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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - London to Rome including the Venice Simplon Orient Express and return by air

London to Rome on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Rome stay

Illustration of 2026 Departures - London to Rome including the Venice Simplon Orient Express and return by air

Planet Rail's five-day London to Rome package centres on two days aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world's most celebrated luxury trains. You depart London St Pancras by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class, then board the Orient Express in its signature blue and gold carriages for an overnight journey to Rome. On Day 2, breakfast is served in your private twin/double compartment as the train winds through the Swiss Alps; a three-course lunch follows in the restaurant car, overlooking Lake Lucerne and Lake Como. You arrive in Rome that afternoon and spend three full days at leisure exploring the city before flying home on British Airways. The package is independent and tailor-made, meaning you have no group schedule in Rome; a personal cabin steward attends to you on the train. This suits luxury-focused travellers, repeat rail enthusiasts, and those seeking a slower, more indulgent pace to European travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 4,795 is for a twin/double compartment only; single compartments and suites are not priced here.
  • The itinerary description for Day 1 is truncated in the evidence; confirm the complete dinner and evening schedule with Planet Rail.
  • Days 3 and 4 in Rome are entirely unguided; you arrange and pay separately for any tours, attractions, or meals beyond the bed and breakfast included.

Day by day

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris in its distinctive blue and gold carriages; settle into your private compartment and dress for dinner.
  • Day 2Breakfast in your compartment as the train passes through the Swiss Alps, then three-course lunch in the restaurant car overlooking Lake Lucerne and Lake Como.
  • Day 3Full day at leisure in Rome to visit the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Colosseum, and Vatican City.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The price includes Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London St Pancras to Paris and a twin/double compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Rome.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Planet Rail describes this as an independent, tailor-made holiday. You have a personal cabin steward on the Orient Express, but the Rome days are unguided.
What hotel is included?
Three nights' bed and breakfast in a twin/double room at the Boutique Hotel Liberty, a four-star hotel in Rome.
How many days on the train?
One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Day 1 evening to Day 2 afternoon). Day 1 also includes Eurostar from London to Paris.
What is the return flight?
British Airways from Rome to London on Day 5, included in the package.
When does it depart?
The evidence refers to 2026 departures but lists no specific dates; contact Planet Rail to check availability and booking.

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