France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail

France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail

23 Days
From

$8560

France, Switzerland, and Italy by Rail

23 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in Venice, Italy

Visiting: Italy, France, Switzerland

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BMSRC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Activities:

Cycling, Hiking, Walking

From: $8560 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 09-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable rail journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of France, Switzerland, and Italy. This slower-paced adventure allows you to travel like a local, with highlights including the Gotthard Panorama Express and the Mount Pilatus Silver Circle tour. Discover the medieval charm of Bellinzona with its three castles, and enjoy a cooking demonstration in Italy using fresh, organic produce. Cycle through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, savoring local delicacies and wines, and visit a quaint village in Piedmonte for a unique wine tasting experience. From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the romantic canals of Venice, this tour offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and culinary delights, all while traveling comfortably by train.

Highlights

  • Choose a slower-paced European journey on a comfortable rail-only trip, including the Gotthard Panorama Express and Mount Pilatus Silver Circle tour.

  • Take a scenic hike in Bellinzona, surrounded by the Swiss Alps and featuring three medieval castles.

  • Watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy a lunch with locally harvested produce at Cooperativa Coraggio in Italy.

  • Cycle along the Serchio River in Lucca, experiencing the Tuscan countryside and its delicious local food and wines.

  • Visit a quaint rural village in Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique regional grapes.

  • Explore the iconic landmarks of Paris with an orientation walk.

  • Enjoy a day trip to the picturesque Cinque Terre, including a Cinque Terre Pass.

  • Experience the charm of Venice with a Traghetto ride and a Ciccheti stop.

Itinerary

What's Included

  • Paris - Orientation Walk

    An orientation walk in Paris is included.

  • Paris - Welcome Meeting

    A welcome meeting in Paris is included.

  • Lucerne - Orientation Walk

    An orientation walk in Lucerne is included.

  • Lucerne - Walk on the Museggmauer Walls

    A walk on the Museggmauer Walls in Lucerne is included.

  • Lucerne - Mount Pilatus Silver Circle Tour

    The Mount Pilatus Silver Circle Tour in Lucerne is included.

  • Bellinzona - Orientation Walk

    An orientation walk in Bellinzona is included.

  • Bellinzona - Leader led hike

    A leader-led hike in Bellinzona is included.

  • Rome - Orientation Walk

    An orientation walk in Rome is included.

  • Rome - Cooperativa Coraggio (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

    A visit to Cooperativa Coraggio in Rome is included.

  • Lucca - Bicycle Tour

    A bicycle tour in Lucca is included.

show more

What's Not Included

Single SupplementA single supplement is not included and is bookable for this trip, excluding days 13, 14, 15 & 16.

Mode of Transport

The main mode of transportation on this trip is by train, offering a comfortable and efficient way to travel. European long-distance and inter-regional trains are equipped with air-conditioning, and some have snack bars and power points. Regional trains are more basic but provide an authentic local experience.

Accommodation

Accommodation throughout the tour may vary, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Rooms may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning, and European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges. Early check-in is not guaranteed, but luggage storage is available.

Important Information

SINGLE SUPPLEMENTA Single Supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding days 13, 14, 15 & 16. Availability is limited due to small properties that we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.TRAIN TRAVELThe primary form of transportation on this trip are scheduled local and intercity trains.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a cooking demonstration with locally harvested produce in Italy, a scenic hike in Bellinzona surrounded by the Swiss Alps, and a visit to a quaint rural village in Piedmonte to sample world-class local wines from unique grapes grown only in this region.

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The main mode of transportation on this tour is by train. This includes European long-distance and inter-regional trains, as well as regional and metropolitan trains. The tour also includes a ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express and the Mount Pilatus Silver Circle tour, which features an aerial cableway.

  • What should I expect regarding accommodation during the tour?

    The style of accommodation is a guideline and may change due to availability. Rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in upon arrival, but luggage can be stored. Some accommodations may not have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning, and European hotels generally do not provide kettles or fridges.

  • Are there any physical activities included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes physical activities such as a scenic hike in Bellinzona and a bicycle tour along the Serchio River in Lucca.

  • Is there an option for a single supplement on this tour?

    A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding days 13, 14, 15, and 16. Availability is limited due to the small properties used, and you should speak to your booking agent for further information.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

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03-Jun-2024

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Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

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Nicole  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 22, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$8560 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$8560 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$8560 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Sep 09, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
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Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
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Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 21, 2026 - May 13, 2026
$8990 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

May 26, 2026 - Jun 17, 2026
$8990 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Jun 23, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026
$8990 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Jul 21, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026
$8990 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Aug 25, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026
$8990 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
$8990 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026
$8990 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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