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Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Venice to Paris

Seven-day luxury rail journey from Venice to Paris aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Venice to Paris

Vacations By Rail operates this seven-day independent luxury rail vacation on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, traveling from Venice to Paris with stops in both cities and one night aboard the train. You begin in Venice with three nights at a 4-star hotel, a private walking tour visiting the Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge, and a gondola ride along the Grand Canal with a glass of prosecco. On day four, you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a historic cabin for an overnight journey featuring a four-course dinner in the restored restaurant car and live piano music in the bar car. You arrive in Paris in the early afternoon on day five and spend two nights in a 4-star hotel in the Latin Quarter, including a small group food tasting tour of either Montmartre or the Notre Dame neighborhood, sampling macarons, cheese, wine, crêpes, and oysters. This trip suits luxury-seekers and couples who wish to experience one of the world's most celebrated trains, as well as repeat rail travellers and independent explorers who value a well-planned itinerary with the freedom to explore on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • The gondola ride does not operate before May 1 or after October 15; outside that window, a private cooking class with lunch is offered instead.
  • Arrival and departure flights are not included in the from-price of USD 7,895.
  • Travel insurance is not included but can be arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Begin in Venice, transferring by boat from Marco Polo Airport to your chosen hotel; wander the narrow streets and visit a museum, art gallery or historic palazzo at leisure.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Discovering Venice

    A private orientation walking tour of Venice, visiting the Bridge of Sighs and attractive squares before concluding at the Rialto Bridge.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice Gondola ride

    A gondola ride along the Grand Canal and smaller canals while sipping a glass of prosecco, one bottle provided per gondola (does not operate before May 1 or after October 15; a Private Cooking Class with Lunch is offered instead outside that window).

  4. Day 4railovernight: 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.

  5. Day 5overnight: Paris

    Arrival Paris

    Coffee and pastries in your cabin, or breakfast in the dining car, before arriving in Paris in the early afternoon and transferring to your hotel in the Latin Quarter.

  6. Day 6overnight: Paris

    Discovering the cuisine of Paris

    A small group tasting tour of Montmartre or the Notre Dame neighborhood, with up to six tastings of Parisian specialties like macarons, cheese, wine, crêpes, Viennoiseries and oysters.

  7. Day 7

    Homeward bound

    Free time after a leisurely breakfast before a private transfer to the airport, marking the close of the trip.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: A private walking tour of Venice includes the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge.
  • Day 3Day 3: A gondola ride along the Grand Canal and smaller canals with a glass of prosecco.
  • Day 4Day 4: Board 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.
  • Day 6Day 6: A small group food tasting tour of Montmartre or the Notre Dame neighborhood, sampling macarons, cheese, wine, crêpes, Viennoiseries, and oysters.

Included

  • 5 nights in 4-Star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Overnight journey between Venice and Paris on the Venice Simplon Orient Express
  • Boat transfer to your chosen hotel in Venice on arrival
  • Private transfers throughout the tour

Not included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes an overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between Venice and Paris in a historic cabin, with four-course dinner and bar service.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
It is self-guided and independent. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary and includes private transfers, but you travel on your own. Some activities, like the walking tour and gondola ride, are organized; others, like exploring the streets of Venice, are at leisure.
What hotels are included?
Vacations By Rail offers a choice of three 4-star hotels in Venice (American Dinesen, Monaco & Grand Canal, or Hotel Baglioni Luna) for three nights, and three options in Paris (Villa Pantheon Hotel, Hotel La Lanterne, or InterContinental Paris Le Grand) for two nights. Your final hotel depends on the tier you select.
When does this trip run?
The gondola ride, a signature element, operates May 1 through October 15. Outside that window, it is replaced by a private cooking class with lunch.
What is included in the price from USD 7,895?
Five nights in 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast, the overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a historic cabin, boat and private transfers throughout the tour, a private walking tour of Venice, a gondola ride or cooking class, and a Parisian food tasting tour. Flights and travel insurance are not included.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes a private walking tour of Venice through narrow streets and squares, a gondola ride, and a small group food tasting tour on foot in a Paris neighborhood. Other days offer free time and leisure exploration.

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