Great Rail Journeys
Biarritz & Bordeaux Cruise
Ten-day escorted French trip pairing rail travel with a Bordeaux river cruise
10 daysfrom $4,005
40% rail
Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday
Strasbourg & the Alsace by First Class Rail
Travel in comfort to Strasbourg, a charming blend of French and German culture, where half-timbered houses and historic canals create a fairy-tale setting.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg
London to Strasbourg
Start your holiday at the "cathedral of railways", the magnificent London St Pancras International station. Take the time to admire its sweeping glass roof before boarding the Eurostar. Sit back and relax as the train whisks you across the Kent countryside and through the Channel Tunnel into France, reaching speeds of up to 186 mph, with a light meal and drinks served at your seat as you continue to Paris. On arrival at Paris Gare du Nord it is a short walk to the Gare de l'Est for your onward journey by TGV through the diverse French scenery to the lively city of Strasbourg. After arriving in Strasbourg, make your way to the highly-rated Hotel Regent Contades (4 star) situated in the city centre, for a four-night stay.
- Day 2overnight: Strasbourg
Exploring Strasbourg
As the capital of Alsace, a region which has historically belonged to both France and Germany, Strasbourg is packed with layers of history and influences from across Europe. Enjoy three full days to discover its many impressive highlights. The Grand Ile forms the core of the city and is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the majestic pink sandstone Gothic Cathedral complete with its astronomical clock and the striking Place Gutenberg. Also on the island encircled by the River Ill is La Petite France, a beautifully preserved section of the city where narrow cobbled lanes are adorned with attractive half-timbered houses and criss-crossed by canals and locks. Other highlights include the Palais Rohan, an 18th century episcopal palace nicknamed "Versailles in Miniature", now home to 3 museums. Alsace is one of France's main wine-growing areas and you may wish to venture out of the city to explore some of the famous "Route des Vins".
- Day 3overnight: Strasbourg
Exploring Strasbourg
As the capital of Alsace, a region which has historically belonged to both France and Germany, Strasbourg is packed with layers of history and influences from across Europe. Enjoy three full days to discover its many impressive highlights. The Grand Ile forms the core of the city and is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the majestic pink sandstone Gothic Cathedral complete with its astronomical clock and the striking Place Gutenberg. Also on the island encircled by the River Ill is La Petite France, a beautifully preserved section of the city where narrow cobbled lanes are adorned with attractive half-timbered houses and criss-crossed by canals and locks. Other highlights include the Palais Rohan, an 18th century episcopal palace nicknamed "Versailles in Miniature", now home to 3 museums. Alsace is one of France's main wine-growing areas and you may wish to venture out of the city to explore some of the famous "Route des Vins".
- Day 4overnight: Strasbourg
Exploring Strasbourg
As the capital of Alsace, a region which has historically belonged to both France and Germany, Strasbourg is packed with layers of history and influences from across Europe. Enjoy three full days to discover its many impressive highlights. The Grand Ile forms the core of the city and is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the majestic pink sandstone Gothic Cathedral complete with its astronomical clock and the striking Place Gutenberg. Also on the island encircled by the River Ill is La Petite France, a beautifully preserved section of the city where narrow cobbled lanes are adorned with attractive half-timbered houses and criss-crossed by canals and locks. Other highlights include the Palais Rohan, an 18th century episcopal palace nicknamed "Versailles in Miniature", now home to 3 museums. Alsace is one of France's main wine-growing areas and you may wish to venture out of the city to explore some of the famous "Route des Vins".
- Day 5rail
Strasbourg to London - Homeward bound
Today you bid Strasbourg farewell as you take the TGV back to Paris. Reflect on the wonders of the last few days as you speed back to the French capital. From Paris Gare de l'Est you walk to the nearby Gare du Nord to connect with the Eurostar back to London. With a light meal and drinks served at your seat, you will soon arrive back at London St Pancras International, ahead of the final stage of your journey home.
Included
- First Class Rail travel throughout your journey
- 4 nights in Strasbourg at a highly-rated 4-star hotel (Hotel Régent Contades)
Not included
- Entrance to the Gothic Cathedral and Palais Rohan (payable locally)
