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The Bernina Express and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice

Bernina Express and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury rail trip to London

Illustration of The Bernina Express and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice

Railbookers operates this 10-day independent, self-guided rail vacation from St. Moritz to London, by way of Venice and Paris. The journey opens with two nights in St. Moritz, including a funicular and cable-car ride to the Piz Nair mountain peak, before the Bernina Express climbs through the Swiss Alps to Tirano, connecting on to Venice by local and high-speed train. Three nights in Venice bring small group tours of the Doges Palace and the Golden Basilica, plus a guided walk through the city's alleys and canals. The centerpiece is an overnight journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Private Historic Cabin, with a welcome cocktail and lunch served as the train passes through the landscape, arriving in Paris the next morning for two nights that include skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower and a dinner cruise on the Seine. A separate Eurostar journey then completes the trip to London. The pace suits travelers seeking a marquee luxury train experience bookended by independent city time.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 23 accommodation options across price tiers and cities for this trip; the hotel used depends on which tier and city combination you choose at booking.
  • The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express overnight journey on Day 6 ends in Paris, not London; the London leg on Day 9 is a separate journey on the Eurostar.
  • This is a self-guided, independent trip; guided experiences are included in Venice and Paris, but you make your own way between stations otherwise.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    Your Journey Begins in Switzerland

    Arrive in St. Moritz following a train ride from Zurich to Chur and crossing over the Landwasser Viaduct. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    After breakfast this morning why not ride the local funicular and cable-car to Piz Nair? This mountain peak rewards all visitors with some spectacular views of Graubünden and beyond.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice

    The Bernina Express to Venice

    Climb aboard the famous Bernina Express train from St. Moritz through the Swiss Alps as it makes its way to Tirano. From Tirano, catch a local train to Milan, then a high-speed train to magical Venice.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Begin exploring this romantic city full of history and culture. Enjoy a ride on a Gondola and admire the city's architecture from the water. Marvel at the Basilica in the Piazza San Marco, including its iconic Clock Tower.

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    After breakfast spend a full day discovering the gems of Venice with a small group tour of the ancient Doges Palace, then the priceless treasure that is the Golden Basilica. In the afternoon take a guided stroll through Venice's alleys, lanes, and bridges with a local.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Overnight Onboard The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Take your included transfer from your hotel in Venice to the train station and board the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for your overnight journey to London! Enjoy a delicious lunch and a welcome cocktail as the train passes through beautiful landscapes.

  7. Day 7overnight: Paris

    Arrival in Paris

    An early breakfast is served in your cabin before you disembark in the heart of Paris. A private transfer will collect you from the station and take you to your accommodation for a two-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Today enjoy the very best Paris has to offer with a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Come evening, embark on a scenic cruise along the Seine, accompanied by a delicious dinner of local delicacies.

  9. Day 9railovernight: London

    London

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and be transferred to the Paris station where you will board the Eurostar train arriving in London with plenty of time left to enjoy the city.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Enjoy breakfast and then check out of your hotel and continue with your onward journey. If you are interested in extending your journey, get in touch with one of our Rail Experts and they'll handle all the details for you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Bernina Express climbs through the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Tirano, followed by a local train to Milan and a high-speed train on to Venice.
  • Day 5A small group tour of the Doges Palace and the Golden Basilica in Venice, followed by a guided stroll through the city's alleys, lanes, and bridges with a local.
  • Day 6Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Private Historic Cabin for an overnight journey, with a welcome cocktail and lunch served as the train passes through the landscape.
  • Day 8A skip-the-line visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views of Paris, followed by an evening dinner cruise along the Seine.
  • Day 9Boarding the Eurostar train in Paris for the journey to London.

Included

  • Rail travel throughout as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 1 nights' accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 1 night onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Private Historic Cabin
  • Small group tours of the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica
  • Small group walking tour in Venice
  • Dinner cruise on the Seine
  • Skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower including Summit Access
  • Private transfer from train station to your hotel in Paris
  • Shared transfer from your hotel to the train station in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes, rail travel is included throughout, including the Bernina Express, one night onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Private Historic Cabin, and the Eurostar to London.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers, with several included guided experiences in Venice and Paris.
Which trains are used?
The Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Swiss Railways, Trenitalia to Venice, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express overnight to Paris, and the Eurostar from Paris to London.
Does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express go all the way to London?
No. The overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express ends in Paris; travelers then take the Eurostar separately from Paris to London on Day 9.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 23 accommodation options across price tiers and cities; sample hotels include the Hotel Metropole Venice and Hotel Papadopoli Venezia in Venice.
What guided experiences are included?
Small group tours of the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica, a guided walking tour of Venice, skip-the-line Eiffel Tower access, and a dinner cruise on the Seine.

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