Classic Orient-Express: Venice to London
- Travel by train to Zurich and spend an evening exploring the Old Town on the River Limmat
- Head through the Alps on the Gotthard Route to Venice
- Enjoy free time in the beguiling city of Venice
- Return to London aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 3 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Transfer from your Venice hotel back to the station
- Historic cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris
- Eurostar Plus from Paris back to London
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Board the Eurostar in London St Pancras and speed through the Channel Tunnel to Paris. Here, transfer to the Gare de Lyon for your onward journey to Zurich. We will include metro tickets for this connection but if you would prefer a private car transfer, just let us know and we can add this for you.
On arrival in Zurich, check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel Marktgasse (or similar). Spend the evening exploring the pretty, historic heart of of the city and allow plenty of time for a good Swiss meal.
There’s time for a leisurely breakfast this morning before you return to Zurich’s imposing main station for a scenic journey around Lake Zurich and through the Gotthard Tunnel into Italy. There’s a restaurant car onboard, so you can enjoy lunch while watching the passing scenery or simply buy something at the station to have at your seat.
Depending on which service you choose, you are likely to arrive in Venice with plenty of time to find your hotel and settle in before dinner. Your accommodation here is the Savoia e Jolanda Hotel (or similar), within walking distance of St Mark’s Square.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Venice. This beautiful city continues to inspire generations of visitors as it has done for centuries. The main focus for tourists are St Mark’s Square, the beautiful Doge’s Palace and the iconic Rialto Bridge. But if you head away from these famous landmarks, you may find yourself completely alone in a hidden campo (square) or along the banks of a narrow canal.
Also well worth a visit are the colourful islands of Murano and Burano and Torcello where you can watch traditional glass-blowing or enjoy a traditional Venetian meal. You can either book a tour to Venice’s other islands or simply do as the locals do and use the excellent network of vaporettos (water buses) to get around.
After breakfast this morning, you will met at your hotel and taken by boat to Venice Santa Lucia station where you will check-in for your exciting journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Once you have settled in, a 3-course lunch will be served in one of the train’s exquisitely decorated restaurant cars. Back in your cabin, a selection of pastries and afternoon tea will be offered to you by your steward as you watch the changing landscapes pass by your window.
Later on, it’s time to dress for dinner. Why not head to the bar car beforehand and enjoy a cocktail before your meal? Enjoy a 4-course dinner, prepared by the onboard chefs and then retire to your cabin which will have been converted into a cosy bedroom by your steward.
Enjoy breakfast in your cabin before the train arrives into Paris. Here, you have plenty of time to make the 10-minute walk to the Gare du Nord for your return Eurostar service to London. Alternatively, why not extend your holiday with a night or two in the City of Light before your journey back to the UK?
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Zurich
The Marktgasse is a boutique hotel which occupies neighbouring historic houses on the street of the same name in Zurich’s Altstadt (Old Town). All bedrooms are individually decorated in a simple, contemporary style with wooden floors and modern amenities including Wi-Fi internet access. There is also an on site café and a bar / restaurant where you can enjoy a meal in the evening.
Venice
Within easy walking distance of Saint Mark’s Square, Savoia & Jolanda is stunningly situated on the waterfront of Riva degli Schiavoni. The Venetian style bedrooms are equipped with satellite TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, wooden-beamed ceilings and Murano glass lamps. The Terrazza Principessa restaurant offers Italian cuisine in its spacious dining hall or out on the terrace overlooking San Giorgio Island.
Upgrade your accommodation
Zurich
The Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich is located opposite the railway station and offers soundproofed rooms with electrically adjustable beds. Its French restaurant ‘La Soupière’ offers delicious seasonal cuisine. The Café Gourmet serves fine antipasti, salads, pastry and the Schweizerhof Bar is famous for its wide selection of whisky.
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.
