Classic Orient Express: London to Venice
- Catch the train to Paris in Eurostar Plus class and spend the night
- Board the iconic Orient-Express and journey through the Alps via the heart of Switzerland and the Gotthard Pass
- The canals, gondolas and culture of Venice
- Return via a different route, via the Frejus Tunnel high in the Alps and the culinary city of Lyon
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Upgrade hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Eurostar Plus Class service from London to Paris and back
- Historic cabin overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice
- First Class rail travel from Venice back to Paris
- Transfer from station to hotel and hotel to station in Paris and station to hotel in Venice
- 4 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
Suggested Itinerary
Start your luxurious holiday with a journey in Eurostar Plus to Paris. Enjoy a light lunch onboard and on arrival, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, Le Demeure Montaigne (or similar) where you have an overnight stay.
Enjoy an evening at leisure in the City of Light. Perhaps take a cruise along the Seine or choose a traditional brasserie for dinner.
Spend another morning in Paris and then, this afternoon, meet your transfer driver at the hotel and head to the Gare d’Austerlitz where you’ll check in to board the Continental Wagon-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Once you’ve settled in and changed for the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner onboard. After dinner, head to the bar for a nightcap where you will be serenaded by a baby grand piano, then make your way back to your cabin, which has now been transformed into a cosy bedroom.
Awake this morning to the splendid scenery of the Alps and enjoy breakfast in your cabin, brought to you by your steward at your own convenience. The train twists and turns as it climbs up to the top of the Gotthard Pass, then down into Italy. Enjoy afternoon tea as you pass through the fair city of Verona and eventually into your final destination, the unique city of Venice.
Upon arrival, make your way down the Grand Canal to the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Enjoy Venice in all its splendour. Gravitate towards St Mark’s Square, the regal piazza that opens out onto the mouth of the Grand Canal and the Venetian Lagoon. Don’t miss the Accademia art collection or a boat trip to Murano or Burano, or even over to Venice Lido.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Extend your holiday in Venice by a night or two to take in more of this magical city. Why not combine Venice with the culture and history of Florence, only 1.5 hours away by train?
It’s time to leave Venice this morning, heading back across the lagoon and on towards the Alps. Passing Turin, the scenery gets more and more mountainous as you head towards the Frejus Tunnel. Emerging across the border into France, continue to Lyon and check in for an overnight stay at the Sofitel Lyon Bellecour (or similar).
Spend your last evening wandering through Lyon’s charming old town area with its fantastic selection of restaurants and bars.
Return to the station this morning and make your return journey by rail to London, changing in Paris.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Paris
Located in the Opera District of Paris, La Demeure Montaigne offers luxury accommodation within easy reach of the Rue du Rivoli and the Louvre. Bedrooms are air-conditioned with flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, dressing gowns and slippers. There is also an elegant restaurant, a spa & wellness centre with an indoor pool, a hairdressers and a bar with a billiards table.
Venice
Hotel Ca’ Sagredo occupies a 15th century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal. Featuring typically Venetian decor and many original works of art, the bedrooms are also equipped with all modern conveniences. There is an elegant restaurant on the Grand Canal and a rooftop terrace bar where you can enjoy a bellini as the sun sets.
Upgrade your accommodation
Paris
This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Paris’ fashion district. The rooms reflect the style of the area with traditional luxury matched with modern touches such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The hotel boasts a number of bars and restaurants, including Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athenée which has been awarded three Michelin stars. An onsite spa offers a wide range of treatments.
Venice
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.
Venice
A short boat ride on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to St Mark’s Square, this landmark luxury hotel boasts elegant rooms with garden or lagoon views, free Wi-Fi and iPod docks. There is also a local area shuttle boat, restaurant, waterfront bistro, Olympic-sized outdoor pool, spa and tennis courts.
