Swiss Alps by Rail & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Zurich and transfer to your hotel in the midst of the picturesque old town, close by to the river Limmat, Lake Zurich and the main train station. Spend the rest of the day admiring the lake and mountain views, or perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour with a private guide and driver.

Stay: Zurich accommodation (Superior)

This morning make your way to the train station in Zurich and travel by train to Zermatt, lying at the foot of the Matterhorn and offers plenty of things to explore. On arrival in Zermatt, you'll transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and don't miss out an optional excursion to the Gornergrat, a cogwheel train has transported passengers from the station in Zermatt to an altitude of 3089 metres since 1898, across stunning bridges, through galleries and tunnels, idyllic forests, past gorges and mountain lakes. The iconic view from the Gornergrat platform is dominated by the Matterhorn along with another 29 four-thousand metre peaks forming an impressive mountain panorama completed by the Gorner glacier, stop along the way to enjoy hiking and walking trails before return back to Zermatt.

Stay: Zermatt accommodation (Superior)

There’s no let up in the dramatic Alpine scenery today as you board the Glacier Express, traversing the cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden before arriving in Lugano. Across eight hours, you’ll travel at a leisurely pace through the mountains and valleys of southern Switzerland, with the option of upgrading to Excellence Class for a guaranteed window seat, a five-course tasting menu (including accompanying wine pairings) and exclusive access to the Glacier Bar. 

Stay: St Moritz accommodation (Superior)

You’ll bid Switzerland farewell today as you take the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Lugano, just on the Italian border, passing through the endlessly photogenic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed region of the Rhaetian Railway along the way. The Morteratsch Glacier, Lago Bianco and the Brusio Circular Viaduct are among the highlights of this particular section. On arrival in Tirano, you’ll switch to a to a scenic coach for the last leg of your journey to Lugano.

Stay: Lugano accommodation (Superior)

Tirano to Lugano operated by Bernina Express luxury coach

Today, you will board a direct regional train from Lugano to Venice, where you’ll be spending the next two nights at the luxurious Baglioni Hotel Luna, set within an elegant, 12th-century palazzo, just a few steps away from the Piazza San Marco. 

You’ll have ample time to soak up the rich history, gorgeous architecture and charming ambience of Venice at your own pace. The main square, Piazza San Marco, is the perfect place to start; in fact, you could easily spend a day just exploring this area, wandering among the canals, stopping at cafes, seeking out bacaros (traditional wine taverns) and admiring major landmarks including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. A gondola ride on the Grand Canal is also an essential experience when in Venice, while a longer cruise to the islands of the Venetian Lagoon is a worthwhile option, too. The colourful village of Burano is a particularly photogenic stop. However you choose to spend your time in Venice, it’s a city that never fails to make a lasting impression. 

Bid farewell to Venice today as you board the iconic gold-and-blue carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll be welcomed by a glass of sparkling wine and shown to your elegant wood-panelled cabin before being treated to a three-course lunch served in one of the grand restaurant cars. Fabulous views of the Dolomites await as you head north before crossing over into Switzerland. Enjoy an exquisite four-course dinner and perhaps cap off your day with a cocktail or two before bedding down for the night. 

You’ll wake up to entirely different landscapes this morning as you continue northwards through France, enjoying breakfast from the comfort of your cabin. A lavish brunch is then served before you arrive in Paris and disembark. The final stretch of your journey takes place on the Eurostar, crossing the Channel en route to London St. Pancras International.