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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Jungfrau Express

Luxury Swiss Alps and Venice journey aboard two legendary trains

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & Jungfrau Express

Great Rail Journeys' 8-day escorted tour pairs two of Europe's most celebrated trains: a cogwheel ascent aboard the Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest station, and an overnight voyage on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris. Departing London, the journey begins with a flight to Zürich and a scenic rail passage through the Swiss Alps to Interlaken, a town set between lakes and mountains. A free day offers optional excursions to nearby peaks. From Interlaken, the Jungfrau Express climbs through the Eiger tunnel to the glacier-crowned summit station. The route then descends through alpine peaks to Italy's lakes and Venice, where a second free day allows gondola rides and exploration of canals and gothic architecture. On day six, you board the Orient-Express in its Historic Cabin, enjoying four-course dinners, live music, and a personal steward. The final day brings breakfast aboard as the train nears Paris, then a Eurostar return to London. Accommodation spans five nights in 4-star hotels. This tour suits luxury travellers and repeat rail enthusiasts drawn to mountain scenery and the romance of legendary train travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary includes optional excursions in Interlaken (Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte) and Venice (Murano, Burano, Grand Canal tours) that are booked and paid separately at a supplement.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be arranged separately.
  • The from-price of GBP 5,575 (USD 7,445) applies to the published package; availability and pricing depend on departure date and cabin selection on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Your unforgettable holiday begins

    Your journey begins with a flight from London to Zürich. Upon arrival, you will make your way to the airport's train station, where you will board a train to Interlaken, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The scenic rail journey through the Swiss countryside offers stunning views of rolling hills and picturesque villages, with the panoramas increasing in drama on the approach to Interlaken. After checking in to your accommodation, you will have the evening to settle in and explore the beautiful lakeside town.

  2. Day 2overnight: Interlaken

    Exploring the Bernese Oberland at leisure

    Enjoy a free day in Interlaken, the town between two lakes, where a boat trip on one of these beautiful lakes is a must-do. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around town or wander the pretty streets. Alternatively, choose one of the optional excursions (Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte) bookable at a supplement.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    To the 'Top of Europe' on the incredible Jungfrau Express

    Today is dedicated to an unforgettable trip to the 'Top of Europe' – Europe's highest train station. Taking a series of scenic trains from Interlaken, you reach the alpine hamlet of Kleine Scheidegg. From here, board the Jungfrau Express for the final section on this astonishing cogwheel train, entering an incredible tunnel which cuts through the Eiger. On reaching Jungfraujoch, the vistas from the Sphinx viewing platform are truly awe-inspiring. You can see the stunning Aletsch Glacier – a UNESCO World Heritage wonder – which stretches as far as the eye can see. Spend some time exploring this remarkable destination, entering the magical Ice Palace or the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven. Later, return to Interlaken for a relaxing evening.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Venice

    Across the Alps to Venice by rail

    Leaving Interlaken this morning, you will embark on a spectacular rail journey that takes you south past the alpine peaks and across the border to Italy's lakes. Today provides a clear transition between two different landscapes, with the mountains of Switzerland gradually giving way to the warmer, more Mediterranean scenes of the Italian countryside. Your destination is the remarkable floating city of Venice, where upon arrival at Venice Santa Lucia station, you will transfer to your chosen hotel for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Discovering the charms of Venice

    Enjoy a free day in Venice where you can wander the narrow streets at your leisure and discover the charms of this romantic city. Take a gondola ride and view the canals from one of the many ornate bridges. Visit a museum or an art gallery or take in the intricate gothic architecture evident on many of the city's buildings as you walk around town. Optional excursions available: Private Half-Day Excursion to Murano and Burano, Private Grand Canal Motor Launch with Guide, Walking Tour of Venice.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (aboard train)

    Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Your time in Venice comes to an end in glorious fashion as you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Settling into your historic cabin, watch as the Floating City fades into the distance as you begin this sensational journey. With carriages dating from the 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco details have been thoughtfully restored, while every carriage has a personal steward on hand to deliver top-quality service. Relax in your luxury cabin before heading to the restored restaurant car for a four-course dinner. Later, get to know your fellow passengers while live music from the pianist adds to the atmosphere in the bar car. At the end of the evening, settle into your cosy cabin for a night aboard the world's most famous luxury train.

    Meals: Dinner

  7. Day 7rail

    Homeward bound

    The final day of your trip begins with a leisurely start and breakfast served in the comfort of your cabin as the train continues its journey toward Paris. After a final delightful lunch onboard, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express arrives in Paris. Upon disembarking at Paris Gare de l'Est station, transfer to Gare du Nord to return to London in Plus class on the Eurostar, enjoying a light meal at your seat. On arrival at St Pancras, this magnificent week of alpine scenery and old-world luxury draws to a close.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Eurostar light meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Jungfrau Express cogwheel train from Kleine Scheidegg, entering a tunnel cut through the Eiger en route to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, where the Aletsch Glacier is visible from the Sphinx viewing platform.
  • Day 6Depart Venice in a Historic Cabin aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, enjoying Art Deco interiors, a four-course dinner in the restored restaurant car, cocktails and live music in Bar Car 3674, and 24-hour steward service.
  • Day 7Breakfast in your cabin as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express approaches Paris, followed by the final leg home on Eurostar Plus from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras.

Included

  • 1 night in a Historic Cabin aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train
  • 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Flight from London to Zürich
  • Eurostar Plus from Paris to London St Pancras
  • Rail and private transfers throughout the journey
  • Eurostar light meal
  • All meals aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • 24-hour steward service aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • Onboard entertainment

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

What trains are included?
The package includes the Jungfrau Express from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris in a Historic Cabin, and Eurostar Plus from Paris to London. Rail and private transfers throughout the journey are also included.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
Great Rail Journeys operates this as an escorted tour. Free days in Interlaken and Venice allow leisure exploration, and optional guided excursions can be booked separately.
What meals are included?
All meals aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are included, including a four-course dinner, breakfast served in your cabin, and lunch. Beverages, including alcoholic drinks, are included aboard the train. A light meal is provided on Eurostar Plus. Meals in hotels are not mentioned.
What is the accommodation like?
You stay five nights in 4-star hotel accommodation, including two nights at Hotel American Dinesen in Venice. The sixth night is spent in a Historic Cabin aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with 24-hour steward service.
How much walking is involved?
The Jungfrau Express day involves boarding multiple scenic trains and some walking at Jungfraujoch. Venice exploration is on foot through narrow streets. Beyond that, walking is minimal; private transfers handle airport and station connections.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Optional excursions in Interlaken and Venice are available at a supplement and must be booked and paid separately.

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