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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express + Glacier & Bernina Express

Ten-day Alpine rail loop from Zurich to Paris on three luxury trains

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express + Glacier & Bernina Express

Marvellous Escapes presents a 10-day tailor-made rail journey combining three of Europe's most celebrated luxury trains: the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Beginning in Zurich and concluding in Paris, the itinerary moves through Switzerland, Italy, and France, stopping in the Alpine villages of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Renaissance city of Milan, and Venice. Early days centre on Switzerland's mountain railways: you ride the Gornergrat cog railway to views of the Matterhorn, then board the Glacier Express in Excellence Class for an eight-hour journey through 91 tunnels and over 29 bridges to St. Moritz. The Bernina Express carries you across the mountain pass toward Italy. After nights in Milan and three nights in Venice, including a private gondola ride through the canals, you embark on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the overnight run to Paris, dining in restored 1920s cars and sleeping in a private suite with a personal steward. This package suits luxury-focused travellers, repeat rail enthusiasts, and couples seeking intimate, multi-sensory travel through Alpine and Mediterranean landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary includes a flight from London to Zurich (or roundtrip Eurostar rail via Paris with an extra night); confirm your preferred outbound option before booking.
  • Three consecutive nights in Venice means limited movement; the package includes guided exploration but most days are Venice-based.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

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

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Scenic rail journey from Zurich to Zermatt via Visp with a First-Class Swiss Travel Pass, arriving in the car-free mountain village of Zermatt.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Gornergrat Cog Railway ascent from 5,262 feet to 10,135 feet, with panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Board the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, with a guaranteed window seat, personal concierge, luggage service, and a five-course menu with wines, crossing 29 bridges and 91 tunnels to St. Moritz.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Milan

    Milan

    Bernina Express journey from St. Moritz, over the Bernina Pass and into the Poschiavo Valley near Tirano, then onward by train from Tirano to Milan.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Venice

    Venice

    First-class rail journey from Milan to Venice, followed by a private water taxi transfer to your hotel.

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

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

  8. Day 8overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Explore Venice's iconic sights, streets and campos, with a quintessential Italian lunch and wine.

  9. Day 9railovernight: 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.

  10. Day 10rail

    Paris/Return home

    French breakfast served by your steward as the train arrives in Paris. Onward journey home, or extend your time in France or elsewhere in Europe.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends from 5,262 feet to 10,135 feet with panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alpine peaks.
  • Day 4Glacier Express in Excellence Class crosses 29 bridges and 91 tunnels from Zermatt to St. Moritz, with a guaranteed window seat, five-course menu, and personal concierge.
  • Day 5Bernina Express journey from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass and into the Poschiavo Valley, then onward by train to Milan.
  • Day 7Private 30-minute gondola ride through Venice canals after leisurely morning exploring the city.
  • Day 9Venice Simplon-Orient-Express departs Venice; three-course lunch as scenery shifts from Italian Dolomites to the Arlberg route, dinner by chef Jean Imbert, evening pianist in Bar Car '3674'.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Zermatt with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in St. Moritz with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • Overnight accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • Flights from London to Zurich, or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras to Zurich via Paris in Eurostar Plus and First Class (extra night in Geneva/Zurich)
  • Glacier Express Excellence Class
  • Bernina Express First Class
  • Milan to Venice First Class rail
  • Shared water-taxi service in Venice
  • Gornergrat Cog railway with Matterhorn views
  • Private Gondola Tour

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Glacier Express in Excellence Class (Zermatt to St. Moritz), Bernina Express in First Class (St. Moritz to Tirano), and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Venice to Paris). Also included: first-class rail from Zurich to Zermatt, Tirano to Milan, and Milan to Venice.
Is the package escorted or independent?
Tailor-made by Marvellous Escapes. Days include guided activities (Gornergrat ascent, private gondola tour, walking exploration in Venice) but you are not with a guide group throughout.
What hotels are included?
One night in Zurich, two nights in Zermatt, one night in St. Moritz, one night in Milan, and three nights in Venice. All hotel stays include breakfast. One night is aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
How much walking is involved?
Three days of leisurely walking in Venice (city streets and piazzas), plus the Gornergrat cog railway experience. Otherwise travel is by train and water taxi; limited walking beyond stations.
What is not included?
Flights from London or rail onward from Paris; meals not mentioned in the itinerary; entrance fees to Venice's landmarks (though walking tours are included); travel insurance.
How much does it cost?
From GBP 6,499 per person (approximately USD 8,679). This is the package price; confirm current availability and any seasonal variation with Marvellous Escapes.

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