Unforgettable Rail Journeys on 7 days Europe Tour Packages

 

Europe’s Trains Can Optimize A Week-Long European Vacation

If you’re eyeing a European odyssey with a difference and have a week to travel, the continent’s extensive and interconnected rail network can unlock some extraordinary 7 days Europe tour packages.

The joy of rail travel is that many of the continent’s most compelling destinations are only a few hours apart. Explore different parts of a country or hop between countries as high-speed trains nip across passport-free borders.

With the right travel package, you can enjoy a multifaceted vacation blending contrasting cities and national cultures. Finding ample time to immerse yourself in local culture and see the sights that matter to you.

 

The Benefits Of Seeing Europe By Rail Stack Up

No need to eat into valuable vacation time in airport lines or grapple with unfamiliar roads in a car rental. Just roll up to the station a few minutes before departure and hop into your seat, your luggage safely within reach.

Then kick back and let the journey become part of the experience as you drink in the scenery from air-conditioned comfort.

Add in pre-booked hotels in exciting neighborhoods, all conveniently placed near train stations for easy onward travel, and you can relish the slower pace while still packing in the sights.

We’ve taken inspiration from our European Tour Packages to showcase the wonders of exploring the continent by rail. And just how far a 7 days Europe tour package can take you.

 

Paris to Basel via Strasbourg: A scenic journey through Swiss and French delights

Paris’s major train stations are a hub for European rail adventures in all directions. France borders eight countries, from tiny Andorra to Italy and Spain in the South. You can even reach London by Eurostar in a few hours.

One of our most layered 7 days Europe tour packages begins in the French capital and ends in the Swiss city of Basel. On the way, you stop in Strasbourg, a city with a blended French and German heritage.

Three cities and three distinctive cultural experiences in one absorbing trip. Time might fly by, but you won’t feel the pressure as you hop between cities a couple of hours apart, each destination shaped by contrasting customs and traditons.

Here is a sample of what you can experience with this exciting 7-day Europe tour package.

 

Start Your European Odyssey In The City of Light, Paris

The French capital needs no introduction. With so much to see and do, you can blend unmissable sights and offbeat experiences while savoring that imitable Parisian vibe.

 

How To Fill A Breathless Three-night Paris Break:

· A visit to the Louvre. The world’s largest museum, once home to French kings, houses a world-beating art collection, with the Mona Lisa the star turn. On the cultural undercard are a staggering 130+ museums dotted around the city.

· Soak up Parisian culture strolling around the intellectual hotbed of the Latin Quarter, chic Saint-Germain-des-Près, or the small shops and eateries of effervescent Le Marais. All within walking distance of each other.

· Steal a moment to linger in characterful cafes frequented by literary greats before savoring views of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité, the Seine Island where the French kingdom began.

· Travelers looking for offbeat experiences can drop into the haunting Catacombs, the celebrity-filled Pere Lachaise cemetery, or quirky Montmartre Village, home to street artists and a funicular train ride from one of the finest views over Paris.

· And then there’s the Seine, where romantic dinner cruises sail past landmarks that shine when night falls on the City of Light. Start or end at the Eiffel Tower, the monument that defines Paris.

We could mention the enchanting Palace of Versailles (a day trip), the Parisian cabaret, and the elegant parks made for picnics.

But the last word should go to the cozy bistrot, traditional cafes, and quintessential brassieres that enrich the Parisian experience. Where better to sample Parisian favorites like steak tartare, croque monsieur, and the flakiest pastries on the planet?

 

Continue Your 7 Days Europe Tour Package In Strasbourg

More culinary marvels and history lessons await in Strasbourg, less than two hours from Paris by TGV (French high-speed trains operated by SNCF).

Famed for its half-timbered houses and incredible Christmas markets that light up the cobblestone streets in winter, Strasbourg is a city shaped by its Franco-German heritage. Raised around islands in the Rhine, two influential cultures collide here. Small wonder it became the seat of the European Union Parliament.

 

A Taste Of Strasbourg In Two Days

· Roam around the picturesque waterways and wonderfully preserved medieval streets of Petite France.

· Extend your explorations into the Grande Île (Big Island). The historic heart of the city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is home to churches, palaces, and the soaring Strasbourg Cathedral.

· Sample Alsatian delights: flammekuche, choucroute, and those crossborder favorites, sausages. Not forgetting a dizzying array of wines from local vineyards, including Riesling and Gewurztraminer.

· Add a 3rd country to your “been there” list by crossing the Pont de l’Europe straddling the Rhine and the border between Germany and France.

· Visit in December and wow your family at one of Europe’s most storied Christmas markets.

 

Wrap Up Your Three City Rail Tour in Basel, Switzerland

The final stop on this diverse 7 days Europe tour package ends in Basel. A short regional train ride (1 hour 17 mins by SNCF TER) along the Rhine whisks you to Switzerland’s third-largest city.

The predominantly German-speaking city on the Rhine is centered around its picturesque Old Town. Less frenetic than Paris and more compact than Strasbourg, Basel is an elegant location to drop anchor before jetting home.

 

Highlights of Basel

· Heritage landmarks like the Basler Münster (cathedral) and the frescoes adorning the Town Hall built in 1522.

· Roving around aging landmarks and modern street art in the atmospheric Old Town before stopping in the Kunstmuseum, home to Europe’s oldest public art collection and celebrated works by Hans Holbein.

· Dial down the pace even more by seeing the scenic landscape around Basel on a Rhine Cruise. Or even jump in for a swim, as locals do when the sun shines.

 

(Optional) Enjoy fine wine and spending time on the idyllic Rhine? Check out our Rhine River Tour: Castles and Wine in Germany for your next dream European rail adventure.

 

As you can see, seven days is all you need for a vacation sweeping from grand capitals to smaller cities laden with culture. Made easy by a rail network that allows for a laidback journey through the rich history and culture of the region.

 

Venice To Rome By Rail – Italy Unpacked in Seven Nights

Italy wears its long and extraordinary history with pride. Littered with compelling destinations up and down the peninsula, this is a country whose slick rail network can transform your vacation into an unforgettable escapade.

One of our ultimate 7-day Europe tour packages for fans of all things Italian begins amid the canals of Venice before dropping into the fashion capital, Milan. From there, it’s on to the Renaissance jewel Florence and the ancient capital, Rome.

There are sights galore, fantastic food, and unique experiences aplenty to squeeze in as you cruise from one bucket-list destination to another.

 

Start Your 7 Day Italian Rail Tour With Two Nights In Venice

The Queen of the Adriatic conjures images like few other European cities. And its famous canals are just part of its enduring appeal.

 

Make the most of Venice by:

· Taking in essential sights like the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto, and Basilica San Marco.

· Stop in a bar for an Aperol spritz and plate of cicchetti, the bite-sized snacks that once fueled the local gondoliers. Or linger over locally caught seafood Venetian specialties.

· Feed an appetite for art at the prestigious Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Or feast on contemporary art during the Venice Biennale, the art festival from May to November.

· Wrap up with a Gondola ride and see Venice as locals did for centuries.

 

Next Stop Milan, Italy’s Second City

Less than three hours by high-speed train will speed you from the past to the present as you arrive in Milan, the modern economic hub of Italy.

The contrast is stark: the fashion mecca of Milan is a place to shop boutiques and marvel at the striking, modernist architecture. With top-class restaurants all over the city, this is the time to dive deep into Northern Italian cuisine and savor the contrasts of Italy.

 

With two nights in Milan, you can:

· Visit the Duomo, Milan’s majestic and cavernous cathedral and the city’s leading landmark.

· Marvel at Da Vinci’s Last Supper in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, another in a series of UNESCO sites.

· Hit the operative high notes at the opulent Teatro alla Scala.

· Indulge yourself with some boutique shopping at the upscale Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest in the world.

 

Soak Up Art In Florence, Cradle of the Renaissance

Debates swirl about which is prettier: Venice or Florence. You can settle the argument as you visit both on this 7 days Europe tour package.

Milan to Florence is a little over two hours by train. Spare a few minutes to explore the imposing Milano Centrale station, another notable landmark and a convenient spot to stock up on artisanal foods for the train ride.

 

The must-see sights on a two-day Florentine escapade:

· Florence is highly walkable and a dreamy city for art, architecture, and history fans. Find historic buildings around every corner of its UNESCO World Heritage Center, from the majestic Santa Maria del Fiore (cathedral) to the eternally photogenic medieval bridge lined with houses, Ponte Vecchio.

· Admire Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’ Accademia.

· Sample a scoop or three of gelato in the city that may – or may not – have been the birthplace of Italy’s favorite indulgence.

 

All Tracks Lead to Rome On This Week Long Italian Rail Vacation

Just over two hours on high-speed trains transports you to Rome for a night in the Eternal City.

With competing services (Trenitalia and newcomer, Italo Treno) there are myriad options to depart at a time that works for you. All services offer comfortable first-class seating.

If flying out of Rome, you might be fortunate enough to stay longer. But if you want to see the key sights, these are the must-do activities in the Italian capital. It’s far from an exhaustive list!

 

Spend a day in Rome visiting:

· The Colosseum. Nearly 2,000 years old and possibly the best-known landmark in Europe.

· From there, visit the Roman Forum and walk the cobbled streets where Roman Emperors held triumphal parades.

· Move on to the city center, camera ready to snap sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

· Step forward in time to the center of Christianity at St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, with time to draw breath at the Sistine Chapel.

· Sample local delights like pizza Romana and spaghetti carbonara in the rare moments you pause.

A 7 day Europe tour package might challenge your fear of missing out. Yet the ease and convenience of the high-speed rail network is a game-changer, making it possible to get an authentic taste of Italy and see many highlights without breaking a sweat.

Italy is just one of many European countries with a rail network made for slow travel.

 

To create a unique rail adventure, contact our specialists to build a personalized hotel and rail package that showcases the parts of Europe you yearn to see.

 

A One Week Rail Odyssey Around Sicily

Craving a slower-paced Italian adventure filled with sunshine, irresistible food, and oodles of history? Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island and one of Italy’s most exciting regions, offers all that and more.

Sicily might be the largest island in the Med. But forget hiring a car. You can relax and visit the island’s key destinations by rail.

This balanced 7-day Europe tour package allows time to discover the magic of Sicily and truly connect with local culture.

 

Start Your Sicilian Rail Tour in the Colorful Capital, Palermo

This 7-day Europe tour package begins in Palermo. The island’s capital is infused with Mediterranean energy and eye-catching art-nouveau architecture.

History seeps into the lively streets, reflecting the winding history of an island that survived many conquests.

 

Hit the high notes with three nights in Palermo

· Take in historic sights like the medieval Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, once home to the kings of Sicily, and Monreale Cathedral.

· Sample street food at the Mercato di Ballarò. Leave room for irresistible cannoli that the local pasticceri are celebrated for.

· Give adults and children a thrill at the grisly Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo.

· Take a day trip to the Hellenic temples in the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site approximately two hours from Palermo.

· Unwind with music and performing art at Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest seated theatre.

 

Continue Your Sicilian Rail Adventures in Messina

Just across the straits from the boot of Italy lies Messina, gateway to Sicily. Stop here for two nights after a 3-hour train ride from Palermo. Time to recharge before more demanding activities in Catania, the final stop on this 7-day Europe tour package.

 

While in Messina

· Join a wine tasting and sample the local tipple from the Faro DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata).

· Marvel at the intricacies of the astronomical clock at the Messina Cathedral. Then, climb the 197 ft (60m) Bell Tower for sweeping views.

· Consider a tour to Taormina, approximately an hour’s drive away, to visit the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theater still putting on shows.

 

External links: https://www.messinarte.it/the-bell-tower-of-the-cathedral-of-messina/ 
https://www.parconaxostaormina.com/

 

For those who relish the rail experience, consider adding a trip along the gorgeous coastline from Messina to Catania and then Modica. This route is peppered with stops in charming villages and an opportunity to step off well-worn paths to experience Sicily’s timeless character.

You can also take this route to the next tour destination, Catania. Speak to our experts to layer this pretty coastal route into a bespoke tour of Sicily that reaches parts less traveled.

Proposed link: https://www.railescape.com/contact-us/

 

Cap Your One Week Rail Tour of Sicily in Catania and Mount Etna

The last leg of this Sicilian odyssey allows for three nights in Catania at the foot of Mount Etna. Less than two hours by train from Messina, there is time to get active and explore Catania and beyond.

 

What to do in Catania:

· Meander down Via Etnea, the nearly 2-mile-long boulevard lined with shops and bars leading to the Cathedral of Saint Agatha.

· Hit the trails up Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, for an otherworldly experience.

· Take a tour of historic Syracuse, a UNESCO jewel a short drive from Catania. This city on the coast boasts stunning views of Mt Etna and numerous Roman and Greek archeological sites.

Sadly, this Sicilian vacation of a lifetime must end. But it won’t be forgotten; this is one of our most relaxing 7-day Europe tour packages, yet one filled with rare cultural experiences.

 

Discover The Best Of Portugal By Train

Forget the beach resorts of the Algarve. Portugal’s two largest cities are the hottest destinations in the country. This tour also stops in historic Coimbra, Portugal’s capital before Lisbon, to showcase three of the country’s most exciting cities.

Just a few hours apart on Portugal’s Comboios de Portugal Intercity trains, Lisbon and Porto are well placed to fit into a 7-day Europe tour package. Add the riverside city of Coimbra to the mix, and you’ve got the ingredients for a leisurely and immersive insight into Portuguese culture.

 

Begin This 7 Days Europe Tour Package In The City of Seven Hills, Lisbon

The cosmopolitan Portuguese capital, Lisbon, boasts nearby beaches, photogenic trams that ease city-wide exploration, and an intriguing musical heritage. It adds

up to an incredibly layered cultural heritage with all the charm of a small European city.

On this 7 day tour package of Portugal, we start with two nights in Lisbon and then loop back for a third night.

 

Enough time to:

· Roam the hilly streets by foot or on the iconic yellow trams. Visit architectural gems like the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the striking Castelo de São Jorge overlooking the city.

· Along the route, pause for a sour cherry liqueur from a hole-in-the-wall Ginjinha bar or enjoy an utterly moreish Pastel de Belém, aka Pastel de nata, Portugal’s emblematic pastry.

· Lose yourself in the haunting and distinctly Portuguese Fado music at clubs and bars dotted around Lisbon.

· Take a trip to the gorgeous hillside town of Sintra. Around 17 miles (28 km) from central Lisbon and accessible by train or taxi, the UNESCO-protected town is known for its palaces and inimitable charm, exemplified by the multi-hued National Palace of Pena.

· Sun, sea, and sand lovers can reach several golden beaches on a 30-45 minutes train ride from Lisbon.

 

Coimbra – the capital of early medieval Portugal

Coimbra was the capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1260 and hosts one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Shaped by various cultures dating back to Roman and Moorish rule, the narrow, lively streets are infused with history and scholarly character.

 

In Coimbra, you can:

· Lose yourself in history strolling around stimulating streets filled with photogenic architecture like the 12th-century Santa Cruz Monastery and the Romanesque Old Cathedral.

· Visit Coimbra University. Founded in 1290, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the ornate library, Biblioteca Joanina.

 

Porto – Portugal’s second city and gateway to the Douro Valley

Porto is a city in the tourist spotlight. With good reason. Portugal’s energetic second city has an inimitable character, shaped by its Port distilleries and centered on the banks of Douro.

Less than two hours by train from Coimbra, Porto’s gritty hipness offers something for all interests and can readily.

 

Filling two days in Porto is never a challenge:

· Port lovers will be at home in the famous cellars dotted around the hillside of Vila Nova de Gaia overlooking the Douro. Sample different grades on-site or at local bars.

· Stop for coffee and pastries along the Cais da Ribeira, the riverbank street lined with bars, restaurants, and street performers. Watch locals dive off the emblematic Luís I Bridge, then cross the bridge via the upper or lower decks for contrasting views over Porto.

· Take a cruise on the River Douro. Wine lovers can extend those cruises to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, where Port is made (then stored in Porto) and young Vinho Verde wine is produced.

· Climb the 240 steps of the Torre dos Clérigos for more stunning views over the city.

· Save time (and book early) for the world-famous Livraria Lello, a contender for the world’s prettiest bookstore.

If you can tear yourself from Porto’s infectious charms, you’ve got one day to check off any missed sights in Lisbon.

Travelers who like to dial down the tempo will revel in this trip around Portugal by train. It is an easygoing voyage through many of Portugal’s gems, with time to breathe and see why Portugal is fast becoming a European hotspot.

 

Maximize Your Vacation On Stress-free 7 Days Europe Tour Packages

We’ve showcased what is possible on 7 days Europe tour packages where trains allow you to balance relaxation with hitting the destinations you’ve always wanted to see. Ideal for those who want to focus on the fun stuff.

At Rail Escapes, we can help you build your dream itinerary. Our specialist knowledge of Europe’s extensive rail network makes the most of precious vacation time. Tailor a voyage to match your aspirations for a seamless and unforgettable vacation. Or explore our most popular European tour packages designed for travelers who want to see more of the continent.