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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Rome to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Luxury 7-day rail journey: Rome to Paris via Orient-Express

Illustration of Rome to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Railbookers' Rome to Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation with small-group tours, spending three nights in Rome before an overnight journey on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to two nights in Paris. In Rome, small-group, skip-the-line tours cover the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and an early visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Cathedral, with free time to see the Spanish Steps, Borghese Gardens, and Trevi Fountain. On day four, travelers board the VSOE at Rome Ostiense station, settle into a historic cabin, and enjoy a 4-course dinner in one of the train's restaurant cars before it arrives in Paris the next morning. In Paris, included sightseeing covers the Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise, and the Louvre. This trip suits travelers seeking a genuine luxury rail experience rather than a budget-focused itinerary, given the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the world's most storied trains.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers offers 12 accommodation options across different tiers and cities for this trip, ranging from the Holiday Inn Paris - Gare De Lyon Bastille to the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace and Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, so the exact hotel and its standard depend on which option you choose.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates for this vacation; confirm availability directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to Rome! Following your flight, you will be transferred to your hotel to check-in for a 3-night stay. That evening head out to get your bearings. Rome is very walkable, and the Trevi Fountain really is best viewed at night.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Enjoy a leisurely morning today, perhaps with a stroll up the Spanish Steps then around the beautiful Borghese Gardens. In the afternoon join a very small group and skip the line into the unmistakable Colosseum and tread in the footsteps of Gladiators, then learn all there is to know about the fantastic Roman Forum - the center of the Roman Empire!

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    It is an early start today but so very worth it to beat the crowds and witness the treasures of the Vatican museums in relative peace and quiet. From here you will be led into the breath-taking Sistine Chapel then onto the St Peter's Cathedral. Take the afternoon at your own pace but a visit to the Pantheon is our recommendation, and don't forget the obligatory Gelato.

  4. Day 4railovernight: on the VSOE

    Depart Rome On The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then some more sightseeing before being transferred to Rome Ostiense station for a departure to remember! Once onboard and settled into your cabin you will be shown the way one of the opulent restaurant cars for a spectacular 4-course dinner, then perhaps a nightcap in the bar before bed.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Paris

    Arrive in Paris

    The train pulls into Paris in the late morning, and here you bid farewell to your cabin and are driven to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Once refreshed head out to explore the city with your included Hop-on Hop-off pass.

  6. Day 6overnight: Paris

    Paris

    It's a day to remember today, as you explore the very best the city has to offer. Included for you is a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, a one-hour scenic, seine cruise, and tickets to the world-famous Louvre Museum.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    Following breakfast and if time allows enjoy some last-minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping before making your way to the airport or continuing your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group, skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
  • Day 3An early, skip-the-line visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Cathedral.
  • Day 4Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Rome Ostiense station and settling into a historic cabin for an overnight journey, with a 4-course dinner in one of the restaurant cars.
  • Day 6A skip-the-line tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a one-hour scenic Seine river cruise, and Louvre Museum tickets.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 1 night in a Historic cabin onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Rome to Paris
  • Small group skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome
  • Small group skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Sistine Chapel
  • Skip the Line Eiffel Tower tickets
  • 2 Day Paris hop-on hop-off pass
  • Scenic Paris River Cruise
  • Louvre Museum tickets (closed on Tuesdays)
  • Private transfer from airport to hotel in Rome
  • Private transfer from your hotel to the station in Rome
  • Private transfer from station to hotel in Paris

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, the centerpiece is an overnight journey in a Historic cabin onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Rome to Paris, with a 4-course dinner included onboard.
Is it escorted or independent?
Railbookers calls this an independent rail vacation with small group tours, so some time, such as day 3's afternoon in Rome, is at your own pace, while the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and VSOE journey are guided or staffed experiences.
Which cities does it visit?
Rome and Paris, connected by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Is the Louvre included?
Yes, Louvre Museum tickets are included, though the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace in Rome and the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera in Paris; the exact hotel depends on the option chosen.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $7,589 USD.

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