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Magic Switzerland (Magic Travel Services GmbH) · Individual rail tour

Best of France, Switzerland and Italy

Paris to Rome by train through Swiss Alps and Italian cities

Illustration of Best of France, Switzerland and Italy

Magic Switzerland's Best of France, Switzerland and Italy is a 10-day independent rail journey departing Paris and concluding in Rome. You travel on an Interrail Global Pass covering five days of second-class rail across three countries, with seat reservations pre-arranged on all trains. The route moves you through six major cities: two days in Paris, two days in either Interlaken or Lucerne with optional mountain excursions to Jungfraujoch or Mt. Titlis, one night in Milan, two days in Venice for gondola rides and lagoon exploration, and two days in Rome visiting the Vatican and Roman monuments. Each city offers multiple leisure days to explore independently; Magic Switzerland handles the hotel bookings in three-star properties with breakfast included. The tour suits first-time rail travellers seeking continental breadth without complex logistics, couples drawn to Venice's romance, independent explorers with scheduled train connections, and budget-conscious travellers seeking good value across a broad geographic sweep.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers the package and Interrail pass but does not include local city taxes, approximately CHF 2 to 7 per person per night at some hotels
  • Your hotel choice in Interlaken or Lucerne depends on availability and your selection; the itinerary branches for that segment
  • The itinerary is bookable in reverse, starting in Rome and ending in Paris, so confirm the direction you want when booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Arrival in Paris

    Individual arrival in Paris. Optional excursion to charming Montmartre, home to artists and cabarets like the Moulin Rouge.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris at Leisure

    Full day at leisure in Paris. Explore "The City of the Light". Enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, stroll and shop along the famous Champs-Elysees or take a sightseeing boat trip on the river Seine.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken or Lucerne

    Train to Interlaken or Lucerne

    Train ride from Paris to Interlaken or Lucerne via Basel (5 hours).

  4. Day 4overnight: Interlaken or Lucerne

    Day at Leisure

    Day at leisure. Depending on the selected destination, take an excursion to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (Interlaken) or Mt. Titlis (Lucerne).

  5. Day 5railovernight: Milan

    Train to Milan

    Leave Switzerland and make your way to Milan, Italy (3.5 hours), well known for shopping and cultural highlights. Visit the Cathedral or Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper".

  6. Day 6railovernight: Venice

    Train to Venice

    Train ride to Venice (2.5 hours). Discover the city for lovers! Romantic streets, hidden squares, small islands and its emblematic canals.

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice at Leisure

    Day at leisure. Visit the Doge's Palace and enjoy the unique view over the lagoon city from the Campanile. Take a romantic gondola ride through the canals or a boat trip to Murano.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Rome

    Train to Rome

    Train ride to Rome (4 hours). Rest of the day at leisure to discover the marvels of this fascinating city.

  9. Day 9overnight: Rome

    Rome at Leisure

    Full day at leisure to explore "the Eternal City". From the Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain. Browse the lively markets and enjoy an aperitif in Trastevere.

  10. Day 10

    Departure

    Departure from Rome or individual onward journey. Itinerary bookable in reverse (starting in Italy and ending in France).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Five-hour train ride from Paris crosses into Switzerland via Basel, arriving in the Alpine foothills of Interlaken or Lucerne
  • Day 4Optional excursion to Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe, from Interlaken, or Mt. Titlis from Lucerne
  • Day 6Two-and-a-half-hour train ride arrives in Venice; the city's emblematic canals, hidden squares and small islands await exploration
  • Day 8Four-hour train descent from Venice to Rome; evening and next day free to visit the Vatican, Trevi Fountain and Trastevere

Included

  • Rail journey incl. seat reservations in 2nd class Paris – Interlaken/Lucerne – Milan – Venice – Rome with Interrail/Eurail Global Pass for 5 days
  • 2 nights each in Paris, Interlaken or Lucerne, Venice and Rome, 3* hotel, standard double room with private facilities and breakfast
  • 1 night in Milan, 3* hotel, standard double room with private facilities and breakfast

Not included

  • Local city tax on some hotels, approx. CHF 2 to 7 per person/night

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Magic Switzerland includes an Interrail Global Pass valid for five days of rail travel in second class across Paris, Switzerland and Italy, plus all seat reservations on your booked trains.
Which trains do I take?
Day 3: Paris to Interlaken or Lucerne via Basel (5 hours). Day 5: Switzerland to Milan (3.5 hours). Day 6: Milan to Venice (2.5 hours). Day 8: Venice to Rome (4 hours). Specific train names are not listed; confirm with Magic Switzerland when you book.
What is included in the price?
The Interrail Global Pass for five days in second class, nine nights in three-star hotels with private facilities and breakfast, and seat reservations on all train journeys.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is an individual rail tour. Your arrival in Paris on Day 1 is on your own; five full or half days in each city are free to explore without a guide. Train transfers between cities are scheduled and reserved.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary does not specify distances. Each city day is at leisure, so walking depends on your choices. Optional excursions like Jungfraujoch and Mt. Titlis involve mountain access; confirm exact activity levels with Magic Switzerland.
Can I upgrade the hotels or rail class?
Yes. Magic Switzerland offers optional upgrades to first-class rail, four-star and five-star hotels, and additional nights in any city.

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