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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

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

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

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

Planet Rail operates this five-day luxury rail holiday, one of the world's most celebrated train journeys. You depart London by Eurostar First Class, arriving in Paris to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, whose distinctive blue and gold carriages have carried travellers across Europe for decades. Your private double sleeping compartment becomes your home for two nights as the train crosses the Swiss Alps and Dolomites, with breakfast served in your compartment and three-course lunches in the restaurant car as Alpine scenery unfolds beyond your window. On day two, the train arrives in Venice; you then spend three full days exploring the city on foot, visiting St. Mark's Square, the Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the hidden squares connected by bridges and canals. You stay at the four-star Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente with breakfast included. A private water taxi transfer takes you to the airport for your return flight to the UK. This trip suits luxury-seekers and repeat rail travellers who want to experience the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with time to absorb Venice, and couples looking for a romantic multi-night escape.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return journey is by economy air from Venice to the UK, not by train.
  • Alternative Venice hotels are available at an additional charge; your final accommodation depends on the hotel tier you select.

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 and 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 in your private double sleeping compartment, with its distinctive blue and gold carriages.
  • Day 2Breakfast is served in your compartment as you travel through the Swiss Alps and Dolomites, passing the Brenner Pass on the way to Venice.
  • Day 3Explore Venice on foot, including St. Mark's Square, the Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the hidden squares linked by countless bridges and canals.

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 train travel included?
Yes. The package includes First Class Eurostar from London to Paris and a private sleeping compartment on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice, with all meals on board.
What is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
A luxury cruise train with distinctive blue and gold carriages, featuring restaurant cars, private compartments, and personal steward service throughout the journey.
How long do I spend in Venice?
Three full days (days 3, 4, and 5 morning), staying at the four-star Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente with breakfast included.
What is included in the price from GBP 4,795?
First Class rail to Paris, overnight train travel in a private compartment with meals, three nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice, and an economy return flight to the UK. Private transfers in Paris and Venice are also included.
When does Planet Rail operate this trip?
Departures run April, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December 2026.

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