Planet Rail
London to Venice & Venice to Amsterdam on the Orient Express
7 daysfrom $7,072
Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday
The Verona Opera & Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - Verona to Amsterdam
The Verona Opera & Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers opera, culture and a luxurious rail journey to Amsterdam.
Day by day
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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)
