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 Rome including the Venice Simplon Orient Express and return by air
Travel in opulent style from London to Rome aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, then fly home after exploring the Eternal City.
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 2overnight: Rome
Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Rome
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 as you journey south to Rome and into Roma Termini station. Enter the Eternal City and make your way to your base for the next three nights, the well-located Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star).
- Day 3overnight: Rome
At leisure in Rome
Rome is truly one of the most thrilling and seductive cities in the world. Discover a feast of architectural wonders, fine art and indulgent dining, with world renowned attractions including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Colosseum and Vatican City, before perhaps having a break with a gelato in Piazza Navona or shopping on Via del Corso.
- Day 4overnight: Rome
At leisure in Rome
A second full day in the Eternal City. An attraction not to be missed is Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel; alternatively, for spectacular panoramic cityscape scenery, take a trip to the top of St. Peter's Cathedral.
- Day 5rail
Homeward bound
This morning you make your way to the airport and bid farewell to the ancient sights of Rome, travelling back to the UK with British Airways, marking the conclusion of your memorable holiday and experiences including the wonder of the Orient Express.
Included
- Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London to Paris
- Twin/double compartment on the Orient Express from Paris to Rome
- 3 nights' B&B in a twin/double room at the Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star) in Rome
- British Airways return flight from Rome to London
