For your trip of a lifetime departing from London by Eurostar, embark from Paris on this classic Orient Express journey through the alps to the magical city of Venice.
Embark on the trip of a lifetime from London, travelling by Eurostar to Paris before boarding the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Journey in timeless luxury through the Alps to the enchanting city of Venice, where you’ll enjoy a 3-night stay. Then return in style via scenic Montreux, with first class rail travel included throughout.
Your adventure begins at London St. Pancras, where you travel by First Class rail to Paris and before boarding the world-famous Venice Simplon Orient Express, with its distinctive blue and gold carriages.
Your own personal steward is on hand to attend to you throughout your Venice Simplon Orient Express holiday.
Take the time to settle in to your comfortable private compartment, relax and admire the elaborate flourishes and spectacular marquetry of this elegant train, before dressing for dinner.
Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars, where you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs.
Following dinner you may wish to enjoy a drink in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano.
By now your compartment has been transformed into a cosy bedroom, which you can retire to whenever you are ready.
Breakfast is served in your compartment this morning at a time to suit you; be sure to admire the stunning views of the Swiss Alps as you start the day.
You may wish to continue gazing out at the incredible scenery from your compartment, or perhaps spend the morning chatting to fellow guests over coffee.
Later you enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch served in another of the beautiful restaurant cars. Perhaps visit the on-board boutique to purchase souvenirs, while away the hours in conversation or take it easy in your compartment and admire the superb views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Como.
Afternoon tea is served in your compartment during the journey, then all too soon it is time to disembark as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and arrives at Venice Santa Lucia station.
Here a water taxi transfers you to your hotel for the next three nights. The Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente* (4 star) is an attractive, welcoming hotel located in a quiet area just 15 minutes from the Rialto Bridge with its friendly service, elegant and comfortable rooms.
*Please note other hotels are available if you prefer, according to your preferences and budget.
Enjoy two full days in Venice; make the most of the time to experience the uniqueness of this incredible city.
You may decide to visit St. Mark’s Square, the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica or explore the market and shops in and around the Rialto Bridge.
Perhaps wander through the hidden campi (squares) and over the countless bridges which link the criss-cross of canals, or take to the water on a romantic gondola to see a different side of Venice.
This morning your private water taxi transfer takes you back to Venice Santa Lucia station. Here you are re-united with the rest of the world as join the Eurostar Italia service for the First Class rail journey to Milan.
In Milan you change trains and bid farewell to Italy as you connect with the Euro City service for the journey into Switzerland.
This train takes you into the Alps on the spectacular journey through the Simplon Pass and on to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Here you spend tonight at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior), a charming belle époque hotel ideally located right next to the station.
Take a stroll alongside sparkling Lake Geneva and discover the attractions of Montreux.
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sparkling lake, you have more time to perhaps visit the beautiful Château de Chillon, one of the best-preserved castles in all of Europe.
Later you return to the station and take the train to Lausanne, where you connect with the high-speed service to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days.
On arrival in the French capital, your private transfer takes you across the city to the Gare du Nord where you join the Eurostar to London.
Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service.
At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St.Pancras International.
Please note this holiday is also available in reverse, where you travel to Venice by First Class rail, returning to London on the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Please get in touch for more details.
Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you’ll travel in your own private compartment, looked after by dedicated Cabin Stewards who provide attentive yet discreet service throughout your journey. By day, your twin compartment offers a comfortable lounge setting with a washbasin cabinet featuring hot and cold water. By night, it transforms into a cosy bedroom, complete with crisp linen and soft towels.
For those seeking an elevated experience, upgrades are available:
Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you’ll travel in your own private compartment, looked after by dedicated Cabin Stewards who provide attentive yet discreet service throughout your journey. By day, your twin compartment offers a comfortable lounge setting with a washbasin cabinet featuring hot and cold water. By night, it transforms into a cosy bedroom, complete with crisp linen and soft towels.
For those seeking an elevated experience, upgrades are available:
Suites draw inspiration from the ever-changing European landscapes and the elegance of the Art Deco era. Rich colours, intricate patterns, and plush fabrics—echoing the work of designers like Dufrene and Lalique—create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Expertly restored in France, these stylish spaces complement the train’s Grand Suites and Historic Twins.
Grand Suites offer the pinnacle of indulgence. With handcrafted interiors, private dining, en-suite marbled bathrooms, free-flowing champagne, and 24-hour butler service, they capture the glamour and refinement of travel’s golden age.
Enjoying a great location in an area exclusively reserved for local Venetians, the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente (4 star) offers an attractive and calm setting from which to enjoy and explore this most evocative of cities.
Named after Turkish tradesmen, “mori”, who for centuries lived in this beautiful palace, the hotel offers guests contemporary accommodation equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, hair dryer, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, radio, safe, and internet access.
The hotel benefits from a tastefully decorated breakfast room, bar and reading room.
You can relax amidst the exotic atmosphere of the hotel’s furnishings which hark back to the times of oriental merchants, and traders, plying their trade on the “Silk Route” which had Venice as its main port.
Located about 10 minutes’ walk from the Rialto Bridge, the Ai Mori d’Oriente offers visitors a fascinating insight into the real Venice as well as easy access to charming restaurants frequented by locals rather than tourists.
