Planet Rail
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Rome to the Vineyards of Tuscany - by rail
6 daysfrom $6,003
Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday
London to Florence including the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Journey from London to Florence in sheer luxury, enjoying the world-class service and historic glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel to Paris & board the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Your adventure begins at London St. Pancras, where you travel by First Class rail to Paris before boarding the world-famous Venice Simplon Orient Express, with its distinctive blue and gold carriages. Your own personal steward is on hand to attend to you throughout your Venice Simplon Orient Express holiday. Take the time to settle in to your comfortable private compartment, relax and admire the elaborate flourishes and spectacular marquetry of this elegant train, before dressing for dinner. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars, where you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs. Following dinner you may wish to enjoy a drink in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano. By now your compartment has been transformed into a cosy bedroom, which you can retire to whenever you are ready.
- Day 2railovernight: Florence
Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Florence
Breakfast is served in your compartment this morning at a time to suit you; be sure to admire the stunning views of the Swiss Alps as you start the day. You may wish to continue gazing out at the incredible scenery from your compartment, or perhaps spend the morning chatting to fellow guests over coffee. Later you enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch served in another of the beautiful restaurant cars. Perhaps visit the on-board boutique to purchase souvenirs, while away the hours in conversation or take it easy in your compartment and admire the superb views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Como. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment during the journey, then all too soon it is time to disembark as the train arrives at the unique city of Florence. On arrival at Firenze Santa Maria Novella station stroll to the charming, highly-rated and family-run Hotel Rapallo (4 star) around 1 kilometre from the station and your hotel for the next three nights.
- Day 3overnight: Florence
At leisure in Florence
The Hotel Rapallo is a charming, elegant hotel with all modern comforts in its tastefully furnished rooms. The hotel is centrally located enabling you to visit all of Florence’s world-renowned attractions. Immerse yourself in the culture of Italy’s renaissance capital with visits to the world-renowned 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.
- Day 4railovernight: Florence
At leisure in Florence
A second day at leisure in Florence. 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. Whether you prefer the more rural appeal of the Chianti district it is good to know that all these attractive options are easily accessible by train. You could even visit the eternal city of Rome - barely more than an hour and a half away by train.
- Day 5railovernight: Zurich
Through Switzerland and on to Zurich
This morning head to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. Here you are re-united with the rest of the world as you join the Eurostar Italia service for the First Class rail journey to Milan. In Milan you change trains and bid farewell to Italy as you connect with the Euro City service for the journey into Switzerland. You travel through the undulating Swiss countryside to attractive lakeside city of Zurich. It is a short walk (600 yards) to your overnight hotel, the comfortable, welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Glockenhof (4 star).
- Day 6rail
Zurich to London - Homeward bound
After breakfast why not make a whistle-stop tour of Zurich. Most of the city’s sights lie within the compact area on either side of the River Limmat, between the main station (Hauptbahnhof) and Lake Zurich. Then make your way back to Zurich station to board the TGV towards Paris where you board the Eurostar for the comfortable journey in Standard Premier Class from Paris back to London. Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St.Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.
Included
- Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London to Paris
- A twin/double compartment on the Orient Express from Paris to Florence
- 3 nights’ B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel Rapallo (4 star) in Florence
- 1 night B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel Glockenhof (4 star) in Zurich
- First Class rail for the return journey via Zurich and Paris
