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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

Grand Tour of Italy by First Class Rail & the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Italian cities by First Class rail, return on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of Grand Tour of Italy by First Class Rail & the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Planet Rail operates this 12-day Grand Tour combining First Class rail exploration of Italy's greatest cities with a climactic night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You depart London St. Pancras on Eurostar, travel south through the Alps via TGV and EuroCity, and spend three nights each in Florence (Renaissance art and Tuscan day trips), Rome (Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain) and Venice (canals, gondolas, lagoon islands). On Day 11, after a morning water taxi ride through Venice's canals, you board the world's most luxurious sleeper train. A personal steward escorts you to your private cabin; the train travels overnight through the Alps and France to Paris, serving three-course meals in restored restaurant cars. Your final morning includes a 40-minute Paris stop before continuing to the Channel coast and a return to London aboard the British Pullman with afternoon high tea. The itinerary suits luxury travellers who value both historic cities and the romance of legendary trains, and couples seeking unhurried time in each destination.

What to know before you look closer

  • The final day (Day 12) ends upon arrival into London; full itinerary details for the morning journey and British Pullman experience are not fully described in the operator's published materials.
  • Hotels in Venice, Rome and Florence are listed as '4 star'; the operator notes that other Venice hotels are available at a supplement, meaning your final accommodation may vary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    By rail to Switzerland

    Your holiday begins as you stroll into beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar’s 1st class for leisure travellers). On arrival at the Gare du Nord, you are transferred by taxi to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland. From Lausanne you continue to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva for your overnight stay at the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) located right next to the station.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Florence

    Through the Swiss Alps to Milan and onwards to Florence

    This morning after breakfast make your way back to Montreux station and continue your journey into Italy. You board the comfortable Euro City service to travel along the spectacular Simplon route for the fabulous journey through picturesque scenery and past soaring mountain peaks as you travel to Milan. Here you change trains and join the Eurostar Italia service to Florence. On arrival at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, make your own way to the welcoming Glance Hotel (4 star) for a three-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Make the most of two whole days during which to immerse yourself in the culture of Italy’s renaissance capital with visits to the wonderful Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio or the celebrated Duomo. Enjoy the culinary delights of the city or venture further afield to explore the beauty of Tuscany in Siena with its lovely shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and UNESCO world heritage medieval centre. Perhaps journey westwards to Pisa to marvel at the world-famous leaning tower or stunning Lucca, its medieval heart is an ideal size for discovery on foot.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Florence

    Florence

    A second full day in Florence. Immerse yourself in the culture of Italy’s renaissance capital, enjoy the culinary delights of the city or venture further afield to Siena, Pisa, Lucca or the Chianti district - all easily accessible by train.

  5. Day 5overnight: Rome

    Florence to Rome

    After a relaxed start to the morning, you bid farewell to Florence as you return to the station for the journey south to Rome. Relax in your comfortable seat as the landscape of central Italy unfurls before you. On arrival at Rome Termini station, make your way to your hotel for the next three nights, the elegant and comfortable Liberty Boutique Hotel (4 star).

  6. Day 6railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    There is something to tantalise all tastes seemingly round every corner of this most magical of cities. Whilst in Rome choose among the stunning array of sights from the Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps. Relax with a ‘gelato’ on Piazza Navona or while away the hours shopping on Via del Corso. Make sure you take the time to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. You have the opportunity to experience the brand new “Vatican Tour and the Papal Train to Castel Gandolfo”, the first time the Vatican train station has offered a regularly scheduled passenger train, beginning with priority entrance to the Vatican Gardens and Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel, then travelling along the 984ft Vatican railway line into Rome and on through 20 miles of Italian countryside to Albano Laziale, with a shuttlebus to the Pontifical Villas in Castel Gandolfo.

  7. Day 7overnight: Rome

    Rome

    A second full day to explore Rome, from the Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps. The view from the top of St. Peter’s Cathedral over the seven hills of Rome will provide abiding memories of this wonderful city.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Venice

    Rome to Venice

    This morning you leave the Eternal City behind as you join the train for the journey to the incredible floating city of Venice. On arrival at Venice your private water taxi will transfer you in the best possible style to your hotel for the next three nights, the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star), an attractive, stylish hotel in the centre of the city, known for its attentive staff and high levels of service.

  9. Day 9overnight: Venice

    Venice

    You have two full days to step out in Venice and allow this unique and captivating city to carry where it will. Enjoy Venice at dusk and after dark when the day-trippers have gone home and the local Venetians take to the streets. From St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal to a visit inside the stunning Doges Palace, feel yourself unwind as you wander amid the myriad of canals along blissfully traffic-free alleyways and campi (squares).

  10. Day 10overnight: Venice

    Venice

    A second full day in Venice. Discover the city’s luminous quality which emanates from the colours of its painted palazzo, ornate stone bridges and Byzantine basilicas all reflected against the tapestry of canals and lagoons. A short boat ride will lead you to pretty islands on the lagoon, including Murano, home of glass-blowing and colourful Burano, where lace and linen abound.

  11. Day 11railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Venice through to Switzerland aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

    This morning after breakfast your water taxi takes you back to Venice Santa Lucia station, where you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will show you to your private cabin and will attend you throughout your journey. After you have settled in it will soon be time to enjoy a three-course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfort of your cabin gazing at the beautiful passing scenery of the Italian and Austrian Alps, or chatting with fellow travellers in the Bar Car. Afternoon tea is served in your cabin. After further relaxation it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Here you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs. When you are ready, retire to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

  12. Day 12rail

    Arrival into Paris - Paris to London - Homeward bound

    Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you. The train pulls into Paris Gare de l’Est and halts for 40 minutes. Take this opportunity to stretch your legs along the platform and watch the bustling activity; passengers boarding, chefs choosing produce for brunch, Parisians coming and going. A delicious brunch is served in the restaurant cars as you travel on towards the French coast for the Channel crossing. Join the gleaming cream and umber carriages of the British Pullman for the journey to London. Afternoon High Tea, accompanied by a glass of champagne, is served to you at your table as you travel through the Kentish countryside. All too soon it is time to prepare to disembark as your train draws into London Victoria station and the final leg of your journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St. Pancras at speeds up to 186 mph, crossing the Channel to Paris in Standard Premier Class with light meal service.
  • Day 2The EuroCity via the Simplon route climbs through the Swiss Alps and mountain peaks en route to Milan, then the Eurostar Italia continues to Florence.
  • Day 5Eurostar Italia carries you south from Florence through central Italy's landscape to Rome Termini station.
  • Day 8Train arrives in Venice; a private water taxi transfers you through the canals to the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente in the city centre.
  • Day 11You board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Venice Santa Lucia; a personal steward shows you to your private cabin for the overnight journey. Three-course lunch and dinner served in the restored restaurant cars as the train departs.

Included

  • First Class rail travel from London via Paris and Montreux to Florence, Rome and Venice
  • 1 night at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) in Montreux
  • 3 nights at the Glance Hotel (4 star) in Florence
  • 3 nights at the Liberty Boutique Hotel (4 star) in Rome
  • 3 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) in Venice
  • Overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to London (via Paris) in a private cabin with meals on board, finishing aboard the British Pullman with Afternoon High Tea and a glass of champagne
  • Taxi transfer across Paris and private water taxi transfers in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes First Class rail from London to Italy (Eurostar, TGV, EuroCity, Eurostar Italia), an overnight cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to London via Paris, and Afternoon High Tea aboard the British Pullman on the final leg.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Mostly independent. You have a personal steward aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and a cabin steward for cabin service. City days in Florence, Rome and Venice are unguided; you arrange your own sightseeing. Transfers (taxi across Paris, private water taxi in Venice) are included.
What hotels are included?
One night at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star) in Montreux; three nights each at the Glance Hotel (4 star) in Florence, the Liberty Boutique Hotel (4 star) in Rome, and the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4 star) in Venice.
How many days are there and where do you start and end?
The trip is 12 days and 11 nights. It starts in London (St. Pancras) and ends in London Victoria after the return journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and British Pullman.
How much walking is involved?
City days involve walking tours of Florence, Rome and Venice. Venice includes gondola rides and visits to St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and nearby lagoon islands. No hiking or strenuous activity is described.
What is the price and what does it cover?
From GBP 6,295 (USD 8,407). The price includes all First Class rail travel, four 4-star hotels, the overnight Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cabin with meals, the British Pullman with afternoon tea, and transfers in Paris and Venice.

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