The Grand Tour of Europe is a Rail Tour that us at Happyrail have created to experience the best scenic railways, the most breathtaking views and the best European cities in one trip.

Combine spectacular train rides like the Glacier Express in Switzerland and the Bernina Express to Italy with cultural visits to Paris and Venice, and enjoy the natural beauty when staying in the Italian lake district or the Swiss Alps in Grisons. With our tailormade made itinerary, daily guides and live support accompanying you, you can travel stress-free and enjoy the best that Europe has to offer.

You can depart from any major station or airport in and around London, Amsterdam or Paris. You finish in Venice, Rome or Florence. For a round-trip ending in the same place you started see the Grand Tour of Europe Roundtrip.

Day 1 - Arrive in Paris

You start your exciting trip in Paris, arriving from the airport by metro, or by high-speed train from London/Brussels/Amsterdam. Stay in a smart hotel near the Gare de Lyon station and enjoy the evening off in this fine and famous city.

Day 2 - Paris visit

Day off in Paris, Europe's cultural capital. Visit the countless monuments and museums Paris has to offer, enjoy a coffee with croissant at a traditional café or a traditional dinner at a French bistro.

Day 3 - to Lausanne

A direct TGV high-speed train takes you to to Lausanne, Switzerland. Enjoy an afternoon on the shores of the beautiful lake Geneva, with accomodation in a modern Swiss hotel between the city center and the lake.

Day 4 - GoldenPass & Interlaken

The GoldenPass Express climbs from Lake Geneva through the Bernese Oberland mountains to Interlaken. You travel in prestige class with catering at your seat as standard. A local mountain train takes you to Interlaken.

Day 5 - Jungfrau region

Day off in the Jungfrau region with two possible day trips: the Schilthorn observatory by cable car via the car-free village of Mürren, or to the Jungfraujoch by Europe’s highest railroad. Read all about the Jungfraujoch railroad and activities at the Top of Europe.

Day 6 - to Zermatt

Scenic trains take you from Interlaken over the scenic Lotschberg pass to Zermatt, where you stay in a traditional family-owned hotel.

Day 7 - Gornergrat day trip

Day off in Zermatt. Explore this wonderful historic Alpine resort, with narrow streets and historic buildings. Take a day trip by Gornergrat railway, Europe's highest open-air railway, to see the famous Matterhorn mountains.

Day 8 - Glacier Express to Bergün

Time for one of Europe's most special train rides: The Glacier Express, the world’s slowest Express train, takes you through the Rhine Gorge and over the Oberalp Pass. Enjoy a three-course meal served at your seat. In Bergün you stay in the historic and beautifully restored Kurhaus spa hotel.

Day 9 - Bernina Express & lake Como

The famous Bernina Express takes you over the Bernina Pass to Italy. Enjoy the spectacular UNESCO-listed scenery through full-length panoramic windows. Enjoy an Italian lunch before departing by train along lake Como to Colico or Varenna, where you stay the night. In the afternoon you'll have time for a cruise on lake Como to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Day 10 - to Venice by high-speed train

You travel by regional train along lake Como to Milan, where a high-speed train takes you to Venice in just a few hours. Stay in an authentic hotel in the old city center, 15 minutes walking away from the train station.

Day 11 - day in Venice

Day off in Venice. Explore the city of love, canals and masks. Take a boat trip to one of the many islands surrounding the city and soak up the local culture, cuisine and architecture.
 

Day 12 - Venice/Rome/Florence

Depending on where you want to finish the railtour, either spend another night in Venice and transfer to the airport the day after, or book one or more additional nights in Rome or Florence.

• When you book nights in either Rome or Florence in the booking menu, tickets for a direct high-speed train from Venice, including seat reservations, and accomodations in a smart hotel with breakfast are included.

If you want to finish the tour in the same place you started, see our Grand Tour of Europe: Roundtrip.