Paris to Basel: Swiss and French Delights

From USD3,099

Discover Swiss and French delights on our Paris to Basel rail tour. Enjoy rich culture, and iconic scenery. Book your unforgettable journey today!

Trip Type

Self Guided
Activities

Culture, Gastronomy, Museums, Shopping, Wine
Group Size

2 Min - No size limit
Reviews

0 Reviews
Locations

Europe , France , Switzerland
Trip Duration

8 Day(s) 7 Night(s)

Trip Enquiry

Trip code WT-CODE 4898

Swiss and French Delights: Paris to Basel

Experience the Enchanting Cultures of France and Switzerland by Rail

Immerse yourself in the captivating local cultures, storybook scenery, and distinctive pleasures of France and Switzerland on this 8-day journey by rail. Begin by experiencing the inimitable Parisian joie de vivre – from strolling Parisian boulevards to sipping wines in timeless cafes. Then discover the cross-cultural Capital of Christmas in Strasbourg, with its fairytale old town and Alsatian delicacies. Finally, uncover the layered Swiss, French, and German influences that make Basel such a gem on the Rhine River.

We’ve crafted a tourthat allows you to dive into the heart of each destination. Rest assured, you’ll have enough time to wander through atmospheric neighborhoods, visit iconic museums and sights, indulge in regional cuisine and wines, and truly engage with the unique traditions that give each city its distinctive spirit.

As you travel comfortably between destinations aboard comfortable rail, we’ll handle all the logistics from your perfectly located hotels to timed train journeys. You’re free to fully embrace the moments as they unfold around you.

This is an immersion into the local cultures, cuisines, and pleasures that make journeying through France and Switzerland so enchanting. Embrace the art of embracing new vistas by rail!

What your itinerary will look like:

Day 1: Arrive in Paris
Day 2: Explore Paris Attractions
Day 3: More Paris Attractions
Day 4: Depart Paris for Strasbourg
Day 5: Explore Strasbourg
Day 6: Depart Strasbourg for Basel
Day 7: Explore Basel
Day 8: Depart Basel

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 8

Arrive in Paris

Welcome to the City of Light! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Eiffel Tower, either by climbing the stairs or taking the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city. Afterward, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, lined with cafés, restaurants, and high-end shops. [Night in Paris]

Day 2

Explore Paris Attractions

Begin your day by visiting the Louvre Museum, home to some of the world's most famous art treasures, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. After exploring the museum's vast collection, take a leisurely walk through the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful public park adjacent to the Louvre. In the afternoon, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French Gothic architecture (currently undergoing reconstruction after the 2019 fire). [Night in Paris]

Day 3

More Paris Attractions

Start your day with a visit to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, a charming neighborhood known for its artists and bohemian atmosphere. Climb the steps to the top of the basilica for breathtaking views of the city. Afterward, explore the nearby streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Place du Tertre, a square filled with street artists and cafés. In the evening, consider taking a cruise along the Seine River to admire the city's iconic landmarks from the water. [Night in Paris]

Day 4

Depart Paris for Strasbourg

After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Strasbourg, a charming city located in the Alsace region of France. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Petite France quarter, a picturesque neighborhood with half-timbered houses and canals, reminiscent of a fairytale setting. Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with intricate carvings and a towering spire. [Night in Strasbourg]

Day 5

Explore Strasbourg

Start your day by visiting the Palais Rohan, a magnificent 18th-century palace that now houses museums showcasing Alsatian art and history. Afterward, explore the charming streets and squares of the city center, stopping at local cafés and bakeries to sample traditional Alsatian cuisine, such as flammekueche (a delicious tart made with crème fraîche, bacon, and onions). In the evening, consider attending a performance at the Opéra National du Rhin, one of the oldest opera houses in France. [Night in Strasbourg]

Day 6

Depart Strasbourg for Basel

After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Basel, a vibrant city located on the border of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's old town, with its charming medieval buildings and narrow streets. Visit the Basel Münster, a striking red sandstone cathedral dating back to the 11th century, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of its towers. [Night in Basel]

Day 7

Explore Basel

Begin your day by visiting the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the largest and most important art museums in Switzerland, housing an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the present day. Afterward, take a stroll along the Rhine River, which flows through the heart of the city, and visit the Basel Paper Mill, a unique museum showcasing the history of papermaking. In the evening, explore the city's lively nightlife and culinary scene, with a wide range of international restaurants and bars to choose from. [Night in Basel]

Day 8

Depart Basel

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, spend the morning exploring any remaining sites or neighborhoods before heading to the airport for your departure.

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.