Search

Rail Escape

Grand European Capitals Tour: Amsterdam to Paris

Thirteen-day rail journey through five European capitals: Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Zurich, Paris

Illustration of Grand European Capitals Tour: Amsterdam to Paris

Rail Escape's Grand European Capitals Tour is a 13-day rail journey from Amsterdam to Paris with stops in Berlin, Munich, and Zurich. The itinerary splits time between five major cities, spending two to three nights in each to allow unhurried exploration of neighbourhoods, museums, and landmarks. You travel between cities by first-class rail, and airport transfers and daily breakfasts are provided. Days combine guided discovery, such as Amsterdam's canal cruise on day one, with independent exploration of world-class museums like Berlin's Pergamon Museum and the Paris Louvre. The package suits first-time rail travellers who want European culture and comfort without managing bookings, as well as history lovers drawn to sites like the Berlin Wall and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Couples will find the pace relaxed, with two to three nights per stop. Day 13 is departure; earlier days remain flexible for museums, shopping, or further neighbourhood walks within each city.

What to know before you look closer

  • Lunches, dinners, and excursion entrance fees are not included; daily costs for meals and museum entries will add substantially to the package price
  • Local city transportation, taxis, and subways are not included; budget additional funds for getting around within each city
  • Some regional trains may only offer second-class seating despite the first-class promise; confirm with Rail Escape before booking
  • Hotel tourism taxes and tips for guides, hotel staff, and drivers are not included in the base price

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Amsterdam

    Arrive in Amsterdam

    Welcome to the Netherlands! After checking into your hotel for two nights, get oriented in this picturesque Dutch city by joining a canal cruise that passes iconic 17th-century merchant houses and leaning gabled buildings. [Night in Amsterdam]

  2. Day 2overnight: Amsterdam

    Discover Amsterdam

    Spend today experiencing the highlights of Amsterdam through its world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. Be sure to also wander through charming neighborhoods like the Jordaan and see lively Dam Square. [Night in Amsterdam]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Berlin

    Travel to Berlin

    Leave Amsterdam after breakfast and take the train to the German capital, Berlin. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Get your bearings by exploring the area around the iconic Brandenburg Gate and visiting the moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. [Night in Berlin]

  4. Day 4overnight: Berlin

    Berlin's Historic Center

    Devote today to Berlin's historic heart by visiting sites like the Reichstag, Berliner Dom, and the famous East Side Gallery, a remaining 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals. Learn about Berlin's Cold War period with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial or Stasi Museum. [Night in Berlin]

  5. Day 5overnight: Berlin

    Museums and Neighborhoods

    With so many world-class museums, you'll be spoiled for choice in Berlin. Top picks include the Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum with its famous Bust of Nefertiti, and DDR Museum showcasing East German life. Spend the afternoon in vibrant areas like Kreuzberg or the Turkish district. [Night in Berlin]

  6. Day 6railovernight: Munich

    Journey to Munich

    Depart Berlin after breakfast and take the train to the Bavarian city of Munich. After hotel check-in, get your first taste of Munich at the famous Marienplatz square with its New Town Hall glockenspiel show. End your day with a beer at one of Munich's renowned beer halls. [Night in Munich]

  7. Day 7overnight: Munich

    Munich's Attractions

    Today, explore top Munich sites like the incredible Nymphenburg Palace and the nearby Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest city parks dotted with beer gardens. You could also visit the BMW Museum and factory to learn about this iconic German automotive brand. [Night in Munich]

  8. Day 8overnight: Zurich

    Travel to Zurich

    Leave Munich after breakfast and cross into Switzerland to the city of Zurich. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend your afternoon strolling along the upscale Bahnhofstrasse shopping avenue and exploring Zurich's atmospheric Old Town. [Night in Zurich]

  9. Day 9overnight: Zurich

    Zurich's Highlights

    See the top attractions in cosmopolitan Zurich like a walking tour of the Old Town churches and guildhalls. Visit world-class museums such as the Swiss National Museum or the Kunsthaus art museum. You could also take a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich. [Night in Zurich]

  10. Day 10railovernight: Paris

    Travel to Paris

    Depart Zurich after breakfast and take the train to Paris, France. After checking into your hotel for a three-night stay, spend your afternoon strolling along the iconic Champs-Élysées and seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close. [Night in Paris]

  11. Day 11overnight: Paris

    Eiffel Tower and Louvre

    No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Start at the Trocadéro for fantastic views of the Iron Lady, then head to the Louvre to marvel at legendary works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. [Night in Paris]

  12. Day 12overnight: Paris

    Montmartre and the Left Bank

    Spend the morning in the charming Montmartre neighborhood, strolling through Place du Tertre and seeing the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In the afternoon, cross to the Left Bank's Latin Quarter to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and browse the bouquiniste bookseller stalls. [Night in Paris]

  13. Day 13

    Depart Paris

    On your final day, visit any Parisian attractions you may have missed, like the stunning Palais Garnier opera house or the artistic Musée d'Orsay. If time allows, you can also squeeze in some final shopping or strolling along the Seine before departing this magnificent city.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Canal cruise in Amsterdam passing 17th-century merchant houses and leaning gabled buildings
  • Day 3Day 3: Train journey to Berlin followed by exploration of the Brandenburg Gate and Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
  • Day 4Day 4: Visit the East Side Gallery, a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals, and explore Cold War history sites
  • Day 6Day 6: Arrive in Munich and see Marienplatz square with its New Town Hall glockenspiel show
  • Day 11Day 11: View the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro and visit the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes. First-class rail travel between all cities is included. Note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
What is included in the price?
The package includes first-class rail travel, 4-star hotel accommodation for 12 nights, daily breakfast, airport transfers, and a welcome package. Meals beyond breakfast, activities, museum entrance fees, local transportation, and tips are not included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
The itinerary is provided, but the package does not mention a tour guide or group activities. You will explore each city independently with the suggested attractions.
How many nights in each city?
Amsterdam two nights, Berlin three nights, Munich two nights, Zurich two nights, Paris three nights.
What hotels are used?
NH City Centre in Amsterdam, Adina Apartment Hotel Hackescher Markt in Berlin, 25 hours the royal bavarian in Munich, Hotel Glockenhof in Zurich, and Bloom House Hotel & SPA in Paris. All are 4-star.
How much walking is involved?
Daily exploration includes city walking tours, neighborhood strolls, and museum visits. Physical demands are moderate, with no reported hiking or high-altitude activity.

Similar journeys