Classic Orient-Express London to Venice
- 5 Days
- From $5,699
- Italy
- Indulge in the opulence and glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on its classic route to Venice
- Scenic journey through the Alps via the heart of Switzerland and the Gotthard Pass
- Explore the beautiful canals and rich culture of Venice
- Return via a different route, passing through the Alps, and staying overnight on the shores of Lake Geneva
- Choose your departure date
- Add extra nights & destinations
- Choose alternative hotels
- Upgrade your return journey to First Class
- Overnight accommodation in a double cabin from London Victoria to Venice Santa Lucia station aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations on return journey from Venice to London
- 3 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- City maps and comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Board the beautiful British Pullman at London’s Victoria station and enjoy brunch onboard, as you travel through Kent’s rolling countryside.
On arrival in France, meet the gleaming carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and enjoy an exquisite dinner as the train glides towards Paris. Following your evening meal, you can head to the bar for a nightcap, accompanied by the sounds of a baby grand piano. When ready, make your way back to your cabin, which the discreet staff have transformed into a cosy bedroom.
Pull back the curtains and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery of eastern Switzerland as it sails past your cabin window. The train will then pass through the famous Austrian city of Innsbruck before climbing up to the famous Brenner Pass. A stunning lunch as served as you enjoy a gentle descent into Italy. After a light afternoon tea in your cabin, you arrive into your final destination: the incredible city of Venice.
Upon arrival, there is a complimentary transfer to the Hotel Bisanzio (or similar) where you have a 2-night stay.
Explore the beguiling splendour of Venice, either on foot or by making use of the convenient water taxis and gondolas. From the steps of your hotel, stroll towards the world-famous St Mark’s Square, the magnificent piazza that opens onto the Grand Canal and the Venetian Lagoon.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Extend your holiday in Venice by a night or two to take in more of this magical city. Alternatively, why not combine Venice with the culture and history of Renaissance-inspired Florence, only 1.5 hours away by train?
Choose from either a morning or afternoon departure before travelling west across northern Italy to the famous city of Milan. Here, you change onto a EuroCity Train, and head north, alongside Lake Maggiore and through the Simplon Tunnel into Switzerland. You have another opportunity to enjoy the stunning Swiss scenery as you approach the welcoming shores of Lake Geneva.
Disembark at Lausanne, where you will have an overnight stay at the Angleterre et Residence Hotel (or similar).
Wake up and explore this beautiful lakeside city. For those feeling energetic, take a morning stroll on one of the numerous well-marked trails, or you might even enjoy some of the numerous watersports offered on Lake Geneva.
You depart at lunchtime for Paris, and your journey takes in the pretty scenery of the Jura Mountains. Following your arrival at Gare de Lyon in Paris, make your way across to the Gare du Nord, where you catch a Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Combining the traditional Venetian style with a great location and modern facilities, the Hotel Bisanzio is a great base in Venice, just 10 minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square. Guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi, wooden floors and Murano-glass lamps. There is also a delicious buffet breakfast served daily.
Consisting of six pavilions dating from the 18th, 19th and 21st centuries, this unique hotel features contemporary décor in a historic, lakefront setting. Apart from fine dining in the Italian restaurant, guests enjoy preferential access to the gourmet restaurant at the nearby Beau-Rivage Palace.
Upgrade your accommodation
Located just off the famous St Mark’s Square, this splendid hotel is an icon of Venice. The hotel consists of the Bauer L’Hotel, the Casanova Rooms annexe and the palatial Bauer Il Palazzo, which fronts onto the Grand Canal. The De Pisis restaurant is known throughout the city for its quality and service.
One of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Luna Baglioni is simply the best in Venetian opulence. Housed in a magnificent Venetian Palace, the hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant, Canova, as well as Caffe Baglioni, where delicious coffees and pastries are available throughout the day.
The Beau-Rivage Palace has built a reputation as one of Europe’s favourite hotels both for its service and amenities. Located in 10 acres of parkland, the elegant belle époque buildings of the Beau-Rivage Palace command breathtaking views across Lake Geneva to the majestic French Alps.