sadness in me. The tides weren't high when I visited, exposing erosion at the bases of homes.

I saw them from inches away and spotted building foundations restored by beams.

Most of the stores I saw were touristy gift shops.

According to a 2019 sustainability study by the University of Venice , the city's retail stores primarily cater to tourists.

Over the years, more ice cream parlors, pizza shops, and gift shops with clothing, sunglasses, and other touristy trinkets have popped up.

Meanwhile, the same study found that minimal grocery stores and essential services have driven some locals out of Venice.

More than anything else in Venice, I was excited to visit Libreria Acqua Alta, a store where books are piled inside of old boats and bathtubs.

I imagined wandering the store aimlessly, as I often do in bookstores.

But as soon as I saw the line to enter, I had a feeling that the experience wouldn't meet my expectations.

Unfortunately, many other tourists had the same idea.

The store was cramped. With so many patrons at once, browsing felt like waiting in line.

Since there were so many other people in front of and behind me (in addition to a line outside), I felt bad about spending too much time browsing in one area. So, ultimately, I didn't spend much time there — maybe 20 minutes.

I imagined how frustrating it must be for locals with a unique bookstore in their neighborhood to share such a space with crowds of tourists.

Although Venice is a one-of-a-kind destination, I ultimately decided it's better off without me.

I'm glad I went to Venice, but I don't plan on returning. After seeing the damage mass tourism causes, I don't want to be a part of it.

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