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 Round Trip aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Enjoy a round-trip journey from London to Verona on the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, reliving the golden age of luxury rail travel.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
London to Switzerland aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express
Your holiday begins at the stunningly restored London St. Pancras International station. Board the Eurostar for the high-speed journey to Paris in little over two hours, relaxing in your spacious Standard Premier Class seat with a light meal and drinks. On arrival in Paris make your own way the short distance from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est, where you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward shows you to your private cabin. Spend the afternoon gazing at the beautiful passing scenery through France and Switzerland, then dress for dinner: a pre-dinner cocktail, a delicious four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs, and perhaps a nightcap in the bar car with the baby grand piano before retiring to your compartment, now transformed into a cosy bedroom.
- Day 2railovernight: Verona
Through the Swiss Alps to Verona
You awake to the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps as breakfast is served in your compartment at a time to suit you. Spend the morning in the Bar Car chatting to fellow guests over coffee or gaze out at the fabulous views. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch in one of the beautiful restaurant cars, visit the on board Boutique, and admire the passing scenery as the train travels through Italy before arriving into the Roman city of Verona. Make your own way to your hotel for 3 nights, the richly evocative Hotel Accademia located very close to Piazza Bra.
- Day 3overnight: Verona
At leisure in Verona
Stroll around 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
At leisure in Verona
For a change of scene venture out to the Valpolicella vineyards, the Palladian delights of Vicenza or take to the waters of stunning Lake Garda. Depending on your holiday dates, you may even have the opportunity to take in the world-renowned Verona Opera during your visit.
- Day 5railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Verona through Italy to Switzerland aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express
After breakfast bid farewell to Verona and board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Enjoy a three-course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars, spend the afternoon gazing at the passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps or chatting in the Bar Car, take afternoon tea in your cabin, then dress for a four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs before retiring to your compartment.
- Day 6rail
Arrival into Paris, Paris to London, Homeward bound
Awake for a final time aboard the Orient Express. Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you before the train pulls into Paris Gare de l'Est. A short journey across the Channel in Standard Premier Class aboard the Eurostar and arrival at St. Pancras marks the conclusion of your holiday.
Included
- First Class rail to and from London St. Pancras to Paris (Eurostar Standard Premier Class)
- Outbound and return travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between Paris and Verona in a twin/double compartment
- All meals on board the Orient Express
- 3 nights' B&B at the Hotel Accademia (4 star) in Verona
