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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & the Italian Lakes

Italian lakes and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Zurich to Paris

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & the Italian Lakes

Marvellous Escapes offers an 11-day luxury rail holiday that combines the elegance of Italy's lakes with an overnight journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world's most celebrated sleeper trains. The trip departs London St Pancras via Eurostar and continues by TGV Lyria to Zurich, where you begin your journey. From there, you travel by first-class rail to Lake Como for three nights, then Lake Garda for three nights, followed by a two-night stay in Venice. On Day 10, you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an overnight passage to Paris, enjoying a three-course lunch as the scenery shifts from the Italian Dolomites to the Arlberg route, followed by dinner prepared by chef Jean Imbert, with aperitif service in Bar Car '3674' and a resident pianist. The trip suits luxury-seekers and couples seeking romance and refined rail travel, as well as repeat rail travellers drawn to famous train experiences. Most days at the lakes are free to explore independently, allowing you to visit lakeside towns, villas, and vineyards at a relaxed pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package departs from London St Pancras and includes Eurostar and TGV Lyria services to Zurich; confirm final accommodation details with Marvellous Escapes, as some nights are described as hotel stays with breakfast but specific properties are not named.
  • Days 3, 4, 6, and 7 are largely free and unguided; you explore at your own pace without scheduled activities or guided tours.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Travel on the Eurostar to Paris, and continue your journey on to Zurich, where you will stay overnight.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Scenic rail journey from Zurich to Como, travelling through Switzerland and Italy.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Explore Lake Como at your own pace - a ferry ride, or the towns of Bellagio and Varenna.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Free day around Lake Como - lakeside towns, Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    First-class rail journey from Lake Como to Desenzano del Garda via Milan.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    Explore Desenzano at your own pace - beaches, hilltop castle, or a ferry to Sirmione.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lake Garda

    Lake Garda

    Further exploration of the Lake Garda area, including Sirmione and nearby vineyards (Valpolicella, Soave, Bardolino).

  8. Day 8railovernight: Venice

    Venice

    First-class train to Venice, with a private water taxi transfer to your hotel on arrival.

  9. Day 9overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Leisurely morning exploring Venice, followed by a private 30-minute gondola ride through the canals.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Depart Venice

    Shared water taxi to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the journey to Paris. Three-course lunch in the dining cars as the scenery changes from the Italian Dolomites to the Arlberg route. Dinner by chef Jean Imbert, with an aperitif in Bar Car '3674' and a resident pianist in the evening.

  11. Day 11rail

    Paris/Return home

    French breakfast served by your steward as the train arrives in Paris, concluding your Orient Express and Lake Como journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Scenic rail journey from Zurich to Como through Switzerland and Italy, arriving at Lake Como for a three-night stay.
  • Day 8First-class train to Venice with a private water-taxi transfer to your hotel on arrival.
  • Day 9Private 30-minute gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
  • Day 10Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice for an overnight journey to Paris, with three-course lunch in the dining cars, dinner by chef Jean Imbert, aperitif service in Bar Car '3674', and a resident pianist in the evening.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Garda with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • Overnight accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • Eurostar from London St Pancras with onward TGV Lyria service to Zurich
  • Included rail journeys between Zurich, the Italian lakes and Venice
  • Private and shared water-taxi services in Venice
  • Secure reservation for the Eurostar back to London
  • Private Gondola Tour

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes Eurostar from London St Pancras, TGV Lyria to Zurich, first-class rail journeys between Zurich, Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Venice, and a full overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris with dining and bar service.
What is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
A legendary luxury sleeper train. On this trip, you board in Venice on Day 10 and travel overnight to Paris, with three-course lunch, a three-course dinner by chef Jean Imbert, an aperitif in Bar Car '3674', and a resident pianist. You sleep aboard and arrive in Paris on Day 11 for French breakfast.
Which hotels are included?
One night in Zurich with breakfast, three nights in Lake Como with breakfast, three nights in Lake Garda with breakfast, and two nights in Venice with breakfast. One night is spent aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is a tailor-made package. Rail journeys between cities are arranged, but Days 3, 4, 6, and 7 are free days on which you explore Lake Como and Lake Garda independently. In Venice, you receive a private gondola ride on Day 9 and a water-taxi transfer on Day 8, but morning exploration on Day 9 is at your own pace.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes leisurely mornings and free days exploring lakeside towns and Venice on foot. You use private and shared water-taxi services to minimize luggage handling and physical strain.
What is not included in the price?
The package does not list meals beyond those aboard the train and hotel breakfasts. Lunch and dinner during the lake days and in Venice (except the Train's meals on Day 10) are not specified as included.

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