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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Famous Trains of Switzerland, and the Venice Simplon-Orient Express from Venice to Paris

13-day luxury Paris-Venice rail trip on Switzerland's trains and the Orient Express

Illustration of The Famous Trains of Switzerland, and the Venice Simplon-Orient Express from Venice to Paris

Railbookers operates this independent, 13-day, 12-night rail vacation linking Paris, Switzerland and Venice by way of some of Europe's most storied trains. After two days in Paris, including fast-track Eiffel Tower tickets, the trip runs by direct train to Montreux for two nights on Lake Geneva, then rides the GoldenPass in Prestige Class to Interlaken and on to Zermatt for Gornergrat views of the Matterhorn. From Zermatt, the Glacier Express in Excellence Class and the Bernina Express in First Class carry travelers into Italy and on to three nights in Venice, with a walking tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. The trip's centerpiece is an overnight aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private cabin with onboard dining, arriving back into Paris for a final night. It suits travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime train journey rather than a budget trip, since the fare covers premium classes throughout rather than standard seating.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence for this trip does not list specific hotel names, only the city and number of nights for each stop.
  • Day 8 combines the Bernina Express with a regional train to Milan and a high-speed train to Venice, a full day of multiple train changes.
  • The evidence for this trip does not include current departure dates; confirm availability and current pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    Your Journey Begins in Paris

    You will be met on arrival and whisked directly to your hotel. check-in for a two-night stay then the remainder of the day is yours to explore. Take a stroll around Montmartre, enjoy the views of the city from the pretty Sacre Cour, or perhaps speak to any of our Rail Experts if you would like to spend the evening at the joyful Moulin Rouge!

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Today you have fast-track tickets to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, from where you have amazing views across the city. After, why not enjoy a cruise along the Seine River to admire Paris' famous bridges, or perhaps a visit to The Louvre Museum to come face to face with the Mona Lisa? Whatever you choose, be sure to enjoy a traditional crepe along the way.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Paris to Montreux

    A Car will collect you from your hotel and drop you off at the station for your direct train to the Swiss Riviera. Check-in for a two-night stay, then take a relaxing stroll along the lakeshore before dinner.

  4. Day 4overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Enjoy a day exploring the glorious Swiss Riviera today, thanks to your included Swiss Pass. Be it a cruise on Lake Geneva, visit the iconic Chateaux Chillon, or perhaps take a trip to the pretty village of Gruyere – home of the famous cheese, and Broc – home to the world-famous Callier chocolate factory. In the evening a cocktail in the iconic Montreux Jazz Café is a must.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    The GoldenPass – Prestige Class

    Step aboard the glorious GoldenPass train this morning, and enjoy the luxury of Prestige Class on the direct train to Interlaken. The leather seats in Prestige class can be rotated so you can watch the scenery fly by, and the champagne and caviar are a wonderful treat. Once in Interlaken, change for a train to Visp, from there the scenery just keeps getting better on the line through to Zermatt.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Day Trip

    Ride the famous cogwheel train to the top of the Gornergrat today, and soak up the very best views of the marvelous Matterhorn. The restaurant at the top services some wonderful Swiss specialties and the surrounding mountains make it a beautiful spot for lunch. Enjoy a short hike, or simply ride the train back down to Zermatt for the evening.

  7. Day 7railovernight: St Moritz

    The Glacier Express – Excellence Class

    Today's journey is aboard one of the world's most famous scenic trains. The Glacier Express offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and valleys as it winds its way through some of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes. The Excellence Class offers a level of comfort and luxury that is unmatched, with spacious and elegantly designed seats, gourmet dining, and personalized service, making it the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Switzerland.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Venice

    The Bernina Express – First Class

    This morning travel from Switzerland into Italy via the truly spectacular Bernina Express. Crossing soaring mountain passes, and crossing impressive vats viaducts, the train gradually drops down into a palm tree-lined valley before arriving in Tirano. From here is a regional train ride to Milan, then a high-speed journey to Venice. A private boat will be waiting for you on arrival and will take you directly to your hotel.

  9. Day 9overnight: Venice

    Venice

    After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour through the heart of Venice, taking in iconic sites such as Piazza San Marco, the Clock Tower, and Marco Polo's house. Then explore the Doge's Palace, once the seat of Venetian power, and continue to the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica, known for its golden mosaics and rich history. Later, enjoy a private gondola ride along the canals for a classic Venetian experience. For a memorable evening, consider stopping at Harry's Bar for a Bellini where the iconic cocktail was first created.

  10. Day 10overnight: Venice

    Venice

    After a leisurely breakfast make your way to the meeting point for a small group tour by boat, to the famous islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Discover the amazing glass masters of Murano, where the art of glass blowing has been perfected since the 10th Century. Next, it's on to the fisherman's village of Burano, where your guide will lead you through the narrow alleys and introduce you to the local ladies who practice the art of millenary, producing wonderfully detailed lace-work. Then it's over to ancient Torcello, where the very first Venetians settled escaping from the Barbarians who were conquering the mainland. Visit the lagoon's oldest Basilica and admire the magnificent mosaics, before returning to the Grand Canal. Take your pick of magnificent restaurants for your final dinner in Venice.

  11. Day 11railovernight: onboard the VSOE

    The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    You will be collected from your hotel this morning and whisked to Santa Lucia station, to begin the journey of a lifetime. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of luxury and is unrivaled in the world of private trains. Once settled in your private cabin you will enjoy exceptional service and some world-class cuisine for lunch and dinner. The craftsmanship and detail of every inch of the train are truly remarkable, and the pianist keeps playing in the bar car long into the night.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Your steward will serve you a light breakfast in your cabin this morning, then once the train has pulled into Gare de L'est a car will take you safely to your hotel for your final night in Paris. With the rest of the day, why not explore the famous covered passageways, in which you will find some of Paris' greatest secrets?

  13. Day 13

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    At a time of your choosing, a car will collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5The GoldenPass train's Prestige Class has rotating leather seats and champagne and caviar service on the direct run from Montreux to Interlaken.
  • Day 6A cogwheel train climbs to the Gornergrat for views of the Matterhorn, with a restaurant serving Swiss specialties at the top.
  • Day 7The Glacier Express runs in Excellence Class, with gourmet dining and personalized service through mountains, glaciers and valleys.
  • Day 8The Bernina Express crosses mountain passes and viaducts into a palm-tree-lined valley before Tirano, continuing by regional and high-speed train to Venice.
  • Day 11Travelers board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Santa Lucia station for an overnight journey in a private cabin, with lunch and dinner served by onboard stewards.

Included

  • First-class rail travel as per the itinerary
  • Prestige Class on the GoldenPass from Montreux to Interlaken
  • Excellence Class onboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz
  • Historic Cabin onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • Priority access tickets to the Eiffel Tower
  • Day trip on the Gornergrat railway
  • Walking tour of Venice including Doges Palace and St Marks Basilica
  • Private gondola ride in Venice
  • Shared Tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands from Venice
  • Return transfers from airport to hotel in Paris
  • Return transfers from hotel to station in Paris
  • Return transfers from station to hotel in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, first-class rail travel throughout, including named premium classes: Prestige Class on the GoldenPass, Excellence Class on the Glacier Express, First Class on the Bernina Express, and a Historic Cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent trip; the evidence does not describe a tour leader accompanying travelers between stops.
Which trains does the itinerary use?
The GoldenPass in Prestige Class from Montreux to Interlaken, the Glacier Express in Excellence Class from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the Bernina Express in First Class from Switzerland into Italy, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Historic Cabin from Venice to Paris.
Is there an overnight train?
Yes, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey from Venice to Paris includes an overnight in a private cabin.
What is included with the hotels?
Breakfast is included with every stay: 3 nights in Paris, 2 in Montreux, 2 in Zermatt, 1 in St. Moritz, and 3 in Venice.
Where does the trip start and end?
It starts in Paris and ends in Paris, traveling through Switzerland and Italy in between.

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