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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Verona to Paris

Luxury sleeper from Verona to Paris on the legendary 1920s train

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

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, operated by Great Rail Journeys, is a 4-day independent escape centred on one memorable night aboard the world's most storied luxury sleeper train. You begin in London, arriving in Verona either by a direct flight or a scenic two-day rail journey through Paris and the Swiss Riviera. After a free day exploring Verona's Roman amphitheatre, medieval streets, and Shakespearean history, you board the legendary train at Verona on Day 3. The 1920s Art Deco carriages carry you overnight through the Alps toward Paris, where you dine on French-trained cuisine and listen to live piano in the bar car. You wake in Paris on Day 4, enjoy breakfast in your cabin or the dining carriage, and return to London via Eurostar by early afternoon. This journey suits luxury seekers, romantic couples, and rail enthusiasts who have long dreamed of travelling the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Hotels in Verona range from three-star to five-star, and optional private tours of the city are available.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel choice in Verona is tiered (3-star or 5-star options listed); your final hotel depends on the tier selected.
  • The from-price includes the luxury train, but breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 3 only; most other meals are not included.
  • The itinerary offers two entry routes from London: a flight to Verona on Day 1, or a two-day rail journey via Eurostar and Montreux, with the latter adding separate cost and complexity.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Verona

    Outbound Travel – London to Verona

    Begin your special journey with a flight from London to the Italian city of Verona. Alternatively, embark on a two-day rail journey beginning in London, travelling aboard the Eurostar to Paris and continuing to the lakeside town of Montreux to spend the night on the Swiss Riviera. Transfer to your chosen hotel in Verona on arrival.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Verona

    Verona – Free Day

    Enjoy a free day in Verona to uncover this historic gem of a city. Verona, a city of romance and history, enchants visitors with its blend of medieval charm, Renaissance elegance and vibrant Italian culture. Famed as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, its cobbled streets lead to architectural marvels such as the ancient Roman arena, where operatic performances captivate audiences under the stars. The city's bustling piazzas, grand palaces and atmospheric cafés offer a perfect backdrop for leisurely exploration, while Italy's second-longest river – the Adige – adds to its picturesque allure. Optional excursions available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (on board)

    Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    After some free time in Verona, board the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a very special journey. Your experience begins on the platform, where you step aboard the 1920s carriages, meet your conductor and settle into your elegant cabin, absorbing the nostalgia of the Golden Age of travel. Sit back and relax as you journey through ever-changing alpine scenery towards Paris. Take a seat in the dining carriage and browse the menu prepared by French-trained chefs whilst you await the sommelier. Later, enjoy live music from the pianist in the bar car. At the end of the evening, settle into your cosy cabin for a night aboard the world's most famous luxury train.

    Meals: Dinner

  4. Day 4rail

    Homeward Bound – Paris to London

    Awake to coffee and pastries in your cabin, or stroll to the dining car for a breakfast of smoked salmon and eggs, perhaps complemented by a refreshing bellini. As the train winds through the French countryside, return to your cabin for time to unwind before your grand arrival in Paris at around 1pm. Make your way to Gare du Nord where you'll take the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Free day in Verona to explore the Roman amphitheatre and medieval cobbled streets, or book an optional private walking tour.
  • Day 3Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Verona, settle into your 1920s cabin, and dine in the carriage with French-trained chefs while passing through alpine scenery towards Paris.
  • Day 4Breakfast in your cabin or the dining car overlooking the French countryside before arriving in Paris at around 1pm, then return to London via Eurostar.

Included

  • Overnight journey between Verona and Paris on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
  • 2 nights in a 3-Star hotel (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Transfer to your chosen hotel in Verona on arrival
  • Eurostar between Paris and London
  • Flight from London to Verona

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express included in the price?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes the overnight journey from Verona to Paris in a historic cabin, dinner on board, and breakfast the following morning. Eurostar from Paris to London is also included.
How do I get from London to Verona?
You have two options: a flight from London to Verona on Day 1, or a two-day rail route beginning with Eurostar to Paris, then Eurostar to Montreux for one night, before reaching Verona on Day 2. The rail option is available as an extra.
What is included in the accommodation?
Two nights of bed and breakfast in Verona. Great Rail Journeys offers a choice of a 3-star or 5-star hotel, including Hotel Giulietta e Romeo, Hotel Due Torri, or Vista Palazzo Verona.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast is included in your Verona hotel stay and on Day 4 in your train cabin or the dining car. A three-course dinner is served on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on Day 3. Lunch and most other meals are not included.
Is this trip guided or independent?
This is an independent tour. You organise your own time in Verona, board the train on your scheduled day, and navigate your own arrival and departure. Optional extras include private walking tours in Verona.
When does this trip operate?
Great Rail Journeys publishes this itinerary; check their website or contact them for current departure dates and availability.

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