Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Planet Rail · Escorted tour
London to Venice including the Venice Simplon Orient Express and return by air
Travel in ultimate style from London to Venice aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, returning by air. A signature journey through the Swiss Alps to incomparable Venice with 3 nights at a 4-star hotel.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (on board)
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 personal steward attends to you throughout. Settle into your private compartment, admire the elaborate marquetry and elegant interiors, then dress for dinner. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before a four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs in one of the magnificent restaurant cars. After dinner, enjoy a drink in the bar car to the sound of the baby grand piano before retiring to your compartment, which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente, Venice
The Venice Simplon Orient Express signature journey through the Swiss Alps to Venice
Breakfast is served in your compartment at a time to suit you, with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Spend the morning gazing at the scenery or chatting with fellow guests over coffee. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. Visit the on-board boutique, admire views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Como, and enjoy afternoon tea in your compartment. The train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and arrives at Venice Santa Lucia station, where a water taxi transfers you to the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4 star).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea
- Day 3overnight: Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente, Venice
At leisure in Venice
Enjoy a full day in Venice. Visit St. Mark's Square, the Doges Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, or explore the market and shops around the Rialto Bridge. Wander through hidden campi and over countless bridges, or take a romantic gondola ride to see a different side of Venice.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente, Venice
At leisure in Venice
Another full day to explore Venice at your own pace. Make the most of the time to experience the uniqueness of this incredible city.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5
Homeward bound
Depending upon your flight schedule, you may have time to enjoy further exploration of Venice before your private water taxi transfer takes you to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your return Economy Class flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- First Class rail travel from London to Paris
- Rail travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice in a private sleeping compartment
- All meals on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (dinner, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea)
- Overnight accommodation on the Orient Express in a private sleeping compartment
- 3 nights' accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4 star), Venice
- Economy Class return flights from Venice to the UK
- Private taxi transfer in Paris
- Private water taxi transfers between Venice station and hotel
Not included
- Personal spending and incidentals
- Optional upgrades to alternative hotels (available at a supplement)
- Gondola rides and optional activities in Venice
