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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Venice by Sleeper Rail

London to Venice by sleeper train, returning via Swiss Alps

Illustration of Venice by Sleeper Rail

Marvellous Escapes operates this 8-day tailor-made rail holiday from London to Venice and back, centered on an overnight journey aboard the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train. You depart London on day 1, travelling via Brussels and Frankfurt to Stuttgart, where you spend a night exploring the city's elegant squares, historic architecture, and traditional beer halls. On day 2 evening, you board the sleeper train for the overnight passage to Venice, arriving by private water taxi on day 3 morning. Four nights in Venice follow, with included experiences: a walking tour through the city's streets and alleyways, a traditional gondola ride, and guided visits to Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica. Days 3 and 6 offer free time to explore further or enjoy Venetian cuisine at a canal-side restaurant. On day 7, you depart by rail, journeying north through Milan and the Alpine scenery of Switzerland to Zurich for an overnight stay. Your return on day 8 takes you by scenic rail through Paris before connecting to London. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking the romance of sleeper travel, couples looking for guided cultural experiences with personal freedom, and history enthusiasts drawn to Venice's landmarks.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of £1,999 covers the package and accommodation; confirm that rail fares from London are included or booked separately before purchasing.
  • Day 1 involves travel from London via Brussels and Frankfurt before reaching Stuttgart, making it a long journey day.
  • Venice accommodation is described as four nights but spread across six calendar days (arrival on day 3, departure on day 7), so confirm the exact number of hotel nights when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Stuttgart

    Stuttgart

    Travel from London to Stuttgart via Brussels and Frankfurt, watching the scenery change from the English countryside to Belgium and Germany.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Sleeper train

    Venice

    Free day to explore Stuttgart at leisure - elegant squares, historic architecture, museums and traditional beer halls. Board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train in the evening for the overnight journey to Venice.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Arrive into Venice this morning. Private water taxi transfer from Venice Santa Lucia station to your hotel. Remainder of the day free to explore.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Included walking tour through Venice's streets and hidden corners, plus a traditional gondola ride through the canals.

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Guided tour of Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica. Remainder of the day free for further exploration.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Final full day at leisure in Venice - perhaps visit Murano and Burano, or enjoy Venetian cuisine at a canal-side restaurant.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Depart Venice by rail, journeying north through Italy towards Milan before continuing through Alpine scenery into Switzerland, arriving in Zurich.

  8. Day 8rail

    Return home

    Final scenic rail journey from Zurich to Paris before connecting onwards to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train in Stuttgart in the evening for the overnight journey to Venice.
  • Day 3Arrive in Venice by private water taxi transfer from Venice Santa Lucia station.
  • Day 4Included walking tour through Venice's streets and a traditional gondola ride through the canals.
  • Day 5Guided tour of Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica.
  • Day 7Depart Venice by rail, journeying north through Italy and Milan before continuing through Alpine scenery into Switzerland to Zurich.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Stuttgart & Zurich with breakfast included
  • 4-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • Overnight sleeper train accommodation
  • Roundtrip Rail from London
  • Discover Venice walking tour and gondola ride
  • Guided Visit To Doge's Palace And Saint Mark's Basilica

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes roundtrip rail from London, the ÖBB NightJet sleeper train from Stuttgart to Venice, and rail travel from Venice through Milan and the Swiss Alps to Zurich and Paris.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
This is a tailor-made rail holiday with included guided experiences: a Venice walking tour, gondola ride, and guided visits to Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica. You have free time to explore on other days.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Stuttgart, Venice, and Zurich; sleeper train accommodation; roundtrip rail from London; private water taxi transfer in Venice; the walking tour and gondola ride; and guided visits to Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica.
How many nights are in Venice?
Four nights in a hotel, from arrival on day 3 to departure on day 7.
What trains are used?
The ÖBB NightJet sleeper train carries you from Stuttgart to Venice. Daytime rail journeys are included from London to Stuttgart, Venice to Zurich, and Zurich to Paris.
How much walking is involved?
The included walking tour explores Venice's streets and hidden corners. Days 3 and 6 are free for leisure, and visits to Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica are included, so some walking and stair climbing should be expected.

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