Itinerary - 7 Night Luxury Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Zurich

Travel on Standard Premier on the Eurostar from London to Paris, where you transfer onto the TGV Lyria train to Zurich in 1st class. Speed through the French Champagne region passing quaint French villages and picturesque countryside before arriving into Zurich in time for dinner.

Check in at the Schweizerhof Hotel for your overnight stay. The hotel is perfectly situated opposite the station and you will receive a welcome drink on arrival!

Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. The city features an impressive number of art galleries and museums, among which are the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its restaurants, lounges and stylish fashion boutiques.

Day 2

Zurich to Venice

Depart Zurich in the morning and travel in 1st class to Venice on one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the Gotthard Pass. Relax whilst the train cuts through the Alps and down into Italy. As well as the stunning mountain scenery the train runs next to Lakes Lugano and Como. After a quick change over in Milan you arrive into Venice's famous Santa Lucia station in the late afternoon.

Check in at the luxurious Bauer Hotel Venice for your two night stay.

The Bauer Hotel is a luxurious hotel and when the weather allows, buffet breakfast is served on the Bauer Terrace, while in the evening cocktails can be enjoyed here along with spectacular views of the Grand Canal and the famous Venice landmark, the Chiesa della Salute.

Day 3

Venice

Why not spend your first full day in Venice by visiting some masterpieces of Venetian architecture such as the Basilica of San Marco adorned with Byzantine flourishes and glimmering angels across the ceilings. Alternatively take a stroll along St. Mark's Basin up the waterfront promenade, with the bell towers of San Giorgio Maggiore on the left and San Marco on the right.

Stop for a glass of prosecco in the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco on your return. After dinner, take a boat trip along the Grand Canal and marvel at the beautiful lights which illuminate it as you pass beneath the famous Rialto Bridge.

Day 4

Orient Express from Venice to Vienna

After spending another day in Venice head to Venice Santa Lucia train station in the afternoon before boarding the splendid Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Your steward will show you to your private compartment, before you enjoy a four-course dinner as the train heads for the Austrian border. After dinner you may want to linger in the bar and when you are ready you can retire to your cabin, which will have been transformed into a cosy bedroom.

Day 5

Arriving into Vienna

The next morning breakfast is served in your cabin before the train pulls into Vienna Westbahnhof station.

Check in at the historical Hotel Sacher for your two night stay.

The Sacher Hotel is famous for its Sacher-Torte (chocolate cake) and the hotel's famous guests which include Ghandi, the Queen and John F Kennedy. The hotel is situated opposite the Opera House and a short walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral.

After checking in you then have two and a half days to discover Europe's grandest city.

Day 6

Vienna

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is well worth a visit. Situated in the heart of the city, its ceiling is one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks. The church was built in the 12th century and completely renovated in Gothic style during the 14th century.

Also try and fit in a visit to The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera). This Opera house is famed all around the world thanks to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and their operatic performances. The festive building itself was built 1869 in an Italian Renaissance style. Railbookers can arrange any extras in Vienna.

Day 7

Orient Express departs Vienna

After a final morning in Vienna, rejoin the Venice Simplon Orient Express in the afternoon and settle back into your private cabin. A delicious afternoon tea is served by your personal steward in the comfort of your cabin. Later on in the evening a leisurely four course dinner is served, prepared on board by the skilled French chefs. Enjoy a brandy or liqueur in convivial company in the Bar before retiring for the night.

Day 8

Heading back to London

The next morning continental breakfast is brought to you by your steward. Sit back and relax, enjoying the French countryside before a delicious brunch is served in the restaurant car as you travel on towards the French coast.

After the short Channel crossing board the cream and umber carriages of the British Pullman for the journey to London. A sophisticated High Tea with a glass of champagne is served at your table while you watch the gentle scenery of Kent pass by. Suddenly, you are drawing into London Victoria station.