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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Venice Simplon Orient Express and Paris

Venice, the Orient Express, and Paris in six days from London

Illustration of Venice Simplon Orient Express and Paris

Great Rail Journeys combines two of Europe's most romantic cities with the world's most celebrated luxury train on this six-day independent journey. You fly from London to Venice, spend two days exploring the canals, squares, and bridges of the water city at your own pace, then board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an overnight sleeper journey to Paris. Aboard the train, you experience 1920s opulence: your private cabin, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner in the dining car. After arrival in Paris on Day 4, you have a full day to wander the Parisian streets, visit cafes, and enjoy the city's atmosphere before returning to London via Eurostar Plus on Day 6. Hotel accommodation is bed and breakfast in 4-star properties. This journey suits luxury-seeking couples and repeat rail travellers who want to experience the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as the centerpiece of a two-city escape.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 5,595 covers the package; the London-to-Venice outbound flight is booked separately via the optional extra.
  • Hotel choice in Venice (Hotel American Dinesen, Monaco & Grand Canal, or Hotel Baglioni Luna) and Paris (Villa Pantheon, Hotel La Lanterne, or Intercontinental Paris Le Grand) is selected at booking; the package does not guarantee a specific property.
  • Days 2 and 5 are entirely free with no guided activities or included meals beyond breakfast.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Your journey begins today with your flight from London to Venice. On arrival in Venice you'll transfer from Marco Polo Airport to Venice by boat, for your first introduction to this unique water city. You'll be transferred to your hotel, as you take in your first glimpses of the wonders of Venice. Choose between our 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Relax and enjoy a free day in Venice today, as you begin to discover this magical city. Take some time to slowly wander the narrow streets and watch Venetian life go by, relax with a coffee in one of the city's historic cafes and stroll over the bridges that yawn across the canals. Sample some of Venice's quality cuisine at lunch time and enjoy a gelato as you keep discovering more of the city. Alternatively, choose one of our optional excursions.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Enjoy a free morning in Venice for any last minute souvenir shopping, one more look at the magnificent canals from the bridges, or one more Italian coffee in one of the squares. Then join the Venice Simplon Orient Express for the most magical part of your tour. The most romantic journey from Venice to Paris aboard this nostalgic rail journey. Discover your luxurious accommodation and then amble along to one of the vintage dining cars for your elegant three course lunch. Relax in your cabin and watch the scenery drift by your window. Stroll down to one of the 1920s dining cars for your four course dinner, with wines paired by your onboard sommelier. Round off your evening with cocktails in the bar car.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Paris

    Arrival in Paris

    Prepare to arrive in Paris today with a French breakfast in your cabin. Your steward will serve you fresh pastries and coffee while you take your time in the comfort of your private accommodation. Or, amble along to one of the dining cars for a luxury breakfast of smoked salmon and caviar. On arrival in Paris you'll transfer to your hotel. Choose from our handpicked hotels, 4* or 5*, on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Paris

    Paris

    You don't have to wander far from your hotel on your free day in Paris today, to soak up the Parisian atmosphere. The Latin quarter has some nostalgic old arthouse cinemas. For some quiet time, head to the Salle Ovale de Richelieu. Or simply wander the Parisian streets and stop for a coffee at a pavement café. Or, choose one of our optional excursions to get to know Paris better.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6rail

    Paris to London

    Make the most of your last bit of free time in Paris to grab any last minute shopping, before it's time to take your transfer to Paris Gare du Nord where you'll catch the Eurostar back to London St Pancras Station.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Overnight aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris, with three-course lunch and four-course dinner in the dining car.
  • Day 1Boat transfer from Marco Polo Airport to your hotel across Venice's canals on arrival.
  • Day 4Wake in Paris to fresh pastries and coffee served in your cabin, or breakfast in the dining car with smoked salmon and caviar.

Included

  • 4 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Overnight journey between Venice and Paris on the Venice Simplon Orient Express
  • Eurostar Plus between Paris and London
  • Boat transfer to your chosen hotel in Venice on arrival
  • Flight from London to Venice

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between Venice and Paris, with meals, and Eurostar Plus from Paris back to London. The outbound flight from London to Venice is booked separately.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Great Rail Journeys describes it as independent. You receive transfers, hotel accommodation, and train tickets, but explore Venice and Paris on your own schedule.
What meals are included?
Bed and breakfast daily at the hotels. Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on Day 3, a three-course lunch and four-course dinner are included.
How many nights do I spend on the train?
One night, on the journey from Venice to Paris on Day 3. You sleep in a historic cabin with private accommodation.
What is the single-supplement cost?
The pack does not state a single supplement price; contact Great Rail Journeys directly.
Are there optional activities?
Yes. Optional extras include a walking tour of Venice, private gondola rides, a Grand Canal motor launch, the Louvre Museum tour, a Seine river dinner cruise, and a Paris food tour.

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