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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - London to Venice on the Venice Simplon Orient Express

London to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Alpine rail and three nights in

Illustration of 2026 Departures - London to Venice on the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Planet Rail operates a six-day independent journey from London to Venice centred on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the world's most famous luxury train. You depart London by First Class Eurostar, then board the distinctive blue and gold Orient Express at Paris for an overnight journey through the Swiss Alps and into Venice, where you spend three full days exploring the city's canals, squares, and historic palaces. A personal Cabin Steward attends to you on board; all meals on the train are included in your private sleeping compartment. After Venice, you continue by rail through Milan and the Simplon Pass, stopping for one night in the lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva before returning to London by Eurostar. The journey suits luxury-seeking couples and repeat rail travellers who prize the elegance of the Orient Express experience combined with time to explore Venice's attractions, from St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge to the Doges Palace. Private transfers are provided in Paris and Venice.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 4,995 covers the package and rail fares; availability in 2026 is not confirmed beyond the stated departure months.
  • Hotels listed with no 'or similar' clause; confirm final room types and locations with Planet Rail before booking.

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 2railovernight: Venice

    The Venice Simplon Orient Express signature journey through the Swiss Alps to Venice

    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, then the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and arrives at Venice Santa Lucia station, where a water taxi transfers you to your hotel for the next three nights, the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4 star), an attractive, welcoming hotel in a quiet area just 15 minutes from the Rialto Bridge.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    At leisure in Venice

    A full day to experience the uniqueness of this incredible city. Visit St. Mark's Square, the Doges Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, or explore the market and shops in and around the Rialto Bridge.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    At leisure in Venice

    A second full day in Venice. Wander through the hidden campi and over the countless bridges which link the criss-cross of canals, or take to the water on a romantic gondola to see a different side of Venice.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    Venice to Montreux through the Swiss Alps by First Class Rail

    Your private water taxi takes you back to Venice Santa Lucia station, where you 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, into the Alps on the spectacular journey through the Simplon Pass and on to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. You spend tonight at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior), a charming belle epoque hotel ideally located right next to the station.

  6. Day 6rail

    Montreux to London, homeward bound

    After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sparkling lake, there is time to perhaps visit the beautiful Chateau de Chillon, one of the best-preserved castles in all of Europe. Later take the train to Lausanne and connect with the high-speed service to Paris. On arrival in the French capital, your private transfer takes you across the city to the Gare du Nord where you join the Eurostar to London St Pancras International, with a light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris, settle into your private compartment with elaborate marquetry, and dress for dinner on board the world-famous blue and gold train.
  • Day 2Enjoy breakfast in your compartment and a three-course lunch in the restaurant car while the train crosses Lake Lucerne and Lake Como en route to Venice through the Swiss Alps.
  • Day 3Spend a full day exploring Venice, visiting St. Mark's Square, the Doges Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Rialto Bridge.
  • Day 5Travel by Eurostar Italia to Milan and then by EuroCity through the Simplon Pass into the Alps, arriving in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Included

  • First Class Rail travel from London to Paris
  • Rail travel in ultimate style on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice with all meals included and overnight accommodation in a private sleeping compartment
  • 3 nights' accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4 star) in Venice
  • 1 night's accommodation with breakfast in a deluxe lake view double room at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) in Montreux
  • First Class rail travel for your return journey from Venice to London
  • A private taxi transfer in Paris, and private water taxi transfers between the station and your hotel in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes First Class Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, a private sleeping compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice with all meals, First Class rail from Venice to Milan, EuroCity rail from Milan to Montreux via the Simplon Pass, and Standard Premier Eurostar from Paris back to London St Pancras.
Is this escorted or independent?
It is an independent, tailor-made holiday. You travel on your own schedule and at your own pace, with a personal Cabin Steward available on board the Orient Express and private transfers arranged in Paris and Venice.
How many nights are in Venice?
Three nights at the four-star Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente, with breakfast included each morning.
What meals are included?
All meals on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice are included. Breakfast is included at both hotels. Meals in London, Paris, and Montreux beyond breakfast are not mentioned as included.
When does this trip depart?
Planet Rail offers 21 departures between March and November 2026, covering the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
What is not included?
Lunch and dinner in London, Paris, and Montreux are not mentioned as included. Optional extras such as a gondola ride in Venice and entry to Chateau de Chillon in Montreux are payable locally.

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