Planet Rail
2026 Departures - London to Vienna including the Venice Simplon Orient Express
7 daysfrom $6,671
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
2027 Departures - London to Vienna including the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Travel in timeless luxury from London to Vienna aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, soaking up Europe's grand landscapes along the way.
Day by day
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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)
