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Venice Carnival by First Class Rail
Holiday Highlights
- Medieval Dijon
- Cisalpino through scenic Switzerland
- Incomparable Venice
- Venice Carnival
- St. Mark's Square
- Rialto Bridge
- Lake Geneva and Montreux
Itinerary
Your outward journey
Eurostar to Paris
Depart St. Pancras International and travel in Leisure Select Class (formerly First Class) with a three-course meal and drinks included. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey to the continent. On arrival in Paris Gare du Nord private transfer to Gare de Lyon.
 TGV to Dijon
Travel in First Class comfort on board the TGV to Dijon and watch the pretty French countryside slip by at speeds of up to 300kmh. On arrival at Dijon Ville private transfer to the hotel Mercure Dijon Clémenceau (4-star).
1 night in Dijon
Including breakfast at this comfortable modern hotel just a stroll from Dijon’s historic old town. Visit the Musée des Beaux Arts or the Ducal Palace or wander among the half-timbered buildings and brocanterie (antique shops).
Dijon to Venice
3 exciting rail journeys in one day! Private transfer to Dijon Ville to join the TGV service to Bern. Board the Cisalpino tilting train as it snakes it way through the Swiss and Italian Alps down to Milan. Join the Intercity service to Venice arriving in time for dinner. On arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia station walk out of the station and enter a different world. Your private boat taxi will transfer you in the best possible style to your hotel – the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente(4 star).
Venice Carnival by First Class rail
4 nights in Venice during Venice Carnival - at the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4 star), an intimate, welcoming hotel with attractive, exotic rooms in a peaceful, typically Venetian location, yet only 10 minutes from the Rialto Bridge. Step out in Venice and allow this unique and captivating city to carry you where it will. Enjoy Venice, at dusk and after dark when all the crowds have gone home. From St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal to a visit inside the stunning Doges Palace, feel yourself unwind as you wander among the criss-cross of canals and bridges.
Homeward Bound
Venice to Montreux
A private boat taxi transfer re-unites you with the rest of the world as you leave Italy behind and board the Eurostar Italia service for the First Class journey to Milan. From here join the comfortable Eurocity service as you head in to the Alps and on to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva
1 night in Montreux
Including breakfast, at the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic located right next to the station. Take a stroll alongside Lake Geneva and, time permitting, visit the beautiful Château de Chillon.
Montreux to Paris
Walk across to the station and continue to Lausanne to board the TGV to whisk you back to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days. Your private transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord and the last leg of your journey.
Eurostar to London
Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the three-course meal and drinks included in your Leisure Select service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St. Pancras International.
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Ai Mori d’Oriente
 
Enjoying a great location in an area exclusively reserved for local Venetians, the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4- star) offers an attractive and calm setting from which to enjoy and explore this most evocative of cities.
Named after Turkish tradesmen, "mori", who for centuries lived in this beautiful palace, the hotel offers guests contemporary accommodation equipped with air conditioning, mini- bar, hair dryer, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, radio, safe, and internet connection point. The hotel benefits from a tastefully decorated breakfast room, bar and reading room. Guests can relax amidst the exotic atmosphere of the hotel's furnishings which hark back to the times of oriental merchants, and traders, plying their trade on the "Silk Route" which had Venice as its main port. Located about 10 minutes' walk from the Rialto Bridge, the Ai Mori d'Oriente offers visitors a fascinating insight into the real Venice as well as easy access to charming restaurants frequented by locals rather than tourists. |
Locanda SS Giovanni Paolo
 
In the heart of the historical centre, a few steps away from the Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark's Square, the Locanda is an ancient eighteenth century house which has been completely renovated. The hotel offers pleasant rooms decorated in 18th century Venetian style each of which has air-conditioning, telephone, wall-safe and a modern bathroom. Breakfast is delivered conveniently by room service at the time that suits you.
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Hotel Una Venezia
 
Right in the heart of « Cannaregio », in the Cà d’Oro quarter, one of the most important districts of Venice, the new UNA Hotel Venezia looks straight out onto the Rio Priuli Canal. It is only 5 minutes on foot from the Rialto Bridge and 10 minutes from the magnificent Saint Mark’s Square.
This stately building has been restored to its ancient splendour thanks to carefully thought out renovation, with emphasis on detail and furnishing. Special features are the Murano glass chandeliers which create a romantic atmosphere.
UNA Hotel Venezia has 37 rooms which are elegantly furnished in a typically ornate Venetian style, and provide every possible comfort. You can enjoy elaborate cocktails and appetizing snacks in the American bar.
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Al Ponte Antico
The Al Ponte Antico Hotel (4-star) – ranked No.1 on ‘Trip Advisor’ - is an intimate residence facing the Grand Canal, with a splendid view of the Rialto Bridge.
The exceptional location of this charming palace, its tasteful design and comfortably furnished and fully-equipped rooms is sure to delight customers. The special quality of this exclusive family-run hotel of only 9 rooms is due to the warm welcome, refined atmosphere and highly personalised service and renowned hospitality of the Peruch Family and its staff. The hotel features luxurious interiors and a wonderful terrace, where you can enjoy truly unforgettable evenings. |
Palazzo Barbarigo
The Hotel Palazzo Barbarigo (4 star) overlooks the Grand Canal and enjoys a wonderful location, next door to the famous Palazzo Pisani-Moretta, close to the Rialto Bridge and just a 20 minute stroll from St. Mark’s Square.
Built in 1569, the hotel now boasts contemporary architecture and design with 18 rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and Rio di San Polo and represents the perfect destination for a really exclusive stay in Venice. The hotel benefits from its own private dock where you can arrive in style and the lounge bar ‘Art Deco’ offering a rich breakfast or a light meal, appetizers and cocktails. All rooms feature ly, the entire palace with its unique characteristics is available for rent to celebrate weddings, anniversaries and any special occasion. All 18 ensuite rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and feature satellite TV, minibar, safe, hairdryer and wireless internet access. |
Locanda Orseolo
The Locanda Orseolo (3 star) is the result of a recent faithful restoration of a typical Venetian home, facing the Orseolo canal only a few steps from St. Mark's Square.
One of the key features of this charming inn is the wonderful family atmosphere in the heart of enchanting Venice, with breakfast freshly prepared for each guest.. All the rooms in his boutique hotel feature tasteful furniture and decor in local Venetian style with thorough attention to detail. Rooms overlook the Orseolo canal or the quiet private courtyard, and feature satellite TV, minbar, safe, hairdryer and wireless internet access. |
No En Route Hotels - See Main Hotels Above
Additional Information
- All prices are per person based on twin sharing
- On some short local services, eg in Switzerland, there may not be a First Class carriage
- *Transfers not included where hotel is 400m or less from the station
- Single supplement from £195
- Deposit £150 per person
See here for insurance details.
Holiday duration is 7 days.
Please read the essential information
For information and booking
Tel: 01347 811810 or Send an Email Request |
Holiday extensions
You can turn a fabulous short break into a holiday of a lifetime by extending your time away. We can offer extensions in a variety of countries including Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France.
Whether you choose to spend longer in one destination or wish to create a multi-centre holiday we can organise your onward travel arrangements including rail travel, hotel and transfers.
In Italy, why not create your own ‘Grand Tour of Italy’ and visit the classic cities of Venice, Florence and Rome. Perhaps you would like to design an itinerary combining a city break with a beach or lake holiday? We can craft a tailor-made holiday in fabulous regions of Italy including Tuscany, Umbria, Piemonte and the Italian Lakes.
For those who enjoy the Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland we can give you the opportunity to make the most of your holiday by helping you to create an itinerary based around your included Swiss Rail Pass. We can enable you to experience all of the classic, scenic rail journeys including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Centovalli Railway and Golden Panoramic Express.
For more information about our holiday extensions service just pick up the phone or send us an email request.
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Your Questions Answered
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What is my sleeping accommodation like?
On the Orient-Express overnight passengers are automatically given their own compartments. Complete with wooden marquetry and brass fittings in original 1920s detail, your compartment will transport you back to a bygone era.
Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?
No, probably not. It is strongly advised that you only take into your compartment, one or two light cases packed with everything you need for your journey on board. All extra luggage can be checked in at the start of your journey where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
Are there showers on board the Orient-Express?
No. These are the original 1920s carriages and as such do not have all the modern amenities such as showers. Each cabin contains a wash basin with hot and cold water.
Are disabled people able to travel on the Orient-Express?
VSOE are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties although they recommend that they are accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. VSOE regret that the dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. Should you have any special requirements please inform Planet Rail at the time of booking.
Can I smoke on board the Orient-Express?
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates a no smoking policy on board the British Pullman.
On the continental train, out of courtesy towards your fellow travellers but also to comply with the strict Italian and other European countries regulations, smoking is no longer permitted in the bar and restaurant carriages nor in other public spaces such as corridors.
What sort of service can I expect on board the Orient-Express?
In short, dedicated. Your Cabin Steward is responsible for your carriage on the Continental train. He will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your compartment. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your compartment from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Maitre D’ will come to your compartment to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the Continental train.
Will I need to tip the Orient-Express staff?
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.
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Insurance
As a member of the Travel Trust Association, Planet Rail is pleased to offer our customers travel insurance arranged by White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd. There are 3 levels of cover available, depending on your requirements: Silver, Gold and Platinum. You can book our travel insurance by calling us on 01347 811810 or making your request when booking your holiday.
Booking, confirmation/invoice and tickets
A deposit and a completed online booking form are required to reserve a holiday. Please ensure that the title, initials or forenames and surnames given on the booking form match those on your passport. This is because we make your travel reservations using this information and any inaccuracies will cause problems at a later date. We will send you a confirmation/invoice summarising the arrangements made on your behalf, the outstanding balance and the date by which it must be received by us. Check these details carefully and contact us immediately if there are any inaccuracies. For bookings made more than 2 months before departure we may write to you again around this time to remind you of certain points concerning your holiday. Final holiday documentation is usually sent out around 2 weeks before departure, although this does depend on how far ahead and the type of holiday booked. For escorted group bookings we send out Eurostar tickets, whilst other tickets are given out by your Tour Manager at check-in.
Foreign Office advice
Global and political situations can and do change. Your safety is our first consideration, so if the Foreign Office advises against travel to a certain country, we will act on this advice. The Foreign Office issues regular advice and updates. You can obtain this information by phone on 0870 606 0290, on Ceefax, or by visiting www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougoPassports & travel documentation
Please note that you are entirely responsible for ensuring that everyone in your party has the necessary correct and up-to-date personal documentation before you start the holiday. We do not accept any liability if you or any member of your party is refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. For British citizens, a standard 10-year British Passport is required for all holidays which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return travel. If your passport expires before this, or if your passport is endorsed in any way, it may still be acceptable, but you should contact your local passport office or the consulate or embassy of the country/countries you plan to visit/transit through, for detailed advice. Customers applying for a first British passport should allow at least six weeks to obtain one as they are now required to attend a personal interview with the Passport Office. Customers renewing their passport should allow a minimum of two weeks. However, in all cases, please apply as far ahead as possible in order to allow time for unexpected delays.
Visas
We will advise British Citizens with a British passport at time of booking of any visa requirements. If you have a British passport issued outside of the UK or if you are not a British Citizen, you must check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country/countries that you plan to visit or transit through.
For each of our holidays we make it clear whether British Citizens require a visa to enter the country or countries included in the holiday. The countries for which a visa is needed by British Citizens holding a British passport are listed below, along with details of how a visa may be obtained.
Russia - A Double Entry visa is required for British Citizens on our 'Trans-Siberian Express' holiday. Visas may be obtained in person or by post from the Russian Consulate in London or Edinburgh, prices start at £55 for a double entry visa. Alternatively, our local agent can obtain them at an extra charge - please contact us for details.
Please note that all visa information is correct at the time of producing these web pages, but requirements may change and we recommend that you check the latest position in good time before your departure.
Insurance and holiday duration
It is a condition of booking that you take out sufficient and appropriate travel insurance cover. We recommend you do this at time of booking so that your deposit is recoverable in the event of a cancellation covered by the policy. To take advantage of our insurance, please see the 'Insurance' section of the website and make your request when booking. If you take out your own cover you will need to advise us of the Insurance Company, the policy number and the 24-hour emergency telephone number. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs and destination(s) you are travelling to. We do not check alternative insurance policies. The duration of the holiday on the website includes the day of departure and day of return and is the period to be used for insurance purposes. Read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. Should you choose to extend your holiday (either at the start or the end of your holiday), you will need to extend the duration of your insurance cover.
Disabilities, medical conditions and mobility
Due to the design of some trains and nature of some of our group holidays we regret that some of our tours are not suitable for the disabled traveller. Certain holidays can also be physically demanding. Please let us know if you or anyone in your party suffers from any medical condition or physical disability which may affect your holiday arrangements or has any health or fitness concerns which may affect your ability to cope with the holiday before any booking is made. Help us to help you choose the right holiday for your level of health and fitness. If you have any concerns whatsoever about the suitability of one of our holidays then please feel free to discuss this with our reservations team. Our goal is to ensure all our customers enjoy their holiday to the full.
Health
The Department of Health's leaflet (T7.1) "Health advice for travellers" is available at Post Offices, by phoning 0800 555777 or online at www.dh.gov.uk, showing health requirements and advice for the countries you are visiting. We advise you to check with your doctor in good time prior to your departure as to which inoculations are necessary. For European holidays, you should obtain the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to health care in many European countries. Further information is available from the Department of Health on 020 7210 4850 or online at www.dh.gov.uk. Accommodation
All our basic holiday prices are expressed in £ sterling and are per person, based on 2 people sharing:
- Supplements for accommodation upgrades are usually expressed per room or cabin/sleeper, on the assumption that two people are occupying it.
- Single supplements or prices are expressed per person.
- In some hotels, triple or family rooms may be available and we are happy to provide a quotation accordingly.
- A hotel room shared by two people may contain a double or twin beds. In some countries a double bed may consist of two beds pushed or linked together.
- A single hotel room may be a 'true' single or may be a single occupancy of a double or twin room. Either way, the supplement shown is payable.
- Hotel rooms, particularly in older properties, may differ in size and amenities offered.
- Sleeping accommodation on board trains is likely to take the form of seating which converts into a berth at night.
- Hotel rooms and cabins on cruise ships include en suite facilities, which may be bath and WC or shower and WC.
- Rooms/cabins are not usually available before about 2pm on arrival day and must be vacated by about 11am on departure day.
You may request a specific configuration, room type or room location but, while we pass on all requests to our hotel partners, neither we nor they can guarantee that what you want can or will be provided. Meals
Please check the 'What's included' panels to see what meals are included on each holiday.
- Hotels: Meals are generally taken in the restaurant of the hotel. On group holidays we usually dine together, with a set "table d'hôte" style menu that will often feature regional dishes. Drinks are usually not included in our arrangements.
- Trains: On chartered cruise trains most meals are included and taken in the restaurant car of the train. If you are travelling Leisure Select on Eurostar a meal and drinks are included, served at your seat.
- Cruise Ships: Meals are normally included, and taken in the ship's main restaurant.
- Special diets: If you have a specific dietary need please discuss it with us before you book. We will do our best to cater for special diets when notified in advance on the booking form. The more information we have, the better, but even then, some suppliers find it difficult to satisfy every requirement.
Our Group Holidays
Tour itineraries
Our group holidays are planned well in advance. We do our best to follow the detailed itineraries shown. However we reserve the right to make changes if we need to react to schedule changes or local conditions. The sightseeing tours and excursions described may also have to be amended to suit local conditions or Public Holidays.
What to wear
Casual dress is acceptable on the majority of our group holidays. It is entirely up to you what you choose to wear as there is no dress code, and it is after all your holiday. People do tend to dress slightly more formally, especially in the evenings, on cruises, or for gala/farewell dinners.
Luggage
Taking the right luggage can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the journey and the holiday overall. Where possible we include porterage for groups, however there will be times when you have to carry your suitcase or lift it onto a train. We therefore recommend one suitcase and one small piece of hand luggage per person, and suggest the popular 'vertical' suitcases with built-in wheels and a retractable handle.
Rail reservations
We request rail reservations well in advance and occasionally there are insufficient First Class (or equivalent) seats available. In these situations we will book Standard Class seats and refund the difference to you. Although we do our best to follow the routes noted in the itinerary there might be occasions when a different routing or departure time is necessary due to timetable variations or seat availability. For our groups we always request seats in non-smoking accommodation, although at busy times we may be allocated some smoking seats. We are unable to make specific requests for smoking seats.
Prices quoted on this website are based on special fares, negotiated with our rail partners for group travel. Should you wish to travel on any Eurostar or other rail service, other than that included as part of your group holiday, a rail variation charge of £20 per person per service will apply. Any change involving sleeper services will be quoted on an individual basis.
Travel delays
The vast majority of trains operate without problems. In the event of undue delay the group will be looked after in accordance with the standard practice of the scheduled carrier or transport operator.
Maintenance and development work
Every holiday visits a number of different destinations. There may well be maintenance, redevelopment, building, road works or track work in the vicinity of any of the hotels. If we know about such work and any associated disruption or noise which is reasonably likely to affect the enjoyment of your holiday, we make every effort to tell you about it as quickly as possible. Please be aware that we are not the only passengers travelling on the trains or ships used in our holidays, nor the only guests staying in the hotels. As a result we cannot be held responsible for the behaviour or noise of others.
Overseas standards
The transport and accommodation featured in our holidays complies with all local health and safety laws. However, overseas laws and standards may not be the same as we are used to in the UK. Some of our holidays and journeys are to countries with a less advanced infrastructure. We therefore recommend that you travel with an open mind and a flexible approach. By doing so you will enjoy the holiday experience so much more.
Our TTA membership
Planet Rail Limited is a member of the TTA with membership no U5374. The TTA and TTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you through the TTA's Code of Conduct. For further information about the TTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact the TTA: Albion House, High Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6BD. Tel: 0870 8890577or www.traveltrust.co.uk
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