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 with cultural city trips and natural beauty. 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.

This version of the Grand Tour of Europe is a roundtrip departing from and returning to any major train station or airport in Western Europe. For a one way trip to Italy the one-way Paris to Venice Grand Tour of Europe.

Day 1 - Arrive in Paris

You start your exciting trip in Paris, arriving from the airport by metro, or by high-speed train from other cities. 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

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 - 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 - Simplon Pass to Florence

Travel by train over the beautiful Lotschberg Pass and through the Simplon tunnel, the route of the famous Simplon-Orient express. You arrive in Florence in the afternoon, where you stay in a historical hotel near the station and city centre.

Day 7 - Florence

Day off in Florence. Explore this charming and historical city with it's many medieval cobbled streets and squares. Enjoy the famous landmarks and piazza's, and explore the rich culture in museums such as the Uffizi and Accademi.

Day 8 - To Venice

A direct high-speed train brings you from Florence to the heart of Venice in just a few hours. You stay in an authentic hotel in the old city center, 15 minutes walking away from the train station.

Day 9 - 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 10 - Lake Como

By high-speed train, with a change in Milan, to breathtaking lake Como, where you stay in Varenna or Colico. In the afternoon you'll have time for a cruise on lake Como to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Day 11 - Bernina Express

By train along lake Como to Tirano, where after lunch the famous Bernina Express takes you over the Bernina Pass to Switzerland. Enjoy the spectacular UNESCO-listed scenery through full-length panoramic windows. You stay in the historic and beautifully restored Kurhaus spa hotel in Bergün.

Day 12 - Glacier Express

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 to Zermatt, where you stay in a traditional family-owned hotel. Enjoy a three-course meal served at your seat.

Day 13 - Zermatt & Gornergrat

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 14 - back to Paris

Head back to Paris by local and high-speed trains with changes in Visp and Basel or Zurich. Stay in a smart hotel near the Gare de Lyon station.

Day 15 - Return trip

Your tour through Europe has come to an end. Transfer to the airport by metro, or take a hgh-speed train back to your departure station.