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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

London to Rome including the Venice Simplon Orient Express - return by air

London to Rome by Eurostar and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, return by air

Illustration of London to Rome including the Venice Simplon Orient Express - return by air

Planet Rail's 5-day London to Rome journey is built around one of the world's most storied trains: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You depart London St. Pancras by Eurostar in Standard Premier Class, crossing the Channel to Paris, where you board the legendary Orient Express in its distinctive blue and gold livery. Your private twin/double compartment, attended by a personal steward, carries you through Switzerland's Alpine scenery and across the Swiss-Italian border to Rome. After two nights aboard the train (including breakfast served in your compartment and a three-course lunch in the restaurant car), you spend three full days at leisure in Rome exploring classical and Renaissance landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel. The return journey is by British Airways from Rome to the UK. This trip suits luxury-seekers and rail enthusiasts who want the experience of sleeping aboard an famous train without the logistics of independent travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers the rail fares and accommodation but does not include meals in Rome beyond breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
  • Return flight is with British Airways; departure time on Day 5 is not specified in the operator's details.

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 2overnight: Rome

    Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Rome

    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 sit back and watch the world go by as you journey south to Rome and into Roma Termini station. Enter the Eternal city and make your way to your base for the next three nights, the well-located Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star).

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    At leisure in Rome

    Rome is truly one of the most thrilling and seductive cities in the world. Discover a feast of architectural wonders, fine art and indulgent dining seemingly around each corner on your two full days in the Eternal city. With an array of world renowned attractions including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Coliseum and Vatican city you will find your days filled with glorious sights before perhaps having a break with a ‘gelato’ in Piazza Navona or enjoying some time shopping on Via del Corso.

  4. Day 4overnight: Rome

    At leisure in Rome

    A second full day in the Eternal city. An attraction not to be missed is Michelangelo’s masterpiece, located in the Sistine Chapel. Alternatively, if you would like to sample some spectacular panoramic cityscape scenery, then make sure you take a trip to the top of St. Peter’s Cathedral.

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    This morning you will make your way to the airport and bid farewell to the ancient sights of Rome, travelling back to the UK with British Airways marking the conclusion of your memorable holiday and experiences including the wonder of the Orient Express.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris St. Lazare and settle into your private twin/double compartment adorned with the train's distinctive blue and gold livery; a personal steward attends to you throughout the journey.
  • Day 2Breakfast is served in your compartment as the train traverses the Swiss Alps; later enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch in one of the restaurant cars while watching the Alpine scenery.
  • Day 3Two full days at leisure in Rome to explore the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Colosseum, Vatican City, and Sistine Chapel, or climb to the top of St. Peter's Cathedral for panoramic views.

Included

  • Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London to Paris
  • A twin/double compartment on the Orient Express from Paris to Rome
  • 3 nights’ B&B in a twin/double room at the Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star) in Rome
  • British Airways return flight from Rome to the UK

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London to Paris and a twin/double compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Rome. The British Airways return flight from Rome to the UK is also included.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is served in your compartment aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and at the Boutique Hotel Liberty in Rome. A three-course lunch is served in a restaurant car on Day 2. Dinner is not mentioned in the package details.
Is there a guide or escort?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express provides a personal steward to attend to you throughout the train journey. The Rome portion is independent; you explore at your own pace.
What is the accommodation?
You spend one night in a private compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Day 1 to Day 2 overnight), then 3 nights in a twin/double room at the Boutique Hotel Liberty, a 4-star hotel in Rome.
Can I upgrade my compartment on the Orient Express?
Yes. Planet Rail offers an option to upgrade to a Suite or Grand Suite on the Orient Express; contact the operator for pricing and availability.

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