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Interrailing Packages (Eurailing Packages Ltd) · Independent, self-guided rail holiday

The Explorer

London to Annecy via Paris, Swiss Alps, and Italian Renaissance cities on rail

Illustration of The Explorer

The Explorer is a 15-day self-guided rail journey operated by Interrailing Packages that departs London St Pancras and returns to London, moving through Paris, the Swiss Alps, Italian Renaissance cities, and the French Alps. The route blends Alpine scenery with urban exploration, spending two nights in most destinations so you can take day trips or simply stay and discover each place. Day 3 in Interlaken offers optional visits to Jungfraujoch or Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls; Days 8 and 9 in Florence include the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo; Days 10 and 11 in Rome cover the Vatican and Trastevere. All rail fares, including Eurostar, are included, as is accommodation from hostels to hotels of your choosing. A personalised trip-planning app guides your routing and daily movement. This package suits first-time rail travellers, solo interrailers, and independent explorers who want a structured multi-country route with the freedom to choose their own pace and accommodation level.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided independent itinerary; no tour leader accompanies you, and you book your own accommodation from the options Interrailing Packages lists.
  • The from-price of £595 covers rail fares and accommodation choice, but meal costs and day-trip expenses such as Jungfraujoch entry or Cinque Terre transport are separate.
  • Accommodation choices range from hostels to hotels; the final standard and amenities depend on the tier and city you select.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    London St Pancras to Paris

    Depart London St Pancras International between 7:00-11:00am; arrive in Paris.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Paris to Interlaken

    Rail journey into the Swiss Alps; arrive in Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz.

  3. Day 3overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Second day in Interlaken beneath the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau; day trips to Jungfraujoch or Lauterbrunnen Valley.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Locarno

    Interlaken to Locarno

    Rail journey south to Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Switzerland's sunniest town.

  5. Day 5overnight: Locarno

    Locarno

    Second day in Locarno; day trips to Verzasca Valley or the Borromean Islands.

  6. Day 6railovernight: La Spezia

    Locarno to La Spezia

    Rail journey into Italy; arrive in La Spezia, gateway to the Cinque Terre.

  7. Day 7overnight: La Spezia

    La Spezia

    Second day based in La Spezia for the Cinque Terre villages.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Florence

    La Spezia to Florence

    Rail journey to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance.

  9. Day 9overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Second day in Florence for the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Rome

    Florence to Rome

    Rail journey to Rome, the Eternal City.

  11. Day 11overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Second day in Rome for the Vatican and Trastevere.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Bologna

    Rome to Bologna

    Rail journey north to Bologna, Italy's culinary capital.

  13. Day 13railovernight: Annecy

    Bologna to Annecy

    Rail journey into the French Alps; arrive in Annecy on its turquoise lake.

  14. Day 14railovernight: Paris

    Annecy to Paris

    Return rail journey to Paris for a final night.

  15. Day 15rail

    Paris to London

    Return rail journey to London St Pancras; tour ends.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras between 7:00 and 11:00 am, arriving in Paris.
  • Day 2Rail journey into the Swiss Alps to Interlaken, positioned between Lakes Thun and Brienz.
  • Day 3Day in Interlaken beneath the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks; optional day trips to Jungfraujoch or Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls.
  • Day 6Rail journey into Italy to La Spezia, gateway to the five villages of Cinque Terre.
  • Day 8Rail journey to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, home to Michelangelo's David and the Duomo.
  • Day 10Rail journey to Rome; second day includes the Colosseum and Trastevere neighbourhood.

Included

  • All rail travel, including Eurostar, between London, Paris, Interlaken, Locarno, La Spezia, Florence, Rome, Bologna, Annecy and return to London
  • Choice of handpicked accommodation, from hostels to hotels
  • Personalised Interrailing Packages travel app with itinerary, directions and city guides
  • 24/7 emergency support throughout the journey
  • ABTOT financial protection

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Interrailing Packages includes Eurostar and all rail travel between London, Paris, Interlaken, Locarno, La Spezia, Florence, Rome, Bologna, Annecy and back to London.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
It is self-guided and independent. You travel at your own pace and make your own choices; Interrailing Packages provides a personalised app with your itinerary, directions, and city guides, plus 24/7 emergency support.
What accommodation is included?
Interrailing Packages offers a choice of handpicked accommodation ranging from hostels to hotels; you select the style and standard you prefer for each night.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes city walking in nine destinations and optional day trips to mountain areas such as Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Jungfraujoch. Physical fitness should be moderate.
What is not included in the from-price?
Meals, entrance fees to attractions such as galleries and the Colosseum, and optional day-trip activities and transport such as the Jungfraujoch railway are not included. First Class rail upgrade is an optional extra.
How long is the trip?
15 days and 14 nights, departing London St Pancras and returning to London.

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