Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
2026 Departures - London to Florence including the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Journey from London to Florence in sheer luxury, enjoying the world-class service and historic glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel to Paris & board the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Your adventure begins at London St. Pancras, where you travel by First Class rail to Paris before boarding the world-famous Venice Simplon Orient Express, with its distinctive blue and gold carriages. Your own personal steward is on hand throughout. Settle in to your comfortable private compartment, admire the elaborate flourishes and spectacular marquetry of this elegant train, then dress for dinner: a pre-dinner cocktail followed by a delicious four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs, and perhaps a drink in the bar car to the sound of the baby grand piano before retiring to your compartment, now transformed into a cosy bedroom.
- Day 2railovernight: Florence
Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Florence
Breakfast is served in your compartment at a time to suit you; admire the stunning views of the Swiss Alps as you start the day. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch in one of the beautiful restaurant cars, visit the on-board boutique, and admire the superb views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Como. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment before the train arrives at Florence. From Firenze Santa Maria Novella station stroll to the charming, highly-rated and family-run Hotel Rapallo (4 star), around 1 kilometre from the station, your hotel for the next three nights.
- Day 3overnight: Florence
At leisure in Florence
The centrally located Hotel Rapallo enables you to visit all of Florence's world-renowned attractions. Immerse yourself in the culture of Italy's renaissance capital with visits to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio or the celebrated Duomo, and enjoy the culinary delights of the city.
- Day 4railovernight: Florence
At leisure in Florence
Venture further afield to explore the beauty of Tuscany: Siena with its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and UNESCO world heritage medieval centre, Pisa's world-famous leaning tower, stunning Lucca, or the rural Chianti district, all easily accessible by train. You could even visit the eternal city of Rome, barely more than an hour and a half away by train.
- Day 5railovernight: Zurich
Through Switzerland and on to Zurich
This morning head to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and join the Eurostar Italia service for the First Class rail journey to Milan. In Milan you change trains and connect with the EuroCity service into Switzerland, travelling through the undulating Swiss countryside to the attractive lakeside city of Zurich. It is a short walk (600 yards) to your overnight hotel, the comfortable, welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Glockenhof (4 star).
- Day 6rail
Zurich to London, homeward bound
After breakfast make a whistle-stop tour of Zurich; most of the city's sights lie within the compact area either side of the River Limmat, between the main station and Lake Zurich, including the Grossmunster, Fraumunster and St Peterskirche with the largest clock face in Europe. Then board the TGV towards Paris where you join the Eurostar for the comfortable journey in Standard Premier Class back to London St Pancras International, with a light meal and drinks included.
Included
- Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London to Paris
- Twin/double compartment on the Orient Express from Paris to Florence
- 3 nights' B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel Rapallo (4 star) in Florence
- First Class rail from Florence to Zurich via Milan
- 1 night B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel Glockenhof (4 star) in Zurich
- TGV from Zurich towards Paris and Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from Paris to London
