Railbookers
Paris and the Normandy Beaches from Basel
Basel to Paris and the Normandy D-Day beaches by rail
5 daysfrom $1,289
60% rail
Railbookers · Independent rail vacation
Paris, Strasbourg, and Lucerne
Seven-day independent rail trip through Paris, Strasbourg, Lucerne
Railbookers operates this seven-day, six-night independent rail vacation from Paris to Strasbourg to Lucerne, using SNCF and Swiss Railways trains in standard class. The trip is self-directed throughout, apart from a half-day guided tour of the Alsace wine region on day 4, with tastings of the region's white wines. In Strasbourg, the days are built around wandering the Old Town's timber-framed streets and the canals near Strasbourg Cathedral. A scenic train journey via Basel then carries travelers into the Swiss Alps to Lucerne, a lakeside town near Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. A day trip on day 6 rides the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, with a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne beforehand and a descent by cable car and gondola. The trip ends with a direct high-speed train to Zurich Airport. This suits travelers who want an independent, mostly self-paced trip with one wine day and one mountain day built in.
What to know before you look closer
- The operator lists 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than fixed hotels, so the final hotel in Paris, Strasbourg, or Lucerne depends on the tier chosen; the sample ranges from Holiday Inn and Novotel to the five-star Sofitel properties in Paris and Strasbourg.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Paris
Your Journey Begins in Paris
Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Paris and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. During your 48-hour hop-on-hop-off tour, explore iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.
- Day 2overnight: Paris
Paris
Continue your sightseeing in Paris with the convenience of the hop-on-hop-off tour, giving you the flexibility to revisit your favorite spots. In addition to the landmarks, explore charming neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Pres and the Marais, where you'll find hidden gems, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Take in the city's romantic ambiance as you cruise along the Seine River, passing under charming bridges and getting a unique perspective of Paris's stunning architecture.
- Day 3overnight: Strasbourg
Paris to Strasbourg
Depart Paris for Strasbourg, a city known for its stunning blend of French and German influences. Wander through the historic Old Town and its timber-framed buildings, visit Strasbourg Cathedral, and stroll along the scenic canals. In summer, Strasbourg's picturesque ambiance is enhanced by beautiful flower displays, open-air markets, and lively festivals. In winter, the city transforms into a fairy-tale wonderland with its famous Christmas markets.
- Day 4overnight: Strasbourg
Day Trip to Alsace
Delight in a half-day tour of the Alsace wine region from Strasbourg today. Explore picturesque vineyards, visit charming villages, and indulge in wine tastings of the region's renowned white wines.
- Day 5railovernight: Lucerne
Strasbourg to Lucerne
Depart for Lucerne, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a scenic train journey via Basel, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Lucerne's idyllic setting on Lake Lucerne and the proximity to iconic peaks like Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi make it a nature lover's paradise.
- Day 6railovernight: Lucerne
Day Trip to Mount Pilatus
Today, embark on a thrilling day trip to Mount Pilatus. Take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and then board the world's steepest cogwheel railway to reach the summit. Once at the top, soak in the breathtaking panoramic views and enjoy delicious cuisine at one of the summit's restaurants. Descend the mountain onboard cable cars and panoramic gondolas, returning to Lucerne at your leisure.
- Day 7rail
Your Journey Ends in Lucerne
Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and board a direct, high-speed train for Zurich Airport. If you'd like to extend your journey 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 3The train from Paris arrives in Strasbourg, a city blending French and German influences, with its Old Town, timber-framed buildings, and Strasbourg Cathedral.
- Day 4A half-day tour of the Alsace wine region visits vineyards and villages, with tastings of the region's white wines.
- Day 5A scenic train journey via Basel carries travelers to Lucerne, with mountain vistas along the way and Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi visible from the lakeside town.
- Day 6A day trip to Mount Pilatus includes a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit, and a descent by cable car and panoramic gondola.
Included
- Rail travel in standard class throughout
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Strasbourg
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
- Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Paris
- Sightseeing cruise on the Seine
- Half-day Alsace Wine Tour with Tastings from Strasbourg
- Day trip to Mount Pilatus
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, in standard class throughout, on SNCF from Paris to Strasbourg and Swiss Railways on to Lucerne via Basel, with a cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus and a final high-speed train to Zurich Airport.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- Independent throughout, apart from the half-day Alsace wine tour, which includes tastings.
- How many nights are spent in each city?
- Two nights each in Paris, Strasbourg, and Lucerne, for a seven-day, six-night trip.
- What hotels are used?
- The operator offers 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than a fixed hotel; the sample list includes Holiday Inn and Novotel properties alongside the five-star Sofitel Le Scribe in Paris and Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile.
- What is included besides rail travel and hotels?
- A hop-on, hop-off pass and Seine cruise in Paris, a half-day Alsace wine tour with tastings, and a day trip to Mount Pilatus.
- How much does this trip cost?
- Prices start from $1,109 per person, about $158 per day.
