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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Grand Paris to Venice and Vienna via the Alps

8-day rail trip from Paris to Vienna via the Alps

Illustration of Grand Paris to Venice and Vienna via the Alps

Railbookers operates Grand Paris to Venice and Vienna via the Alps, an independent 8-day, 7-night rail journey that starts in Paris and ends in Vienna, with stops in Lausanne and Venice. After a high-speed train from Paris, travelers spend one night in lakeside Lausanne before a scenic train ride through the snow-capped Alps along the Simplon Pass to Venice for 3 nights. From there, the train follows the Semmering Railway through the mountains to Vienna for a final 3 nights. Most of the trip is self-guided, though a guided walking tour of St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace is included in Venice, along with a private gondola ride and a Vienna Pass for hop-on hop-off sightseeing. The trip suits travelers who want mountain and canal scenery alongside city sightseeing, without joining a full escorted tour. Prices start from $1,699 per person.

What to know before you look closer

  • 18 accommodation options span several hotel tiers and cities, so the exact hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • Guiding is independent except for one included guided walking tour of Venice on day 4; the rest of the sightseeing, including Lausanne and Vienna, is self-guided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lausanne

    Paris to Lausanne

    Today, you will hop aboard the high-speed train for a scenic ride from Paris to Lausanne. Situated on the shores of stunning Lake Geneva, Lausanne is Switzerland's fourth largest city. Upon your arrival, transfer from the train station to your hotel and check in for an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Venice

    Lausanne to Venice

    Today, you will board the train for a scenic journey from Lausanne to Venice. Soak in the spectacular alpine scenery as the train makes its way through the snow-capped Alps of Switzerland to the stunning coastal city of Venice.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Spend the day enjoying the charm and romance of Venice at your own pace. Glide through the city's iconic canals on your included private gondola ride, offering unforgettable views of historic palazzos and picturesque bridges.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Spend today discovering Venice's most iconic landmarks on a guided walking tour. Explore the historic sights around St. Mark's Square before touring the majestic St. Mark's Basilica, famous for its domes and shimmering mosaics. Then, step inside the Doge's Palace.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Vienna

    Venice to Vienna

    After breakfast this morning, you will board the train to Vienna. Sit back, relax and enjoy your first-class accommodations as you cruise along the scenic Semmering Railway. Relish in the spectacular mountain landscape as the train makes its way to Austria's capital city.

  6. Day 6overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Spend today exploring Vienna and experience the majesty of this Imperial city with your Vienna PASS, which includes hop-on, hop-off bus tour tickets that will take you to the city's most popular sights, including St. Stephan's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the Museum of Military History, Danube Tower and the Imperial Crypt.

  7. Day 7overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Check out any Vienna attractions you didn't get a chance to see yesterday. Take a ride on the Riesenrad ferris wheel for fantastic views of the city. Stroll the gardens at Schonbrunn Palace, or venture over to the MuseumsQuartier. Try one of the city's signature dishes, like wiener schnitzel.

  8. Day 8rail

    Depart Vienna

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight back home. If you wish to extend your trip or add nights in any of these fantastic destinations, one of our Rail Specialists will be happy to help you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train crosses the snow-capped Alps from Lausanne to Venice along the Simplon Pass.
  • Day 3A private gondola ride through Venice's canals.
  • Day 4A guided walking tour of St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace.
  • Day 5The train follows the scenic Semmering Railway through the mountains from Venice to Vienna.
  • Day 6A Vienna Pass hop-on hop-off tour taking in St. Stephan's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace.

Included

  • First class rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 1 nights' hotel stay including breakfast in Lausanne
  • 3 nights' hotel stay including breakfast in Venice
  • 3 nights' hotel stay including breakfast in Vienna
  • Tour of The Doges Palace and St. Mark's Square
  • Private Gondola tour in Venice
  • 48hr Vienna Pass, including hop-on, hop-off bus tour tickets

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip guided or independent?
Mostly independent, with one included guided walking tour of Venice's St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace on day 4.
How does the train travel work?
A high-speed train runs from Paris to Lausanne, a scenic train crosses the Alps from Lausanne to Venice, and a train follows the Semmering Railway from Venice to Vienna.
Which cities does it visit?
Paris, Lausanne, Venice, and Vienna.
What's included?
First-class rail travel, hotel nights with breakfast (1 in Lausanne, 3 in Venice, 3 in Vienna), a tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square, a private gondola ride, and a 48-hour Vienna Pass with hop-on hop-off bus tickets.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,699 per person (USD).
How long is the trip?
8 days and 7 nights.

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