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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

London to Venice Round Trip aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Six-day London to Venice round trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of London to Venice Round Trip aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Planet Rail's six-day luxury rail holiday combines two of Europe's most celebrated journeys: Eurostar and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Depart London St Pancras in Standard Premier, crossing the Channel to Paris in just over two hours. From Paris Gare de l'Est, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carries you through the Swiss Alps and down into Italy, arriving in Venice after a night in your private compartment with original 1920s marquetry and brass fittings. A personal steward attends to your every comfort, and all meals aboard the train are included, served with fine linens and crystal in the restaurant cars. You spend three nights at the four-star Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente in Venice with time to visit St Mark's Basilica and the Doges Palace, wander the hidden squares and bridges, or take a gondola through the canals. The return journey retraces your route aboard the Orient Express, with breakfast served in your cabin as the train departs Venice. This trip suits luxury-seekers, repeat rail travellers, couples, and food enthusiasts who value timeless elegance and unhurried travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • You must make your own way between Paris Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est on Day 1; this transfer is not included.
  • Hotel options in Venice are available depending on preference and budget; the listed hotel is the standard choice.
  • Suite and Grand Suite upgrades on the Orient Express incur additional cost beyond the from-price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    London to Switzerland aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

    Your holiday begins as you arrive at the stunningly restored London St. Pancras International station. First, board the Eurostar for your high-speed journey to Paris in just over two hours. Then settle into your spacious Standard Premier seat and enjoy a light meal and drinks on board. On arrival in Paris, make your own way the short distance from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l’Est. Next, step aboard the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will welcome you and show you to your private cabin, where they will attend to you throughout your journey. After you have settled in, spend the afternoon relaxing in your cabin as you watch the passing scenery through France and Switzerland, then take time to unwind further before it is time to dress for dinner. Before dinner, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars. There, you will enjoy a delicious four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs. After dinner, you may wish to linger in the bar car and listen to the sound of the baby grand piano. Finally, when you are ready, return to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Venice

    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 instead spend the morning chatting to fellow guests over coffee. Later, enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch served in one of the beautiful restaurant cars. You might also visit the onboard boutique to purchase souvenirs. Alternatively, while away the hours in your compartment and admire views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Como. In the afternoon, enjoy tea served in your compartment as the journey continues. Then, all too soon, it is time to disembark. 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 and welcoming hotel, located in a quiet area just 15 minutes from the Rialto Bridge, offering friendly service and elegant, comfortable rooms.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    At leisure in Venice

    Enjoy three nights 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

    A second full day to experience the uniqueness of Venice. 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, wander through the hidden campi and over the countless bridges which link the criss-cross of canals, or take to the water on a romantic gondola.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Venice through Italy to Switzerland aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

    This morning, after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Venice and your stylish hotel. A water taxi transfers you across the lagoon to Venice Santa Lucia station. Here, you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will welcome you and show you to your private cabin, and they will attend you throughout your journey. After you have settled in, enjoy a three-course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars. Then spend the afternoon relaxing in your cabin as you admire the passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps, or chat with fellow travellers in the Bar Car. Later, afternoon tea is served in your cabin. Before dinner, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars for a delicious four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs. When you are ready, return to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

  6. Day 6rail

    Arrival into Paris - Paris to London - Homeward bound

    This morning you will awake for a final time aboard the Orient Express. Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you. All too soon the train pulls into Paris Gare de l’Est and it is time to prepare to disembark. A short journey across the Channel in Standard Premier Class aboard the Eurostar and arrival at King’s Cross St. Pancras marks the conclusion of your holiday.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St Pancras on Eurostar in Standard Premier, then step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Paris Gare de l'Est to settle into your compartment with its original 1920s wood marquetry and brass fittings.
  • Day 2Breakfast is served in your compartment as the train passes through the Swiss Alps, with leisure time to gaze at the views or join fellow guests for coffee in the lounge cars.
  • Day 3First of three days in Venice; visit St Mark's Square and the Doges Palace, explore the Rialto Bridge markets, or take a romantic gondola ride through the canals.
  • Day 5A water taxi transfers you from your hotel across the lagoon to Venice Santa Lucia station, where you rejoin the Orient Express for the return journey to Paris.

Included

  • First Class rail to and from London St Pancras to Paris (Eurostar Standard Premier)
  • The legendary Orient Express train to and from Paris to Venice in a twin/double compartment
  • All meals on board the Orient Express
  • 3 nights’ B&B at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) in Venice
  • Water taxi transfers between Venice Santa Lucia station and your hotel

Not included

  • Transfer between Paris Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est (make your own way)

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Premier from London St Pancras to Paris and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice and back to Paris in a twin or double compartment.
Are meals included on the train?
Yes. All meals aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are included, served in the restaurant cars with fine dining.
What is the accommodation in Venice?
Three nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente. Other Venice hotels are available depending on your preferences and budget.
Is the trip guided or independent?
A personal steward attends to you aboard the train. In Venice, you have three full days at leisure to explore independently; no guided tours are mentioned.
What does the from-price of GBP 8,750 cover?
Eurostar Standard Premier, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a twin or double compartment, all meals on the train, three nights' B&B at the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente, and water taxi transfers between the hotel and Venice Santa Lucia station.
How much walking is involved?
Minimal. You travel by train and water taxi. In Venice, walking is optional; you may explore the city on foot, by gondola, or remain at leisure in your hotel.

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