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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

London, Paris, and Bordeaux

Independent rail trip through London, Paris, and Bordeaux

Illustration of London, Paris, and Bordeaux

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation through London, Paris, and Bordeaux, spending two nights in each city. The first two days in London are largely unstructured, with a hop-on, hop-off pass and suggestions like a Thames river cruise and an evening stroll along the South Bank. Day 3 covers the Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris, where day 4 leaves time for the Champs Elysees and the Louvre. Day 5 has travelers make their own way to the station for the scenic train journey south to Bordeaux, arriving to suggestions of a walk along the Garonne River or the shops of Rue Sainte-Catherine. Day 6 centers on Bordeaux's wine culture, with a boat ride to the Cite du Vin on the Garonne and a tasting session with a trained Sommelier. Because the days lean on suggested rather than fixed activities, this trip suits independent travelers and food and wine enthusiasts who want to set their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 5 has travelers 'travel on your own to the station' for the Bordeaux train, distinct from the Eurostar leg's departure from a named international station; confirm the level of assistance provided.
  • The Cite du Vin visit and wine tasting described on day 6 are not listed among the package's included items, so confirm whether this activity is included or booked locally.
  • The operator publishes no departure dates in this evidence; confirm current availability directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Your holiday begins in the vibrant capital city of London. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-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

    Why not start your exploration of the city using your Hop on Hop off pass, and perhaps stop 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 breathtaking views of the city.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: 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 into your hotel for a two-night stay. There's 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 an authentic Parisian bistro before retiring to your hotel for a good night's rest.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Paris

    Paris

    After breakfast, why not wander along the Champs Elysees and indulge in some truly incredible retail therapy in this vibrant area, dotted with designer stores and Parisian boutiques oozing French sophistication! Culture vultures may wish to head to museums such as the Louvre, home of the masterpiece Mona Lisa, or the Musee Carnavalet. Enjoy the sights of Paris with your Hop on Hop off pass or from the water with your one-hour river cruise on the Seine.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bordeaux

    Paris to Bordeaux

    Enjoy breakfast, then travel on your own to the station and board your train for the scenic journey south to Bordeaux. When you arrive, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Perhaps start your exploration of the city with a walk along the beautiful Garonne River, or stroll the vibrant Rue Sainte-Catherine in the heart of the historical city centre, with its countless shops and restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6

    Bordeaux

    Today explore beautiful Bordeaux, and perhaps enjoy a boat ride up to the impressive Cite Du Vin which is located on the banks of the river Garonne. Inside you'll find out everything and anything about wine from around the word. Participate in a tasting session with a trained Sommelier then maybe another glass or 2 with lunch in the panoramic restaurant. Don't forget to pick up a bottle to take home with you either, with a selection of over 800 wines from 70 different countries, there's something for everyone here!

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Bordeaux

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your holiday, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Experts will be happy to assist you with the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Eurostar from London's St Pancras International station to Paris.
  • Day 4A day among the Champs Elysees and the Louvre, home of the Mona Lisa.
  • Day 5The scenic train journey south from Paris to Bordeaux.
  • Day 6A boat ride to the Cite du Vin on the Garonne River, followed by a wine tasting session with a trained Sommelier.

Included

  • Rail travel throughout as specified in the itinerary
  • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Bordeaux
  • Hop on Hop off Pass in London
  • Hop on hop off bus pass with river cruise in Paris

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel throughout is included as specified in the itinerary, via the Eurostar from London to Paris and a train south to Bordeaux.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers; day 5 explicitly has travelers make their own way to the station for the Bordeaux train.
Which trains are used?
The Eurostar runs from London to Paris. The Paris to Bordeaux leg is described only as a scenic train journey south, without a named operator in the evidence.
What hotels are included?
2 nights with breakfast in each of London, Paris, and Bordeaux. Specific hotel names are not given in the evidence.
What sightseeing passes are included?
A hop-on, hop-off pass in London, and a hop-on, hop-off bus pass with river cruise in Paris.
Is the wine tasting in Bordeaux included?
The itinerary describes a boat ride to the Cite du Vin and a tasting session with a Sommelier, but this activity is not listed among the package inclusions, so confirm with Railbookers.

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