Search

Railbookers · Luxury rail vacation

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London and Paris to Venice, with the Bernina Express and Glacier Express

London and Paris to Venice, Bernina Express and Glacier Express to Zermatt

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London and Paris to Venice, with the Bernina Express and Glacier Express

Railbookers operates this 13-day, 12-night rail vacation that links four of Europe's best-known train journeys. The trip opens with two nights each in London and Paris, including a private guided tour of the Tower of London and a dinner cruise on the Seine, before travelers board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an overnight run to Venice in a Private Historic Cabin. After three nights in Venice, with one day left free for Murano, Burano or the Lido, the Bernina Express carries travelers through the mountains to St. Moritz, followed by the Glacier Express across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels to Zermatt. A final day trip on the Gornergrat cog railway climbs to 3,090 meters for views of the Matterhorn before the tour ends with a train to Zurich. The pace suits travelers who want an ambitious, multi-country rail itinerary with the comfort of private transfers and guided sightseeing built in.

What to know before you look closer

  • The optional funicular and cable-car ride to Piz Nair in St. Moritz only runs from May to October (day 10).
  • The 13-day itinerary changes hotels five times across four countries, with only one full free day built in, in Venice (day 8).

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Welcome to London! Overnight stay, then explore the city and perhaps a West End show.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    Private expert guide tour of the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels Collection, and St. Paul's Cathedral.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Private transfer to St. Pancras, Eurostar to Paris, transfer to hotel for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Skip-the-line tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower, then an evening scenic cruise along the Seine with dinner.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    The Venice Simplon to Orient Express

    Board the Continental Wagons-Lits, dress for dinner, an Agatha Christie Bellini and a four-course meal in the restaurant car.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Arrival in Venice

    Breakfast in your cabin through the Alps, lunch as you cross into Italy, then a boat transfer down the Grand Canal to your hotel for a three-night stay.

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Skip the line tour of the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica; afternoon at St Mark's Square or Harry's Bar.

  8. Day 8overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Day at leisure, optional trip to Murano and Burano or the Lido.

  9. Day 9railovernight: St. Moritz

    Bernina Express to St. Moritz

    Early train from Venice to Milan and Tirano, then connect to the Bernina Express through the mountains to St Moritz. Check in for a 2-night stay.

  10. Day 10overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Optional funicular and cable-car ride to Piz Nair (May-Oct only), or relax around the lake.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    Journey aboard the Glacier Express, over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, arriving in car-free Zermatt for a two-night stay.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Ride the historic Gornergrat cog railway to 3090m for spectacular views of the Matterhorn.

  13. Day 13rail

    End Of Tour

    Train to Zurich airport for a flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's Continental Wagons-Lits carriages for an Agatha Christie Bellini and a four-course dinner.
  • Day 9The Bernina Express carries the train through the mountains from Tirano to St. Moritz.
  • Day 11The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels en route to car-free Zermatt.
  • Day 12The Gornergrat cog railway climbs to 3,090 meters for views of the Matterhorn.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Private Historic Cabin
  • Seat reservations on the Glacier and Bernina Express trains
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • Private sightseeing tour of London with the Crown Jewels and the Tower of London
  • Dinner cruise on the Seine
  • Skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower
  • Day trip on the Gornergrat cog railway
  • Small-group tour of the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica in Venice
  • Small-group walking tour in Venice
  • Private transfers to and from train stations in London and Paris
  • Shared transfer from the station to your hotel in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The trip uses rail throughout, including one night in a Private Historic Cabin aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice, the Bernina Express to St. Moritz, and the Glacier Express to Zermatt.
Which trains are used?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, and the Gornergrat cog railway.
How many nights are spent on the Orient Express?
One night, in a Private Historic Cabin, on day 5 of the itinerary.
What hotels are included?
The Kimpton Fitzroy London, the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, the Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli and Gran Canal in Venice, the Art Boutique Hotel Monopol in St. Moritz, and the Beausite Zermatt.
When can I do the Piz Nair cable car?
The optional funicular and cable-car ride to Piz Nair only operates from May to October.

Similar journeys