Planet Rail · Escorted rail holiday

Venice Simplon Orient Express – Verona Opera & Amsterdam

Venice Simplon Orient Express – Verona Opera & Amsterdam, a rail journey with Planet Rail

7 night / 8 day holiday travelling First Class rail from London to Montreux and Verona, attending the Verona Opera, then boarding the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express overnight to Amsterdam.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    London to Montreux by First Class Rail

    Depart London St. Pancras by Eurostar to Paris at up to 186mph with light meal and drinks in Standard Premier. On arrival at Gare du Nord a private taxi transfers you to Gare de Lyon. Continue by TGV through France into Switzerland alongside Lake Geneva to Montreux. Check in to the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star superior) next to the station. Optional visit to Château de Chillon (payable locally).

    Meals: Lunch on Eurostar

  2. Day 2railovernight: Verona

    Through the Swiss Alps to Verona by First Class Rail

    After breakfast board the Euro City train through picturesque scenery past soaring mountain peaks, up the Rhône Valley into Italy, arriving in the Roman city of Verona. Make your own way to the Hotel Accademia, located close to Piazza Brà.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Verona

    At Leisure in Verona

    Explore the walled city of Verona, famous for Romeo and Juliet. Visit Piazza Brà, San Zeno Maggiore, Piazza dei Signori, Piazza Erbe and Juliet's balcony. Optional excursions to Valpolicella vineyards, Vicenza or Lake Garda. Opportunity to attend the Verona Opera (payable locally).

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Verona

    At Leisure in Verona

    Further time to explore Verona and surroundings. Attend the world-renowned Verona Opera – the 100th anniversary performance of Aida (payable locally).

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board Orient Express

    Verona & the Orient Express

    After breakfast board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward shows you to your private cabin. Enjoy a three-course lunch in the restaurant car. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your cabin viewing the Italian Dolomites and Swiss Alps, or socialising in the Bar Car. Afternoon tea served in your cabin. Dress for dinner and enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by French chefs. Linger in the bar car with the baby grand piano before retiring to your transformed bedroom compartment.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Amsterdam

    The Orient Express through Paris to Amsterdam

    Breakfast served in your cabin by your steward. The train stops at Paris Gare de l'Est to replenish supplies – stretch your legs on the platform. Continue north towards Amsterdam enjoying lunch on board. Browse the onboard boutique. Afternoon pastries with tea and coffee served in your cabin. Arrive Amsterdam and transfer to the Hotel Estherea (4-star). Explore Amsterdam on foot or by Dutch barge (payable locally).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea/Pastries

  7. Day 7railovernight: Amsterdam / Eurostar

    Exploring Amsterdam

    Explore Amsterdam's colourful markets, Vondelpark, Anne Frank House (payable locally), the Jordaan or the Pijp quarter, and the Museum Quarter including the Van Gogh Museum. Amble across bridges and canals. In the evening make your way to Centraal station to join the Eurostar back to London, arriving at St. Pancras International.

    Meals: Breakfast, Light meal on Eurostar

  8. Day 8rail

    Farewell to Amsterdam and Homeward Bound

    Enjoy final sights in Amsterdam before making your way to Centraal station. Board the Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International with a light meal and drinks at up to 186mph.

    Meals: Breakfast, Light meal on Eurostar

Included

  • First Class Eurostar London St. Pancras to Paris (Standard Premier with light meal and drinks)
  • Private taxi transfer Paris Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon
  • First Class TGV Paris to Montreux
  • 1 night B&B at Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star superior), Montreux
  • First Class Euro City train Montreux to Verona
  • 3 nights B&B at Hotel Accademia (4-star), Verona
  • Overnight journey in private twin/double compartment on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Verona to Amsterdam)
  • All meals on board the Orient Express (lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, breakfast)
  • 2 nights B&B at Hotel Estherea (4-star), Amsterdam
  • Eurostar Amsterdam to London (with light meal and drinks)

Not included

  • Verona Opera tickets (payable locally)
  • Château de Chillon entry (payable locally)
  • Dutch barge canal trip in Amsterdam (payable locally)
  • Anne Frank House entry (payable locally)
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

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