- Overview
- Itinerary
- Rates
- Optional
Make your European escape to France, Italy and the Swiss Alps on our specially crafted rail package including flights from South Africa. Enter the dream world or European heritage, sampling some of the best western cultures and some of the most amazing cuisines on earth!
Your first stop on the France, Italy and Swiss Alps Rail Adventure is Paris, known as the city of romance and art. See the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, some of the countries most iconic monuments. Follow French heritage and explore the history of Napoleon Bonaparte or glance at some of the worlds most renowned art pieces including Van Gogh's self-portrait, Winged Victory, the Venus de Milo and of-course, the Mona Lisa.
Your second stop on the France, Italy and the Swiss Alps package is Zurich, one of Switzerland's largest cities and one of Europe's most fashionable destinations. Visit the Lindt chocolate shop or ride the cogwheel railway for a stunning view of the city. See some of the best museums, art galleries, opera, ballet and musicals in Zurich. Your package includes a guided tour to the Eiger Mountain, climbing the Swiss Alps by cogwheel railway and passing the serene villages of Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Grindewald as you ascend to the 'Top of Europe', known as Jungfraujoch.
The final stop is the island city of Venice, where the only mode of transport is a gondola or boat. Explore this historic little city by yourself as you walk through the narrow waterways and bridges connecting piazzas and hidden alleys filled with cafe's, art galleries and quaint little souvenir shops selling anything from Venetian masks to glass art. Make your way down the Grand Canal and discover the Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace to name only a few.
IDEAL FOR: Families, Couples and Friends
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Mona Lisa and other world-known art pieces
- Lindt Chocolate Shop in Zurich
- Climb the Swiss Alps to the 'Top of Europe'
- Gondola ride down the canals of Venice
- Saint Mark's Square
The package is inclusive of flights from South Africa (Johannesburg). Flights from Cape Town, Durban and other airports are available on request.
See also our 7 Day London and Paris by Rail Journey
Summary
Bed & Breakfast
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 - Arrival in Paris
Upon arrival in Paris, you will be met by your driver who will take you to your hotel where you will spend the next 2 nights. The rest of the day is at your leisure in Paris.
Day 2 & 3 - Free days in Paris
You have a full day at your leisure to explore the city of Paris.
See the Cathedrale Notre Dame and take a guided tour of the Louvre to admire the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the famed Mona Lisa. Take a full-day tour of the Palace of Versailles or experience a night to remember with a spectacular dinner and show at the Moulin Rouge. Take picnics in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, walk down the Champs-Elysees and climb up the Arc de Triomphe for a 360 view of the city.
Day 4 - Train to Zurich
Make your own way to the Gare Du Lyon train station, where you will board the train to Zurich. Upon arrival in Zurich, you will need to make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure in Zurich
Day 5 - Day trip to Jungfraujoch
Classed by UNESCO as the World Heritage of the Swiss Alps, this breathtaking scenario contains the world’s highest train station at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level and many other unforgettable attractions.
Begin by enjoying a scenic coach journey through the very best Swiss countryside on your way to Bernese Oberland. After a leisurely break in Interlaken, an astounding location between two lakes, continue to Grindelwald. Board the gondola Eiger Express of the newly opened V-Cableway for a spectacular ride to the Eiger Glacier station, where you change to the cogwheel train that trundles you up to Jungfraujoch via Kleine Scheidegg. As you ascend, absorb the breathtaking views of the world-famous triple peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau – respectively, the Ogre, the Monk and the Maiden.
Once at the top, lose yourself in the fascinating charm of this high-alpine wonderland of ice, rock and snow. Experience the adventure tour “Alpine Sensation,” marking the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway. Visit also the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau, which boasts the best vantage point over the snow-capped peaks, the various neighbouring countries and Europe’s longest glacier, the magnificent Aletsch Glacier. ( subject to weather conditions).
While you are up there, don’t forget to wander through the magical tunnels of the Ice Palace located deep in the heart of the glacier – an experience you will never forget.
After that day of otherworldly sensations, on the way back you will pass the car-less holiday destination of Wengen and meet the coach in the charming Lauterbrunnen; you will discover great locations until the very last minute.
Day 6 - Train to Venice
Today you will depart Zurich, boarding the train to Venice. The rest of the day is at your leisure in Venice.
Day 7 - Free Day in Venice
You have a full day at your leisure to explore the island of Venice.
Take a stroll along the Grand Canal and explore the winding streets of Venice. Visit the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square where you will find Doges Palace and the Basilica di San Marco. For the real Venetian experience try a ride on a gondola on the waterways of Venice or visit the island or Murano for a Glass Blowing tour.
Day 8 - Depart Venice
Your driver will be waiting for you at the Venice Island Parking lot where from which you will be taken to the airport for your flight back home.
Foot Notes:
- Transport to and from train stations is not included in this package. Hotels are selected to be close to the train station, however, should you prefer transport included, this can be added.
- The scheduled tour to the Swiss Alps departs from a parking lot close to the Zurich bus station. Passengers must make their own way to the starting point to join the tour.
- There are no roads in Venice. The driver will be waiting for guests at the parking lot, which is less than 800m from the hotel. Alternatively pick up can be arranged at extra cost by water taxi.
France, Italy & Swiss Alps by Rail |
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| Rates in SA Rand | Package ex JNB |
| Mar'24 | R 43,760 pp sharing |
| Apr'24 | R 45,310 pp sharing |
| May'24 | R 42,940 pp sharing |
| Jun'24 | R 40,575 pp sharing |
| Jul'24 | R 46,150 pp sharing |
| Aug'24 | R 40,715 pp sharing |
| Sep - Oct'24 | R 38,335 pp sharing |
| Nov'24 | R 34,395 pp sharing |
| 01 - 16 Dec'24 | R 63,055 pp sharing |
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Peak season surcharges may apply to: |
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BOOK NOW |
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Package rates include:
Package rates exclude:
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Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice. |
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Below are a few optional extras you can add to your holiday:
Paris
- Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tour - from R 830 pp
- Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket- from R 1,645 pp
- Paris City Tour - from R 600 pp
- Eiffel Tower Tour (2nd floor) - from R 870 pp
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access and Seine River Cruise- from R1,880 pp
- Chocolate Museum - from R310 pp
- Audio Guided Visit of the Louvre Museum - from R870 pp
- Versailles and its Gardens with audio guide - from R 1,865 pp
- More tour options on request
Zurich
- Lucerne and Titlis Snow Experience - from R 4,480 pp
- Swiss Ski Experience from Zürich - from R 6,860 pp
- Zurich City Tour - from R 735 pp
- Zurich Tour with Cruise and Chocolate - from R 1,720 pp
- The Instagrammable Spots of Zurich with a Local - Small-Group Walking Tour- from R1,880 pp
- More tour options on request
Venice
- Gondola Tour - from R 795 pp
- Morning Walking Tour in Venice and Gondola Ride - from R 1,320 pp
- Doge's Palace Tour - Skip the Line - from R 1,320 pp
- Venice in a Day With St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and Gondola Ride - from R 2,870 pp
- Historical Venice: The Old Town Walking Tour - from R 555 pp
- Boat excursion to 3 Islands: Murano, Burano & Torcello - from R505 pp
- More tour options on request
