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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Venice Simplon Orient Express and Classic Italian Cities

Venice Simplon Orient Express with Italian cities and Eurostar return

Illustration of Venice Simplon Orient Express and Classic Italian Cities

Great Rail Journeys operates this 8-day independent journey starting in London and ending in Paris, with the centerpiece being a night aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express, one of the world's most famous luxury trains. You fly from London to Rome, where you have two free days to wander the historic streets, visit the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, and relax in piazza cafes. On Day 3, you travel First Class by high-speed train through Tuscan countryside to Florence, then enjoy another free day exploring galleries and Renaissance architecture. Day 5 takes you by First Class train through vineyards and rolling hills to Venice, where you have a day to stroll canals and visit historic sites. On Day 7, the highlight arrives: you board the Venice Simplon Orient Express in its Historic Cabins for the overnight journey to Paris. Aboard, Great Rail Journeys includes a three-course lunch, a four-course dinner with wine pairing, breakfast with smoked salmon and caviar, and entertainment from a pianist. On Day 8, you take Eurostar back to London. The package suits luxury-seekers, couples, history lovers, and repeat rail travelers seeking one of the world's most celebrated train experiences combined with unhurried time in three major Italian cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent tour; you organize your own sightseeing in Rome, Florence, and Venice using optional excursions available at a supplement.
  • The from-price of GBP 5,095 (USD 6,804) covers hotels, rail travel, the VSOE sleeper train, meals as listed, and the London-Rome flight; optional excursions, city transfers (except Rome arrival), and travel insurance are not included.
  • Hotel options vary by city and tier selected; your final accommodation depends on your choice within the 4-star or 5-star tiers offered.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    London to Rome

    Your journey begins with your flight from London to Rome. On arrival you'll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Check in to your chosen 4* or 5* hotel on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Enjoy a free day in Rome, wandering the historic streets and stopping for lunch at one of the city's authentic pizzerias. Visit the many monuments and water fountains, especially the iconic Trevi Fountain. Relax in one of the squares at a pavement café and stroll around with a gelato while you sight-see. Optional excursions are available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Rome to Florence

    Take some time in Rome this morning to pick up last minute souvenirs, then walk to the station or take an optional transfer to catch your high-speed train to Florence. The journey takes just under two hours through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. On arrival in Florence take your optional transfer or walk to your nearby hotel. Choose between 4* hotels on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Enjoy a free day in the cultural city of Florence. The entire city is a canvas with art to be found everywhere. Relax in one of the squares with a coffee and taste authentic Tuscan cuisine. Optional excursions are available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Florence to Venice

    A free morning in Florence to pick up any last minute souvenirs, before walking to the station to catch your high-speed train to Venice. The journey takes just over two hours through the stunning Tuscan countryside and the wine region of Emilia-Romagna, all the way to Venice. On arrival take an optional transfer or walk to your hotel. Choose from 4* or 5* hotels on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Relax and enjoy a free day in Venice. Stroll around the squares, stop for a coffee or gelato, and visit some of the historic cafes and bars. Walk over the many iconic bridges that stride the canals, visit a museum, or marvel at the incredible gothic architecture. Optional excursions are available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Enjoy a free morning in Venice for souvenir shopping or last minute sight-seeing, before boarding the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Relax in your cabin as the beautiful Italian countryside rolls by, and make your way to one of the restaurant cars for an elegant three-course lunch. Enjoy a luxury four-course dinner with expertly paired wines from the sommelier. After dinner, the onboard pianist entertains in the bar car.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Paris to London

    Take breakfast in your cabin or in one of the restaurant cars, including smoked salmon and caviar, as the train arrives in Paris. Leave the VSOE and catch the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Rome by flight from London and transfer to your 4-star or 5-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • Day 3Board a high-speed train from Rome to Florence, traveling just under two hours through Tuscan countryside.
  • Day 5Travel by high-speed train from Florence to Venice over just over two hours, passing through the wine region of Emilia-Romagna.
  • Day 7Board the Venice Simplon Orient Express in Venice; dine on a three-course lunch and four-course dinner with wine pairing in the restaurant cars while the Italian countryside passes by, and enjoy entertainment from an onboard pianist.
  • Day 8Take breakfast in your cabin or the restaurant car as the train arrives in Paris, then catch Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

Included

  • 6 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) in 4-star hotels
  • 1 night on the Venice Simplon Orient Express in Historic Cabins
  • First Class Rail in Italy
  • Standard Premier Class Eurostar between Paris and London
  • Flight from London to Rome
  • Private transfer on arrival in Rome

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Optional excursions (bookable at a supplement)
  • Optional transfers within cities
  • Personal expenses

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes your flight from London to Rome, First Class rail from Rome to Florence, First Class rail from Florence to Venice, one night in a Historic Cabin aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express from Venice to Paris, and Standard Premier Eurostar from Paris to London St Pancras.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is independent. You have free days to explore Rome, Florence, and Venice on your own. Optional excursions such as Roman panoramic tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and Chianti bike tours are available at a supplement.
What is included in the Venice Simplon Orient Express night?
Great Rail Journeys includes your Historic Cabin, a three-course lunch, a four-course dinner with wine pairing selected by the sommelier, breakfast in your cabin or restaurant car, and entertainment from an onboard pianist in the bar car.
Which hotels are offered?
In Rome you choose from the Marcella Royal (4-star), Rose Garden Palace (4-star), or Inn at the Spanish Steps (5-star); in Florence from Hotel Rapallo (4-star) or Santa Maria Novella (4-star); in Venice from Hotel American Dinesen (4-star), Monaco & Grand Canal (4-star), or Hotel Baglioni Luna (5-star). All are on a bed and breakfast basis.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast is included daily at your hotel. On Day 7 aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express, Great Rail Journeys provides lunch and a four-course dinner with wine pairing. All other meals you arrange yourself.
How much walking is involved?
You walk to train stations (or may book optional transfers), and your free days in Rome, Florence, and Venice involve strolling streets, visiting museums, and crossing bridges. Optional walking tours and a bike tour are available at supplement.

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