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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rome and Venice

Rome, Venice, and Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury train

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rome and Venice

Vacations By Rail presents a 7-day self-guided luxury journey combining two of Italy's most storied cities with the world's most famous train. The voyage begins in Rome, where a chauffeur-driven tour on Day 2 unfolds the city's landmarks: St Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. On Day 3 you board a high-speed train for a four-hour run through Tuscany to Venice, followed by a private walking tour through the city's quiet neighborhoods and across its famous bridges. The journey's centerpiece arrives on Day 5: a night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express traveling toward Paris, complete with a four-course dinner in the restored restaurant car and live piano in the bar car. Breakfast the next morning concludes the train portion before your arrival in Paris. This itinerary suits luxury-seekers, repeat rail travellers, and couples seeking romantic destinations, with accommodation in handpicked four- and five-star hotels throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • Your final Rome hotel (Hotel Marcella, Rose Garden Palace, or Inn at the Spanish Steps) and Venice hotel (American Dinesen, Monaco & Grand Canal, or Hotel Baglioni Luna) are chosen based on your tier selection; the package confirms options, not a single property.
  • Arrival and departure flights are not included; arrange these separately.
  • The Paris overnight is only one night, arriving around 1pm on Day 6 and departing for the airport on Day 7 morning, leaving limited time to explore the city.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arrival in Rome

    Arrive in Rome and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, choosing between handpicked four-star and five-star hotels, with the rest of the day free.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Touring the 'Eternal City' of Rome

    A chauffeur-driven tour through Rome's historic streets, seeing St Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice

    Rome to Venice

    Board a high-speed train to Venice, a journey of just under four hours through Tuscany, then transfer to your chosen four- or five-star hotel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Discovering Venice

    A private walking tour led by a local guide through Venice's 'campis', visiting the Bridge of Sighs and concluding at the Rialto Bridge.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Train (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express)

    Venice Simplon Orient Express

    Board the Venice Simplon Orient Express in your historic cabin for a four-course dinner in the restored restaurant car and live piano music in the bar car.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Paris

    Arriving in Paris

    Breakfast aboard the Orient Express before arriving in Paris around 1pm, then transfer to your hotel in the Latin Quarter.

  7. Day 7

    Homeward bound

    A relaxed breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer to Paris' airport, concluding the vacation.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Chauffeur-driven tour of Rome viewing St Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain.
  • Day 3High-speed First Class train journey from Rome to Venice through Tuscany, lasting just under four hours.
  • Day 4Private walking tour of Venice led by a local guide through the city's campis, crossing the Bridge of Sighs and ending at the Rialto Bridge.
  • Day 5Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a historic cabin for a four-course dinner in the restored restaurant car and live piano music in the bar car.

Included

  • 5-nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • 1 night onboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express (fully inclusive)
  • First Class rail travel in Italy
  • Overnight journey from Venice to Paris on the Venice Simplon Orient Express

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Arrival and departure flights

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 train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes First Class rail from Rome to Venice and one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with all meals and entertainment.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is self-guided; you travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary. However, guided tours of Rome and Venice and private transfers between hotels and stations are included.
What is included in the price?
Five nights in four- or five-star hotels with breakfast, First Class rail to Venice, one night on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with dinner and entertainment, chauffeur-driven Rome tour, private walking tour of Venice, and private transfers.
Which trains are used?
A high-speed train from Rome to Venice in First Class, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris in a historic cabin.
How much walking is involved?
Day 4 includes a private walking tour of Venice through the city's neighborhoods and across its bridges. Otherwise, movement is by private transfer or vehicle.
When does this trip run?
The operator publishes no specific departure dates; contact Vacations By Rail directly to confirm availability and scheduling.

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