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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

The Heart of Europe: 10 Days

London to Paris through five cities on trains and two night trains

Illustration of The Heart of Europe: 10 Days

Euroventure's The Heart of Europe is a self-guided 8-day rail journey from London to Paris, crossing five countries and five key European cities. You depart London on Eurostar, pause briefly in Brussels, then settle into Cologne for two nights to visit the Gothic cathedral and Old Town along the Rhine. On day 3, a night train carries you 11.5 hours to Vienna, where you explore Hofburg Palace and the State Opera House. Another night train departs the following day toward Zurich, a 9.5-hour journey ending in lakeside exploration and shopping on Bahnhofstrasse. The final leg is a daytime train to Paris, with time for the Louvre, Seine-side walks, and the Eiffel Tower before Eurostar returns you to London. All rail tickets, couchette berths, accommodation in tested hotels and hostels, and walking directions are included. A personalised travel booklet and round-the-clock emergency support accompany you; you navigate and choose activities independently.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour mixes hostels and hotels for accommodation; your final lodging depends on the tier and city you book.
  • Shared couchettes on night trains are included, though private cabin upgrades are available at extra cost.
  • No departures calendar is published; confirm exact dates and availability with Euroventure before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    London to Cologne (via a brief Brussels stop, 2 nights)

    Eurostar to Brussels (about 2.5 hours) for a brief stop (no overnight), then on to Cologne to visit its Gothic cathedral and Old Town.

  2. Day 3railovernight: Vienna

    Cologne to Vienna (1 night)

    Night train to Vienna (about 11.5 hours). Visit Hofburg Palace, the State Opera House, and try a Viennese coffee and Sachertorte.

  3. Day 4railovernight: Zurich

    Vienna to Zurich (2 nights)

    Night train to Zurich (about 9.5 hours). Explore the Old Town, Lake Zurich, and Bahnhofstrasse.

  4. Day 6railovernight: Paris

    Zurich to Paris (2 nights)

    Train to Paris (about 4.5 hours). Stroll the Seine, visit the Louvre, and take in views from the Eiffel Tower.

  5. Day 8rail

    Paris to London

    Eurostar to London (about 4.5 hours), completing the loop.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Eurostar departs London for Brussels (2.5 hours), with a brief stop before continuing to Cologne to explore its Gothic cathedral and Rhine-side Old Town.
  • Day 3Day 3: Night train to Vienna (11.5 hours) arrives ready for visits to Hofburg Palace and the State Opera House, with Viennese coffee and Sachertorte.
  • Day 4Day 4: Night train to Zurich (9.5 hours); explore the Old Town, Lake Zurich, and Bahnhofstrasse shopping district.

Included

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the key
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • Compulsory seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries
  • Couchette beds in shared cabins on night trains, with private cabin upgrades available
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by us
  • Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at partner hostels
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe
  • Peace of mind with alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • Access to a 24hr emergency phone number while you're away
  • 1GB of free data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all overland transport tickets from London to Paris, seat reservations on high-speed and night trains, and couchette beds in shared cabins on the two night trains (private upgrades available for an additional fee).
Is this a guided or self-guided tour?
Self-guided. You travel and explore independently, with 24-hour emergency phone support and a personalised travel booklet containing maps, language guides, and walking directions between stations and accommodation.
Which night trains are included?
Night train from Cologne to Vienna (about 11.5 hours) on day 3, and night train from Vienna to Zurich (about 9.5 hours) on day 4.
What accommodation is included?
Top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels tested by Euroventure. You have options by tier and city; your final hotel depends on your choice.
What is not included in the price?
Attraction entrance fees (though exclusive discounts are provided), meals, private night-train cabin upgrades, and additional eSIM data beyond the included 1GB.

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