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Swiss rail

Swiss Alps by Rail & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

8-day tailor-made rail holiday from £7,005 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

Sweep across the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy on some of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys

British Airways Sale

The British Airways Sale is now on, with superb savings to a wide range of worldwide destinations. Book by 25 January 2025.

Highlights

  • Sweep across the Swiss Alps in style on the Glacier Express & Bernina Express
  • Enjoy stays in the Swiss icons of Zermatt and St Moritz
  • Stay in a luxurious hotel in a converted 12th-century Venetian palazzo
  • Explore the famous canals, squares and bridges of Venice
  • Experience the timeless elegance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on an overnight journey to Paris

In Brief

  • 1 Night Zürich
  • 1 Night Zermatt
  • 1 Night St Moritz
  • 1 Night Lugano
  • 2 Nights Venice
  • 1 Night Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

About

Recommended for:
Mountains | Rail journey

Pair a spectacular journey across the Swiss Alps with three nights in Venice before riding one of the world’s most iconic trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, to Paris. The Glacier Express brings you north from the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz to Zermatt, from which you’ll cross over into Italy on the Bernina Express, ending in Lugano then onward to Venice. You'll be staying in a luxury hotel in a converted 12th-century palace, with plenty of time to explore the famous canals, squares and palaces of Italy’s floating city. Finally, it's time to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, enjoying first-class hospitality and gourmet dining as you sweep across the Alps back to Paris and finally to London, via the Eurostar.  

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
UK to Zurich

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)

Day 2
Zurich to Zermatt

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)

Meals: B

Day 3
Zermatt to St Moritz on the Glacier Express

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)

Meals: B

Day 4
St Moritz to Lugano on the Bernina Express

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

Meals: B

Day 5
Lugano to Venice

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. 

Stay: Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 6
Venice

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. 

Stay: Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 7
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

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. 

Stay: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Deluxe)

Meals: B L D

Day 8
Paris to London

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.  

Meals: B L

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior Deluxe

8-day tailor-made rail holiday
from £7,005 pp incl. flights

Superior / Deluxe

Low Season

from £7,005 pp. incl. flights

High Season

from £7,325 pp. incl. flights

Includes

  • Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
  • One way flight between UK and Geneva
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Zurich on a BB basis
  • Regional train from Zurich to Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Zermatt on a BB basis
  • Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz in 1st class
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in St Moritz on a BB basis
  • Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano in 1st class (Tirano to Lugano by Bernina Express luxury coach)
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Lugano
  • Regional trains from Lugano to Venice 
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Venice on a BB basis
  • Departure transfer from Venice hotel to Santa Lucia Station
  • Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris
  • Eurostar from Paris to London St Pancras in Business Premier Class

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0796 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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