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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Venice Simplon Orient Express & Lake Garda

Luxury rail journey from London to Paris via Lake Garda and Venice

Illustration of Venice Simplon Orient Express & Lake Garda

Great Rail Journeys operates this seven-day independent tour combining the luxury of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with leisure time at Lake Garda and Venice. The journey begins with a flight from London to Verona and a transfer to the four-star Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa on Lake Garda, where you have two free days to explore the medieval town of Sirmione, its castle, beaches, and lakeside walks. On Day 4, you travel by train to Venice and check into a four or five-star hotel for two more free days wandering the canals, bridges, and historic squares. The tour reaches its centrepiece on Day 6 when you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a vintage train with Art Deco cabins restored from the 1920s and 1930s, for an overnight journey to Paris with fine dining prepared by French chefs. Day 7 returns you to London via Eurostar Plus Class. This package suits luxury seekers and repeat rail travellers who appreciate the romance of a legendary train, as well as couples and independent explorers who want structure paired with freedom to roam.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour is independent; Days 2, 3, and 5 in Lake Garda and Venice have no guided activities or included meals except breakfast, though optional excursions are available at extra cost.
  • Hotel choice in Venice depends on the tier and city option selected; the package lists four options (two four-star, two five-star) on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
  • The from-price of £5,575 covers the package; flights from London to Verona and rail fares are included, but travel insurance is not.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lake Garda

    Outbound Travel – London to Lake Garda

    Your journey begins today with your flight from London to Verona. On arrival in Verona you'll be transferred to your hotel on Lake Garda. Alternatively, take a slow journey by train beginning with the Eurostar at St Pancras Station, travelling to Paris Gare du Nord, then from Paris Gare du Lyon to Lyon Part Dieu for an overnight stay, before continuing to Milan and Desenzano the next day.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    Enjoy a free day on Lake Garda and wander around the magical town of Sirmione. Sitting on the Sirmio Peninsula, this old town is almost completely surrounded by water. Take a walk around the stunning medieval castle, stroll the pretty old town, or visit one of the beaches. Optional excursions are available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    Another free day to explore Lake Garda and the surrounding area. Optional excursions available including private walking tour of Sirmione, private tour to Verona, private sunset and Prosecco boat tour, and private Amarone and Valpolicella wine region full day tour.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Venice

    Garda to Venice

    Following a leisurely breakfast in your hotel this morning, you'll be transferred to Desenzano Station where you'll catch the train to Venice. On arrival in Venice you can make your own way to your chosen hotel or choose an optional transfer by water taxi. Choose one of the 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Today you can enjoy a free day in Venice to wander the narrow streets, stroll over the historic bridges, and take some time in one of the squares to relax with a coffee. Get better acquainted with the romantic water city by spending a while in one of its old cafes, and visit a museum or two. Optional excursions available including private cooking class with lunch, private gondola ride with Prosecco, private orientation walking tour of Venice, and private half-day excursion to Murano and Burano.

    Meals: Breakfast

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

    Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Enjoy some free time in Venice before you board the Venice Simplon Orient Express for a very special journey to Paris. The carriages on this iconic train date from the 1920s and 1930s, with art deco details that have been thoughtfully restored. Italian waiters serve fine dining meals freshly prepared by French chefs, and live entertainment plays into the evening. In the morning you can choose to have your breakfast in bed, brought to your cabin by your steward.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7rail

    Arrive Paris – Return to London

    The Venice Simplon Orient Express arrives in Paris today. Enjoy your morning aboard the iconic train, and then make your way to Gare du Nord where you'll take the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore the medieval castle and old town of Sirmione, sitting on the Sirmio Peninsula almost completely surrounded by Lake Garda.
  • Day 4Travel by train from Desenzano to Venice, arriving by water in the city of canals.
  • Day 6Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an overnight journey to Paris in a historic cabin, with fine dining and Art Deco details from the 1920s and 1930s.

Included

  • 5 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Overnight journey between Venice and Paris on the Venice Simplon Orient Express
  • Eurostar Plus Class between Paris and London
  • Flight from London to Verona
  • Transfer to hotel on Lake Garda from Verona Airport

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris (overnight, with dinner and breakfast), Eurostar Plus Class from Paris to London, and a regional train from Desenzano to Venice. Flights from London to Verona are also included.
Is this tour guided or independent?
Independent. Great Rail Journeys provides accommodation, trains, and transfers, but Days 2, 3, and 5 are free. Optional excursions (such as private walking tours, cooking classes, gondola rides, and wine tours) are available at extra cost.
What hotels are included?
Three nights at the Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa on Lake Garda (four-star), and two nights in Venice at your choice of four or five-star hotels (Hotel American Dinesen, Monaco & Grand Canal, or Hotel Baglioni Luna) on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
What meals are included?
Breakfast daily. Dinner is included on Day 6 aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. All other meals are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Days in Venice and Sirmione involve walking through old towns, across bridges, and around medieval sites. No hikes or strenuous activity are described.
What is the cheapest price?
From £5,575 (about $7,445 USD). This is the starting price for the package as shown; final cost depends on hotel choice in Venice and any optional excursions.

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