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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice and Lake Como

London to Venice via the Orient Express, then on to Lake Como

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice and Lake Como

Railbookers operates this 12-day, 11-night independent rail vacation from London to Venice and on to Lake Como. Two nights in London include a private guided tour of the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels Collection, followed by two nights in Paris with a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower visit and a Seine dinner cruise. Travelers then board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private Historic Cabin, dining on an Agatha Christie Bellini before the overnight run to Venice. Three nights in Venice include a Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica tour and a walking tour of the city's alleys, with a free day for a gondola ride or a trip to Murano and Burano. A train via Milan then carries travelers to Lake Como for three nights, including a two-hour boat tour past lakeside villas. As an independent package, most days include only breakfast, giving travelers room to set their own pace between the included highlights.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists several hotel options per city (six in London, six in Venice including the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, and six on Lake Como), without specifying which one is booked.
  • The evidence does not list current departure dates for this package; confirm availability and the exact price with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    London

    Welcome to London! On arrival head to your hotel for an overnight stay, then get out and enjoy the city that has so much to offer. Check out all the major sights, then perhaps enjoy a show in the West End?

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    The morning is yours to explore before you meet your private expert guide for an afternoon exploring London's most famous sights and attractions! Start with a panoramic tour of the city before arriving at the Tower of London. Listen to tales of over a thousand years of history and admire the priceless Crown Jewels Collection. Your tour continues to St. Paul's Cathedral, where it concludes with a tour of the numerous historical and religious treasures around every corner.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    After breakfast, your private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you to St. Pancras station. Board the Eurostar southbound, and upon arrival in Paris, your private transfer will take you to your hotel for a two-night stay. Settle into your comfortable accommodations before heading out to explore the romantic 'City of Light'. You might like to indulge in a bit of shopping along the famed Champs-Elysees or find a traditional Parisian bistro to enjoy dinner.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Today enjoy the very best Paris has to offer with a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the boulevards and arrondissements at your leisure and do speak with your Rail Expert about additional sightseeing options in Paris. Come evening, embark on a scenic cruise along the Seine, accompanied by a delicious dinner of local delicacies. As the sun sets, watch the city illuminate and the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the river's reflection.

    Meals: B

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

    The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Check out of your hotel this morning and your private transfer will take you to the train station. Board the gleaming blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lits today, where your steward will show you to your compartment. After you have settled into your comfortable quarters, it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Visit the famous bar car for an Agatha Christie Bellini before moving on to one of the magnificent restaurant cars, where you will be served a delicious four-course meal. After dinner, return to the bar car, where the sound of a baby Grand Piano will serenade you throughout the evening. Retire to your compartment for the night, which will now have been transformed into a cozy bedroom by your steward.

    Meals: B, L, D

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Arrival in Venice

    Breakfast is served in your cabin, where you can watch the beautiful scenery pass by through the window. Enjoy a three-course lunch of the highest order in one of the gorgeous restaurant carriages, and on arrival in Venice you will be escorted to your hotel via boat. Check in for a three-night stay.

    Meals: B, L

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Discover the gems of this amazing city today with a tour of the Doges Palace and breath-taking Golden Basilica. In the afternoon enjoy a short walking tour led by a local Venetian, who will be able to lead you through the maze of alleys and tell you the stories behind some of the city's beautiful buildings.

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before continuing to explore the city today. Take a ride in a Gondola perhaps or take a boat out to the lido and relax in the beach. Speak to one of our Sales Consultants if you would like to take a trip to the beautiful islands of Burano and Murano.

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9railovernight: Como

    Venice to Lake Como

    Make your way to Santa Lucia station today for your train to Milan, and here change for the short train ride to Como and your hotel for three nights.

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10overnight: Como

    Lake Como

    Today, experience the beauty of Lake Como from the water with an included two-hour boat tour. Glide past charming lakeside villages, elegant villas, and lush hillsides as you take in panoramic views of one of Italy's most iconic destinations. Highlights along the way include historic estates, picturesque towns, and even a glimpse of George Clooney's famed lakeside home.

    Meals: B

  11. Day 11railovernight: Como

    Lake Como

    After breakfast this morning, continue to discover Como. Perhaps take the funicular railway up to Brunate for panoramic views or why not just sit at a lakeside bar and take in the striking scenery. You may also want to wander around the shops and boutiques or visit one of the many cultural monuments the city has to offer.

    Meals: B

  12. Day 12rail

    End Of Tour

    Check out of your hotel and make your way to the station for a quick train to Milan. From the station head to the airport for your flight home or speak to any of our Travel Consultants if you would like to extend your trip elsewhere.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A private guided tour of the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels Collection and St. Paul's Cathedral.
  • Day 5Boarding the blue and gold Continental Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for an Agatha Christie Bellini in the bar car.
  • Day 7A tour of the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica in Venice.
  • Day 10A two-hour Lake Como boat tour past lakeside villas, including a glimpse of George Clooney's home.

Included

  • One night onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private Historic Cabin
  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Como
  • Doges Palace and Golden Basilica tour in Venice
  • Walking tour in Venice
  • Small group boat tour in Lake Como
  • 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. One night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private Historic Cabin from London to Venice, plus onward Trenitalia rail travel to Lake Como.
Is it escorted or independent?
This is an independent rail vacation; Railbookers arranges transfers, hotels and select tours, and travelers explore at their own pace on free days.
What is included in the price?
Hotels with breakfast in London (2 nights), Paris (2 nights), Venice (3 nights) and Como (3 nights); one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; a Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica tour; a Venice walking tour; and a small-group Lake Como boat tour.
How many nights are spent aboard the train?
One night, on day 5.
What hotel options are available in Venice?
The evidence lists six Venice hotel options, including the Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli and Gran Canal, Hotel Metropole Venice, and the Belmond Hotel Cipriani.

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