Venice Carnival 2025 by Rail
- London to Zurich by rail in a day
- Beautiful journey through the Alps via the Gotthard route
- Experience one of the world’s most famous carnivals against the backdrop of unforgettable Venice
- A night in Montreux on Lake Geneva to break the journey home
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 5 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- 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
Venice Carnival 2025:
22 February – 4 March
Suggested Itinerary
Catch a Eurostar in the morning and connect onto the high-speed TGV Lyria service which will take you through France and into Switzerland. Check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel Adler (or similar) in Zurich.
The city of Zurich has a very pretty centre, straddling the River Limmat as it flows into Lake Zurich. Enjoy an evening wandering around through the historic area of Lindenhof with its great choice of bars and restaurants.
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to head back to the station for your onward journey into the Alps. You can choose whether to catch some mountain scenery and then plunge into the 35-mile long Gotthard Tunnel, emerging in Italian-speaking Italy or take the longer journey through the Gotthard Pass high in the Alps before descending into Italy (let us know which route you would prefer).
Either way, you’ll pass through Verona before crossing the Venetian Lagoon by way of the stunning Ponte della Libertà. Exit the station to the magnificent Grand Canal and make your way to the Hotel Bisanzio (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
The Venice Carnival is believed to have started at the end of the 12th century, as a celebration of victory in battle. It evolved into a yearly festival involving two whole months of revelling. Nowadays, there are just over two weeks to enjoy the festivities. St Mark’s Square is at the heart of things, where you are likely to spot the best costumes. Get involved yourself by buying a carnival mask. If you want to attend a ball or other paid event, you can get tickets on the Venice Carnival website.
After breakfast in Venice, make your way back to the station on the Grand Canal for the train service to Montreux via Milan and the Simplon route through the Alps. When you arrive, make your way to the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (or similar) where you will stay overnight.
You should arrive in time for an evening meal in this lovely lakeside town, famous for its annual jazz festival and photogenic Château de Chillon (pictured).
After a leisurely start this morning, it’s time to leave Montreux and head along the shores of Lake Geneva, with the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyards to your right. Change at Geneva and catch a high-speed TGV to Paris. In Paris, cross over from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord, where you catch a Eurostar back to London.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Zurich
The Hotel Adler is situated in the Niederdorf Old Town area of Zurich and occupies a building dating back to the 16th century. Bedrooms are decorated in classic Swiss style with complimentary Wi-Fi and soft drinks. The hotel also boasts a traditional Swiss restaurant.
Venice
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.
Montreux
Occupying an ideal location opposite the station and directly on the lakefront, the Suisse Hotel Majestic offers elegant accommodation in a beautiful setting. Bedrooms are furnished in a classic style, some with balconies overlooking the lake. Enjoy an al fresco breakfast or relaxing dinner on the outdoor terrace in good weather.
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.
Montreux
The Belle Epoque Fairmont le Montreux Palace is the most luxurious hotel in Montreux, boasting 236 opulently furnished bedrooms, three restaurants (one directly on the lake shore), a wellness centre including an indoor and outdoor pool, and two bars.
