Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

London and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice and Rome

London, Paris, Venice, and Rome, via the Orient-Express

Illustration of London and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice and Rome

Railbookers runs this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation from London to Rome, taking in Paris and Venice, including one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Two nights in London are built around a full-day guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, before the Eurostar carries travelers to Paris for two more nights. On day 5, a private transfer delivers travelers to the station to board the Orient-Express's blue and gold carriages, where a steward shows them to their compartment before dinner. Day 6 wakes to Swiss Alps scenery through the window before arriving in Venice for two nights that include a walking tour and a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. The journey continues by train to Rome, past Italian villages and fields, for two final nights with a morning tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This suits luxury-seekers and couples drawn to the Orient-Express experience, along with history lovers taking in four European cities on one route.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one night, from Paris to Venice, is aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express itself; the London to Paris leg is Standard Premier rail and the Venice to Rome leg is standard class Trenitalia, not the luxury train.
  • The station-to-hotel transfer in Venice is shared, while the transfers in London and Paris are private.
  • The day 4 itinerary in Paris describes a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower visit and an evening Seine dinner cruise, but neither appears on the operator's formal inclusions list; confirm with Railbookers whether these are included or optional.
  • No specific hotel names or star tiers are given for the ground hotels in London, Paris, Venice, or Rome; confirm hotel details with the operator before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Welcome to London! On arrival head to your hotel for an overnight stay, then get out and enjoy the city that has so much to offer. Check out all the major sights, then perhaps enjoy a show in the West End.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    After breakfast, join a full-day guided tour showcasing London’s most iconic sights. Begin with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral before heading to Buckingham Palace to witness the famous Changing of the Guard. Continue to the historic Tower of London to explore its storied past and view the Crown Jewels, then enjoy a relaxing private cruise along the River Thames. Conclude your day with sweeping panoramic views over the city from the London Eye, leaving you with unforgettable memories of England’s vibrant capital.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    After breakfast, your private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you to St. Pancras station. Board the Eurostar southbound, and upon arrival in Paris, your private transfer will take you to your hotel for a two-night stay. Settle into your comfortable accommodations before heading out to explore the romantic ‘City of Light.' You might like to indulge in a bit of shopping along the famed Champs-Elysees or find a traditional Parisian bistro to enjoy dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Today enjoy the very best Paris has to offer with a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the boulevards and arrondissements at your leisure and do speak with your Rail Expert about additional sightseeing options in Paris. Come evening, embark on a scenic cruise along the Seine, accompanied by a delicious dinner of local delicacies. As the sun sets, watch the city illuminate and the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the river’s reflection.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Check out of your hotel this morning and your private transfer will take you to the train station. Board the gleaming blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lits today, where your steward will show you to your compartment. After you have settled into your comfortable quarters, it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Visit the famous bar car for an Agatha Christie Bellini before moving on to one of the magnificent restaurant cars, where you will be served a delicious four-course meal. After dinner, return to the bar car, where the sound of a baby Grand Piano will serenade you throughout the evening. Retire to your compartment for the night, which will now have been transformed into a cozy bedroom by your steward. (Overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express) B,L,

  6. Day 6railovernight: Venice

    Arriving in Venice

    Awake to the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps as a delicious continental breakfast is served in your compartment. Relax as the scenery rolls by or take a trip to the bar car for a coffee. At lunchtime, enjoy a leisurely three-course meal served in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. Make a visit to the onboard boutique store to purchase souvenirs or return to your compartment as the train travels through the Italian Dolomites. Later, your steward will bring a sumptuous afternoon tea. Prepare to disembark in the early evening as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and arrives at Santa Lucia station, where a shared taxi transfer service will take you to your hotel. Upon arrival in Venice, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Venice) B,

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

    After breakfast this morning enjoy a short walking tour with a local guide for some stories of the city's labyrinthine streets and Campos (squares), then enjoy a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Famous attractions not to be missed include St. Mark's Square with its sumptuous Basilica and imposing Campanile which you can climb for great city views. Also worth visiting is the nearby Doge's Palace, where it's a good idea to take a tour so that you can fully appreciate the history of this stunning building. Perhaps take a trip to the Lido by waterbus and relax on the sandy beaches. And why not venture to the Rialto markets and shop for local specialties before admiring the incredible collection of modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, sit back and relax on your scenic journey to Rome. Pass quaint Italian villages and rolling fields before arriving at Rome Termini. On arrival in Rome, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Marvel at the impressive Roman Forum and take in the pleasant views from the top of Palatine Hill. For a bit of retail therapy, head to the Via del Corso, offering all kinds of designer and high street brands.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Rome

    Rome

    It's an early start this morning, but you will be richly rewarded by avoiding the crowds at the Vatican Museums, St Peter's Basilica, and unforgettable Sistine Chapel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure exploring the city or a stroll around the peaceful Borghese gardens perhaps. Drop-in on the ancient Pantheon or relax with a drink and watch the world go by on the beautiful Piazza del Popolo.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Consultants will be happy to assist you with the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A skip-the-line visit reaches the top of the Eiffel Tower, and the evening brings a Seine cruise with a dinner of local delicacies.
  • Day 5A private transfer delivers travelers to the station to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's blue and gold Wagons-Lits carriages, where a steward shows them to their compartment before dinner.
  • Day 6Travelers wake to the scenery of the Swiss Alps rolling past the compartment window, with a three-course lunch served in a restaurant car before arriving in Venice.
  • Day 7A local guide leads a walking tour through Venice's streets and squares, followed by a gondola ride down the Grand Canal past St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.
  • Day 9An early-morning tour reaches the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrive.

Included

  • One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Historic Cabin
  • Dedicated steward service, welcome glass of sparkling wine, three-course lunch, afternoon tea, four-course dinner, and Continental breakfast on board
  • London to Paris Standard Premier rail
  • Standard class train travel between Venice and Rome
  • Private transfers to and from train stations in London and Paris
  • Shared transfer from the station to your hotel in Venice
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Rome
  • London city tour including the London Eye
  • Walking Tour and Gondola Tour in Venice
  • Morning tour of the Vatican Museums, St Peter's and Sistine Chapel in Rome

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes: London to Paris Standard Premier rail, one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice, and standard class Trenitalia between Venice and Rome.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation overall, though the London city tour, the Venice walking and gondola tour, and the Rome Vatican Museums tour are guided.
How many nights are spent aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
One night, in a Historic Cabin with dedicated steward service, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a three-course lunch, afternoon tea, a four-course dinner, and Continental breakfast onboard.
Where do you stay?
Two nights each in London, Paris, Venice, and Rome with breakfast; specific hotels are not named in the evidence.
What sightseeing is included?
A London city tour including the London Eye, a walking tour and gondola tour in Venice, and a morning tour of the Vatican Museums, St Peter's, and the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
Are the Eiffel Tower visit and Seine cruise included?
The day 4 itinerary in Paris describes both, but neither appears on Railbookers' formal inclusions list, so confirm with them whether these are included or optional additions.

Similar journeys