1-877-929-7245
Tour Search



Europe

Heart of Europe By Rail: Paris to Rome

 
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
202620272028
Duration
11 days
From per person
$5,199 $4,999
Tour code
PRG27
Mobility Rating 3
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
Save $200pp

Save $200pp on select 2027 vacations, when you book by September 30th 2026.

View terms and conditions

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Gallery
Map

From the hub of French culture through the Swiss Alps to the center of the ancient world, uncover Europe's world-class cities and their vast offerings

Discover landmark-lined rivers, alpine peaks and iconic cities while delving into the heart of Europe, relishing its best features from varied perspectives. This vacation is a showcase of culture, with unique treasures in each destination.

Begin under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, cruising the Seine and touring its sites before venturing into the Swiss Alps, staying in the medieval city of Lucerne.

After cruising Lake Lucerne and climbing to the summit of Mount Pilatus, journey through the highlights of Italy, from the picturesque canals of Venice to ancient Rome.

Unforgettable Experiences

Dining at the historic Tenuta Torciano
Dining at the historic Tenuta Torciano
Founded in 1720, this elegant estate near San Gimignano has been in the same family ever since, spanning 13 generations. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards, surrounded by quintessential Tuscan scenery, before dinner paired with wines.
Stepping into the past in ancient Rome
Stepping into the past in ancient Rome
Step back to the days of gladiators and the formidable Roman Empire while on a walking tour in Rome, which includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and the city's famous piazzas.
Discovering Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel
Discovering Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel
Revel in the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, and other masterpieces housed in the Vatican Museums while touring Vatican City.
Admiring the Swiss Alps from Pilatus Kulm
Admiring the Swiss Alps from Pilatus Kulm
Enjoy a journey to the summit of Mt. Pilatus, beginning with a cruise across Lake Lucerne before a ride aboard the world’s steepest cog railway to an astounding mountain-top observation deck.
Cruising Paris’ romantic Seine
Cruising Paris’ romantic Seine
Indulge in a dinner accompanied by unforgettable views as we cruise the River Seine in Paris, weaving through the heart of the city past iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1A scenic welcome to Paris

Your exploration of Europe's remarkable sights and scenery begins today in the French capital, Paris. Beloved for its fashion, culture, cuisine and history, the "City of Light" offers a magical array of experiences.

On arrival in Paris, make your way independently to our central hotel for check-in. You can begin getting to know the neighborhood or relax with a glass of wine at a sidewalk café, before meeting the Tour Manager and your travel group in the hotel lobby.

This evening, we uncover the beautiful sights of Paris on an atmospheric dinner cruise along the Seine. From the base of the Eiffel Tower, our boat glides past the myriad landmarks that line the river, surrounding us with beautiful views on all sides. Savor delicious French cuisine as we sail under historic bridges and the cityscape sparkles around us, including the magnificent, newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral. Overnight Paris.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Touring Paris’ iconic sights

Brimming with history and well-known attractions, Paris is brought to life on a guided coach tour after breakfast. With a front-row seat to this beautiful city's iconic destinations, we take in Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and Palais Garnier. Paris' most famous boulevard is the tree-lined Champs-Élysées, at the end of which we find the Arc de Triomphe, a beloved national monument.

After our tour, you are free to continue exploring the city at leisure. Maybe visit some of the world's most famous paintings - including the Mona Lisa - at the Louvre or wander through the charming public gardens of the Tuileries or Jardins du Luxembourg. The quaint cobbled streets of Montmartre reveal a bygone Paris with their many galleries - the Place du Tertre bustles with artists and restaurant-goers and the striking, white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Coeur boasts incredible views over the city.

Whichever area of Paris you explore, you have access to an excellent selection of restaurants in which to enjoy the city's authentic cuisine tonight. Overnight Paris.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY3Into the heart of the Swiss Alps

A day of scenic travel awaits as we leave Paris after breakfast, heading by rail to Switzerland. Enjoy the views from the train windows as our route winds through picturesque French countryside dotted with small villages and slate-roofed churches. In Basel, just beyond the French-Swiss border, we switch trains and continue into the heart of this mountainous country.

Our destination is Lucerne; a beautiful and historic town nestled on the banks of the lake that shares its name. Surrounded by snowy peaks, Lucerne has an enchanting medieval center with fairytale alpine architecture. It is in the Old Town that we find our hotel - located a short distance from the train station, this establishment's history stretches back more than 500 years.

After checking in, you have time to settle in or explore Lucerne's charming center. Connecting the historic quarters on either side of the Reuss River, the city's covered footbridges, Chapel Bridge and Spreuer Bridge, date to the Middle Ages. This evening, we gather for a group dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Lucerne.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4Stunning views from Mount Pilatus

Embracing our striking surroundings after breakfast today, we uncover the beauty of the Swiss Alps from multiple vantages. A morning cruise along Lake Lucerne unveils picturesque views of the Alps, particularly Mt. Pilatus and the Stanserhorn, encircling the glacial blue water of the lake. The quaint towns dotted along the shore add a fairytale touch to the vistas. Disembarking in Alpnachstad, we board the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to the top of Mt. Pilatus.

Traveling at a gradient of up to 48 percent, the cherry-red carriages climb the mountainside, providing sweeping views of the changing alpine landscapes during the 45-minute journey. Once at the top, the views are breathtaking. More than 70 mountain peaks are visible on a clear day, and you can take in the panoramic vistas from the observation deck or one of the hiking trails.

We descend Mt. Pilatus via a combination of cable car and cogwheel train, then return to Lucerne by rail. Back at our lakeside base, you are free to continue exploring and find a place to enjoy dinner independently. Overnight Lucerne.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5To the “Floating City” of Venice by rail

Heading south from the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland to the historic canals of Venice, today's journey delivers exquisite scenery throughout. After a short rail transfer, we board a train to Italy, passing through the 35.5-mile Gotthard Base Tunnel on our way to Venice.

The enchanting "Floating City" has long been one of the most attractive and popular locations in Italy. Its beautiful buildings, many of which are more than 800 years old, are spread among 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Even today, getting around this city is most easily done by boat or gondola using its extensive canal system - or you could explore on foot, crossing bridge after ornate bridge.

On arrival this afternoon, we transfer to our hotel on Venice Lido by boat. Once you have settled in, there is free time to enjoy the hotel's amenities or explore your surroundings. Located on Venice's beachfront, the hotel has plenty of spaces to relax with Adriatic sea views before dinner. Overnight Venice.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY6Exploring atmospheric Venice

This morning, we are introduced to the captivating landmarks of Venice during a guided tour. Setting out after breakfast, we travel by boat from the Lido directly to the cultural heart of Venice, St. Mark's Square. This historic piazza is surrounded by magnificent architecture, and an expert guide accompanies us on a two-hour walking tour of the city's streets.

Starting in the less-visited backstreets, we view the exteriors of the house where the composer Vivaldi was born and the church where he was baptized. We also see the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. George before circling back to St. Mark's. After passing the famous prison and the evocative Bridge of Sighs, we see the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the world's oldest coffee house, Caffè Florian.

The rest of the day is free for you to continue sightseeing at your own pace. When you are ready to return to the hotel, you can transfer back independently using the convenient Vaporetto boat service. Overnight Venice.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY7Uncovering the Renaissance gems of Florence

Venice's Baroque palazzos and gliding gondolas disappear behind us this morning as we travel by train into central Italy. A highlight reel of Italian landscapes lies ahead as the train passes small villages and great cities, eventually making its way into the rolling hills and lush countryside of Tuscany.

On arrival in Florence, we dive straight into the top sights of this noble city on a walking tour. Known as the "Jewel of the Renaissance," Florence is brimming with art and history, which we uncover while exploring renowned sites and beautiful city squares. We pass grand landmarks, including the terracotta-tiled exterior of the majestic Duomo, the medieval Piazza della Signoria and the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery. Our tour ends at the Ponte Vecchio - an iconic bridge over the Arno River that houses goldsmiths and jewelers' shops along it.

The evening is free to continue exploring this fascinating city. Maybe find a restaurant in which to sample Steak Florentine, the region's most iconic dish, or enjoy a gelato or glass of wine in an atmospheric piazza. Overnight Florence.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY8An authentic Tuscan dining experience

Today is yours to continue exploring Florence independently. You could enter the Uffizi Gallery to gaze upon world-famous works of art (booking in advance is advised). Alternatively, visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to view Michelangelo's original statue of David.

Wandering through the streets of Florence is a delight, as Renaissance frescoes can be found in various churches and palazzos, and savoring an Italian coffee in a historic square provides an opportunity to soak up Tuscan life.

This evening, we visit the gorgeous Tenuta Torciano, a refined estate near San Gimignano that has been operated by the same family since it was built in 1720. Here, we tour the vineyards, surrounded by quintessential Tuscan landscapes, learning about centuries of winemaking. Afterward, we enjoy a vacation highlight as we savor a traditional dinner made with local ingredients, paired with wines made on the estate. Overnight Florence.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY9Arrival in the “Eternal City” of Rome

Departing Florence after breakfast, a scenic train journey reveals Tuscan views of vineyards, olive groves and romantic villages enroute to Italy's ancient capital.

Arriving in Rome, we check into our hotel before immersing ourselves in a city whose rich history spans millennia. Our walking tour begins outside the Colosseum, where we experience up-close views of the amphitheater's remarkable exterior. Our tour continues past other iconic sites, including the Roman Forum and the Pantheon. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and enjoy a stop at a local coffee shop before our tour concludes in Piazza Navona, home to some of the city's most impressive fountains.

The evening is yours to enjoy the city's ambiance on your own. You could climb the Spanish Steps to wander through the immaculate gardens at Villa Borghese Park. Rome's culinary scene is just as captivating as its history, and the city offers many eateries serving local favorites, such as pizza, pasta carbonara and cacio e pepe. Overnight Rome.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY10The art and history of Vatican City

A holy city revered by lovers of art, religion, and architecture alike, Vatican City is where we begin our day. A four-hour guided tour reveals the wonders of the Holy See and the center of the Roman Catholic religion.

Prepare to be awestruck as we venture through the Sistine Chapel and set our sights upon the world's most well-known fresco, Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam. Our visit also includes admission to the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, as we explore the various artifacts and significant artworks housed throughout the museums. We also have a chance to view the grand Pinecone Courtyard, the centerpiece of which is a 13-foot-tall bronze pinecone sculpture dating to the second century.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Rome further, perhaps strolling amongst Roman ruins, uncovering the gems of the city's galleries and museums, or relaxing in a shaded piazza. This evening, we visit a local restaurant for a farewell dinner as a group, enjoying traditional cuisine while celebrating our extraordinary expedition. Overnight Rome.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY11Traveling home

A continent of iconic cities and spellbinding scenery, Europe has set an incredible stage for us to explore famous and spectacular destinations. We basked in the beauty of Paris during a dinner cruise along the Seine, before spectacular alpine wonders were revealed as we sailed along Lake Lucerne and rode the world's steepest cogwheel railway in the Swiss Alps. In Italy, we marveled at Venice's grand palazzos and the Renaissance treasures of Tuscany in Florence. Arriving in Rome, we experienced history come to life as we strolled among relics of ancient Rome and admired the magnificent Sistine Chapel.

After breakfast this morning, your tour of Europe's highlights reaches its conclusion. Making your own way to Rome's international airport, you can begin your journey home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Hotel Indigo, Florence 
Hotel Indigo, Florence 
View hotel
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne
View hotel
Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel, Paris
Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel, Paris
View hotel
Grand Hotel Palatino
Grand Hotel Palatino, Rome
View hotel
Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, Venice
Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, Venice
View hotel

Enhance your trip

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.