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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Grand Rivieras of Switzerland, Italy, and France from Paris

Independent 12-day rail round trip from Paris through Swiss and Italian Rivieras

Illustration of The Grand Rivieras of Switzerland, Italy, and France from Paris

Railbookers operates this independent, 12-day, 11-night rail journey that starts and ends in Paris, looping through Switzerland, Italy, and France's rivieras. Day 1 in Paris comes with a Hop-on, Hop-off bus pass for sights like the Champs Elysees and the Louvre, before the trip continues to Montreux for three nights, with independent day trips to the medieval Chateau de Chillon and Lausanne's Olympic Museum. A journey via Milan reaches Genoa for three nights, based for day trips to the harbor town of Portofino and to La Spezia, a stepping stone to the Cinque Terre. From Genoa, a train reaches Nice for three nights on the French Riviera, including a day trip to Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, before a direct high-speed train returns travelers to Paris for a final overnight stay. With five hotel changes and mostly self-guided day trips, this suits independent travelers comfortable planning their own days.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack does not specify the mode of travel for every day trip (Lausanne, La Spezia, and the French Riviera excursion); confirm the details with Railbookers before booking.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this package; confirm current dates and pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Your Journey Begins in Paris

    Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for an overnight stay. Once settled, head out to explore the romantic city with the use of your Hop-on, Hop-off bus pass. Why not stop off at the Champs Elysees or the Louvre Museum to see the famous Mona Lisa?

  2. Day 2overnight: Montreux

    Paris to Montreux

    Following breakfast, make your way to Montreux! Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Enjoy an afternoon in Montreux, a lakeside haven known for its mild climate and stunning vistas.

  3. Day 3overnight: Montreux

    Day Trip to Chillon Castle

    Embark on a captivating day trip to Chateau de Chillon, where the medieval fortress stands sentinel on the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy the option of taking a return boat back to Montreux or opting for the leisurely lake stroll back to the city centre.

  4. Day 4overnight: Montreux

    Day Trip to Lausanne

    After breakfast, venture to Lausanne for a day, exploring its vibrant cultural scene, visiting the Olympic Museum, and strolling through the historic city centre.

  5. Day 5overnight: Genoa

    Montreux to Genoa

    Embark on a journey from Montreux to Genoa this morning via Milan. Wander through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, visit the splendid Palazzi Dei Rolli, and marvel at the grandeur of Genoa Cathedral.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Genoa

    Day Trip to Portofino and Santa Margherita

    Following breakfast, enjoy a day trip to Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, a picturesque fishing village turned luxury retreat. In the evening, take a train back to Genoa.

  7. Day 7overnight: Genoa

    Day Trip to La Spezia

    Another day trip takes you to La Spezia, a stepping stone to the Cinque Terre. Explore the naval museum or catch a ferry to the enchanting villages that dot the coastline.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Nice

    Genoa to Nice

    Enjoy a final breakfast in Italy before making your way to the station for a train to the heart of the French Riviera; Nice - known for its stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and the Promenade des Anglais.

  9. Day 9overnight: Nice

    Nice

    Enjoy a day at your own leisure to explore the city! Savour the Mediterranean flavours at a local bistro, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.

  10. Day 10overnight: Nice

    Day Trip to The French Riveira

    Enjoy a day trip along the French Riviera, exploring glamorous destinations like Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Paris

    Nice to Paris

    Enjoy a final breakfast in Nice this morning before embarking on a direct high-speed train back to Paris for a final overnight stay. Make sure to visit any tourist attractions or restaurants you have not yet got a chance to see in Paris.

  12. Day 12rail

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your holiday to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A Hop-on, Hop-off bus pass in Paris, with stops suggested at the Champs Elysees and the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa.
  • Day 3A day trip to Chateau de Chillon, a medieval fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva.
  • Day 6A day trip to Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, a fishing village turned luxury retreat, with a train back to Genoa in the evening.
  • Day 8The train from Genoa to Nice, arriving in the heart of the French Riviera.
  • Day 11A direct high-speed train from Nice back to Paris for a final overnight stay.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Genoa
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Nice
  • 3 Day Swiss Pass
  • Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Pass in Paris
  • Independent Day Trip to Chillon Castle and Lausanne from Montreux
  • Independent Day Trip to Santa Margherita/Portofino and La Spezia from Genoa
  • Day Trip to the French Riveira from Nice

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, along with a 3-Day Swiss Pass and a Hop-on Hop-off pass in Paris.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation; the day trips from Montreux and Genoa are described as independent day trips.
What cities does the trip visit?
Paris, Montreux, Genoa, and Nice, returning to Paris at the end, with day trips to Chillon Castle, Lausanne, Portofino, La Spezia, Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.
How does the trip return to Paris?
A direct high-speed train from Nice back to Paris on day 11.
How many nights of hotel accommodation are included?
11 nights with breakfast: 2 in Paris split between the start and end of the trip, 3 in Montreux, 3 in Genoa, and 3 in Nice.

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