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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

Verona to London including the Venice Simplon Orient Express, Signature Journey (2027 Departures)

London to Verona and back on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Illustration of Verona to London including the Venice Simplon Orient Express, Signature Journey (2027 Departures)

Planet Rail operates this 6-day luxury rail journey, one of the most celebrated train trips in Europe. You depart London St. Pancras by Eurostar, crossing the Channel at 186mph in Standard Premier comfort, then travel through France and into Switzerland aboard the TGV, climbing through the Alpine foothills alongside Lake Geneva before reaching the four-star Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux. From there, the EuroCity train winds through dramatic mountain scenery, passes through the Brenner Pass, and descends into the Italian plains to Verona, where you spend three nights at the Hotel Accademia exploring the classical Roman city and its Renaissance palazzi. The pinnacle arrives on day 5: you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in its private double sleeping compartment, enjoy a three-course lunch in a restored restaurant car, and wake to breakfast served by your steward as the train enters Paris. A final leg by first-class rail returns you to London. The entire journey balances famous rail routes with time for genuine exploration, suited to luxury-seekers and repeat rail travellers seeking a signature train experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Verona Opera option (June to September) incurs a supplement; check availability and pricing directly with Planet Rail.
  • A flight option exists instead of first-class rail from Paris to London for a saving of up to GBP 600, dependent on air fares at the time of booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    London to Montreux by First Class Rail

    Your holiday begins as you stroll into beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph, enjoying the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier service. On arrival at the Gare du Nord a private taxi will transfer you across the city to the Gare de Lyon, where you continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland, alongside sparkling Lake Geneva to the elegant lakeside town of Montreux. Your hotel for one night is the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) located right next to the station. Stroll around Montreux or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally), considered to be one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Verona

    Through the Swiss Alps to Verona by First Class rail

    This morning after breakfast make your way across to the station and board the Euro City train as it snakes its way through picturesque scenery, past soaring mountain peaks, up the spectacular Rhône Valley into Italy. You pass Milan and continue to Verona. On arrival in Verona, walk out of the station and enter a different world.

  3. Day 3overnight: Verona

    The beautiful Roman city of Verona

    Make the most of two full days to explore this attractive walled city famous for the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and soak up the warm pastel colours of Piazza Brà, surrounded by churches, monuments and fine palazzi built from local pink limestone. Impressive churches such as San Zeno Maggiore contrast perfectly with the opulence of Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe close to Juliet's balcony. Venture further afield to the Valpolicella vineyards, the Palladian delights of Vicenza or the waters of stunning Lake Garda.

  4. Day 4overnight: Verona

    The beautiful Roman city of Verona

    Make the most of two full days to explore this attractive walled city famous for the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and soak up the warm pastel colours of Piazza Brà, surrounded by churches, monuments and fine palazzi built from local pink limestone. Impressive churches such as San Zeno Maggiore contrast perfectly with the opulence of Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe close to Juliet's balcony. On certain dates between June and September it is possible to visit the world-famous Verona Opera during its annual festival (supplements apply).

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

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

    This morning after breakfast bid farewell to Verona as you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will show you to your private cabin and attend you throughout your journey. Enjoy a sumptuous three course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars, spend the afternoon gazing at the passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps or chatting with fellow travellers in the Bar Car, with afternoon tea served in your compartment. Later dress for dinner: a delicious four-course dinner prepared by skilled French chefs. After dinner linger in the bar car listening to the baby grand piano before retiring to your compartment, now transformed into a cosy bedroom.

  6. Day 6rail

    Arrival into Paris, Paris to London, homeward bound

    Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you. The train pulls into Paris Gare de l'Est where you disembark the Orient Express. After a short transfer you leave Paris to head to London by First Class rail, before your train draws into London for the final leg of your journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St. Pancras on Eurostar at speeds up to 186mph, then transfer across Paris to the Gare de Lyon for the TGV into Switzerland.
  • Day 2Board the EuroCity train as it climbs through the Rhône Valley, past soaring peaks and through the Brenner Pass into Italy, arriving in Verona.
  • Day 5Ascend the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in your private sleeping compartment; enjoy a three-course lunch and watch the Italian Dolomites and Swiss Alps pass your window.

Included

  • Rail travel in ultimate style on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Verona to Paris with all meals included and overnight accommodation in a private sleeping compartment
  • 3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the Hotel Accademia (4 star) in Verona
  • 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in a deluxe lake view double room at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) in Montreux
  • Overnight on the Orient Express for your return journey from Verona to Paris
  • A private taxi transfer in Paris
  • First Class rail from Paris back to London

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes Eurostar from London to Paris, TGV from Paris to Montreux, EuroCity from Montreux to Verona, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Verona back to Paris, plus first-class rail from Paris to London.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes, one night on the return journey. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express provides a private double sleeping compartment from Verona to Paris on day 5, with breakfast served in your cabin by your steward.
What meals are included on the Orient Express?
All meals are included on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: a sumptuous three-course lunch on day 5 and breakfast in your cabin on day 6.
Which hotels are included?
One night at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star superior, lake view double room) in Montreux with breakfast, and three nights at the Hotel Accademia (4-star double room) in Verona with breakfast.
Is this journey escorted or independent?
A personal steward and cabin stewards attend you aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Outside the train, the journey is independent; you explore Verona and other stops on your own, with a private taxi transfer arranged in Paris.
When does this trip depart?
This is a 2027 departure tour. The Verona Opera optional extra is available on certain dates between June and September.

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