Great Rail Journeys
Venice Simplon Orient Express and Classic Italian Cities
8 daysfrom $6,804
Great Rail Journeys · Independent
Venice Simplon Orient Express & Lake Garda
Step back in time aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and unwind by Lake Garda on this luxurious and nostalgic European rail tour.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
