The Holiday
Prague is one of the rarest stops on the Orient Express calendar, with just two departures from Paris in 2027. This holiday takes you there in style, from the Eurostar in London to a music-themed five star hotel in the shadow of Prague Castle.
You leave London by Eurostar in the morning and are on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Paris by the afternoon. The train travels through the night into Germany and Austria, stops briefly in Vienna and then runs north through the Bohemian countryside, arriving in Prague as evening falls on the second day.
This is a gentler journey than the run over the Alps to Venice. The scenery is forested hills and broad river valleys rather than mountains, but the train is just the same: Art Deco cabins, Lalique glass panels, a four-course dinner and the pianist playing in the Bar Car.
In Prague you stay three nights at the Aria Hotel in the Lesser Town, a few minutes' walk from both Charles Bridge and the Castle. At the end of your stay, you fly home to London.
Day by Day
Eurostar to Paris and the Orient Express
Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you board the Eurostar to Paris, travelling in Eurostar Plus with a light meal served at your seat. A private car meets you at the Gare du Nord and takes you across the city to the Gare d'Austerlitz, where the blue and gold carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are waiting.
Your steward shows you to your cabin and the train pulls out in the late afternoon. Take an aperitif in Bar Car 3674 while the pianist plays, then dress for a four-course dinner by Chef Jean Imbert, served with the sommelier's selection of wines. As the night goes on the train crosses into Germany, and for anyone still awake a Champagne brunch is laid on in the Bar Car at midnight.
Dinner with wines. Overnight on board.
Across Central Europe to Prague
Breakfast is brought to your cabin as the train runs through Austria. There are no Alpine peaks on this route. Instead the view is of forested hills and wide river valleys, and it is lovely in its quieter way. Lunch is served in the restaurant car as the train approaches Vienna, where it pauses at the Westbahnhof around midday.
In the afternoon the train heads north into the Czech Republic and through the Bohemian countryside, with pastries served in your cabin. You arrive at Prague main station at around 18:45, and a private car takes you to the Aria Hotel in the Lesser Town, just below Prague Castle.
Breakfast and lunch on board. Overnight at the Aria Hotel.
Prague
Two full days in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The Aria is ideally placed for exploring. Charles Bridge is about five minutes' walk in one direction, and Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral about five minutes in the other. Cross the bridge to the Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, wander the lanes of the Jewish Quarter, or take a boat along the Vltava.
Back at the hotel, guests have their own entrance to the Vrtba Garden, a terraced Baroque garden on the hillside with one of the finest views over the city's rooftops. In the evening, book a table on the rooftop terrace at CODA, the hotel's restaurant. If you would like a private guide, we can arrange one.
Breakfast daily. Overnight at the Aria Hotel.
Fly Home
After breakfast a private car takes you to Prague airport for your flight home to London.
Breakfast. Private transfer and flight to London.
Where You Stay
Aria Hotel, Prague
The Aria is a five star boutique hotel in the Lesser Town, the quarter of Baroque palaces, cobbled lanes and gardens between the Vltava and Prague Castle. Music is its theme. Each of the 51 rooms and suites is dedicated to a composer, a musician or a style of music, from Mozart, Dvořák and Smetana to Billie Holiday and Joni Mitchell, and each has a good sound system and a music library to enjoy.
Guests have their own entrance to the Vrtba Garden, a terraced Baroque garden that is part of Prague's UNESCO World Heritage Site. CODA, the hotel's restaurant, has a rooftop terrace with views across the city's spires and domes. There is also a winter garden, a fireplace lounge, a screening room and a fitness centre.
On Board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
You can travel in a Historic Twin Cabin, the original 1920s compartments with washbasins and shared facilities at the end of the carriage, or upgrade to a Suite with its own private bathroom, or to one of the six Grand Suites, including the Prague Grand Suite. See all the options on our accommodation page.
Departure Dates 2027
The holiday follows the Paris to Prague departures of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. There are only two in 2027.
| Eurostar and VSOE | Arrive Prague | Fly Home |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 19 Aug 2027 | Fri 20 Aug 2027 | Mon 23 Aug 2027 |
| Sat 18 Dec 2027 | Sun 19 Dec 2027 | Wed 22 Dec 2027 |
Price
The holiday is priced on application. The train fare depends on your cabin, and hotel rates and flights change with the date, so please call us on 0333 405 0192 or send an enquiry and we will give you an exact price.
What Is Included
- Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
- Private transfer across Paris to the Gare d'Austerlitz
- One night on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Prague in your chosen cabin, with dinner, breakfast and lunch
- Private transfer from Prague station to your hotel
- Three nights at the Aria Hotel with breakfast
- Private transfer from your hotel to Prague airport
- Flight from Prague to London