Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

London to Venice Round Trip aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express

London to Venice Round Trip aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express, a rail journey with Planet Rail

Paris to Venice return on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury rail journey with iconic scenery and fine dining.

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.

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)

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