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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

London to Venice on the Venice Simplon Orient Express - return by air

Luxury rail from London to Venice on the Orient Express, return by air

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

Planet Rail's five-day London to Venice journey showcases the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world's most celebrated luxury trains. You depart London St Pancras on Eurostar First Class, arriving in Paris to board the legendary Orient Express with its signature blue and gold carriages. Two nights are spent in a private double sleeping compartment as the train travels through France and Switzerland, crossing the Alps and Brenner Pass into Italy. Gourmet meals, including breakfast served to your compartment, accompany the journey. On arrival in Venice, you transition to the four-star Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente for three nights, with two full days to explore the city's squares, basilicas, bridges, and canals at your own pace. Planet Rail arranges private transfers in Paris and Venice, and provides a water taxi to and from the hotel. The return to the United Kingdom is by Economy Class flight, bringing you home on day five. This trip appeals to luxury travellers, repeat rail enthusiasts, and couples seeking an unhurried, all-inclusive European experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return journey is by Economy Class flight, not rail; the luxury experience is the outbound Orient Express and Venice stay.
  • Optional hotels in Venice are available at a supplement; your base booking is the four-star Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente.
  • Day 5 departure depends on your flight schedule; time in Venice may be limited if you have an early flight.

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: Venice

    The Venice Simplon Orient Express signature journey through the Swiss Alps to Venice

    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 crosses the Venetian Lagoon and arrives at Venice Santa Lucia station. Here a water taxi transfers you to your hotel for the next three nights. The Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) is an attractive, welcoming hotel located in a quiet area just 15 minutes from the Rialto Bridge with its friendly service, elegant and comfortable rooms.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    At leisure in Venice

    Enjoy two full days in Venice; make the most of the time to experience the uniqueness of this incredible city. You may decide to visit St. Mark’s Square, the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica or explore the market and shops in and around the Rialto Bridge. Perhaps wander through the hidden campi (squares) and over the countless bridges which link the criss-cross of canals, or take to the water on a romantic gondola to see a different side of Venice.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    At leisure in Venice

    Enjoy two full days in Venice; make the most of the time to experience the uniqueness of this incredible city. You may decide to visit St. Mark’s Square, the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica or explore the market and shops in and around the Rialto Bridge. Perhaps wander through the hidden campi (squares) and over the countless bridges which link the criss-cross of canals, or take to the water on a romantic gondola to see a different side of Venice.

  5. 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 back to Venice Marco Polo Airport. Here you are re-united with the rest of the world as you prepare for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris St. Lazare, settling into your private double sleeping compartment as the blue and gold carriages depart for Italy.
  • Day 2Breakfast is served in your compartment while the train climbs through the Swiss Alps; later enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch in the restaurant car as the Brenner Pass and Dolomites unfold outside your window.
  • Day 3Arrive in Venice and spend your first full day exploring St Mark's Square, the Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the hidden squares connected by the city's network of canals and bridges.

Included

  • First Class Rail travel from London to Paris
  • Rail travel in ultimate style on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice with all meals included and overnight accommodation in a private sleeping compartment
  • 3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) in Venice
  • Economy Class flights for your return journey from Venice to the UK
  • A private taxi transfer in Paris, and private water taxi transfers between the station and your hotel in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes First Class Eurostar from London to Paris, full rail travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice with all meals and a private sleeping compartment, and an Economy Class return flight.
How is the trip guided?
A personal steward and cabin stewards attend you on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Once in Venice, the trip is independent; Planet Rail provides private water taxi transfers between the station and hotel.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar in First Class from London St Pancras to Paris, then the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private double sleeping compartment from Paris to Venice.
What is the hotel in Venice?
Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente, a four-star hotel where you stay three nights with breakfast included. Other hotels are available at a supplement.
When does the trip run?
Planet Rail operates 26 departures from March through December 2027.
What is not included?
Lunch and dinner in Venice are not included. Personal expenses, visas (if required), travel insurance, and any activities beyond the described itinerary are your responsibility.

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