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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

Strasbourg & the Alsace by First Class Rail

First Class rail from London to Strasbourg for a four-night Alsace city break

Illustration of Strasbourg & the Alsace by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Strasbourg and Alsace holiday is a five-day independent rail escape from London to one of France's most storied cities. You travel in First Class comfort: Eurostar from London St Pancras through the Channel Tunnel and across the Kent countryside to Paris, then a TGV service onward to Strasbourg, where you settle into the four-star Hôtel Régent Contades. Three full days allow you to roam Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage Grand Ile at your own rhythm, visiting the pink sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its astronomical clock, wandering La Petite France's half-timbered streets and historic canals, and absorbing the region's blend of French and German influences in its cuisine, dialect, and architecture. There is no tour guide or escort; you shape your days freely. On the return journey, you reverse the TGV and Eurostar route back to London, completing a relaxed city break for rail travellers who value independent exploration and first-class rail comfort.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided holiday with no tour escort or tour manager; you navigate Strasbourg independently
  • Entrance fees to the Gothic Cathedral and Palais Rohan are not included and must be paid locally
  • Planet Rail publishes no specific departure dates in this pack; confirm availability before booking

Day by day

  1. 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.

  2. 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".

  3. 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".

  4. 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".

  5. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Board the Eurostar from London St Pancras, crossing the Channel Tunnel at speeds up to 186 mph, with First Class meal service, then continue on the TGV to Strasbourg
  • Day 2Days 2-4: Three full days to explore Strasbourg's Grand Ile, the pink sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its astronomical clock, and the half-timbered houses and canals of La Petite France
  • Day 5Day 5: Return to Paris on the TGV, then Eurostar back to London St Pancras with First Class meal service

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)

Questions travellers ask

What is included in the price?
First Class rail travel on Eurostar (London to Paris) and TGV (Paris to Strasbourg and return), plus four nights accommodation at the four-star Hôtel Régent Contades in Strasbourg
Is the trip escorted?
No. This is an independent, self-guided tailor-made holiday. There is no tour escort or tour manager
How much time do I spend in Strasbourg?
Three full days (Days 2, 3, and 4) to explore the city at your own pace before returning to London on Day 5
What class of rail travel is provided?
First Class throughout: Eurostar London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord and TGV Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg
What attractions cost extra?
Entry to Strasbourg's Gothic Cathedral and Palais Rohan must be paid for separately at the site

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