• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Hotels

Western Capitals: London, Paris, Brussels

Experience Europe’s Iconic Capital Cities by Rail

Explore three of Europe’s most celebrated capital cities on this unforgettable 9-day journey by rail. Begin by exploring London’s incredible mix of heritage and modern enthusiasm, from royal landmarks to edgy East End neighborhoods. Then let Paris sweep you off your feet with its inimitable style, incredible art and architecture, and je ne sais quoi culture. Finally, discover Brussels’ storybook Old Town, innovative culinary scene, and seamless blending of past and present.

We’ve thoughtfully put together an itinerary that let’s you go beyond the highlights, allowing you to dive into the local culture. Wander through storied neighborhoods and atmospheric cafes, visit world-famous sights and museums, indulge in regional cuisine from pommes frites to petit fours, and truly immerse yourself in the traditions that make each city distinct.

As you glide along your unruffled and untroubled trip between capitals aboard comfortable high-speed rail, we’ll handle all the logistics seamlessly from your perfectly located hotels to timed train journeys. You’re free to be fully present and let the magic of each metropolis unfold.

Experience world cities like a true local by day and settle into the lap of luxury by night – all while we make your journey smooth and effortless.

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in London

Welcome to England's iconic capital! After checking into your hotel for three nights, get oriented by taking a walk through one of London's beautiful royal parks like Hyde Park or St. James's Park. In the evening, you could explore the bustling Covent Garden area with its street performers, restaurants, and pubs. [Night in London]

Day 2

Sights of Central London

Use a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see London's top attractions at your own pace. Be sure to hop off at Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Other highlights could include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. [Night in London]

Day 3

London Museums

With another day in London, devote some time to its world-class museums. Possibilities include the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, or any others that pique your interest based on the incredible collections. [Night in London]

Day 4

Travel to Paris

After breakfast, depart London and take the high-speed Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel to Paris. Upon arrival, check into your Paris hotel for three nights. Spend your afternoon strolling along the iconic Champs-Élysées and seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close. [Night in Paris]

Day 5

The Louvre and Eiffel Tower

No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Start your day at the Louvre to admire legendary works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Then head to the Trocadéro for fantastic views of the Iron Lady herself. [Night in Paris]

Day 6

Montmartre and the Left Bank

Spend the morning in the charming Montmartre neighborhood, strolling through Place du Tertre and seeing the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In the afternoon, cross to the Left Bank's Latin Quarter to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and browse the bouquiniste bookseller stalls. [Night in Paris]

Day 7

Travel to Brussels

Leave Paris after breakfast and take a train to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend the afternoon strolling through the Grand-Place, one of the most beautiful medieval town squares in Europe. [Night in Brussels]

Day 8

Exploring Brussels

Today, experience the top attractions in Brussels like the iconic Manneken Pis statue, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, and the towering Atomium, a remnant of the 1958 World's Fair. You could also visit the excellent Comic Strip Museum or tour the EU institutions. [Night in Brussels]

Day 9

Depart Brussels

On your final morning in Belgium's capital, visit any attractions you may have missed or take a side trip to nearby Ghent or Bruges, two of the country's other picturesque medieval cities, before departing.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

London

Our Included Favourite

Hilton London Euston

Victorian charm

On-site restaurant

Popular Alternative

Thistle Bloomsbury Park

Self-service drinks counter

Breakfast is filled with modern spins on that classic British cuisine

Luxe Alternative

Great Northern Hotel

London’s original railway hotel

Restaurant on site

Paris

Our Included Favourite

Bloom House Hotel & SPA

Wellness area with spa, swimming pool and sauna

Lounge bar

Popular Alternative

Hotel Aida Marais Printania

Breakfast buffet

Quality awarded hotel

Luxe Alternative

25 hours Terminus Nord

As colourful as an African bazaar

Offers bike tours

Brussels

Our Included Favourite

The Hotel

Swedish-inspired steam room and sauna

Panorama lounge

Popular Alternative

Hilton Brussels Grand Place

Sky Lounge

Onsite gym

Luxe Alternative

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo

Fitness center

Home to Belgium’s best Italian restaurant