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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

London and Paris

London and Paris independent rail vacation by Eurostar

Illustration of London and Paris

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation connecting London and Paris. The trip opens with three nights in London, where travelers use a 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass to see sights such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Hyde Park at their own pace. On day 4, a Eurostar service leaves St Pancras International station and travels under the English Channel to Paris for a three-night stay. There, days open up around a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower visit, a scenic Seine river cruise, and a Louvre Museum visit to see the Mona Lisa in person, again on a self-directed hop-on hop-off pass. Because Railbookers books the hotels and rail but leaves the daily plan to the traveler, this suits independent explorers and first-time rail travelers who want two capital cities linked by one direct train, plus history lovers drawn to the museums and landmarks along the way.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 12 accommodation options across London and Paris in different tiers, so the exact hotel you get depends on the tier and city option you pick, not a single fixed pairing.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Your journey begins in the vibrant capital city of London. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a three-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. Take an evening stroll down the South Bank of the River Thames and you'll be treated to picturesque views over the London Eye, Palace of Westminster and Tower Bridge, enjoying views of historic architecture and modern skyscrapers embroidering the skyline.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    Make use of your two-day Hop on Hop off pass today to see the sights of London. Why not stop off at the iconic residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace? Here you can view the magnificent state rooms and the gleaming collection of Royal carriages. For an alternative view of the city why not cruise down the River Thames on a Bateaux London boat and see the sights from the water. In the evening why not head to the Shard and savour a delicious meal accompanied with breath-taking views of the city.

  3. Day 3overnight: London

    London

    After breakfast, continue to enjoy your open top bus tour and perhaps even venture on one of the walking tours also included. Hop off at the world-famous department store Harrods or peruse the chic boutiques along the Kings road. For an aerial view down the river, climb aboard the London Eye and enjoy the sights of the city from this giant moving structure. London has many green spaces to relax in such as Hyde Park, Regents Park and St James's Park, each with their own distinct personality. Come the evening, why not treat yourself to an exciting West End show or have drinks at the opulent Ritz hotel.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Paris

    London to Paris

    Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and then make your way to the grand St Pancras International station for your Eurostar from London to Paris. Upon arrival, check in for a three-night stay. There is an abundance of exciting visitor attractions to explore in the exuberant French capital city. Maybe spend the afternoon strolling the banks of the River Seine, which are a UNESCO-listed gem and a fantastic gateway to the architecture of the city. For dinner, treat yourself to a delicious portion of Steak Frites at a typical Parisian bistro before retiring to your hotel for a good night's rest.

  5. Day 5railovernight: 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: Paris

    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?

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    Enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel and then check out for you onward journey. Why not ask us about the possibilities of extending your journey? Head to the urban, cosmopolitan German city of Berlin by high speed train or ride the rails directly to the beaches, glitz and glamour of the south of France!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A Bateaux London boat cruise gives an on-the-water view of the city, alongside a stop at Buckingham Palace's state rooms.
  • Day 4The Eurostar leaves St Pancras International station and glides under the English Channel to Paris for a three-night stay.
  • Day 5A skip-the-line tour reaches the top of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a scenic cruise on the Seine.
  • Day 6A skip-the-line Louvre Museum visit brings travelers face to face with the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Nike of Samothrace.

Included

  • Eurostar from London to Paris
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 48hr Hop on Hop off pass in London
  • 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 train travel included?
Yes. The Eurostar from London to Paris is included in the package.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation: Railbookers books the hotels and Eurostar, and travelers follow their own day-to-day plan rather than a guided group schedule.
Which train is used?
The Eurostar, traveling from London's St Pancras International station to Paris.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 12 accommodation options across London and Paris at different tiers, including hotels such as Kimpton Fitzroy London, InterContinental London Park Lane, and Conrad London St. James in London, and Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera and Holiday Inn Paris Gare de Lyon Bastille in Paris.
What sightseeing is included?
A 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass in London, a 2-day hop-on hop-off pass in Paris, skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets, a scenic Paris river cruise, and skip-the-line Louvre Museum tickets (the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays).

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