Search

Tailor Made Rail · Luxury independent rail holiday

Classic Orient-Express: Venice to London

London to Venice by train, return on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of Classic Orient-Express: Venice to London

Tailor Made Rail's Classic Orient-Express journey is a 5-day, 4-night luxury rail itinerary from London to Venice and back, centered on a night aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The trip begins with Eurostar to Paris, then a scenic rail journey through the Alps via the Gotthard Tunnel to Zurich, where you spend an evening in the Old Town, and onward to Venice for a full day of leisure exploring St Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and nearby islands. On Day 4, you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a historic cabin, enjoying a 3-course lunch, afternoon tea in your cabin, and a 4-course dinner before the cabin converts to a bedroom for the overnight journey to Paris. Day 5 brings breakfast in your cabin and a return Eurostar Plus to London. The package includes 3 nights in handpicked hotels with breakfast, all rail reservations, and ticket despatch. This journey suits luxury seekers, history lovers, and travellers new to or experienced with rail travel, whether travelling as a couple or solo.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar', so your final accommodation in Zurich and Venice may differ from those named.
  • The from-price covers rail travel with seat reservations in Standard Class; Eurostar Plus on the return is included, but outbound Eurostar is Standard Class.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    London to Zurich

    Eurostar to Paris, transfer to the Gare de Lyon for the onward journey to Zurich. Check in at the Hotel Marktgasse (or similar) for an overnight stay, with an evening exploring the historic Old Town.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Zurich to Venice

    A scenic journey around Lake Zurich and through the Gotthard Tunnel into Italy, with a restaurant car onboard. Check in at the Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia (or similar), within walking distance of St Mark's Square.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    A full day at leisure: St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge, or the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Sleeper train (VSOE)

    Depart aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Transfer by boat to Venice Santa Lucia station to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. A 3-course lunch is served, followed by afternoon tea and pastries in your cabin, then a 4-course dinner in the evening before your cabin is converted into a bedroom.

  5. Day 5rail

    Arrive Paris and back to London

    Breakfast in your cabin before arrival into Paris, with a 10-minute walk to the Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Scenic journey around Lake Zurich and through the Gotthard Tunnel into Italy, with a restaurant car onboard.
  • Day 3Full day at leisure in Venice: St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge, or the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
  • Day 4Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Venice Santa Lucia station and receive a 3-course lunch, afternoon tea in your cabin, and a 4-course dinner before the cabin converts to a bedroom.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes, the package includes Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations from London to Venice, a historic cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris, and Eurostar Plus from Paris back to London.
What is included in the price?
Rail travel as described, 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, a hotel-to-station transfer in Venice, meals aboard the VSOE (3-course lunch, afternoon tea, 4-course dinner), and email despatch of tickets. Proactive rerouting is provided in case of strikes or disruptions.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes. On Day 4, you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a historic cabin, which is converted into a bedroom after dinner. You arrive in Paris on Day 5 for breakfast before the return Eurostar.
How much free time is there?
Day 3 is a full day at leisure in Venice. Days 1 and 2 include evening exploration of Zurich Old Town and the journey time between cities.
When does this trip operate?
Tailor Made Rail offers 39 departures from July 2026 through December 2027, with most runs in summer and autumn months. Prices range from GBP 4,699 to GBP 4,799.
Can I extend the holiday?
Yes, optional extras allow you to extend with a night or two in Paris before returning to the UK.

Similar journeys