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 Venice on the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Embark on an unforgettable journey from London to Venice aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where elegance meets adventure.
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: 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
