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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

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

Six-day London to Rome rail loop on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

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

Planet Rail's Rome to London journey combines contemporary rail speed with the timeless luxury of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Over six days and five nights, you depart London by Eurostar and travel First Class through Paris, across the Alpine Gotthard route into Italy, arriving in Rome for a three-night leisure stay at the 4-star Boutique Hotel Liberty. Days three and four are yours to explore Rome's architectural treasures, fine art, and renowned dining at your own pace, from the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel. On day five, you board the legendary Orient Express at Roma Termini, dress for dinner, and retire to your private twin/double compartment where a personal cabin steward serves a four-course French meal. The train carries you overnight through the Swiss Alps toward Paris, arriving on day six for the final Eurostar leg back to London St Pancras. This independent holiday suits luxury-seeking repeat rail travellers and couples who value famous accommodation and unhurried time in two of Europe's most celebrated cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 4,895 reflects accommodation and the Orient Express cabin only; Eurostar and other rail fares are included, but confirm final pricing with Planet Rail before booking.
  • Day 6 requires you to make your own way the short distance (800 yards) from Paris Gare de l'Est to Gare du Nord to catch the return Eurostar; it is not arranged as a transfer.
  • The itinerary offers no guided sightseeing in Rome or Zurich; you arrange all independent exploration during leisure days.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    London to Zurich by First Class rail

    Your holiday begins at beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph, with a light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class. On arrival at the Gare du Nord your private taxi transfer takes you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland, through the undulating Swiss countryside to the attractive lakeside city of Zurich. It is a short walk (600 yards) to your overnight hotel, the comfortable, welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Glockenhof (4 star).

  2. Day 2railovernight: Rome

    Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Rome

    After breakfast make a whistle-stop tour of Zurich; most of the city's sights lie within the compact area either side of the River Limmat, including the Grossmunster, Fraumunster and St Peterskirche. Then return to Zurich station and join the comfortable EuroCity service along the spectacular Gotthard route, through picturesque scenery and past soaring mountain peaks into Italy. At Milan's imposing art-deco station change trains and join the flagship Eurostar Italia Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) service south to Rome and into Roma Termini station. Make your way to your base for the next three nights, the well-located Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star).

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    At leisure in Rome

    Rome is truly one of the most thrilling and seductive cities in the world. Discover a feast of architectural wonders, fine art and indulgent dining, with world renowned attractions including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Colosseum and Vatican City, before perhaps having a break with a gelato in Piazza Navona or shopping on Via del Corso.

  4. Day 4overnight: Rome

    At leisure in Rome

    A second full day in the Eternal City. An attraction not to be missed is Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel; alternatively, for spectacular panoramic cityscape scenery, take a trip to the top of St. Peter's Cathedral.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Rome & across Europe aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

    After breakfast you have most of the day free to further explore Rome and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Then bid farewell to Rome and make your way to Roma Termini station, where you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward shows you to your private cabin. Dress for dinner: a pre-dinner cocktail, then 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.

  6. Day 6rail

    Arrival into Paris, Paris to London, Homeward bound

    Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you, and you have the morning to relax on board this unique train before it pulls into Paris Gare de l'Est. Make your own way the short distance (800 yards) to Paris' Gare du Nord, where you board the Eurostar for the comfortable journey in Standard Premier Class back to London St Pancras International, with a light meal and drinks included.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras at speeds up to 186 mph with light meal service in Standard Premier Class, crossing the Channel to Paris.
  • Day 2The EuroCity train climbs the spectacular Gotthard route from Zurich into Italy, passing soaring mountain peaks before arriving in Milan.
  • Day 5You board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Roma Termini and settle into your private cabin; a pre-dinner cocktail and four-course French dinner follow.
  • Day 6Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward, then the train arrives at Paris Gare de l'Est for the final Eurostar journey home to London.

Included

  • Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London to Paris and private taxi transfer across Paris
  • First Class rail from Paris to Zurich and on to Rome via Milan
  • 1 night B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel Glockenhof (4 star) in Zurich
  • 3 nights' B&B in a twin/double room at the Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star) in Rome
  • Twin/double compartment on the Orient Express from Rome to Paris
  • Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from Paris to London

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar London to Paris and Paris to London in Standard Premier Class, TGV Paris to Zurich in First Class, EuroCity Zurich to Milan in First Class, Eurostar Italia Frecciarossa Milan to Rome in First Class, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Rome to Paris in a twin/double compartment.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent, tailor-made holiday. You travel on your own schedule, but a cabin steward is assigned to you on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
What hotels are included?
One night at the 4-star Hotel Glockenhof in Zurich (bed and breakfast), and three nights at the 4-star Boutique Hotel Liberty in Rome (bed and breakfast).
What dining is provided?
Hotel breakfasts are included daily. On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a pre-dinner cocktail and four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs are served in your cabin. Light meals and drinks are included on Eurostar.
How much free time is there?
Days 3 and 4 are entirely at leisure in Rome. On day 2, after a morning whistle-stop tour of Zurich, you have time before the afternoon EuroCity departure. Day 5 allows most of the day free in Rome until you depart for Roma Termini in the evening.
When does this trip depart?
The evidence lists 2026 departures; Planet Rail will confirm specific dates and availability when you inquire.

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