Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Venice & the Italian Lakes by Sleeper Train

Sleeper train from London to Venice, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, then Geneva

Illustration of Venice & the Italian Lakes by Sleeper Train

Marvellous Escapes runs this 11-day rail journey from London through the heart of central Europe, beginning with Eurostar and onward rail to Stuttgart, where you board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train for an overnight passage into Italy. You arrive in Venice on day 3 and spend three days exploring the city on foot, by gondola, and by boat to the glassmaking island of Murano, the colourful houses of Burano, and the quieter island of Torcello. Day 6 brings a rail journey south to Lake Garda, where a leisure day allows you to visit Sirmione's medieval castle or take your own boat trip. The route then continues by train through Milan to Stresa on Lake Maggiore, where an included hop on hop off boat tour reaches the Borromean Islands and lakeside gardens. A scenic Alpine rail crossing delivers you to Geneva for your final night before the return journey to London via Paris. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking lakeside calm, and those who value a blend of guided experiences with time to wander independently.

What to know before you look closer

  • The trip begins with travel to Stuttgart from London (Eurostar and onward rail); the sleeper train departs Stuttgart on the evening of day 2.
  • Two different lakes require two further rail journeys; the itinerary includes a train change in Milan en route to Lake Maggiore.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Stuttgart

    Stuttgart

    Travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar, continuing through Belgium and Germany towards Stuttgart.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Sleeper train

    Venice

    Free day in Stuttgart. Board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train in the evening for the overnight journey south towards Italy.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Arrive into Venice. Private water taxi transfer from Venice Santa Lucia station to your hotel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Included walking tour through Venice's history, hidden corners and landmarks, plus a traditional gondola ride.

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Included excursion to the islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Murano (glassmaking), Burano (colourful houses and lace-making) and Torcello.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    Rail journey to Desenzano del Garda on the southern shores of Lake Garda.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    Day at leisure around Lake Garda - Sirmione's medieval castle and thermal waters, or a boat trip across the lake.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lake Maggiore

    Lake Maggiore

    Rail journey through northern Italy to the lakeside town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, with a change of trains in Milan.

  9. Day 9overnight: Lake Maggiore

    Lake Maggiore

    Included hop on hop off boat tour on Lake Maggiore, including the Borromean Islands and lakeside gardens.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Rail journey into Switzerland through Alpine landscapes to Geneva.

  11. Day 11rail

    Return home

    Rail from Geneva to Paris, connecting with the Eurostar service to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train in Stuttgart for an overnight journey south into Italy.
  • Day 4Take a guided walking tour through Venice's landmarks and a traditional gondola ride.
  • Day 5Full-day excursion to the Venetian Lagoon islands of Murano (glassmaking), Burano (colourful houses and lace), and Torcello.
  • Day 9Hop on hop off boat tour on Lake Maggiore visiting the Borromean Islands and lakeside gardens.
  • Day 10Scenic rail journey through Alpine landscapes from northern Italy into Switzerland to Geneva.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Stuttgart and Geneva with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Garda & Lake Maggiore with breakfast included
  • Overnight sleeper train accommodation from Stuttgart to Venice
  • Roundtrip rail from London
  • OBB Nightjet sleeper train
  • Hop on hop off boat tour in Lake Maggiore
  • The Pearls Of The Venice Lagoon: Murano, Burano & Torcello
  • Discover Venice Walking tour & Gondola Ride

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes roundtrip rail from London, the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train from Stuttgart to Venice, and connecting day trains to Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Geneva, and Paris.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a mix. Marvellous Escapes includes a guided walking tour and gondola ride in Venice, a full-day excursion to the Venetian Lagoon islands, and a hop on hop off boat tour on Lake Maggiore. Other days, such as the leisure day at Lake Garda and the day in Geneva, are unguided.
What accommodation is included?
Hotel stays with breakfast in Stuttgart, Venice (3 nights), Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and Geneva, plus one night aboard the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train.
How much walking is involved?
The guided walking tour in Venice involves city walking; the boat tours and lagoon excursion require standard waterside mobility. A leisure day at Lake Garda allows you to choose your own activity level.
What is the starting price?
From GBP 2,399 per person (approximately USD 3,204).

Similar journeys