France - Italy - Switzerland

Paris - Nice - Milan - La Spezia - Venice - Lucerne - Montreux - Lyon - Paris

Paris

In the city, you can spend one day or two touring sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You can also spend time at the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris, where you can enjoy food and entertainment. A trip to the Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum. You will also have time for a bit of shopping in a city that sets the standard for fashion for much of the world.
If you have the time in addition to touring Paris, you can also take a 15 minute train trip to nearby Versailles for a tour of the palace. Disneyland Paris can also be a great activity for people looking to spend an afternoon at a theme park without have to travel too far.

Paris - Nice

• Duration: 5 hrs
• Price: Tickets start from $156pp 2nd class (includes seat reservation.) If you have a valid rail pass a seat reservation only will cost $19pp.
• Reservations are compulsory

A high speed TGV train takes under 5 hours to get you from Paris all the way to the Southern French Riviera town of Nice. Pebbled beaches await you in this beautiful beachside town.

Nice

You might choose to travel along the French Riviera stopping at towns like Nice
Nice, is the Riviera's largest city. Stroll through Vieille Ville, the Old Town beginning at the foot of "the Rock." Enjoy a snack of socca, a round crepe made with chick-pea flour that's sold steaming hot by the street vendors. Then head for the promenade des Anglais, the wide boulevard along the waterfront. Stop in at one of the grand cafes along the water for a light lunch.

Nice- Milan

• Duration: 5hrs
• Price: Tickets from $32pp 2nd class (includes Seat reservation) or Seat reservation only (if travelling on a Rail Pass) approx $19pp
• Reservations are compulsory

Take the Riviera Train from Nice to Milan; A beautiful journey hugging the coastline up to the Italian Border then heading inland to Milan.

Milan

Milan, the fashion capital, here you can visit many of the world's most famous shops and designers. But if fashion isn't your thing don't despair because there are plenty of other things to see and do in this city. Visit all the major museums and monuments, including Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Royal Palace and La Scala Theatre.

Milan - La Spezia

• Duration: 3 1/2 hrs
• Price: Tickets start from $40pp 2nd class (includes seat reservation). A seat reservation only is $19pp if you hold a valid rail pass.
• Reservations are compulsory

Travel south to the coast and then along the Cinque Terre on your way to La Spezia. The journey requires a compulsory reservation and takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.

La Spezia

Enjoy the Cinque Terre coastline with a short 10 minute train journey which travels along this beautiful coast. There is plenty of relaxation to be had in this area or if you are up for something a bit more active why not try one of the local walking tracks.

La Spezia- Venice

• Duration: 6 1/2 hrs
• Price: Tickets are $44pp 2nd class to Florence. No seat reservation is required on this journey and is $19 for passholders. Then from Florence to Venice tickets start from $61pp 2nd class including seat reservation. Passholders must pay the seat reservation cost of approx $19pp.
• Reservations are only required for the Florence - Venice train.

This journey is not direct. The quickest route is with a regional train to Florence then meet the High Speed Eurostar Italia to travel on to Venice. However if you prefer you can also travel via Milan again. The journey will take between 6 - 6 1/2 hours depending on the route you take of course. If you take a regional train from La Spezia to Florence you will travel further along the coastline through Pisa and on to Florence. Then from Florence it's a matter of another 3 1/2 hours on to Venice.

Venice

Venice St Lucia station is situated within an easy walking distance to the local canal boats or cross the bridge to the main tourist area of Venice. Stroll the small streets and alleyways admiring the cobblestone streets and gondoliers that sing as the row past you down the canals. See St Marks Basilica and the Doges Palace whilst wandering through the myriad of passageways winding around this unique city

Venice- Lucerne

• Duration: 8 hrs
• Price: Tickets start from $61pp 2nd class including seat reservation from Venice to Milan or $21pp on a passholder fare. Ticket from Milan to Zurich start from $117pp in 2nd class, or $21pp on a passholder fare. Ticket from Zurich to Lucerne start from $30 or free for passholders.
• Reservations are compulsory

A spectacular daylight journey through Italy and Switzerland to Lucerne. The journey may take most of your day (almost 8 hours) but it is well worth it with a spectacular look at both the Italian and Swiss scenery. You will need to change trains twice, and for two of the journeys reservations are compulsory so make sure you get in early to avoid disappointment. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Lucerne

Lucerne is the epitome of what you imagine a Swiss town would be. Nestled amongst the alps, next to an amazing lake, with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings and bridges throughout.
If walking around the lake doesn't keep you busy enough, why not check out some of the bars around town, the small boutiques or visit some art galleries and museums.

Lucerne- Montreux

• Duration: 3hrs
• Price: Tickets start from $89pp 2nd class. These tickets are open tickets only and do not have a seat reservation included. Please note this journey is free for people with a valid rail pass.
• Reservations are not required

This train is not direct with a change in the town of Lausanne. The total journey time takes just under 3 hours with both services being Regional trains which do not take seat reservations. So all you need to do is turn up with your valid pass and find a seat

Montreux

In Montreux you can relax by Lake Geneva and enjoy to Swiss hospitality or if you are there between June to October and have a full day you may like to travel on the Chocolate Train. A full day tour which travels to Broc and Gruyeres to a Cheese Factory and a Chocolate Factory what better way to indulge in two of the Foods Switzerland is most famous for! And the best part the Ticket is all included on your pass! All you need to do is pay for your seat reservation either in Australia before you leave or keep it flexible by buying in Switzerland. Expect to pay around AUD$52pp for your seat reservation. The Chocolate train does not run every day of the week, check timetables for specific dates.

Montreux - Lyon

• Duration: 3hrs
• Price: Tickets are $89pp for the entire journey. You will receive an open ticket as no seat reservations are required. If you have a valid pass you can travel free of charge on both trains.
• Reservations are only required from Geneva to Lyon.

More regional services today. Again no reservations are taken and you will need to change trains in Geneva. Total journey time to Lyon is around 3 1/2 hours.

Lyon

The French city of Lyon has a 2000 yr old history so there is plenty to do and see. Whether you want to see museums, historic building or just spend the whole day eating, this beautiful city with its amazing architecture is definitely worth a visit.

Lyon- Paris

• Duration: 2 hrs
• Price: Tickets start from $112pp based in 2nd class including seat reservations. If you have a valid rail pass you will only require a seat reservation at a cost of $19pp.
• Reservations are compulsory

The TGV will have you relaxed in the centre of Paris in just two hours! But don't forget to reserve your seat before you get on!

Paris

Back to Paris!