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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

European Cities Spectacular: Zurich to London

Grand European rail circuit from Zurich to London across eight cities

Illustration of European Cities Spectacular: Zurich to London

Railbookers operates this 17-day independent rail vacation across seven countries, running from Zurich to London by way of Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris. Every stop gets at least two nights, so the trip is unhurried by design, and most cities pair a guided introduction, such as Zurich's walking tour and lake cruise or Berlin's included walking tour, with free time to explore independently, as the itinerary puts it for Amsterdam, 'at your leisure.' Food is a running thread, with small-group food tours built into Prague, Amsterdam, and London, plus stops for Sacher torte in Vienna and Steak Frites in Paris. A half-day trip from Salzburg to the lakeside village of Hallstatt breaks up the city-hopping. The mix of included guidance and open days suits travelers who want a long, comprehensive tour of Europe's capitals without joining a fixed group, and who don't mind hotel changes roughly every two days.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this tour; confirm current availability and timing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its bars, restaurants, lounges, and fashion shops. (Overnight in Zurich)

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Following breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich with an expert guide to introduce you to the city and the old town. Explore the city by bus to get an overview of the various districts. Embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town and discover the city and its beautiful surroundings from the water during an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure. (Overnight in Zurich)

  3. Day 3overnight: Salzburg

    Zurich to Salzburg

    On arrival in Salzburg, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Salzburg is your first taste of Austria, the mountains…The Sound of Music! Try the restaurants on the right side of the river around Linzergasse for a real taste of Salzburg. For an adventure into Austrian beer, you must head for the atmospheric Mullner Brewery - officially known as the Augustiner Braustubel. (Overnight in Salzburg)

  4. Day 4overnight: Salzburg

    Day Trip to Hallstatt

    Today, you will explore one of Austria’s true gems on a half-day guided tour from Salzburg to the picturesque village of Hallstatt. Discover the enchanting beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled between the mountains and a serene lake. Capture stunning views, stroll along the pastel shops, and immerse yourself in the idyllic alpine atmosphere. (Overnight in Salzburg)

  5. Day 5railovernight: Vienna

    Salzburg to Vienna

    Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Salzburg before checking out and catching the train directly to Vienna. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a two-night stay. Set out and explore the Austrian capital, famous for its opulent Opera House and grandiose architecture. Relax and indulge in the city's famed café culture, or perhaps tuck into a slice of Sacher torte, the city's famous chocolate cake. (Overnight in Vienna)

  6. Day 6overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Spend a full day at leisure in Vienna! Your hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets will help you put together a wonderful itinerary, completely tailored to you. Explore the Danube Tower, House of Music, Schönbrunn Palace, or visit the famous Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo). (Overnight in Vienna)

  7. Day 7railovernight: Prague

    Vienna to Prague

    Check out of your hotel this morning and make your way to Vienna Hauptbahnhof. Catch a direct train to Prague, where you will check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Prague is known as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires' because of the steeple-flecked skyline that enchants visitors. Explore the top sights of the city, stopping in the Jewish Quarter and Prague Castle, among other gems. Or take a relaxing cruise down the Vltava River, the perfect way to see the city from a new vantage point (Overnight in Prague)

  8. Day 8overnight: Prague

    Prague

    After breakfast this morning, experience Prague like a true local as you savor iconic Czech dishes on your small group food tour, from hearty soups and smoked meats to the beloved "Knedlíky", and immerse yourself in the nation’s proud beer culture, all while learning to eat, drink, talk, and laugh like a Czech. (Overnight Prague)

  9. Day 9overnight: Berlin

    Prague to Berlin

    After breakfast, continue your journey to Berlin! The German capital is a treasure trove of wonders to explore, with a rich history and heritage that fascinates visitors. Check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay and set out to explore the city, perhaps starting off with a trip to the imposing TV Tower to see the city from above. (Overnight in Berlin)

  10. Day 10overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    Explore Berlin at your own pace today and be sure to visit the vibrant fragments of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery and the exquisite architecture of Brandenburg Gate. Your included walking tour will prove to be the perfect introduction to the city as you discover landmarks and monuments with the commentary of an experienced guide. (Overnight in Berlin)

  11. Day 11overnight: Amsterdam

    Berlin to Amsterdam

    Next up is Amsterdam! Relax in comfort on a direct service to the Dutch-favorite. Upon your arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and spend the rest of the day exploring Amsterdam at your leisure. Hiring a bike is a fantastic way to get around Amsterdam. There are dedicated bike paths throughout the city, or why not speak to us about booking a cycling city tour? And with over ten thousand unique stores, markets and boutiques, there are plenty of opportunities to get your fill of shopping during your stay. (Overnight in Amsterdam)

  12. Day 12overnight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    On your second day in the city, enjoy breakfast and then spend your time seeing all the sights you did not get a chance to experience yesterday. Today you will explore Amsterdam on an amazing food tour! You'll walk through streets that are a living part of history where every building and courtyard tells a story. Your guide will introduce you to family-run businesses and restaurants. And of course you will be able to eat all the delicious food. (Overnight in Amsterdam)

  13. Day 13overnight: Paris

    Amsterdam to Paris

    Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and then make your way to the station for your service to Paris. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in for a three-night stay. There is an abundance of exciting visitor attractions to explore in this exuberant capital city. Maybe spend the afternoon strolling the banks of the river Seine and then treat yourself to a delicious Steak Frites dinner before retiring to the hotel for a good night's rest. (Overnight in Paris)

  14. Day 14railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Today enjoy the absolute 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)

  15. Day 15overnight: London

    Paris to London

    Hop across the channel this morning to the capital of the UK! Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Why not head out into town and enjoy a meal in one of the city's incredible restaurants, offering a wide range of international cuisine in every corner of the city. (Overnight in London)

  16. Day 16overnight: London

    London

    Savor the flavors of the capital today on a guided small group food tour. Stroll through some of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods, stopping at local markets, traditional eateries, and hidden gems to sample a variety of classic British dishes and international favorites. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about London’s culinary history and culture, making this a delicious and engaging way to experience the city. After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. (Overnight in London)

  17. Day 17rail

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements. B View The Full Map

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided walking tour of Zurich's Old Town is followed by an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich.
  • Day 4A half-day guided tour runs from Salzburg to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt, set between the mountains and a lake.
  • Day 8A small-group food tour in Prague samples famous Czech dishes, including hearty soups, smoked meats, and the dumpling dish Knedliky.
  • Day 14A skip-the-line tour takes travelers to the top of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a scenic cruise on the Seine.
  • Day 16A guided small-group food tour winds through London's neighborhoods, stopping at local markets and eateries to sample classic British dishes.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Salzburg
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Vienna
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Prague
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Berlin
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Amsterdam
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London Small Group Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise and Chocolate Museum Hallstatt
  • Half Day
  • Sightseeing Tour from Salzburg Vienna 48 hour hop-on, hop-off pass Small-group food tour of Prague Small group
  • Walking Tour of Berlin Berlin
  • Hop-on, Hop-off Explore Ticket - 48-Hour Small group Food Tour in Amsterdam Tickets for Eiffel Tower with Summit and Priority
  • Entrance Paris
  • Hop-on, Hop-off Explore Ticket with River Cruise - 48-Hour Small group food tour in London

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel throughout the whole route, from Zurich through Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris to London.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, though most cities include a guided walking tour, food tour, or hop-on hop-off pass, and several days are left free to explore at your own pace.
What is included in the price?
Railbookers includes 16 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, rail travel throughout, and guided tours or passes in most cities, such as a Zurich city tour with lake cruise, a Hallstatt half-day trip from Salzburg, and small-group food tours in Prague, Amsterdam, and London.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes multiple guided city walking tours, a visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and food tours on foot in Prague, Amsterdam, and London, with hotels changing roughly every two days.
Which cities does the trip visit?
The route runs from Zurich to London, stopping in Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris.

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