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Tailor Made Rail · Rail holiday

Venice Carnival 2027 by Rail

Six-day rail journey from London to Venice Carnival, returning via Montreux

Illustration of Venice Carnival 2027 by Rail

Tailor Made Rail combines six days of continuous rail travel with three nights in Venice during Carnival, one of Europe's oldest and most famous annual celebrations. Beginning in London, you cross the Channel on Eurostar, speed through France on the TGV Lyria, and enter Switzerland by rail, passing through a landscape of Alpine peaks and valleys. Day 2 takes you over or through the Gotthard into Italy, descending into the Venetian Lagoon by train. You then spend three full days in Venice itself, during Carnival season when the city fills with masked revelers, costume pageants, and street performances centered on St Mark's Square. The return journey follows the Simplon route through the Alps to Montreux, a lakeside town on Lake Geneva, before Eurostar carries you back to London. All rail travel is in standard class with included seat reservations. Five nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, travel documentation, and proactive rerouting in case of strikes round out the package. This trip suits independent travelers comfortable navigating European cities and those seeking a festival experience framed by scenic rail and multiple countries.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary includes hotel booking options marked 'or similar'; your final accommodation may differ from the named properties depending on availability and tier.
  • Venice Carnival tickets for balls and paid events are not included; these must be booked separately through the Venice Carnival website.
  • Day 3 and 4 in Venice occur during peak Carnival season, meaning large crowds and high foot traffic throughout the city.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    London to Zurich

    Catch a Eurostar and connect onto the high-speed TGV Lyria service through France and into Switzerland. Check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel Adler (or similar) in Zurich, and enjoy an evening in the historic Lindenhof area.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Zurich to Venice

    Head back to the station for the journey into the Alps, choosing between the 35-mile Gotthard Tunnel or the longer route through the Gotthard Pass, before descending into Italy, passing through Verona and crossing the Venetian Lagoon by the Ponte della Libertà. Make your way to the Hotel Bisanzio (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice Carnival

    The Venice Carnival is believed to have started at the end of the 12th century as a celebration of victory in battle, evolving into a yearly festival. St Mark's Square is at the heart of things, where you are likely to spot the best costumes; buy a carnival mask and get involved.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice Carnival

    A further day enjoying the Venice Carnival festivities. If you want to attend a ball or other paid event, tickets can be bought on the Venice Carnival website.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    Venice to Montreux

    Make your way back to the station on the Grand Canal for the train service to Montreux via Milan and the Simplon route through the Alps. Check in at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (or similar), a lakeside town famous for its annual jazz festival and the photogenic Château de Chillon.

  6. Day 6rail

    Montreux to London

    Head along the shores of Lake Geneva, with the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyards to your right. Change at Geneva and catch a high-speed TGV to Paris, then cross from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord for the Eurostar back to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Cross the Channel by Eurostar, then board the TGV Lyria through France into Switzerland, arriving in Zurich's historic Lindenhof area.
  • Day 2Day 2: Travel through the Alps via the Gotthard Tunnel or Gotthard Pass, descending into Italy through Verona before crossing the Venetian Lagoon by rail.
  • Day 3Day 3: Explore Venice Carnival in St Mark's Square, where masked costumed revelers gather; purchase a carnival mask and join the festivities.
  • Day 5Day 5: Depart Venice by train via Milan and the Simplon route through the Alps, arriving in Montreux on Lake Geneva near Château de Chillon.
  • Day 6Day 6: Travel along Lake Geneva shores with views of the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyards, then return to London via Geneva, Paris, and Eurostar.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 5 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations where required, and despatch of tickets by email. First Class upgrades are available for an additional fee starting at GBP 150 per person.
What trains do you travel on?
You board the Eurostar from London to Paris, the TGV Lyria from Paris to Zurich, scenic Alpine rail via the Gotthard route from Zurich to Venice, and the Simplon route rail from Venice through Milan to Montreux. The return journey uses TGV from Geneva to Paris and Eurostar from Paris to London.
Which hotels are included?
One night at Hotel Adler in Zurich, three nights at Hotel Bisanzio in Venice, and one night at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux (or similar properties). All include breakfast.
When does this trip run?
The trip is scheduled for Venice Carnival 2027. No specific departure dates are listed; contact Tailor Made Rail to confirm availability.
What is not included in the price?
Venice Carnival ball and event tickets, meals other than breakfast, local transport in cities, and any optional first-class rail upgrades.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
This is an independent rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides documentation and handles bookings; you navigate cities and attractions on your own.

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