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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Venice Simplon Orient Express, Glacier Express and Bernina Express

Eight-day escorted journey on three legendary trains from London to Venice

Illustration of Venice Simplon Orient Express, Glacier Express and Bernina Express

Great Rail Journeys' 8-day escorted tour combines three of Europe's most celebrated trains: the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The journey begins in London and ends in Venice, with the homeward leg aboard the luxurious Orient Express to Paris and Eurostar back to London. Travellers spend two nights each in Zermatt and St Moritz, Swiss mountain towns offering free days to explore independently. On day 3, the Glacier Express descends into the Rhone Valley, climbs through snow-capped mountains, and crosses viaducts to reach St Moritz. Day 5 brings the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express, which winds through the Engadine Valley, the Albula Tunnel, and over the Bernina Pass into Italy. The trip culminates in an overnight aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where passengers enjoy fine dining in a 1920s art deco restaurant car and sleep in historic cabins with personal stewards. This tour suits luxury-seekers and repeat rail travellers who value both comfort and the romance of celebrated train journeys.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price does not include cancellation and travel insurance; these must be arranged separately
  • Hotel accommodation in Venice is listed as three options (American Dinesen, Monaco & Grand Canal, Baglioni Luna); your final hotel depends on availability and the tier selected
  • Some days include optional excursions at additional cost, such as the Gornergrat in Zermatt and the Muottas Murgl funicular in St Moritz

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zermatt

    Outbound Travel – London to Zermatt

    Take your flight from London to Zurich. On arrival, take the train from Zurich airport to the village of Visp. From Visp the train starts to climb up into the mountains, revealing views of the iconic Matterhorn on arrival in the car-free village of Zermatt. Alternatively, take a leisurely two-day train journey beginning at London St Pancras, boarding the Eurostar to Paris Nord, then travelling from Gare de Lyon to Basel for an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Experience the charming Swiss car-free village in the mountains on your free day in Zermatt. Gain access to the higher mountains by rail (the Gornergrat) and by cable-car, or stay closer to the ground on one of the many hiking trails. The mighty Matterhorn dominates the impressive mountain panorama. The village centre has plenty to offer with many restaurants, cafes and bars. Optional excursions available at supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: St Moritz

    Glacier Express to St Moritz

    Board the magnificent Glacier Express for a panoramic journey that begins with a steady descent into the upper Rhone Valley, travelling through green meadows and river gorges. The train then climbs steadily back into the snow-capped mountains reaching the journey's highest point, before descending along the beautiful Rhine Valley. 'The Slowest Express Train in the World' passes Chur and spirals up again into the mountains, crossing vast viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds on the way to St Moritz. Optional lunch aboard the Glacier Express (two or three course menu). Note: No Glacier Express trains run between 12th October and 5th December.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: St Moritz

    St Moritz

    Enjoy a free day in St Moritz, the playground of the rich and famous. Walking trails and nature are available alongside the glamour. The nearby lakes and mountainous landscapes make this famous town a beautiful place for a wander. Optional excursions available at supplement including the Muottas Murgl funicular (included with Local Travel card) and a walking tour of St Moritz.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Bernina Express to Venice

    Head south on this 100-year-old UNESCO World Heritage route. Meandering through tunnels and bridges, above deep ravines and past stunning waterfalls, travelling through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley, then through the Albula Tunnel and over the Bernina Pass. The train crosses into Italy and continues to Milan and then Venice, where you transfer to your hotel for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Enjoy a free day in Venice, the romantic city on the water. Take a gondola ride, marvel at the gothic architecture, visit an art gallery, and sip an Aperol spritz amongst the winding streets. In San Marco Square discover historic cafes where famous guests have visited. Optional excursions available at supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Venice Simplon Orient Express

    A very special journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express, travelling from Venice to Paris. This iconic train has carriages dating from the 1920s and 1930s with stunning restored art deco details. Every carriage has a personal steward, Italian waiters serve fine dining meals prepared fresh by French chefs, and live entertainment plays into the evening. In the morning you can choose to have breakfast brought to your cabin by your steward.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Paris to London

    Choose to have breakfast brought to your cabin by your steward for a decadent breakfast in bed, or stroll to the 1920s Restaurant Car for a breakfast to savour, coffee or tea, eggs, truffle and smoked salmon are all on offer. The Venice Simplon Orient Express arrives at Gare de L'Est in Paris at around 1pm. Transfer to Gare du Nord to take the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in the car-free village of Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn, accessible by train from Zurich via Visp
  • Day 3The Glacier Express climbs from the Rhone Valley through snow-capped mountains, crossing viaducts and passing through Chur on the journey to St Moritz
  • Day 5The Bernina Express follows the 100-year-old UNESCO World Heritage route through the Engadine Valley, the Albula Tunnel, and over the Bernina Pass into Italy, travelling to Venice via Milan
  • Day 7Overnight aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with fine dining prepared by French chefs, art deco carriages from the 1920s-1930s, and personal stewards

Included

  • 6 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • 1 night fully inclusive on the Venice Simplon Orient Express in a historic cabin
  • First Class Rail in Switzerland & Italy
  • Standard Premier Eurostar from Paris to London
  • First Class Panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier & Bernina Express
  • Flight from London to Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes first-class rail in Switzerland and Italy (Glacier Express and Bernina Express in First Class Panoramic carriages), Standard Premier Eurostar from Paris to London, and one fully inclusive night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with meals and cabin
What is included in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express night?
The Historic Cabin overnight is fully inclusive. Dinner and breakfast are served; breakfast can be taken in your cabin or in the 1920s Restaurant Car. The train features restored art deco carriages, personal stewards, and live entertainment
Is this tour escorted?
Yes, Great Rail Journeys runs this as an escorted tour. However, days in Zermatt, St Moritz, and Venice are free to explore independently, with optional guided excursions available at additional cost
How many nights are in hotels versus on the train?
Six nights in hotels (two in Zermatt, two in St Moritz, one in Venice) and one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included at hotels. Dinner and lunch are included only on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express night (day 7). Other meals are at your own expense
Can I travel by train from London instead of flying to Zurich?
Yes, the itinerary notes an alternative two-day train journey beginning at London St Pancars, taking Eurostar to Paris Nord and then Gare de Lyon onward; confirm details with Great Rail Journeys

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