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Rome, Florence, Venice and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

9-day Rome to Paris rail trip ending aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of Rome, Florence, Venice and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Railbookers operates this 9-day, 8-night rail vacation from Rome to Paris, spending two nights each in Rome, Florence and Venice before an overnight journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Day 1 opens with an Imperial Rome tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, followed by an early morning Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour on day 2. Trenitalia trains carry travelers to Florence for the Uffizi Gallery, then on to Venice for a Doge's Palace walking tour and an included gondola ride through the canals. On day 7, travelers board the VSOE in a Historic Cabin for a three-course lunch and a four-course dinner by French chefs, arriving in Paris the next morning with a free day to explore before the trip ends. This suits travelers who want a heavily guided tour of Italy's classic cities capped with a night aboard a luxury train, rather than a budget-focused itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers.
  • Day 8 in Paris is described as 'a free day' with no scheduled sightseeing included, despite guided tours on most other days of the trip.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon join your included Imperial Rome tour visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Don't forget to have your photo taken with one of the modern gladiators outside! (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Today you have an early morning tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. The rest of the day is free. Come the evening, be sure to visit the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin or two. The architecture is quite spectacular when lit up at night. (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Rome to Florence

    Catch a Trenitalia train directly to Florence. We recommend checking out Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of Saint John, or the Medici Chapels and Crypt. Alternatively, you can simply relax at your hotel or stroll around town with some delicious gelato. (Overnight in Florence)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Today's excursion is to the Uffizi Gallery a prominent art museum located adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Centre of Florence. It is one of the most important Italian museums and one of the largest and best-known in the world with a collection of priceless works, particularly from the period of the Italian Renaissance. (Overnight in Florence)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Florence to Venice

    Catch a Trenitalia train direct to Venice, check in to your hotel then you have free time in the afternoon to explore the capital of northern Italy's Vento region. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride along the labyrinth of narrow canals. Enjoy your included evening ride and discover the secrets of the city as you pass beneath bridges and experience palazzos and popular sites. (Overnight in Venice)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Today is a morning walking tour of Doge's Palace, built in Venetian Gothic style, and one of the main landmarks of the city then onto the Golden Basilica one of the most majestic Cathedrals of the world (Overnight in Venice)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7rail

    Overnight Onboard The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    After breakfast in your hotel step aboard one of the best trains in Europe the Venice Simplon Orient Express and be whisked away to a world of timeless indulgence. After departing from Venice Santa Lucia enjoy a three-course lunch. The afternoon is free to enjoy the view before getting ready for a four-course dinner prepared by the skilled French chefs. (Overnight onboard train) B,L,D

    Meals: B, L, D

  8. Day 8railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Early breakfast is served in your cabin. The train arrives in Paris Gare de l'Est at 08.32 allowing you a free day to discover Paris a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Beyond such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower. The city is known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. (Overnight in Paris)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey with additional nights in a different destination, one of our Rail Experts can help you with all the arrangements!

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Join an Imperial Rome tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
  • Day 2Take an early morning tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.
  • Day 5Take a Trenitalia train to Venice, then enjoy an included evening gondola ride through the canals.
  • Day 7Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Historic Cabin for an overnight journey, with a three-course lunch and a four-course dinner prepared by French chefs.
  • Day 8Arrive in Paris at Gare de l'Est at 08:32 aboard the VSOE, with breakfast served in your cabin.

Included

  • 2-night hotel stay with breakfast in Rome 2-night hotel stay with breakfast in Florence 2-night hotel stay with breakfast in Venice 1- night aboard the VSOE in a Historic Cabin Dedicated steward service, welcome glass of sparkling wine, three-course lunch, afternoon tea, four-course dinner and Continental breakfast on board All rail as indicated Excursions as listed Shared transfer from your hotel to the train station in Venice Private transfer between stations in Paris

Questions travellers ask

Is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express included?
Yes, one night aboard the VSOE in a Historic Cabin is included, with a three-course lunch, afternoon tea, a four-course dinner and continental breakfast.
Which trains are used?
Trenitalia trains connect Rome to Florence and Florence to Venice, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carries travelers overnight from Venice to Paris.
Where does the trip end?
In Paris, arriving at Gare de l'Est station at 08:32 on day 8.
What guided tours are included?
An Imperial Rome tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, a Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour, an Uffizi Gallery tour in Florence, and a walking tour of the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica in Venice.
Where do travelers stay?
2 nights each in Rome, Florence and Venice, plus 1 night aboard the VSOE and 1 night in Paris.

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