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 Verona including the Venice Simplon Orient Express - Signature Journey
Travel in timeless glamour from London to fair Verona aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with fine dining and impeccable service.
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: Verona
The Venice Simplon Orient Express signature journey through the Swiss Alps to Verona
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 the Roman city of Verona. Here you have 3 nights' accommodation at the Hotel Accademia, located very close to Piazza Bra with its stylish and welcoming rooms and friendly service.
- Day 3overnight: Verona
The beautiful Roman city of Verona
Explore this attractive walled city famous for the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and soak up the warm pastel colours of Piazza Bra, surrounded by churches, monuments and fine palazzi built from local pink limestone. Impressive churches such as San Zeno Maggiore contrast with the opulence of Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe close to Juliet's balcony.
- Day 4overnight: Verona
The beautiful Roman city of Verona
A second full day in Verona. Should you wish to venture further afield, head out to the Valpolicella vineyards, the Palladian delights of Vicenza or take to the waters of stunning Lake Garda. On certain dates between June and September it is possible to visit the world-famous Verona Opera during its annual festival (supplements apply).
- Day 5railovernight: Montreux
Verona to Montreux through the Swiss Alps by First Class Rail
This morning head to Verona 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, 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 Verona with all meals included and overnight accommodation in a private sleeping compartment
- 3 nights' accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the Hotel Accademia (4 star) in Verona
- 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 to London
- A private taxi transfer in Paris
