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Rail Escape

Paris to Basel: Swiss and French Delights

Eight-day rail journey from Paris through Strasbourg to Basel

Illustration of Paris to Basel: Swiss and French Delights

Rail Escape's 8-day Paris to Basel tour combines first-class train travel with independent exploration of three European cities. The journey begins in Paris, where you spend three nights visiting the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Eiffel Tower. A first-class train then carries you to Strasbourg, a charming Alsatian city where you stay two nights and explore the Petite France quarter and its Gothic cathedral, sampling local cuisine. The final leg by rail brings you to Basel, where you spend two nights discovering the old town's medieval streets and the Rhine riverfront. The package includes 4-star-plus hotels near train stations, daily breakfast, and airport transfers, though meals beyond breakfast, museum entries, and local sightseeing are arranged separately. This is an ideal choice for first-time rail travelers, couples, history enthusiasts, and food lovers seeking a self-guided pace through western European culture and architecture.

What to know before you look closer

  • The stated price from USD 3,399 excludes international airfare, entrance fees to museums and attractions, meals beyond breakfast, and local transportation
  • Most regional train segments between cities operate in second class only, despite first-class ticketing where available on express services
  • Hotel accommodations are listed as options: upgrades are available in each city, and your final hotel depends on which tier you select
  • The tour includes no guided excursions or activities; you arrange and pay for museum entries, meals, and local sightseeing independently

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Arrive in Paris

    Welcome to the City of Light! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Eiffel Tower, either by climbing the stairs or taking the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city. Afterward, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, lined with cafés, restaurants, and high-end shops.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Explore Paris Attractions

    Begin your day by visiting the Louvre Museum, home to some of the world's most famous art treasures, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. After exploring the museum's vast collection, take a leisurely walk through the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful public park adjacent to the Louvre. In the afternoon, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French Gothic architecture (currently undergoing reconstruction after the 2019 fire).

  3. Day 3overnight: Paris

    More Paris Attractions

    Start your day with a visit to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, a charming neighborhood known for its artists and bohemian atmosphere. Climb the steps to the top of the basilica for breathtaking views of the city. Afterward, explore the nearby streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Place du Tertre, a square filled with street artists and cafés. In the evening, consider taking a cruise along the Seine River to admire the city's iconic landmarks from the water.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Strasbourg

    Depart Paris for Strasbourg

    After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Strasbourg, a charming city located in the Alsace region of France. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Petite France quarter, a picturesque neighborhood with half-timbered houses and canals, reminiscent of a fairytale setting. Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with intricate carvings and a towering spire.

  5. Day 5overnight: Strasbourg

    Explore Strasbourg

    Start your day by visiting the Palais Rohan, a magnificent 18th-century palace that now houses museums showcasing Alsatian art and history. Afterward, explore the charming streets and squares of the city center, stopping at local cafés and bakeries to sample traditional Alsatian cuisine, such as flammekueche (a tart made with crème fraîche, bacon, and onions). In the evening, consider attending a performance at the Opéra National du Rhin, one of the oldest opera houses in France.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Basel

    Depart Strasbourg for Basel

    After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Basel, a vibrant city located on the border of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's old town, with its charming medieval buildings and narrow streets. Visit the Basel Münster, a striking red sandstone cathedral dating back to the 11th century, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of its towers.

  7. Day 7overnight: Basel

    Explore Basel

    Begin your day by visiting the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the largest and most important art museums in Switzerland, housing an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the present day. Afterward, take a stroll along the Rhine River, which flows through the heart of the city, and visit the Basel Paper Mill, a unique museum showcasing the history of papermaking. In the evening, explore the city's lively nightlife and culinary scene.

  8. Day 8

    Depart Basel

    After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, spend the morning exploring any remaining sites or neighborhoods before heading to the airport for your departure.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Climb the Eiffel Tower or take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of Paris, then stroll the Champs-Élysées lined with cafés and restaurants
  • Day 2Day 2: Visit the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, then walk through the Tuileries Garden
  • Day 4Day 4: Take a first-class train from Paris to Strasbourg and explore the Petite France quarter with its half-timbered houses and canals
  • Day 6Day 6: Travel by train to Basel and visit the Basel Münster, a red sandstone cathedral with views over the Rhine River

Included

  • Welcome Package with travel essentials and detailed itinerary information
  • First-Class Rail Travel throughout (some regional trains second-class only)
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation in all cities, near train stations
  • Daily Breakfast at all hotel accommodations
  • Airport Transfers on arrival and departure

Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Excursions, Activities and Entrance Fees
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast
  • Local taxes or fees (e.g. hotel tourism taxes)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Local Transportation

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included in the price?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel between Paris, Strasbourg, and Basel. Some regional trains operate second class only.
What is included in the USD 3,399 starting price?
The package includes first-class rail travel, four-star-plus hotel accommodation near train stations, daily breakfast, airport transfers on arrival and departure, and a welcome package with itinerary details.
What is not included?
International airfare, museum and attraction entrance fees, meals beyond breakfast, local taxes or hotel fees, tips and gratuities, and local transportation are not included.
Is this tour escorted?
No. The itinerary is independent; you are not accompanied by a guide. Rail Escape provides detailed itinerary information and hotel accommodations, and you explore each city on your own.
How many nights in each city?
Three nights in Paris, two nights in Strasbourg, and two nights in Basel.
Can I upgrade my hotel?
Yes. Rail Escape offers Popular and Luxe alternative hotels in Paris, Strasbourg, and Basel. You can also add a flight booking service.

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