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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

London to Florence including the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Six-day luxury rail journey London to Florence aboard Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of London to Florence including the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Planet Rail operates this six-day luxury rail holiday from London to Florence, centered on two nights aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world's most celebrated trains. You depart London St. Pancras by Eurostar to Paris, then board the Orient Express in its distinctive blue and gold carriages for an overnight journey through the Swiss Alps to Florence. Upon arrival, you spend three nights at the four-star Hotel Rapallo in the heart of Florence's Renaissance quarter, with two full days at leisure to explore the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and other attractions, or venture by train to nearby Pisa, Lucca, or Chianti. On day five, you rejoin the rail network via Eurostar Italia and EuroCity, traveling through Milan and the Swiss countryside to Zurich for one night at the four-star Hotel Glockenhof, before returning to London on the TGV and Eurostar. A personal steward attends you throughout the Orient Express leg; all accommodation and most rail fares are included. This trip suits luxury-seeking couples and seasoned rail travellers who appreciate historic trains and elegant European cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • The outbound leg includes Eurostar Standard Premier Class (not First Class); only the return journey is First Class rail throughout.
  • Optional hotel upgrades in Florence are available; the final hotel may differ depending on your preferences and budget.
  • The tour includes an optional upgrade to a Cabin Suite or Grand Suite on the Orient Express; contact the operator for pricing and availability.

Day by day

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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).

  6. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris, settling into your private compartment with its elaborate flourishes and distinctive blue and gold carriages.
  • Day 2Breakfast served in your compartment while the train passes through the Swiss Alps; a three-course lunch follows in the restaurant car.
  • Day 3Explore Florence's Renaissance treasures including the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo from the centrally located Hotel Rapallo.
  • Day 5Travel by Eurostar Italia through Milan, then EuroCity across undulating Swiss countryside to arrive in lakeside Zurich.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Premier Class from London to Paris, a twin/double compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Florence, Eurostar Italia First Class from Florence to Milan, EuroCity First Class from Milan to Zurich, and TGV First Class from Zurich to Paris and back to London.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express leg includes a personal steward to attend to you throughout. Days in Florence (two full days) and Zurich are at leisure; you explore independently or arrange your own excursions.
What hotels are included?
Three nights at the four-star Hotel Rapallo in Florence and one night at the four-star Hotel Glockenhof in Zurich, both with bed and breakfast.
What is not included?
Meals beyond bed and breakfast at hotels and meals on the trains are not specified as included; the itinerary mentions lunch on the Orient Express but does not confirm it is included in the price.
How much walking is involved?
Days in Florence and Zurich are self-directed. The Hotel Rapallo is centrally located in Florence; most sights lie within a compact area accessible on foot. No strenuous walks or hiking are mentioned.
What is the price and currency?
From GBP 4,995 per person (approximately USD 6,671).

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