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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Strasbourg, Colmar, and Basel from Paris

Paris to Basel rail trip via Strasbourg and a Colmar wine day

Illustration of Strasbourg, Colmar, and Basel from Paris

Railbookers operates this eight-day independent rail vacation from Paris to Basel, taking in Strasbourg and a Colmar day trip along the way. Two nights in Paris include a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower visit, a Seine river cruise, and Louvre Museum tickets, alongside a hop-on hop-off pass for exploring at your own pace. On day 3, a high-speed train carries travelers through the French countryside to Strasbourg for a three-night stay, with free time to see the Cathedral and the Petite France quarter. Day 5 swaps the train for a minivan on a Small Group Alsace Wine Tour, stopping in Obernai and two Alsace wineries. The train resumes on day 6 for Basel, where a private guide gives a two-hour introduction to the city before the final afternoon is left free. With hotel choices spanning several tiers and guided experiences mixed with independent time, this suits travelers drawn to food, wine and history who still want to set their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 5's Colmar-area excursion travels by minivan along the Alsace Wine Route rather than by train, on an otherwise all-rail itinerary.
  • The hotel list offers 16 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the final hotel depends on which tier and city you choose, from the Holiday Inn Paris - Gare De Lyon Bastille up to the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    Your Journey Begins in Paris

    Welcome to Paris! On arrival head to your hotel for a two-night stay, then get out to explore the city with your included Hop-on Hop-off pass. In the evening why not speak to any of our knowledgeable Rail Experts about a night at the world-famous Moulin Rouge?

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    It's a day to remember today, as you explore the very best the city has to offer. Included for you is a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, a one-hour scenic, seine cruise, and skip-the-line tickets to the world-famous Louvre Museum. You also have another day of exploring the city with your handy hop-on hop-off pass.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Strasbourg

    Paris to Strasbourg

    Have breakfast at your hotel then enjoy the morning in Paris, before making your way to Gare d'Lest for the highspeed train to Strasbourg. Enjoy watching the French countryside speed by, and on arrival make your way to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Strasbourg

    Strasbourg

    Spend the day exploring Strasbourg at your own pace today. A stroll around the Petite France is a joy, and why not take to the water for a scenic boat ride. The huge Cathedral is one of Europe's finest and is blessed with some beautiful stained glass. In the summer the Cathedral is blessed every evening by a spectacular light show.

  5. Day 5overnight: Strasbourg

    Colmar Day Trip

    This morning make your way to meet your guide for a Small Group Alsace Wine Tour. Travel along the picturesque Alsace Wine Route in a comfortable minivan, taking in the stunning vineyards and charming villages of the region. Stop for a guided walking tour of Obernai before visiting two specially selected wineries. From mid-November to mid-December this trip is replaced by a small group tour from Strasbourg, encompassing the magical Christmas markets of Colmar as well as some smaller Alsace villages.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Basel

    Strasbourg to Basel

    Following breakfast, hop on the train to Basel, and check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled take a stroll down the banks of the Rhine River where during the summer you'll find locals enjoying a swim.

  7. Day 7overnight: Basel

    Basel

    A fascinating city set on the border of France, Germany and Switzerland, Basel is full of rich history and some fascinating museums. In the morning you will be met by your own private guide who will give you a great 2hr introduction into the city, then the afternoon is yours to enjoy independently.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Basel

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your travels elsewhere. Let us know if you need to return to Paris or continue your travels into Switzerland perhaps.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A skip-the-line tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise, and skip-the-line tickets to the Louvre Museum.
  • Day 3The high-speed train from Paris to Strasbourg, with French countryside passing outside the window.
  • Day 5A Small Group Alsace Wine Tour along the Alsace Wine Route by minivan, including a guided walking tour of Obernai and two winery visits.
  • Day 7A private two-hour walking tour introducing Basel, a city on the border of France, Germany and Switzerland.

Included

  • Train travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Strasbourg
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Basel
  • Skip the Line Eiffel Tower tickets
  • 2 Day Paris hop-on hop-off pass
  • Scenic Paris River Cruise
  • Skip the line Louvre Museum tickets (closed on Tuesdays)
  • Small group Alsace wine tour (between mid Nov and mid Dec this is part of a small group to explore the Christmas markets in Colmar)
  • Private walking tour in Basel

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Train travel is included as per the itinerary, including the high-speed train from Paris to Strasbourg.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation with some included guided experiences, such as the Alsace wine tour and the private Basel walking tour.
Which trains are used?
SNCF's high-speed TGV service runs from Paris to Strasbourg, with a further train continuing from Strasbourg to Basel.
How does the Colmar day trip work?
It is a Small Group Alsace Wine Tour by minivan along the Alsace Wine Route, with a guided walking tour of Obernai and two winery visits; between mid-November and mid-December it is replaced by a small group tour of Colmar's Christmas markets.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 16 accommodation options across Paris, Strasbourg and Basel at different tiers, from the Holiday Inn Paris - Gare De Lyon Bastille up to the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra.
How much walking is involved?
Sightseeing is largely self-paced, with hop-on hop-off passes in Paris, free time to explore Strasbourg's Petite France, and a private 2-hour walking tour in Basel.

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