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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice and Lake Garda

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

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

Railbookers operates this 12-day, 11-night independent rail vacation from London to Venice and on to Lake Garda. Two nights in London include a private guided tour of the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral, 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's Continental Wagons-Lits carriages in a private Historic Cabin for a four-course dinner and piano music in the bar car on the overnight run to Venice. Three nights in Venice include a Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica tour, before a train to Verona and a private drive to Sirmione on Lake Garda for three nights, with time to cross the drawbridge into the medieval castle and visit the ruined villa of Catullus. The package offers 22 hotel options across cities and tiers, so travelers can match the trip to their own budget and comfort level rather than following one fixed hotel list.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence describes 22 accommodation options across cities and tiers rather than fixed hotels; the final hotel depends on the tier and city selected.
  • The Lake Garda mini-cruise around the Sirmione peninsula only runs between April and July.
  • 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

    Your Journey Begins in 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, including the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Paris

    London to Paris

    After breakfast, your private transfer takes you to St. Pancras station. Board the Eurostar southbound to Paris, where a private transfer takes you to your hotel for a two-night stay.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Enjoy a skip-the-line tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Come evening, embark on a scenic dinner cruise along the Seine.

    Meals: B

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

    The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Check out and transfer to the train station. Board the Continental Wagons-Lits carriages, settle into your compartment, and enjoy a four-course dinner in one of the restaurant cars followed by piano music in the bar car.

    Meals: B, L, D

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Arrival in Venice

    Breakfast is served in your cabin. Enjoy a three-course lunch onboard, then on arrival in Venice you are escorted to your hotel via boat for a three-night stay.

    Meals: B, L

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Tour the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica, then join a short walking tour led by a local Venetian through the city's alleys.

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Explore the city at your leisure - perhaps a gondola ride or a trip to the beach at the Lido, or the islands of Burano and Murano.

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9railovernight: Sirmione

    Venice to Sirmione

    Travel to Santa Lucia station for the train to Verona, then a private driver takes you the 30-minute drive to Sirmione on Lake Garda for a three-night stay.

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10overnight: Sirmione

    Sirmione

    Explore the town. Between April and July take a mini cruise around the peninsula, discovering the thermal springs beneath the mineral-rich lake water.

    Meals: B

  11. Day 11overnight: Sirmione

    Sirmione

    Cross the drawbridge into the castle and medieval city, wander the cobbled streets, or visit the ruined Roman villa of Catullus and the former villa of Maria Callas.

    Meals: B

  12. Day 12rail

    Your Journey Ends in Milan

    Take a car to Desenzano to board the train to Milan, then head to the airport for your flight home, or extend your trip elsewhere.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5Boarding the Continental Wagons-Lits carriages for a four-course dinner and piano music in the bar car.
  • Day 7A tour of the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica in Venice.
  • Day 9A train to Verona followed by a private 30-minute drive to Sirmione on Lake Garda.
  • Day 11Crossing the drawbridge into Sirmione's castle and visiting the ruined Roman villa of Catullus and the former villa of Maria Callas.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • One night onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private Historic Cabin
  • 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 Sirmione
  • Doges Palace and Golden Basilica tour in Venice
  • Private transfers to and from Sirmione
  • Private transfers to and from train stations in London and Paris
  • Shared transfer from the station to your hotel in Venice
  • Walking tour in Venice
  • Lake Garda cruise (April-July only)

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 rail travel to Verona en route to Sirmione.
What hotels are included?
The evidence lists 22 accommodation options across London, Paris, Venice and Sirmione at different tiers rather than fixed hotel names.
What is included in the price?
Hotels with breakfast in London (2 nights), Paris (2 nights), Venice (3 nights) and Sirmione (3 nights); one night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; a Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica tour; a Venice walking tour; and private transfers to and from Sirmione.
Can I take a Lake Garda cruise?
An optional mini-cruise around the Sirmione peninsula runs from April to July only.
How many nights are spent aboard the train?
One night, on day 5.

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