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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice to Amsterdam on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice to Amsterdam by Orient-Express over the Brenner Pass

Illustration of Venice to Amsterdam on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Railbookers runs this 7-day independent rail vacation from Venice to Amsterdam, built around a night aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. After a private boat transfer from the airport, travelers spend three nights in Venice, including a small-group tour of the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica, a walking tour led by a Venetian guide, and a free day to choose between the Rialto market, the Lido, or the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. On day 4, a shared boat takes travelers to the station to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which winds through the Brenner Pass into Austria, with a three-course lunch and four-course dinner served onboard. The train continues across Europe on day 5, pulling into Amsterdam in the early evening for two nights, with a canal boat tour and access to the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. It suits travelers who want a shorter taste of vintage rail luxury bookended by two very different cities.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, so the specific hotel depends on the tier you choose.
  • Day 3 in Venice is left free at your own pace, with a choice between the Rialto market, the Lido, or the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, rather than a guided plan.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    Make your way to the airport jetty for a private boat transfer to your hotel. Check-in for a 3-night stay, then get out to enjoy the city, perhaps a night-cap in Harry's Bar.

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    A small group tour of the Doges Palace and the Golden Basilica, followed by a small group walking tour led by a Venetian.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    A relaxing day at your own pace - the Rialto market, a boat ride to the Lido, or the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Overnight Onboard The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    Taken to the station by shared boat for departure. Settle into your cabin as the train meanders through the Brenner Pass into Austria and beyond. Enjoy a 3-course lunch and a 4-course dinner, with a nightcap in the bar car.

    Meals: B, L, D

  5. Day 5railovernight: Amsterdam

    Arrive in Amsterdam

    Continental breakfast as the train rolls through Europe, followed by another 3-course lunch, pulling into Amsterdam in the early evening for a two-night stay.

    Meals: B, L

  6. Day 6overnight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    Explore using your hop-on-hop-off pass, a canal boat tour past the merchant houses and bridges, and visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Amsterdam

    Continue to make use of your sightseeing pass before making your way to the airport for your flight home or continuing your travels elsewhere.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group tour of the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica, followed by a walking tour led by a Venetian guide.
  • Day 4Boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as it winds through the Brenner Pass into Austria, with a three-course lunch and four-course dinner onboard.
  • Day 5Breakfast and a further three-course lunch served as the train rolls through Europe before pulling into Amsterdam in the early evening.
  • Day 6A canal boat tour past Amsterdam's merchant houses and bridges, with the option to visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum.

Included

  • Historic Cabin onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Amsterdam
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Amsterdam
  • Shared boat transfer from airport to hotel in Venice
  • Private boat transfer from the hotel to the station in Venice
  • 2-day Sightseeing pass and canal tour in Amsterdam
  • Small-group walking tour in Venice
  • Small-group tour of the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica in Venice

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Railbookers includes the Historic Cabin onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Amsterdam.
Which trains are used on this trip?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a Historic Cabin from Venice to Amsterdam; Eurostar is also listed among the trains used on this route.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Guided elements include a small-group walking tour of Venice and a small-group tour of the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica; day 3 in Venice and time in Amsterdam are left free to explore at your own pace.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, with the exact hotel depending on the tier chosen.
How many nights does the trip include?
7 days and 6 nights: 3 in Venice, 1 aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and 2 in Amsterdam.

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