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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Iconic Europe: Rome to Paris

13-day rail vacation across Rome, Venice, Vienna, Munich, Zurich, and Paris

Illustration of Iconic Europe: Rome to Paris

Railbookers operates this 13-day, 12-night independent rail vacation across five countries, running from Rome to Paris by way of Venice, Vienna, Munich, and Zurich. Every city-to-city leg travels by train, including direct high-speed services from Munich to Zurich and from Zurich to Paris. Two nights are spent in each city, giving the trip a settled pace rather than a series of one-night stops. Pre-booked guided tours anchor most stops, among them a walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, a tour of the Doge's Palace in Venice, and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, while hop-on-hop-off passes cover sightseeing in Vienna and Paris. Rail Experts remain available for extras such as a Schonbrunn Palace dinner and concert or a Paris food tour. The trip suits travelers who want a structured route through several major European capitals without joining a group tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as multiple options per city, for example five choices in Rome alone ranging from the Kolbe Hotel to the InterContinental, so the specific property depends on the tier booked.
  • Some experiences mentioned in the itinerary are optional extras arranged through a Rail Expert rather than included in the base price, such as a Schonbrunn Palace dinner and concert in Vienna and a French cuisine food tour in Paris.
  • The itinerary's final day mentions continuing on to London after checkout in Paris; confirm with Railbookers whether this leg is included or a suggested extension.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Overnight in Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to Rome! Make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. The rest of the day is yours at leisure – the perfect opportunity to stroll through the city and visit some of the key spots! Why not head over to Trevi fountain at a chance for some good luck, followed by a walk around the Pantheon and across to the Spanish Steps. End your first day with a taste of one of Rome’s specialities – Cacio E Pepe!

  2. Day 2overnight: Overnight in Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheatre, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum. These amazing ruins were for centuries the centre of day-to-day life in Rome.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Overnight in Venice

    Rome to Venice

    After breakfast this morning, you will board the train to Venice. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel with your included Vaporetto Pass and check in for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Overnight in Venice

    Venice

    Spend a full day exploring the unique, canal-side city of Venice today. Discover the city's hidden gems and highlights on a guided tour through the Golden Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, two of the most impressive and significant landmarks in Venice. Come the evening, relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon, or why not head to Harry's Bar to try a delectable Bellini in the cocktail's birthplace?

  5. Day 5railovernight: Overnight in Vienna

    Venice to Vienna

    Today, take a scenic train journey from the heart of Venice to the heart of Vienna with stunning views of the Austrian Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Stretch your legs with a wander around some of the city's highlights such as the Anchor Clock, the prestigious Opera House and the Hofburg, Vienna's Imperial Palace. Then relax by indulging in Viennese coffee culture or tucking into authentic Wiener Schnitzel for dinner.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Overnight in Vienna

    Vienna

    Following breakfast, get your bearings in the grand Austrian capital by using your Hop-on, Hop-off pass. Speak to any of our Rail Experts about enjoying dinner and a concert at Schonbrunn Palace this evening.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Overnight in Munich

    Vienna to Munich

    Today, take a direct train service from Vienna to Munich. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, make acquaintance with the city and get familiar with your grounds.

  8. Day 8overnight: Overnight in Munich

    Munich

    Following breakfast, prepare to venture outside of Munich today to visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. As you journey through the Bavarian countryside, the castle's iconic turrets emerge like a dream on the horizon, perched high on a hill. Approaching its gates, you are met with an enchanting blend of medieval architecture and Ludwig II's visionary imagination, making it a magical and awe-inspiring experience. With your guide, spend a few hours exploring before heading back to Munich for the evening.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Overnight in Zurich

    Munich to Zurich

    After breakfast make your way to Munich Station for a direct high-speed train to Zurich! Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. 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.

  10. Day 10overnight: Overnight in Zurich

    Zurich

    Embark on a captivating Zurich city tour, where the Old Town unfolds like a medieval tale, revealing iconic landmarks such as the Grossmünster and the vibrant Bahnhofstrasse. Cruise along the serene waters of Lake Zurich, witnessing the city's skyline against the backdrop of the Alps, a tranquil journey that offers breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the sweet indulgence of Swiss chocolate craftsmanship at the Zurich Chocolate Museum, where the aroma of cocoa beans and the artistry of chocolatiers create an immersive experience, tempting your senses with delectable delights that embody Zurich's culinary excellence.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Overnight in Paris

    Zurich to Paris

    Enjoy a final breakfast in Zurich this morning before boarding a direct high-speed train to Paris – the city of lights! 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.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Overnight Paris

    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.

  13. Day 13rail

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided tour of the Colosseum is followed by a walk through the Roman Forum, once the center of daily life in ancient Rome.
  • Day 4A guided tour visits Venice's Golden Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
  • Day 5The scenic train from Venice to Vienna passes views of the Austrian mountains.
  • Day 8A day trip from Munich crosses the Bavarian countryside to Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • Day 12A skip-the-line tour climbs to the top of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a Seine river cruise.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Vienna
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Munich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris Rome Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Small-Group Walking Tour of Rome with the Colosseum and Roman Forum Small-Group Walking Tour of Venice with the Doges Palace and St Marks Basilica Vienna Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich Small-Group Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise and Chocolate Museum Paris Hop-on, Hop-off Explore Ticket with River Cruise - 48-Hour Tickets for the Eiffel Tower with Summit and Priority Boarding

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel is included for every city-to-city leg of the route: Rome to Venice, Venice to Vienna, Vienna to Munich, Munich to Zurich, and Zurich to Paris.
Which cities does the trip visit?
Rome, Venice, Vienna, Munich, Zurich, and Paris.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers, though pre-booked guided tours and hop-on-hop-off passes are included at most stops, and Rail Experts can arrange further optional extras.
What hotels are used?
The evidence lists several hotel options per city, from mid-range chains such as Novotel, Mercure, and Holiday Inn to upscale properties like the Sofitel and InterContinental. The final hotel depends on the tier booked.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $2,709 per person, which works out to about $208 per day.
What is not included?
Extras such as a Schonbrunn Palace dinner and concert in Vienna and a French food tour in Paris are arranged separately through a Rail Expert rather than included in the base price.

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