Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

London and Paris to Lyon

London, Paris, and Lyon independent rail trip by Eurostar

Illustration of London and Paris to Lyon

Railbookers runs this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation from London to Lyon by way of Paris. Day 2 in London is built around a full-day guided tour, taking in St. Paul's Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and a private cruise on the River Thames. On day 3, travelers arrive in Paris for a two-night stay and explore using an included hop-on hop-off pass, with the option of an evening at the Moulin Rouge arranged through Railbookers' Rail Experts. Day 4 brings a skip-the-line visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise, and timed entry to the Louvre. On day 5, after breakfast, a car takes travelers to the station for the onward train to Lyon, where Railbookers positions this package as a lead-in to a Rhone or Saone river cruise. This suits travelers who want one guided day in London alongside independent exploring in Paris, plus history lovers drawn to the Tower of London and the Louvre.

What to know before you look closer

  • This package's evidence does not list specific hotels or accommodation tiers, unlike similar Railbookers itineraries; confirm hotel details with the operator before booking.
  • Railbookers positions this package as a way to combine London and Paris with a Rhone or Saone river cruise starting in Lyon, so it is built to connect with a separate cruise booking. The 4 included nights split between London and Paris only, with no Lyon hotel night included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Welcome to London! On arrival you will be met by your driver who will whisk your city center hotel for a two-night stay. Once checked in, 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.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    After breakfast, join a full-day guided tour showcasing London’s most iconic sights. Begin with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral before heading to Buckingham Palace to witness the famous Changing of the Guard. Continue to the historic Tower of London to explore its storied past and view the Crown Jewels, then enjoy a relaxing private cruise along the River Thames. Conclude your day with sweeping panoramic views over the city from the London Eye, leaving you with unforgettable memories of England’s vibrant capital.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Welcome to Paris! On arrival head to your hotel for a two-night stay, then get out to explore the city with your included Hop-on Hop-off pass. In the evening why not speak to any of our knowledgeable Rail Experts about a night at the world-famous Moulin Rouge?

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Paris

    Paris

    It's a day to remember today, as you explore the very best the city has to offer. Included for you is a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, a one-hour scenic, seine cruise, and skip-the-line tickets to the world-famous Louvre Museum. You also have another day of exploring the city with your handy hop-on hop-off pass which gives you the best views of the beautiful boulevards and arrondissements that make Paris so famous.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5rail

    Your Journey Ends in Lyon

    Following breakfast at your hotel a car will collect you and take you straight to the station for your train to Avignon, or please do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you need to travel elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day guided tour visits St. Paul's Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, plus a private cruise on the River Thames.
  • Day 3After arriving in Paris, travelers can explore by hop-on hop-off pass, with an evening at the Moulin Rouge available through Railbookers' Rail Experts.
  • Day 4A skip-the-line tour reaches the top of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a Seine river cruise and timed entry to the Louvre Museum.
  • Day 5After breakfast, a car transfers travelers to the station for the onward train to Lyon, where the package ends.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • London city tour including the London Eye
  • 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 train travel included?
Yes, rail travel is included as per the itinerary, on the Eurostar to Paris and onward on France's SNCF network.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is billed as an independent rail vacation overall, though day 2 in London is a full-day guided tour with a private Thames river cruise.
Which trains are used?
The Eurostar and SNCF, France's national rail operator and home of the TGV.
Is there a hotel night included in Lyon?
No. The 4 included nights cover 2 in London and 2 in Paris; day 5 is the onward train to Lyon after breakfast, with no Lyon hotel night.
What sightseeing is included?
A full-day London city tour including the London Eye, skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets, a 2-day Paris hop-on hop-off pass, a scenic Seine river cruise, and skip-the-line Louvre Museum tickets.

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