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Tailor Made Rail · Luxury independent rail holiday

Classic Orient Express: London to Venice

London to Venice on the Orient Express with Alpine crossing and Lyon return

Illustration of Classic Orient Express: London to Venice

The Classic Orient Express from London to Venice is a 6-day luxury rail journey operated by Tailor Made Rail that pairs two of Europe's most celebrated trains on a single itinerary. You depart London on Eurostar Plus, spending the first night in Paris before boarding the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an overnight journey through the Alps. The Continental Wagon-Lits historic cabins offer sumptuous dinner and drinks in the bar car; you wake to alpine views and arrive in Venice by afternoon on day three. After two nights exploring Venice's canals and museums, you return northward via the Frejus Tunnel and the culinary city of Lyon, then take Eurostar home to London. The trip suits luxury-seekers and rail enthusiasts who want to experience two famous trains without the pace of a large group tour. Handpicked 4-star hotels, breakfast, and all rail fares are included; transfers connect you station to hotel in Paris and Venice.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are noted as 'or similar', meaning your final accommodation may differ from the listed properties depending on availability.
  • The package price covers rail fares and hotel breakfasts but the itinerary lists many experiences as optional (Seine cruise, brasserie dining, museum visits, boat trips), not included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    London to Paris

    Eurostar Plus to Paris, with a light lunch onboard. A private transfer takes you to your hotel, Le Demeure Montaigne (or similar), for an overnight stay. An evening at leisure, perhaps a Seine cruise or a traditional brasserie.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Sleeper train (VSOE)

    Paris and overnight to Venice

    A further morning in Paris, then a transfer to the Gare d'Austerlitz to board the Continental Wagon-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. A sumptuous dinner onboard, followed by drinks in the bar car with a baby grand piano before your cabin is transformed into a bedroom for the night.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice

    Through the Alps to Venice aboard the Orient Express

    Breakfast in your cabin as the train climbs to the Gotthard Pass and descends into Italy. Afternoon tea is served as you pass through Verona en route to Venice. Arrive and make your way down the Grand Canal to the Ca' Sagredo Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice

    St Mark's Square, the Accademia art collection, or a boat trip to Murano, Burano or the Venice Lido.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lyon

    Venice to Lyon

    Back across the lagoon and towards the Alps, passing Turin and through the Frejus Tunnel into France, continuing to Lyon. Check in at the Sofitel Lyon Bellecour (or similar) for an overnight stay, with an evening exploring Lyon's old town.

  6. Day 6rail

    Lyon to London

    Return by rail to London, changing in Paris.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris; dinner and drinks in the bar car with a baby grand piano before your historic cabin transforms into a bedroom.
  • Day 3Breakfast in your cabin as the train climbs to the Gotthard Pass and descends into Italy, with afternoon tea served en route to Venice.
  • Day 4Full day in Venice with options to visit St Mark's Square, the Accademia art collection, or take a boat trip to Murano or Burano.

Included

  • Eurostar Plus Class service from London to Paris and back
  • Historic cabin overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice
  • First Class rail travel from Venice back to Paris
  • Transfer from station to hotel and hotel to station in Paris and station to hotel in Venice
  • 4 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes Eurostar Plus from London to Paris and return, the historic cabin overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice, and First Class rail from Venice back to Paris via Lyon.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Independent. Tailor Made Rail arranges your tickets and hotels; you travel at your own pace. Station and hotel transfers in Paris and Venice are included, but daily activities are self-guided.
What is included in the price?
Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel, a historic cabin overnight on the Orient Express, 4 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, station transfers in Paris and Venice, and email ticket dispatch. Meals aboard the Orient Express and day-to-day activities are not listed as included.
How many nights do I stay in each city?
One night in Paris, two nights in Venice, and one night in Lyon.
When does this trip run?
Departures are available from July 2026 through December 2027, with the most frequent departures in summer and autumn months. Prices range from GBP 5,299 to 5,399 per person.
Can I extend my stay in Venice?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail lists extending the Venice stay by one or two nights as an optional extra, or combining with Florence, which is 1.5 hours by train.

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