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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Dublin, London, and Paris

Independent rail journey from Dublin to Paris via London

Illustration of Dublin, London, and Paris

Railbookers runs this 10-day independent rail vacation that starts in Dublin and ends in Paris, spending three nights each in Dublin, London, and Paris. The pace is relaxed, with time to settle into each city rather than moving hotels nightly. Dublin includes a guided day trip to Blarney Castle and Cork, with a stop at the Rock of Cashel Cathedral in County Tipperary. Day 4 crosses to England by ferry to Holyhead and train, followed by three nights in London built around a hop-on hop-off bus pass, a river cruise, and a skip-the-line London Eye ticket. Day 7 uses the Eurostar to reach Paris under the English Channel in just over two hours, where a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower visit, a Seine river cruise, and a Louvre Museum ticket round out the trip. It suits travelers who want pre-arranged rail and hotels with room to explore three contrasting capitals at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Several hotels are listed for each city, including a mix of tiers in Paris such as the Sofitel Le Scribe alongside Novotel, Mercure, and Holiday Inn properties, so the exact hotel is not fixed by the itinerary alone.
  • The Dublin to London leg on day 4 is a rail and sail journey, a ferry crossing to Holyhead before continuing to London by train, adding a transfer partway through the day.
  • The included Louvre ticket cannot be used on Tuesdays, when the museum is closed.
  • The evidence pack lists no departure dates, so we cannot confirm which months this trip actually runs.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Dublin

    Your Journey Begins in Dublin

    Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Your journey begins in Dublin, the Irish capital and a vibrant, thriving hub with plenty to see and do. Check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay and start exploring. Come the evening, head to Temple Bar for a traditional meal and a pint of Guinness in lively surroundings.

  2. Day 2overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then spend the day exploring Dublin at your own pace. Stroll through the city’s charming streets, visit its historic landmarks, and discover its vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you choose to see iconic attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, or Christchurch Cathedral, or simply relax in one of Dublin’s welcoming pubs or parks, the day is yours to make the most of the Irish capital.

  3. Day 3overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Set out on an adventure from Dublin today, heading to Blarney Castle and Cork with an experienced guide on a comfortable coach. Travel through the verdant Irish countryside to the ancient castle, which is also the home of the celebrated Blarney Stone - said to give those who kiss it the gift of the gab. Enjoy independent sightseeing in Cork City, and tour the Rock of Cashel Cathedral in beautiful Country Tipperary. At the end of the day, you'll have learnt so much about Irish heritage! Return to Dublin for another overnight stay.

  4. Day 4railovernight: London

    Dublin to London

    Today you'll head from Ireland to England on a comfortable rail and sail journey. Travel from Dublin to Holyhead on the ferry before riding the rails down to London, the Great British capital city. On arrival, check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Enjoy your first evening in London, perhaps organising tickets to a West End play or visiting one of the fine restaurants in one of the city's contrasting neighborhoods.

  5. Day 5overnight: London

    London

    Spend a full day discovering the best of London with your hop-on, hop-off bus pass, the perfect way to see the city at your own pace. Ride through bustling streets and take in iconic sights such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. Your pass also includes a scenic river cruise along the Thames, offering a unique perspective of landmarks like the London Eye and Tower Bridge. With the freedom to hop on and off at key stops, you can explore the attractions that interest you most before returning to your hotel.

  6. Day 6overnight: London

    London

    Head to the banks of the River Thames today and enjoy a stroll by the river. The banks are embroidered with fantastic street performers and musicians that lend a lively atmosphere! Make your way to the London Eye and enjoy a sightseeing tour of one of London's most iconic landmarks. Skip-the-line entrance is included in your journey and, from the top, you'll be able to gaze over the rooftops of the city and enjoy 360-degree panoramas from your glass bubble.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Paris

    London to Paris

    Today you'll take to the rails under the English Channel from one dazzling capital city to another. Speed on the Eurostar from central London to central Paris in just over two hours, and check into your Parisian hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring the 'City of Lights', indulging in exquisite cuisine, strolling down the banks of the Seine and losing yourself in what must be the most romantic city in the world.

  8. Day 8rail

    Paris

    Today enjoy the very best Paris has to offer with a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower and a scenic seine cruise. Explore the boulevards and arrondissements with your included hop-on hop-off pass and do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you like to get a taste of the famous French cuisine with a fabulous food tour.(Overnight Paris)

  9. Day 9

    Paris

    Continue to enjoy the famous Hausmaum architecture with your hop-on hop-off pass and visit the Louvre Museum to come face to face with the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Nike of Samothrace, to name but a few treasures of the world. With the remainder of your day, why not explore the pretty covered passageways of Paris, or the famous flea markets of the Marais, or simply enjoy a crepe and stroll in the Tuileries Gardens?(Overnight Paris)

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and continue with your onward journey. If you have extra time to spend on journey, speak to our Rail Experts about incorporating other European cities into your itinerary, perhaps catching a high-speed train from Paris to Barcelona or Geneva.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A guided coach day trip visits Blarney Castle, where travelers can kiss the Blarney Stone, with independent time in Cork City and a stop at the Rock of Cashel Cathedral in County Tipperary.
  • Day 5A London hop-on, hop-off bus pass includes a Thames river cruise past the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge.
  • Day 7The Eurostar travels under the English Channel from central London to central Paris in just over two hours.
  • Day 8A skip-the-line tour reaches the top of the Eiffel Tower, paired with a scenic Seine river cruise.
  • Day 9A Louvre Museum visit brings travelers face to face with the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Nike of Samothrace.

Included

  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in London 3 nights hotel stay with breakfast in Paris Rail travel as per the itinerary Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip from Dublin London hop-on, hop-off pass with river cruise London Eye Ticket with Skip the Line Skip the Line Eiffel Tower tickets 2-Day Paris hop-on hop-off pass Scenic Paris River Cruise Skip-the-Line Louvre Museum tickets (closed on Tuesdays)

Questions travellers ask

Is the rail travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, along with the ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead and the Eurostar from London to Paris.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation. Guided day trips are included, such as the Blarney Castle and Cork day trip from Dublin.
Which trains are used?
The Eurostar covers the London to Paris leg in just over two hours; the Dublin to London leg combines a ferry to Holyhead with a connecting train.
What is included in Paris?
A 2-day Paris hop-on hop-off pass, skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets, a scenic Seine river cruise, and skip-the-line Louvre Museum tickets, which are not valid on Tuesdays when the museum is closed.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes city walking and hop-on hop-off touring in each city, plus a Blarney Castle and Cork day trip by coach; no hiking or altitude activity is mentioned.

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