Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Classic Italian Cities

Rome, Florence, and Venice to Paris on the Simplon-Orient-Express.

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Classic Italian Cities

Vacations By Rail's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Classic Italian Cities is a 9-day independent luxury rail journey starting in Rome and finishing in Paris. The itinerary spans three of Italy's most celebrated cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice, with two nights in each, before the grand finale: an overnight aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Days begin with private transfers from handpicked four- and five-star hotels and include guided tours led by local experts. In Rome, a chauffeur-driven tour covers St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain. In Florence, a walking tour reveals the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Renaissance landmarks. In Venice, a guide leads you through the city's historic squares and across the Bridge of Sighs. Rail travel between the Italian cities is in First Class on high-speed trains. The journey culminates with a four-course dinner and live piano music aboard the world's most famous luxury train. This package suits couples, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking independent mobility paired with curated experiences and exceptional accommodation.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel choice depends on tier and city; the package lists multiple options per location (three in Rome, three in Venice, etc.), so your final hotel is not guaranteed until booking.
  • The from-price covers the rail travel and hotels; flights to and from Rome and Paris are not included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arrival in Rome

    Arrive in Rome and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, choosing between handpicked four-star and five-star hotels, with the rest of the day free.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Touring the 'Eternal City' of Rome

    A chauffeur-driven tour through Rome's historic streets, seeing St Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, with an English-speaking driver providing commentary.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Rome to Florence

    Transfer to the station to board a high-speed train to Florence, a journey of just under two hours through the Tuscan countryside, then transfer to your chosen four-star hotel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Discovering Florence

    A walking tour of Florence's city center, passing Giotto's bell tower, the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Croce and Ponte Vecchio, plus hidden gems like the Orsanmichele façade.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Florence to Venice

    A free morning in Florence before transferring to the station for a high-speed train to Venice, just over two hours through Emilia-Romagna, then transfer to your chosen four- or five-star hotel.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Exploring Venice

    An exclusive walking tour led by a local guide through Venice's 'campis', visiting the Bridge of Sighs and concluding at the Rialto Bridge.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Train (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express)

    Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Board the Venice Simplon Orient Express in your historic cabin for a four-course dinner in the restored restaurant car, live piano music in the bar car, and a night aboard the world's most famous luxury train.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Paris

    Arriving in Paris

    Breakfast aboard the Orient Express, unwinding as the train arrives in Paris around 1pm, then transfer to your hotel in the Latin Quarter.

  9. Day 9

    Homeward bound

    A relaxed breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer to Paris' airport, concluding the vacation.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A chauffeur-driven tour of Rome passes St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain.
  • Day 3A high-speed train carries you through the Tuscan countryside from Rome to Florence in just under two hours.
  • Day 4A walking tour of Florence's city center includes Giotto's bell tower, the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Orsanmichele façade.
  • Day 6A local guide leads an exclusive walking tour through Venice, crossing the Bridge of Sighs and ending at the Rialto Bridge.
  • Day 7You board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a historic cabin for a four-course dinner in the restaurant car, live piano music in the bar, and an overnight journey to Paris.

Included

  • 7-nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • 1 night onboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express (fully inclusive)
  • First Class rail travel in Italy
  • Overnight journey from Venice to Paris on the Venice Simplon Orient Express
  • Private transfers

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Arrival and departure flights

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 this an escorted or independent tour?
This is a self-guided independent luxury vacation. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary, with private transfers arranged between hotels and stations. Guided tours are included in Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Which trains are included?
The package includes First Class rail travel on high-speed trains from Rome to Florence and Florence to Venice. The main highlight is one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris, with a four-course dinner and live piano music included.
What hotels are included?
Vacations By Rail provides a choice of four-star and five-star hotels in each city: three options in Rome (2 nights), two in Florence (2 nights), three in Venice (2 nights), and three in Paris (1 night).
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes walking tours of Rome's historic streets, Florence's city center, and Venice's neighborhoods and bridges. Expect moderate walking on these days; other days allow free time or rest.
What is not included in the price?
Flights, cancellation insurance, and travel insurance are not included. Travel insurance can be arranged separately.
How long is the trip?
The vacation is 9 days and 8 nights, departing Rome and ending in Paris.

Similar journeys