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Planet Rail · Escorted rail holiday

Venice to London on the Venice Simplon Orient Express (outbound by First Class Rail)

London to Venice and back aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Illustration of Venice to London on the Venice Simplon Orient Express (outbound by First Class Rail)

Planet Rail's six-day Venice to London journey combines outbound First Class rail through Europe with a return on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You depart London St. Pancras by Eurostar to Paris, continue by TGV through the Alps to Montreux, and descend via Euro City train into Venice, where you spend three nights exploring the canals, St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doges Palace. On Day 5, you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private sleeping cabin for an overnight journey to Paris, dining on four courses prepared by French chefs. The final day returns you to London by First Class rail. With four-star hotels in Montreux and Venice, private water taxi transfers, cabin steward service, and all meals aboard the Orient Express, this trip suits luxury-seeking couples and experienced rail travellers drawn to European elegance and classic train travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Château de Chillon entry is not included and must be paid locally if you wish to visit.
  • Suite and Grand Suite cabin upgrades on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are available at an additional cost.
  • Single cabin supplements are available; Planet Rail publishes no pricing in this pack; confirm costs before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux – Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic

    London to Montreux by First Class Rail

    Your holiday begins at London St. Pancras station. Travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph with light meal and drinks in Standard Premier service. On arrival at Gare du Nord a private taxi transfers you to Gare de Lyon, then continue by TGV through France into Switzerland alongside Lake Geneva to Montreux. Check in to the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) next to the station. Optional visit to the medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally).

    Meals: Lunch (on Eurostar)

  2. Day 2railovernight: Venice – Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente

    Through the Swiss Alps to Venice by First Class Rail

    After breakfast board the Euro City train through picturesque scenery, past soaring mountain peaks, up the spectacular Rhône Valley into Italy, passing Milan and continuing to Venice. On arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia station a private water taxi transfers you to your hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice – Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente

    Incomparable Venice

    Free time to explore Venice. Visit St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, visit the Doges Palace, and wander the canals and campi. Optional boat ride to the islands of Murano and Burano.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice – Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente

    Incomparable Venice

    Another full day to explore Venice at your leisure, including at dusk and after dark when the crowds have gone. Experience the city's luminous quality from its painted palazzi, ornate stone bridges and Byzantine basilicas reflected in the canals and lagoons.

    Meals: Breakfast

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

    Venice through to Switzerland aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

    After breakfast a water taxi transfers you to Venice Santa Lucia station to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward shows you to your private cabin. Enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch in the restaurant car, spend the afternoon relaxing in your cabin or in the Bar Car, with afternoon tea served in your compartment. Dress for dinner and enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs. After dinner 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 6rail

    Arrival into Paris – Paris to London – Homeward Bound

    Breakfast served in your cabin by your steward. The train arrives at Paris Gare de l'Est. After a short transfer, depart Paris to London by First Class rail, arriving at London Victoria station.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Eurostar from London St. Pancras at speeds of up to 186 mph to Paris, with light meal and drinks in Standard Premier service.
  • Day 2The Euro City train climbs past soaring mountain peaks through the Rhône Valley into Italy, with views of the Swiss Alps and Italian Dolomites.
  • Day 3Two full days in Venice to visit St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, Doges Palace, and take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal.
  • Day 5Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in a private sleeping compartment; enjoy a three-course lunch and four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs, with afternoon tea served in your cabin.
  • Day 6Breakfast in your cabin as the train arrives at Paris Gare de l'Est, then First Class rail returns you to London Victoria station.

Included

  • First Class rail travel London to Paris (Eurostar, Standard Premier service)
  • Private taxi transfer Paris Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon
  • First Class TGV rail Paris to Montreux
  • 1 night accommodation with breakfast at Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior), Montreux – deluxe lake view double room
  • Euro City First Class rail Montreux to Venice
  • Private water taxi transfer Venice station to hotel
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4 star), Venice – double room
  • Private water taxi transfer Venice hotel to Venice Santa Lucia station
  • Overnight travel on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Venice to Paris in private sleeping compartment
  • All meals on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, breakfast)
  • Cabin steward service throughout Orient Express journey
  • First Class rail Paris to London

Not included

  • Château de Chillon entry (payable locally)
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Suite or Grand Suite upgrades (available at supplement)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the rail travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes First Class Eurostar from London to Paris, First Class TGV from Paris to Montreux, First Class Euro City from Montreux to Venice, the full Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cabin from Venice to Paris, and First Class rail from Paris back to London.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes, on Night 5. You board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at Venice Santa Lucia station and sleep in a private cabin as the train travels to Paris Gare de l'Est, arriving the next morning.
What meals are included?
Breakfasts at both hotels; lunch and light drinks on Eurostar; a three-course lunch, afternoon tea, and four-course dinner (prepared by French chefs) aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; and breakfast in your cabin on the morning of Day 6.
Which hotels are included?
One night at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star superior) in Montreux with a deluxe lake view double room, and three nights at Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4-star) in Venice.
When does this trip run?
Planet Rail offers 35 departures between March and November 2026.
Is this trip escorted?
Yes, it is an escorted rail holiday. Transfers are private taxis and water taxis; you explore Venice at your own pace during Days 3 and 4.

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