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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2027 Departures - London to Vienna including the Venice Simplon Orient Express

London to Vienna via Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and high-speed rail

Illustration of 2027 Departures - London to Vienna including the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Planet Rail's 7-day London to Vienna journey centers on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the luxury train famous for its Art Deco interiors and leisurely pace across Europe. You depart London St Pancras on First Class Eurostar, board the Orient Express in Paris, and overnight in a private compartment as the train climbs through the Swiss Alps toward Vienna. The journey includes a full four-course dinner in the restaurant car on your first evening, with breakfast served in your compartment the next morning. Upon arrival in Vienna, you spend four nights at the Hotel Stefanie, a four-star property in the city center, with days free to explore the Hofburg Palace, St Stephen's Cathedral, and Schönbrunn Palace at your own pace. A one-night stop in Nuremberg breaks the return journey home, reached by high-speed ICE train. The final leg is Standard Premier Eurostar from Brussels back to London. This is an independent holiday, not escorted, ideal for travelers who prize comfort and self-directed exploration over group structure.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is published for 2027: August. Confirm availability with Planet Rail before booking.
  • Dinner in Nuremberg on Day 6 is not included; guests choose and book their own restaurant.
  • The final leg from Nuremberg to London involves a change of trains at Frankfurt Airport.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Travel to Paris & board the Venice Simplon Orient Express

    The adventure begins at London St Pancras, travelling by First Class rail to Paris before boarding the world-famous Venice Simplon Orient Express, with its distinctive blue and gold carriages. A personal steward is on hand throughout. Settle into your private compartment, admire the elaborate flourishes and spectacular marquetry, then dress for dinner: a pre-dinner cocktail followed by a delicious four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs in one of the restaurant cars, perhaps with 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, with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. A leisurely three-course lunch is served in one of the restaurant cars; perhaps visit the on-board boutique before disembarking in Vienna. Make your own way to your hotel for the next four nights, the Hotel Stefanie (4 star), superbly located with easy access to the city's principal attractions. Other hotels are available if you prefer, according to your preferences and budget.

  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, or the Baroque Belvedere Palace with its collection of works by Gustav Klimt.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vienna

    Exploring Vienna

    St Stephen's Cathedral, in the heart of Vienna with its bright tiled roof, offers virtually unrivalled views from the top of the tower. Discover more about Beethoven, who lived in Vienna for 35 years: his residence is now the Beethoven Museum, with a monument on Beethovenplatz, his tomb in the main cemetery, and Vienna's House of Music presenting his work in detail.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Exploring Vienna

    Enjoy Vienna's traditional coffee houses before a trip further afield to the evocative Rococo-style Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most popular attractions in the Austrian capital.

  6. Day 6overnight: Nuremberg

    Vienna to Nuremberg

    Bid farewell to Vienna and join the high-speed ICE service to the German city of Nuremberg. On arrival, head the short distance to the overnight hotel, the Hotel Victoria (4 star), close to the heart of the 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 the journey home. Travel on the high-speed ICE service to Frankfurt Airport, change trains and continue to Brussels aboard another 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 the Standard Premier service.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris, settle into a private compartment, and enjoy a four-course dinner in the restaurant car as the train departs.
  • Day 2Breakfast is served in your compartment while the Orient Express traverses the Swiss Alps on its way to Vienna.
  • Day 3Explore Vienna's Hofburg Palace, the former seat of the Hapsburg dynasty for over 600 years.
  • Day 5Visit Schönbrunn Palace, a Rococo-style palace and one of Austria's most popular attractions.

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

Not included

  • Dinner in Nuremberg on Day 6 (guests choose their own restaurant)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes First Class Eurostar from London to Paris, a private compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Vienna, high-speed ICE trains from Vienna to Nuremberg and Nuremberg to Brussels via Frankfurt Airport, and Standard Premier Eurostar from Brussels back to London.
Is this an escorted tour?
No, it is an independent, tailor-made holiday. A personal Cabin Steward is provided on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, but there is no tour guide. You explore Vienna and Nuremberg on your own schedule.
What is included in the price?
All rail travel as listed, four nights at the Hotel Stefanie (4 star) in Vienna, one night at the Hotel Victoria (4 star) in Nuremberg, and meals on the Orient Express (breakfast, lunch, and a four-course dinner on Day 1).
What is not included?
Dinner in Nuremberg on Day 6 is not included; you choose your own restaurant.
When does this trip run?
One departure is listed: August 2026. Confirm directly with Planet Rail for 2027 availability.
How much walking is involved?
The trip involves city walking and self-guided exploration of Vienna and Nuremberg. There is an optional climb to the top of St Stephen's Cathedral tower in Vienna.

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