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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - London to Vienna including the Venice Simplon Orient Express

London to Vienna via the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Alpine rail

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

Planet Rail's 7-day independent rail holiday puts you aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the world's most famous luxury train, for an memorable crossing from Paris to Vienna through the Swiss Alps. You begin in London, travel First Class by Eurostar to Paris, then board the Orient Express in its distinctive blue and gold carriages for a single overnight journey with dinner and breakfast served in your private compartment. Upon arrival in Vienna on Day 2, you settle into the 4-star Hotel Stefanie for four full days exploring the former Imperial capital, including the Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace with its Gustav Klimt collection, and the ornate Schonbrunn Palace. Day 6 takes you by high-speed ICE train to Nuremberg for an overnight stay at the Hotel Victoria, where you can wander the medieval old town. On Day 7 you journey home via two ICE connections and Eurostar, arriving at London St Pancras. This package suits luxury travellers and couples seeking a romantic, independent European rail experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return journey involves two train changes (Vienna to Nuremberg to Brussels on two separate ICE services), followed by Eurostar back to London; this is a long travel day on Day 7.
  • The package is independent, not escorted; you arrange your own transfers from the station to hotels and your own sightseeing in Vienna and Nuremberg.

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: Vienna

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

    Breakfast is served in your compartment at a time to suit you; admire the stunning views as you start the day. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch in one of the beautiful restaurant cars and perhaps visit the on-board boutique before disembarking in the beautiful city of Vienna. Make your own way to your hotel for the next four nights, the Hotel Stefanie (4 star), superbly located with easy access to all the city's principal attractions.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienna

    Exploring Vienna

    A full day to explore Vienna, the former Imperial capital with its rich cultural heritage. Many of its elegant public buildings sit on the Ringstrasse, the inner ring road encircling the historical core. Highlights include the impressive Hofburg Palace, seat of the Hapsburg dynasty for more than 600 years.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vienna

    Exploring Vienna

    Discover the magnificent Baroque Belvedere Palace with its fabulous collection of works by Gustav Klimt, or one of the other world class museums and galleries. St. Stephen's Cathedral, in the very heart of Vienna with its bright tiled roof, offers virtually unrivalled views from the top of the tower.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Exploring Vienna

    Discover more about Beethoven, who lived in Vienna for 35 years: his residence is now the Beethoven Museum, with a monument on Beethovenplatz and his tomb in the main cemetery. Enjoy Vienna's traditional coffee houses before a trip further afield to the evocative Rococo style Schonbrunn Palace, one of the most popular attractions in the Austrian capital.

  6. Day 6overnight: Nuremberg

    Vienna to Nuremberg

    Bid farewell to Vienna as you join the high-speed ICE service to the German city of Nuremberg. On arrival head the short distance to your overnight hotel, the welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Victoria (4 star), ideally located close to the heart of this fascinating city. This afternoon explore Nuremberg's charming old town with its numerous monuments and buildings, including the Kaiserburg, and choose from an array of excellent restaurants for dinner.

  7. Day 7rail

    Nuremberg to London, homeward bound

    Return to Nuremberg main station for the start of your journey home. Travel on the high-speed ICE service to Frankfurt Airport, change trains and continue to Brussels aboard another stylish ICE train. At Brussels Midi station make your way to the Eurostar terminal to board the Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International, with the 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 St Lazare, settle into your private compartment with marquetry and art deco details, and dress for dinner on the famous train.
  • Day 2Breakfast in your compartment as the Orient Express crosses the Swiss Alps, then disembark in Vienna after passing through three countries.
  • Day 3Explore Vienna's Hofburg Palace, the former seat of the Hapsburg dynasty for over 600 years, and walk the Ringstrasse.
  • Day 4Visit the Belvedere Palace with its collection of Gustav Klimt works, or climb St Stephen's Cathedral tower for views across Vienna.
  • Day 5Tour the Beethoven Museum in Vienna, where the composer lived for 35 years, then visit Schonbrunn Palace, a Rococo masterpiece outside the city.

Included

  • First Class rail travel from London to Paris
  • Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Vienna in a private compartment
  • 4 nights at the Hotel Stefanie (4 star) in Vienna
  • 1 night at the Hotel Victoria (4 star) in Nuremberg
  • High-speed ICE rail from Vienna to Nuremberg, and from Nuremberg to Brussels via Frankfurt Airport
  • Eurostar in Standard Premier Class from Brussels to London

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes. First Class Eurostar London to Paris, a private compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Paris to Vienna, high-speed ICE trains Vienna to Nuremberg to Brussels, and Standard Premier Eurostar Brussels back to London are all included.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is an independent, tailor-made holiday. You have a personal Cabin Steward aboard the Orient Express, but you arrange your own hotel transfers and explore Vienna and Nuremberg at your own pace.
Which hotels are included?
Four nights at the Hotel Stefanie (4 star) in Vienna and one night at the Hotel Victoria (4 star) in Nuremberg.
What meals are included?
Dinner on the first night and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2 aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Meals in Vienna and Nuremberg are not mentioned and are not included.
When does this trip depart?
Planet Rail offers departures in May and September 2026.
What is the starting price?
From 4995 GBP (approximately 6671 USD) per person in a twin or double private compartment.

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