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VENICE to London: Venice Simplon Orient Express

Embark on the trip of a lifetime, departing London via Eurostar, then traveling from Paris to Venice through the breathtaking Alps in First Class, before returning to Paris aboard the legendary Orient Express.

 

 

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a unique travel experience.

Experience the journey of a lifetime, departing from London in Eurostar Plus, then traveling from Paris in First Class through the breathtaking Alps to the enchanting city of Venice. Return aboard the iconic Orient Express through Europe to Paris, and complete your journey in Eurostar Plus back to London.

Highlights

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

  • Scenic rail journey through the Alps & Dolomites – Brenner Pass

  • Stunning Montreux

  • Incomparable Venice

  • St. Mark’s Square

  • Rialto Bridge & Grand Canal

  • Doges Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica

Your itinerary in Full

Day 1 - London to Montreux by First Class Rail

Your holiday begins as you stroll into beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. 

Enjoy 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. 

Here you continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland, alongside sparkling Lake Geneva to the elegant lakeside town of Montreux. 
On arrival in Montreux your hotel for one night is the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) located right next to the station. You might like to stroll around Montreux and stretch your legs or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally). 

 As you marvel at the spectacular setting, twixt sparkling lake and breath-taking mountains, spare a thought for the prisoners of this 13th century castle, considered to be one of the best-preserved in Europe. 


Orient Express Platform Check
Orient Express Exterior View

This morning after breakfast make your way across to the station. 

Here you 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 Venice. 

 On arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia station walk out of the station and enter a different world. 

Your water taxi will transfer you in the best possible style to your chosen hotel for the next three nights.

Step out in Venice and allow this unique and captivating city to carry where it will. Enjoy Venice, at dusk and after dark when all the crowds have gone home. From St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal to a visit inside the stunning Doges Palace, feel yourself unwind as you wander amid the myriad of canals along blissfully traffic-free alleyways and campi (squares). Experience the city’s luminous quality which emanates from the colours of its painted palazzo, ornate stone bridges and Byzantine basilicas all reflected against the tapestry of canals and lagoons. A short boat ride will lead you to pretty islands on the lagoon, including Murano, home of glass-blowing and colourful Burano, where lace and linen abound.

Channel street, Venice Orient Express
venice-simplon-orient-express
Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy

Day 5 – Venice through to Switzerland aboard the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

This morning after breakfast it is time to bid farewell to Venice as your water taxi transfers you across the lagoon to Venice Santa Lucia station. 

Here you board the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Your steward will show you to your private cabin and will attend you throughout your journey. 

After you have settled in it will soon be time to enjoy a sumptuous three course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars. 

Spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfort of your cabin gazing at the beautiful passing scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps, or chatting with fellow travellers in the Bar Car. 

Afternoon tea is served in your compartment. After further relaxation it will soon be time to dress for dinner. Why not sip a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars? Here you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs. 

After dinner you may want to linger in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano. When you are ready, retire to your compartment, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

lake-geneva-from-montreux

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. 

All too soon it is time to prepare to disembark as your train draws into London Victoria station and the final leg of your journey home.

The Orient Express Luxury Holidays

About your Accommodation

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:

VSOE suite 2

Twin

suite-vsoe

Suite

Grand Suite

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.

About your hotel

Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente - Venice

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.

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