Italy’s Lakes and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: A Journey in Luxury
Experience the romance of Italy’s lakes and cities before travelling in ultimate style aboard the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on this luxurious rail journey from London to Paris.
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty of Italy’s lakes and iconic cities on our luxurious rail holiday, combining stays in Lake Como and Lake Garda, with an iconic journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Begin your journey from London to Zurich, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. Continue from Zurich to the stunning Lake Como for a two-night stay.
From Como journey to Lake Garda and enjoy three nights soaking up its serene beauty. Then, you’ll embark on a journey to beautiful Venice for a two-night stay, where you’ll experience a romantic 30-minute private gondola ride through its famous canals.
It’s then time to board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Italy for an overnight journey to Paris.
On your Orient-Express holiday, you’ll wander through beautifully restored 1920s dining carriages and champagne rooms, and unwind in your private suite or cabin with your own personal steward. Get ready for a dinner like no other, enjoying world-renowned cuisine in an unforgettable setting.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the journey of a lifetime aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Expess
- Immerse yourself in the charm of Venice and explore its iconic attractions such as the historic St. Mark’s Square, plus enjoy an included private gondola ride
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Garda, with its charming lakeside towns, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscape.
- Discover Lake Como’s charming villages and serene waters nestled against a backdrop of majestic mountains
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Garda with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
- Overnight accommodation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Transport
- Eurostar from London St Pancras with onward TGV Lyria service to Zurich
- Included rail journeys between Zurich, the Italian lakes and Venice
- Private and shared water-taxi services in Venice
- Secure reservation for the Eurostar back to London
Excursions & Activities
- Private Gondola Tour
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesZurich
Embark on your journey today from the UK to Zurich. You’ll travel on the Eurostar to Paris, and continue your journey on to Zurich, where you will stay overnight. (Overnight in Zurich)
Lake Como
Begin your day with a scenic rail journey from Zurich to Como, travelling in comfort and style. Enjoy panoramic views of Switzerland and Italy, with breathtaking landscapes passing outside your window as you traverse through charming towns, lush valleys, and majestic mountains. Upon arrival in Lake Como, check into your hotel and spend the evening enjoying its beautifully serene setting. Why not explore the local shops, dine at a cosy local restaurant, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. (Overnight in Lake Como)
Lake Como
Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring the beauty of Lake Como at your own pace. Perhaps take a leisurely ferry ride across the lake, visit the charming towns of Bellagio and Varenna, or simply relax by the water and soak in the stunning Alpine scenery. (Overnight in Lake Como)
Lake Como
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Wander through charming lakeside towns, relax in scenic parks, or visit elegant villas and gardens such as Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, take a swim in the clear waters, or simply relax and soak up the stunning views. The day is yours to soak in the enchanting ambiance of Lake Como. (Overnight in Lake Como)
Lake Garda
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and begin your day with a scenic first-class rail journey from Lake Como to Lake Garda via Milan, passing through picturesque landscapes and charming towns. Once you arrive at Desenzano del Garda, take in the stunning lake views and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful surroundings of Lake Garda. Stroll along the waterfront, visit historic sites, or simply relax and unwind in this idyllic setting. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant to round off your first day in Lake Garda. (Overnight in Lake Garda)
Lake Garda
Explore Desenzano at your own pace today. In addition to its three expansive beaches, Desenzano also features a hilltop castle accessible through narrow winding streets that lead from the lakefront. Whether you opt for a leisurely dip in the lake or embark on a ferry adventure to discover the quaint towns in the vicinity, such as the nearby Sirmione, the day is yours to enjoy (Overnight in Lake Garda)
Lake Garda
Spend another day touring the Lake Garda area. Discover nearby Sirmione, a charming medieval town nestled on a peninsula jutting into Lake Garda, boasting stunning views, historic landmarks, and thermal baths. Explore Roman ruins or ferry-hop between the charming villages that line the shore. Wine lovers should consider touring vineyards that feature in many sommeliers' top 10s: Valpolicella, Soave and Bardolino. (Overnight in Lake Garda)
Venice
Start your day with a relaxing morning by the shores of Lake Garda before boarding your first-class train to Venice. Enjoy the comfortable journey as you travel through the scenic Italian countryside. Upon arrival in Venice, a private water taxi will transfer you to your hotel, offering a unique introduction to the city’s enchanting canals. Once settled, take the rest of the day to explore Venice at your own pace. Wander through the narrow streets, visit St. Mark’s Square, or enjoy a coffee at a charming café. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant and soak in the magical atmosphere of this iconic city. (Overnight in Venice)
Venice
Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Venice’s winding streets and charming canals at your own pace. In the afternoon, experience the city’s romance with a private 30-minute gondola ride, gliding through its picturesque waterways and admiring the elegant architecture from a unique perspective. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the enchanting atmosphere of this timeless city. (Overnight in Venice)
Depart Venice
Today, you'll begin your unforgettable journey with a shared water taxi service to board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. As you glide through the charming canals of Venice, prepare for your journey on one of the world’s most luxurious trains that will whisk you away to Paris. Settle into your elegant cabin and get ready for a day filled with opulence and adventure as you travel in style through breathtaking landscapes. Sit down to a enjoy a tasty three-course lunch in one of the beautifully restored dining cars. As you dine, watch the scenery change from the majestic Italian Dolomites to the stunning Arlberg route after Innsbruck. In the afternoon, explore the trains onboard boutique for elegant, exclusive gifts, or just relax in your cabin with a French goûter, a delightful treat served by your steward. As evening approaches, it’s time to dress for dinner. Start with an aperitif in Bar Car ‘3674’ before heading to one of the dining cars. Here, celebrated chef Jean Imbert’s creativity shines through both the décor and the seasonal specialties on the menu, paired with exceptional wines from the sommelier selection. After dinner, head back to the bar for a lively atmosphere. Enjoy the resident pianist playing the baby grand as you enjoy evening drinks. (Overnight onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express)
Paris/ Return home
Unwind in your cabin this morning with a French breakfast served by your steward. Take in the scenic French countryside while relaxing abord this iconic train. As the train arrives in Paris, and your Orient Express and Lake Como journey comes to an end, prepare to disembark and continue home. If you would like to extend your time in France, or travel elsewhere in Europe, the Marvellous Escapes team are on hand to assist you.
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Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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