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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Classic Venice Simplon Orient Express, Venice to Paris

Venice to Paris overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train

Illustration of Classic Venice Simplon Orient Express, Venice to Paris

Great Rail Journeys operates a 5-day independent package that combines three days of free exploration in Venice with one of the world's most celebrated luxury trains. You fly from London to Venice, stay in a 4-star hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and then board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an overnight journey to Paris through Alpine scenery. The train, restored with 1920s art deco interiors, features a restaurant carriage with menus prepared by French-trained chefs, a bar car, and midnight brunch service. You dine aboard on your journey and breakfast in your cabin or the restaurant car before arriving at Paris Gare de L'Est around 1pm. The package concludes with Eurostar Plus from Paris back to London. This itinerary suits travellers seeking luxury and history, whether couples celebrating a special occasion or repeat rail travellers drawn to famous train journeys. Your three unguided days in Venice allow you to wander the narrow streets, visit galleries, take optional gondola rides, or book a private cooking class.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 4,795) covers the package; flights from London to Venice and the Eurostar return are included, but rail fares are bundled into this total, confirm seat and cabin options with Great Rail Journeys before booking.
  • Three Venice hotels are listed as options; your final choice depends on availability and the tier you select.
  • The itinerary does not describe your arrival in London on Day 5 or onward transport; confirm your St Pancras arrival arrangements with the operator.
  • The package is independent, meaning no guide accompanies you during your three free days in Venice; you arrange your own activities and meals beyond breakfast.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Fly from London to Venice. On arrival, transfer by boat from Marco Polo Airport to your chosen hotel. Choose between one of the handpicked hotels, either 4* or 5* on a B&B basis. Enjoy a free day in Venice where you can wander the narrow streets at your leisure and discover the charms of this romantic city. Take a gondola ride and view the canals from one of the many ornate bridges. Visit a museum or an art gallery or take in the intricate gothic architecture.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Enjoy a free day in Venice. Explore the city's museums, art galleries, gothic architecture, and canals. Optional excursions available including a private half-day trip to Murano and Burano, a private Grand Canal motor launch tour, or a walking tour of Venice.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Free Day in Venice

    Spend some time in one of the city's old cafes, try a pastry or two, go shopping in the boutiques, and get to know the city better through its restaurants and bars as you sip an Aperol Spritz with a view of the waterways. Optional gondola ride or cooking class available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Enjoy some free time in Venice before boarding the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Your voyage begins on the platform, where historic carriages await. Meet your conductor and step back in time to the Golden Age of travel aboard the 1920s carriages. Journey through ever-changing Alpine scenery towards Paris. Dine in the restaurant carriage with menus prepared by French-trained chefs and the Sommelier. After dinner, relax with cocktails in Bar Car 3674. At midnight, enjoy a brunch in the Bar Car, champagne, lobster rolls and truffled club sandwich, before retiring to your luxurious cabin.

    Meals: Dinner

  5. Day 5rail

    Venice Simplon Orient Express – Arrival Paris

    Awake to coffee and pastries in your cabin, or stroll to the 1920s Restaurant Car for a breakfast of coffee or tea, eggs, truffle and smoked salmon. The Venice Simplon Orient Express arrives at Gare de L'Est in Paris at around 1pm. Make your way to Gare du Nord and take the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Venice by flight and transfer by boat from Marco Polo Airport through the lagoon to your 4-star hotel.
  • Day 3Spend a free day in Venice exploring its cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and waterway views, with optional gondola rides or cooking classes.
  • Day 4Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on its platform in Venice and journey through Alpine scenery to Paris, dining in the 1920s restaurant carriage.
  • Day 4Enjoy midnight brunch with champagne, lobster rolls, and truffled club sandwich in the bar car after dinner service.
  • Day 5Awake to breakfast in your cabin as the train arrives at Gare de L'Est in Paris around 1pm, then return to London on Eurostar Plus.

Included

  • 3 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) in Venice
  • Overnight journey between Venice and Paris on the Venice Simplon Orient Express
  • Eurostar Plus between Paris and London
  • Boat transfer to chosen hotel in Venice on arrival
  • Flight from London to Venice

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes one overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris in a Historic Cabin or Suite, with dinner in the restaurant carriage and breakfast service the next morning.
What is included in the price?
Three nights in a 4-star Venice hotel on bed-and-breakfast basis, the overnight train journey Venice to Paris, Eurostar Plus from Paris to London, a flight from London to Venice, and a boat transfer from Marco Polo Airport to your hotel.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Great Rail Journeys markets this as an independent package. You are not accompanied by a guide during your three free days in Venice; you explore the city and arrange your own meals and activities.
Which hotels are available in Venice?
Great Rail Journeys offers a choice of 4-star hotels: Hotel American Dinesen, Monaco & Grand Canal, or Hotel Baglioni Luna, each for three nights.
What meals are included?
Bed-and-breakfast daily in your Venice hotel. Dinner is included on the night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (dinner in the restaurant carriage), and breakfast is served the next morning in your cabin or the restaurant car.
Are optional excursions available?
Yes. Optional extras at a supplement include a private half-day trip to Murano and Burano, a private Grand Canal motor launch tour, a walking tour of Venice, a private cooking class with lunch, and a private gondola ride with Prosecco.

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