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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

The Verona Opera & Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Verona to Amsterdam

London to Amsterdam via Verona opera, Orient Express sleeper, eight days

Illustration of The Verona Opera & Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Verona to Amsterdam

Planet Rail's eight-day Verona Opera and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey combines First Class European rail travel with three days in the historic Roman city of Verona and a legendary overnight sleeper to Amsterdam. You depart London via Eurostar to Paris, board the TGV through France to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva for one night, then travel by EuroCity through the Rhône Valley into Italy. Verona offers three unguided days to explore its walled streets, Renaissance palaces built from pink limestone, and optional performances at the Verona Opera Festival. The centrepiece is the overnight journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where you occupy a private twin compartment with all meals served by your personal steward. After arriving in Amsterdam, two nights permit walking through the canals, visiting museums, and discovering the city's markets and neighbourhoods at leisure. This trip suits couples and repeat rail travellers seeking luxury and cultural immersion rather than a tightly scheduled itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Verona Opera Festival performance (100th anniversary Aida production) is payable locally and not included in the tour price.
  • Amsterdam sightseeing such as canal boat trips and the Anne Frank House are optional extras, payable separately.
  • Single-occupancy pricing is not stated in the evidence; confirm availability and single supplement with Planet Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    London to Montreux by First Class Rail

    Your holiday begins as you stroll into the beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. On board, enjoy a light meal and drinks served in Standard Premier. On arrival at the Gare du Nord, a private taxi transfers you across the city to the Gare de Lyon. Next, travel by TGV through France into Switzerland, passing the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva, arriving in the elegant lakeside town of Montreux. On arrival, check into the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star superior), located conveniently next to the station. You may wish to explore Montreux on foot or take the trolley bus to Château de Chillon (payable locally), built in the 13th century and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Verona

    Through the Swiss Alps to Verona by First Class rail

    This morning, after breakfast, make your way across to the station. Board the Euro City train as it travels through picturesque scenery, past soaring mountain peaks, climbing through the spectacular Rhône Valley into Italy. The train arrives in the historic Roman city of Verona. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel for 3 nights, the richly evocative Hotel Accademia, located close to Piazza Bra with stylish and welcoming rooms.

  3. Day 3overnight: Verona

    At leisure in Verona

    Spend the next few days enjoying the Roman city of Verona. Stroll through this attractive walled city, famous for the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Soak up the warm pastel colours of Piazza Brà, surrounded by churches, monuments, and fine palazzi built from local pink limestone. Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe showcase elegant opulence, close to Juliet’s balcony. For a change of scene, venture into the Valpolicella vineyards, visit the Palladian city of Vicenza, or take to the waters of stunning Lake Garda. During your stay, you have the opportunity to attend the world-renowned Verona Opera (payable locally); your visit coincides with the first night of the 100th anniversary performance of Aida.

  4. Day 4overnight: Verona

    At leisure in Verona

    Spend the next few days enjoying the Roman city of Verona. Stroll through this attractive walled city, famous for the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. For a change of scene, venture into the Valpolicella vineyards, visit the Palladian city of Vicenza, or take to the waters of stunning Lake Garda. During your stay, you have the opportunity to attend the world-renowned Verona Opera (payable locally); your visit coincides with the first night of the 100th anniversary performance of Aida.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Verona & the Orient Express

    This morning, after breakfast, you prepare to board the world-famous Orient Express bound for Amsterdam. Step aboard the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will show you to your private cabin and attend to you throughout your journey. After you have settled in, enjoy a three-course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your cabin as the journey passes through the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps, or chat with fellow travellers in the Bar Car. Afternoon tea is served in your cabin. Before dinner, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the Bar Car, then make your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars where a delicious four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs is served. When ready, return to your compartment, now transformed into a cosy bedroom.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Amsterdam

    The Orient Express through Paris to Amsterdam

    Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you. The train pulls into Paris Gare de l’Est for a short stop to replenish supplies, giving you time to stretch your legs. Afterwards, the journey continues north towards Amsterdam. Enjoy today’s delicious lunch and browse the onboard boutique for elegant gifts and exclusive mementos. Before arrival in Amsterdam, your steward serves indulgent pastries in your cabin, accompanied by tea and coffee. Soon, you arrive in Amsterdam and disembark. Make your way to the highly rated Hotel Estherea (4-star), your base for the next few days, and begin exploring the beautiful canals and sights of the Dutch capital.

  7. Day 7overnight: Amsterdam

    Exploring Amsterdam

    Amsterdam boasts colourful and lively markets, including the pretty Flower Market. You may also like to stroll through Vondelpark. Perhaps visit the Anne Frank House (payable locally), or explore Amsterdam’s lesser-known districts such as the Jordaan and De Pijp. The Museum Quarter offers an excellent selection of cultural highlights, including the world-famous Van Gogh Museum. You might prefer to simply wander the city at leisure, crossing its network of bridges and canals, pausing in cafés and bars along the way.

  8. Day 8rail

    Farewell to Amsterdam and homeward bound

    Enjoy some final sights in Amsterdam before making your way to Centraal Station. Here you begin your journey home by Eurostar to London. Sit back and relax with a light meal and drink on board. The train reaches speeds of up to 186mph. Finally, arrive at St Pancras International for the final leg of your journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras at 186mph, crossing the Channel to Paris for a private taxi transfer across the city before boarding the TGV.
  • Day 2The EuroCity train climbs through the Rhône Valley into the Alps, passing Lake Geneva and soaring mountain peaks before arriving in Verona.
  • Day 5Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Verona; your steward shows you to your private cabin, followed by a three-course lunch in the restored restaurant car.
  • Day 6The Orient Express halts briefly at Paris Gare de l'Est to replenish supplies, allowing time to stretch your legs before the final leg to Amsterdam.

Included

  • First Class rail travel from London to Montreux, and on to Verona
  • 1 night in a lakeside room at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star superior) in Montreux
  • 3 nights’ B&B at the Hotel Accademia (4-star) in Verona
  • Overnight journey from Verona to Amsterdam aboard the legendary Orient Express in a twin compartment with all meals included on board
  • 2 nights’ B&B in a Classic Room at the highly rated Hotel Estherea (4-star) in Amsterdam
  • A private taxi transfer in Paris
  • Eurostar from Amsterdam back to London

Not included

  • Château de Chillon at Montreux (payable locally)
  • Amsterdam sightseeing such as Dutch barge canal trips and the Anne Frank House (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Eurostar from London to Paris (outbound and return), TGV Paris to Montreux, EuroCity Montreux to Verona, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Verona to Amsterdam are all included. All meals on the Orient Express are included.
What are the accommodations?
One night at the four-star Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux, three nights at the four-star Hotel Accademia in Verona, and two nights at the four-star Hotel Estherea in Amsterdam. Bed and breakfast is provided at all hotels.
Can I attend the Verona Opera?
Yes, the 100th anniversary performance of Aida at the Verona Opera Festival can be arranged during your three-night stay, but it is payable locally and not included in the tour price.
How much free time is there?
Days 3 and 4 in Verona are unguided; you explore at your own pace. The itinerary lists optional activities such as the Valpolicella vineyards, Vicenza, and Lake Garda. Day 7 in Amsterdam is also unguided, with suggestions for markets, parks, and museums.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is primarily independent, with a personal steward and cabin stewards on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Hotel-to-hotel transfers are not included, except for the private taxi in Paris.
What is the price?
Prices start from GBP 6,495 per person (approximately USD 8,674) based on two people travelling together. A fly alternative from London with British Airways starts from GBP 4,895 per person.

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