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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grand Cities of Europe by Sleeper Train

Brussels to Paris via Vienna and Venice on sleeper trains, 11 days

Illustration of Grand Cities of Europe by Sleeper Train

Marvellous Escapes operates this 11-day sleeper train journey through four European cities: Brussels, Vienna, Venice, and Turin, with your rail routing beginning from London St Pancras and returning there. The trip combines overnight travel on the ÖBB NightJet sleeper trains with days anchored in hotels. You board your first sleeper train in Brussels on the evening of day two, waking in Vienna on day three. After three nights exploring Vienna, including a visit to Schönbrunn Palace and a classical concert, you board a second sleeper train to Venice on the evening of day six. Venice offers a guided walking tour, a private gondola ride through the canals, and leisurely time among the bridges and squares. A final rail leg carries you to Turin for an overnight stay before your return journey to London. This package suits couples and history lovers who value the romance of sleeper train travel alongside guided city experiences and unhurried time in each destination.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a tailor-made package; confirm final hotel names and exact train schedules with Marvellous Escapes before booking, as the operator publishes this trip as customisable
  • The route ends in Paris; rail onward connection to London is listed but hotel nights in Paris are not mentioned as included, so clarify if a Paris overnight stay is part of your package

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Rail from London to Brussels. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps an evening stroll through the city's squares.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard sleeper train

    Brussels

    Day at leisure exploring Brussels: the Grand Place, cafés and chocolate shops. In the evening, board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for the overnight journey to Vienna.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel. Begin exploring with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Continue discovering Vienna with your hop-on hop-off pass: museums, the historic centre, or traditional cafés.

  5. Day 5overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Visit the Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. In the evening, dinner followed by a classical concert of Mozart and Strauss.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Onboard sleeper train

    Vienna

    Free day to explore Vienna at your own pace. Later, board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for the overnight journey to Venice.

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Arrive in Venice with a private water taxi transfer from Santa Lucia station to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure exploring the canals, bridges and streets.

  8. Day 8overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Guided walking tour of Venice, discovering its history and landmarks through charming squares and narrow streets.

  9. Day 9overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Private gondola ride through Venice's canals, gliding past historic buildings and beneath its bridges.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Turin

    Turin

    Travel by rail from Venice to Turin. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city's boulevards and cafés.

  11. Day 11rail

    Return home

    Continue your journey by rail from Turin to Paris, before connecting onwards to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train in Brussels in the evening for an overnight journey to Vienna, combining travel and accommodation
  • Day 5Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, followed by dinner and a classical concert of Mozart and Strauss
  • Day 6Depart Vienna aboard the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for the overnight journey to Venice
  • Day 7Arrive in Venice and transfer by private water taxi from Santa Lucia station to your hotel, then explore the canals and streets at leisure
  • Day 9Private gondola ride through Venice's canals, gliding past historic buildings and beneath the city's bridges

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Brussels and Turin with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna & Venice with breakfast included
  • 2-nights sleeper train accommodation
  • Rail from London to Brussels and return from Paris
  • Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Vienna
  • Schönbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
  • Venice Walking tour
  • Private 30-min gondola ride in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The package includes rail from London to Brussels, both ÖBB NightJet sleeper trains (Brussels to Vienna and Vienna to Venice), rail from Venice to Turin, and the connection from Turin through Paris returning to London.
What is the sleeper train experience like?
You travel aboard the ÖBB NightJet, sleeping in sleeper cabin accommodation for two nights: Brussels to Vienna and Vienna to Venice. These are included in the package price.
Is this escorted or independent?
It is largely independent with some guided elements. A guided walking tour of Venice and private gondola ride are included, plus a Schönbrunn Palace tour and classical concert in Vienna. Other days are at leisure to explore at your own pace.
What is the physical demand?
Moderate. Days include a guided walking tour through Venice's streets and squares, a private gondola ride, and sightseeing by hop-on hop-off bus in Vienna. Most other time is spent at leisure in city centres.
What hotels are included?
One night in Brussels, three nights in Vienna, three nights in Venice, and one night in Turin, all with breakfast included. Turin is mentioned as a stop but the itinerary does not detail a second night there.
How much does it cost?
From GBP 2,899 (approximately USD 3,872) for the 11-day package including rail, sleeper accommodation, hotel breakfasts, and included experiences.

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