Planet Rail
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Rome to the Vineyards of Tuscany - by rail
6 daysfrom $6,003
Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday
London to Verona including the Venice Simplon Orient Express - Signature Journey
Travel in timeless glamour from London to fair Verona aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with fine dining and impeccable service.
Day by day
- 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.
- Day 2railovernight: Verona
The Venice Simplon Orient Express signature journey through the Swiss Alps to Verona
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 arrives at the Roman city of Verona. Here you have 3 nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Accademia located very close to Piazza Bra with its stylish and welcoming rooms and a friendly service.
- Day 3overnight: Verona
The beautiful Roman city of Verona
Make the most of two full days to explore this attractive walled city famous for the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and soak up the warm pastel colours of Piazza Brà, surrounded by churches, monuments and fine palazzi, built from local pink limestone. Impressive churches, such as San Zeno Maggiore, contrast perfectly with the opulence of Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe close to Juliet’s balcony.
- Day 4overnight: Verona
The beautiful Roman city of Verona
A second full day in Verona. Should you wish to venture further afield, you could head out to the Valpolicella vineyards, the Palladian delights of Vicenza or take to the waters of stunning Lake Garda. Optional extra: on certain dates between June and September it is possible to visit the world-famous Verona Opera during its annual festival (supplements apply). Savour the build up to the celebrated performance as crowds gather inside the city’s remarkable Roman amphitheatre and thousands of candles ensure the spectacle is illuminated.
- Day 5railovernight: Montreux
Verona to Montreux through the Swiss Alps by First Class Rail
This morning head to Verona station. Here you are re-united with the rest of the world as you join the Eurostar Italia service for the First Class rail journey to Milan. In Milan you change trains and bid farewell to Italy as you connect with the Euro City service for the journey into Switzerland. This train takes you into the Alps on the spectacular journey through the Simplon Pass and on to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here you spend tonight at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior), a charming belle époque hotel ideally located right next to the station. Take a stroll alongside sparkling Lake Geneva and discover the attractions of Montreux.
- Day 6rail
Montreux to London - Homeward bound
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sparkling lake, you have more time to perhaps visit the beautiful Château de Chillon, one of the best-preserved castles in all of Europe. Later you return to the station and take the train to Lausanne, where you connect with the high-speed service to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days. On arrival in the French capital, your private transfer takes you across the city to the Gare du Nord where you join the Eurostar to London. Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St.Pancras International.
Included
- First Class Rail travel from London to Paris
- Rail travel in ultimate style on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Verona with all meals included and overnight accommodation in a private sleeping compartment
- 3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the Hotel Accademia (4 star) in Verona
- 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in a deluxe lake view double room at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) in Montreux
- First Class rail travel for your return journey to London
- A private taxi transfer in Paris
Not included
- Verona Opera tickets (optional extra, supplements apply)
- Château de Chillon at Montreux (optional visit)
