European Train Tour: London, Paris & Rome
SEMI-GUIDED (13 days, no night onboard) Three legendary cities by train! Discovery Trains invites you to experience the great capitals of Western Europe in freedom and comfort.
(GREAT-BRITAIN) LONDON (FRANCE) PARIS - LYON (ITALY) MILAN - ROME
Tour properties: Individual
DAY 1: WELCOME TO LONDON
Morning: Arrive in London and enjoy a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Early check-in available depending on your arrival time. Settle in and relax after your flight.
Afternoon: Meet your local English-speaking guide for a welcome stroll along the River Thames. Take in iconic sights such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and the majestic Houses of Parliament. Stop by Westminster Abbey, famous as the site of royal weddings like Prince William and Kate Middleton’s. Your guide will also give you practical tips for navigating the city.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional London pub—we'll recommend a nearby favorite where you can try classic fish & chips with a pint of local ale (or cider!).
Overnight at your hotel in London.
DAY 2: DISCOVERING LONDON
Morning: Start your day with a full English breakfast. Then choose to visit one of London’s legendary landmarks:
- Westminster Abbey, a royal church with 1,000 years of history
- The Tower of London, where you’ll find the Crown Jewels
- Or the British Museum, home to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies
Afternoon: Enjoy an optional Thames river cruise to Greenwich, with stunning views of the skyline, or join a guided walk through Soho and Covent Garden, where artists, musicians, and boutique shops line the cobbled streets.
Evening: Looking for a night out? London’s West End theaters offer top Broadway-quality musicals—your guide can help book tickets.
Overnight at your hotel in London. Breakfast included (B)
DAY 3: FREE DAY IN LONDON
Morning: This is your day to explore at leisure. Visit Borough Market for gourmet treats or dive into the lively atmosphere of Camden Market. Treat yourself to a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea at a historic hotel like The Ritz or The Savoy (optional).
Afternoon: Fancy a day trip? You can board a scenic train to Oxford, the prestigious university town seen in Harry Potter films, or to Windsor Castle, the royal residence of King Charles III. Both are easy and enriching escapes from the city.
Evening: Return to London for a relaxed dinner in one of the city’s many neighborhoods—your guide can suggest the perfect spot based on your tastes.
Overnight at your hotel in London. Breakfast included (B)
DAY 4: LONDON TO PARIS BY EUROSTAR (2h20)
Morning: All aboard the Eurostar high-speed train for a smooth and scenic ride through the English Channel tunnel. In just over 2 hours, you'll arrive in the heart of Paris. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the unique experience of traveling between two iconic capitals in comfort.
Afternoon: Check in to your centrally located hotel and take a leisurely walk around your Parisian neighborhood (arrondissement). Whether you’re staying near the Eiffel Tower, Saint-Germain, or Montmartre, you’ll immediately feel the magic of the City of Light. Stop at a local café for a croissant or a glass of wine—welcome to Paris!
Evening: Consider a romantic Seine dinner cruise, drifting past the illuminated bridges and monuments. We’ll be happy to assist with reservations.
Overnight in your hotel in Paris (B)
DAY 5: EXPLORING PARIS
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Louvre Museum, where you’ll see world-famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Then take time to admire the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a true icon of Parisian architecture.
Afternoon: Meet your local English-speaking guide for a walk through Montmartre, the artistic heart of Paris. Explore cobblestone streets, hidden corners, and stories of famous painters who lived and worked here. From the bustling Place du Tertre to the panoramic view at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, your guide will bring the neighborhood’s rich history to life.
Evening: Enjoy your final evening in Paris with a glass of wine, a riverside stroll, or one last view of the Eiffel Tower.
Overnight in your hotel in Paris. Breakfast included (B)
DAY 6: PARIS AT YOUR OWN PACE
Morning: Start your day with a relaxing stroll through the charming streets of the Marais, one of Paris’s most historic and stylish neighborhoods. Explore hidden courtyards, trendy boutiques, and cafés full of character. Then head to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, to admire incredible works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and more.
Afternoon: Pick up a fresh baguette, some cheese, and pastries for a classic Parisian picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens, a local favorite. Stretch out on the lawns, watch sailboats drift in the fountain, and soak up the elegance of Parisian life.
Optional Experiences: You can also choose a private guided tour of Versailles, complete with transport and fast-track entry, or join a delightful food and wine tasting led by a local expert.
Evening: Celebrate your last evening in Paris with a romantic dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, surrounded by jazz cafés.
Overnight in your hotel in Paris (B)
DAY 7: HIGH-SPEED TO LYON: GOURMET CAPITAL OF FRANCE
Morning: Hop aboard the TGV high-speed train and glide through the French countryside on your way to Lyon, arriving in just 2 hours. It’s a comfortable, efficient, and scenic ride—sit back and relax.
Afternoon: Welcome to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France! Start your culinary adventure with lunch in a traditional bouchon, a cozy, family-run bistro serving local specialties like quenelles, Lyonnaise salad, and tarte à la praline.
Afterwards, join your guide to explore Vieux Lyon, the city’s Renaissance old town. Wander through its famous traboules—hidden passageways once used by silk workers and Resistance fighters—and admire the colorful facades and cobbled streets.
Evening: Relax with a glass of Côtes du Rhône at a terrace in Presqu’île or opt for a riverside walk.
Overnight in your hotel in Lyon (B)
DAY 8: LYON – CITY OF HISTORY AND WINE
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Roman amphitheater, a grand reminder of Lyon’s ancient past, followed by a trip to the Basilica of Fourvière for panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Discover Lyon’s rich culture at the Confluences Museum, where science and art meet, or take a scenic wine tour through the Beaujolais region, famous for its reds.
Evening: Unwind with a leisurely stroll along the Rhône riverbanks, perhaps enjoying a glass of local wine as the sun sets over the water.
Overnight in your hotel in Lyon (B)
DAY 9: LYON – MILAN: THROUGH THE ALPS BY TGV
Morning: Hop aboard the TGV high-speed train for a scenic journey through the Alps, heading towards Italy. Relax as you take in the stunning mountain views, reaching Milan in just 5 hours.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, dive into Milan’s famous aperitivo culture. Sip on a refreshing cocktail and enjoy small bites at one of the city’s lively bars. Let the city’s energy sweep you away as you explore the charming streets.
Evening: Take a stroll through the charming streets of Milan or enjoy a relaxing evening in a cozy café.
Overnight in your hotel in Milan (B)
DAY 10: MILAN – A CITY OF STYLE AND CULTURE
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Duomo, where you can marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s most famous shopping arcade.
Afternoon: Choose to visit La Scala, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, or book a special viewing of Da Vinci’s Last Supper, a masterpiece you can’t miss. If you’re in the mood for nature, take a day trip to Lake Como by train and soak in the picturesque landscapes.
Evening: Relax at a Milanese bar or indulge in a delightful Italian dinner at a local trattoria.
Overnight in your hotel in Milan (B)
DAY 11: MILAN – ROME: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Morning: Board the Frecciarossa high-speed train for a swift and comfortable 3-hour ride to Rome, Italy’s historic capital.
Afternoon: Begin your Roman adventure with a visit to the iconic Spanish Steps, the stunning Trevi Fountain, and the lively piazzas. Let the city’s ancient charm and modern energy envelop you.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Roman dinner in one of the city’s charming trattorias.
Overnight in your hotel in Rome (B)
DAY 12: ROME – THE ETERNAL CITY
Morning: Step back in time with a visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. These ancient landmarks will leave you in awe as you learn about the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Afternoon: You can choose to visit the Vatican, where you can explore St. Peter’s Basilica, or take a cooking class in the Trastevere district to immerse yourself in the local food culture.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll through Rome’s enchanting streets, or sip on a glass of wine while people-watching in a charming square.
Overnight in your hotel in Rome (B)
DAY 13: DEPARTURE FROM ROME – FAREWELL TO ITALY
Morning: Transfer to Fiumicino Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey.
Afternoon: Enjoy your direct return flight, reflecting on the beautiful moments from your trip.
Included
- Private transfers between airports and hotels on first and last day
- Train tickets on TGV, Eurostar, and Frecciarossa for travel between London, Paris, Lyon, Milan, and Rome.
- Accommodation in carefully selected 3-star hotels, centrally located for convenience.
- 12 nights in a double room with breakfast included (B).
- Guided walking tours with an English-speaking guide
- London: Day 1 (3h), Day 2 (3h)
- Paris: Day 4 (3h), Day 5 (3h)
- Lyon: Day 7 (3h), Day 8 (3h)
- Milan: Day 9 (3h), Day 10 (3h)
- Rome: Day 11 (3h), Day 12 (3h)
- Seine River cruise in Paris.
- Breakfast included every morning at the hotel.
- Traditional lunch in a bouchon in Lyon.
- 24/7 assistance throughout the trip.
Not Included
- International flights to and from London and Rome (or vice versa).
- Travel insurance (recommended but not included).
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary, unless otherwise stated.
- Tickets for optional attractions, such as the visit to Versailles or activities like Afternoon Tea in London.
- Drinks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
OPTIONS
- Add nights in any city
- Include additionnal guided tours in any city
- Upgrade hotels (3* → 4*) or train classes (Standard → 1st class, Business)
- Meet-and-greet at station arrivals and assistance at departures: a reassuring touch for smooth transitions — though all hotels are within easy reach of the train stations and can be accessed independently
