The Tour
Take a step back in time on this overnight trip from London (or Paris) to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Depart London mid-morning (or Paris just before dinner) for your luxurious overnight journey to Venice, where you arrive late afternoon the next day. Luxuriate in the train’s ambience, gourmet meals, and superior service while taking in Europe’s beautiful and historic scenery.
This is the centerpiece of our wonderful Romantic Italian Holiday itinerary. If you’re celebrating an anniversary or any special occasion, IRT can customize your luxury rail journey with iconic hotels, special sightseeing, and private transfers. Call or email us for details. And if you’re thinking of the grandest celebration of all, check out the Grand Suites — info on our blog.
“We are having a fabulous time! Hotel Cipriani is such a great location to have a relaxing start to our trip.” – IRT guest B. Merkely, writing from Venice, May 2016.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Depart London or Paris
As you board the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman train at London Victoria station, your steward will show you to your reserved seat. Sit back and enjoy Brunch served with a Bellini as you travel throughout the English countryside.
After crossing the Channel, board the blue and gold carriages of the Continental Wagons-Lits. (Optional to board in Paris rather than London. Please note: boarding is not until about 9:40 p.m. Dinner just after boarding at about 10 p.m. Arrive dressed for dinner.) Throughout your journey you will be attended by your own personal Steward. For those boarding in London: After you have settled into your comfortable private cabin, 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 our 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 cabin, which has now been transformed into a cozy bedroom.
Day 2: Arrive Venice
Awaken as breakfast is served in your cabin at a time to suit you. Spend the morning in the Bar Car chatting to fellow guests over coffee. Enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch served in another of the beautiful restaurant cars. While away the afternoon with a visit to the on board Boutique to purchase souvenirs, or relax in your cabin and admire passing scenery as the train travels through the Italian Dolomites. Later, afternoon tea is served in your cabin as you travel through the Brenner Pass. All too soon it is time to prepare to disembark as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and pulls into Santa Lucia station around 6 p.m. Enjoy a shared, complimentary transfer to your hotel.
Southbound Paris-Venice route description (via the Gotthard route) This fascinating route via the Gotthard Pass between Basel and Airolo is a masterpiece of railway engineering and offers lovely views. VSOE will journey across the three helical tunnels and through the famous Gotthard Tunnel (15km long).
Guests may take in sights such as the three castled town of Bellinzona, Lake Luzern, Lake Como, and picturesque nearby towns of Lugano and Chiasso before the contrasting mountain landscape gives way to vineyards en route to Verona and finally Venice.
Please note: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route is subject to change without prior warning due to last minute railway engineering works or similar. If you wish to travel through the Alps, you will want the northbound Venice-Paris-London direction.
2019 Dates:
October 31November 3, 7
2020 Dates:
March 22, 29April 2, 9, 16, 19, 23, 30
May 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 31
June 4, 7, 25, 28
July 2, 9, 16, 23
August 6, 13, 20
September 10, 17, 20, 27
October 4, 8, 11, 18, 22, 25
November 1, 5, 12
2021 Dates:
March 18, 25April 1, 8, 15, 18, 22, 29
May 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 30
June 3, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12
September 2, 9, 16, 19, 23, 26
October 3, 7, 10, 17, 21, 24, 31
November 4, 7
The Prices
For approximate exchange rates, visit http://www.xe.com.
| Pricing: London-Paris-Venice | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accommodations |
Price
|
Deposit
|
| Double |
From £2,573
|
15%
|
| Single |
From £2,573
|
15%
|
| Cabin Suite |
From £4,116
|
15%
|
| Grand Suite |
From £6,825
|
15%
|
For cabin descriptions, please click here.
To inquire about Cabin Suite & Grand Suite pricing for 2019, and to inquire about pricing for 2019 Paris-Venice-only journey, please e-mail us at [email protected], or call us at 1-800-478-4881 (1-502-897-1725 if outside the US / Canada).
All prices per person.
Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
Other
NEW for 2018: For the first time ever, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is adding fully en-suite cabins. Three Grand Suites will be available on every departure, beginning in March 2018. These will include a private bathroom with shower, washbasin, and toilet, living area with space for private dining, and a sofa which can be converted into an additional bed in the evening. Prices are per person and include all table d’hôte meals and accommodation as noted. A cabin suite is two double cabins connected by a private, interior door. See a full description of the Grand Suites and other VSOE accommodations here.
Please note: This journey can be extended to Rome. Please call for prices and dates.
Northbound tour also available. Click here for details.
No Single Supplement on this journey!
Special Report: Click here for travel notes by Society owners Owen & Eleanor Hardy, who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Venice-Paris-London journey.
Booking at the last minute? Ask us about special offers on selected dates.
