Grand France Rail Tour | 15 Days Across 8 Iconic Cities

Upon your arrival in the romantic city of Paris, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional driver will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

You will have the rest of the day free to explore the city of Light.

Paris holds a significant place in the history of France and all of Europe. With over two million inhabitants, the capital is one of the most populous cities on the old continent and among the most visited destinations globally, thanks to its countless attractions.

One of them is the great architectural development of the 19th century, which left jewels such as the Madeleine Market, the Grandes Halles, and the Eiffel Tower, the city's icon par excellence.

Paris is also known by many names, one of them being La Ville Lumière (The City of Light) due not only to its fame as a flagship city of arts and sciences, but also for the early illumination of its streets.

Although the VII arrondissement, where the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées are located, is the most frequented area, full of luxury venues, monuments such as the Bourbon Palace, or museums such as the Orsay, there is much more to discover. The history, culture, and gastronomy of Paris are prevalent throughout the city.

Greca Tip: The city has a building code that prohibits buildings taller than the Eiffel Tower. This aims to preserve the iconic appearance of the Paris skyline, maintaining the tower as one of the tallest and most recognizable structures.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will discover the magic of Paris through a panoramic tour of its most representative avenues, monuments, and neighborhoods. During the tour, we will see some of the French capital’s most iconic landmarks, including the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and the Opéra district.

Later, we will continue our experience with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Seine River, offering a unique perspective of the city and its most famous monuments as we sail through the heart of Paris.

In the afternoon, we will have free time to continue exploring the city at our own pace. For those who wish, an optional visit to the Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, can be added to complete the day.

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel to rest. Overnight in Paris as we continue enjoying the elegance and charm of the City of Light.

Greca Tip: We recommend adding an extra night in Paris to make the most of your stay and enjoy an optional excursion to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, one of Europe’s most impressive royal residences.

In the morning, at the agreed time, one of our transfers will pick you up from your accommodation in Paris to take you to the train station where you will take the train to Strasbourg.

Upon arrival, you will go on your own to the hotel, and you will have the rest of the day free to start discovering this beautiful city.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est region and is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and cultural relevance. One of its most emblematic monuments is the Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Strasbourg is also famous for being an important center of European institutions, housing the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. The city is a symbol of European unity and plays a significant role in the governance of the European Union.

Greca Tip: Alsatian food combines French and German influences, making it unique in its style and flavor. Be sure to try one of their delicacies.

After a complete breakfast, and at the agreed time, you will go on your own to the train station to board the train to our next destination, Dijon.

Upon arrival you will have to go to the hotel, on your own. The rest of the day will be free to explore the city.

Dijon is a city located in the Burgundy region of eastern France. It is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, delicious cuisine and, of course, its mustard.

Among the most beautiful places to visit are the Jardin de l'Arquebuse, which is a botanical and zoological garden, a quiet place to walk and relax, and the Old Quarter (Old Dijon), cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and medieval charm. define this part of the city.

Greca Tip: The city is famous for its mustard, which has been produced here since the 13th century. You can learn about the history and manufacturing process at the Mustard Museum.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will have the day free to continue enjoying this beautiful city.

The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Dijon was the center of power of the Dukes of Burgundy. This is reflected in the city's architecture, which includes historical monuments such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.

We recommend starting the day with a visit to the Philippe Le Bon Tower, the highest point in the town, from where you can see impressive views of the city.

Built in the mid-15th century and 46 meters high, this watchtower represents the symbol of the prestige and power of the Dukes of Burgundy. Likewise, you can also see a different perspective of the Notre-Dame church and the city rooftops.

Greca Tip: Dijon has an active cultural life, with museums, art galleries and cultural events throughout the year.

After breakfast, you will go on your own to the train station to continue to the next destination.

Once in Lyon you will go to leave your luggage at the hotel so you can start touring the wonderful city.

Lyon is a city that combines a rich history with a vibrant food scene and cultural vitality. Its strategic location and economic importance make it an important urban center in France. It is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the east of the country, along the Rhône River.

Greca Tip: Lyon has a network of traboules. The traboules are secret passages that connect streets and internal courtyards in the old town.

After breakfast, you will have the day free to explore the city. We recommend taking a panoramic tour of Lyon. It was the capital of the legendary Gauls and has the largest Renaissance heritage in the world, after Venice and Florence.

We recommend visiting Old Lyon, the medieval and Renaissance quarter, which is located on the banks of the Saône River, the Cathedral of Saint John with its astronomical clock, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Place de la Comédie, the Rue de the Republic, the Place des Terreauxs, as well as the modern Lyon Opera.

Greca Tip: Lyon is considered the cradle of cinema and this institute pays tribute to the Lumière brothers, pioneers of cinema.

After a hearty breakfast, you will take the train to your next destination.

Nice is the largest city on the Côte d'Azur, its spas and beaches attract high-income tourism, just as its walks, museums, nightlife and magnificent sea views constitute an attraction for tourism. Due to its urban area, it is also the seventh city in France.

Greca Tip: The name “Nice” comes from the Greek term “Nikaia,” which means “victory.” The city was founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC.

After breakfast and at the scheduled time, we will be picked up from our hotel in Nice to begin a fascinating journey along the elegant French Riviera, discovering some of the most iconic destinations in southern France.

Our first stop will be Nice itself, considered the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. We will stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, the elegant seaside boulevard bordering the Bay of Angels, where we will admire its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, and the iconic Hotel Negresco.

We will then continue our journey, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views over Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat, the renowned Bay of Millionaires, and its spectacular villas, one of the most exclusive landscapes on the Mediterranean coast.

Next, we will arrive at the charming medieval village of Èze, perched atop a magnificent cliff 429 meters above sea level. We will wander through its narrow cobbled streets while taking in stunning views of the French Riviera. During our visit, we will discover the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory, where we will learn about the history and secrets of perfume making from its origins to the present day.

Our route will continue to the Principality of Monaco, where we will explore the historic old town to admire the Prince's Palace, the Courthouse, and the Cathedral of Monaco, while enjoying magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. We will then drive along part of the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit before arriving in the glamorous district of Monte Carlo, home to the prestigious Casino de Monte-Carlo, the historic Hotel de Paris, and the elegant Café de Paris.

We will continue to Cannes, world-famous for its prestigious International Film Festival, sandy beaches, and elegant waterfront promenade. Later, we will visit Antibes, one of the oldest cities in France, founded by Greek merchants in the 5th century BC, where the traditional Provençal market coexists with one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive marinas.

Our final stop will be Saint-Paul-de-Vence, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, renowned for its artistic atmosphere, numerous galleries, and workshops that have inspired celebrated painters and sculptors throughout the years.

At the end of the excursion, we will be transferred back to our hotel in Nice.

Greca Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and keep your camera ready. The viewpoints between Nice, Èze, and Monaco offer some of the most spectacular panoramas on the entire French Riviera.

Once you have breakfast at the hotel, you will go to the train station to continue traveling around France.

The train will take you to Toulouse. A city located in the Occitania region, known as "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) due to the characteristic color of many of its buildings, built with terracotta bricks.

Toulouse is a starting or ending point for the Canal du Midi, a historic canal connecting the Garonne River to the Mediterranean Sea. This canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Greca Tip: Try cassoulet, a meat and bean stew, which is one of the most emblematic dishes of the region.

After breakfast you will have the day free to visit the city.

Toulouse offers a unique combination of history, culture, technology and architectural charm.

The heart of the city is the Place du Capitole, a large, lively square that houses the Capitole, the city's town hall. The square is a popular location for events, markets and festivals.

Another very nice place to visit is the Japanese Garden, the Jardin Japonais, which offers a haven of tranquility with bridges, streams and lush vegetation.

Greca Tip: Toulouse is an important center of the aerospace industry and is home to Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers. The Airbus assembly complex in Toulouse is one of the largest in the world.

Once you have breakfast at the hotel you will have to go to the station to take the train to Bordeaux.

At the station one of our cars will be waiting for you to take you to the hotel. After leaving thr luggage at the hotel, you will have the afternoon free to start exploring the city.

Located in the southwest of France, known for its historical importance, elegant architecture, vineyards and world-renowned wines.

The historic center of Bordeaux has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city boasts impressive architecture ranging from medieval buildings to contemporary structures.

Greca Tip: You can enjoy regional dishes such as entrecôte a la bordelaise (steak with red wine sauce) and canelé, a small cake with a tender interior and a crispy exterior.

After a complete breakfast at the hotel, you will have a day free to explore every corner of the city.

You will be able to visit the following destinations:

1. Water Mirror: The Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror) on the Place de la Bourse is the largest water mirror in the world. This iconic location reflects the historic buildings and is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
2. Place de la Bourse: Place de la Bourse is an imposing and elegant square that houses the Stock Exchange. It is an outstanding example of neoclassical architecture.
3. Stone Bridge: The Pont de Pierre is an old stone bridge that crosses the Garonne River. It was built in the 19th century by order of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Greca Tip: You can add a day tour to Lourdes. It is a significant pilgrimage site for the Catholic Church, known for the Marian apparitions that reportedly occurred in 1858. According to the accounts, a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in a cave near Lourdes.

After breakfast and at the agreed time, a car will pick you up to take us comfortably to the station and board the train to Tours.

Tours is located in the Centre-Loire Valley region, along the Loire River. It is the largest city in the region and has played an important role in the history of France since during the Middle Ages, it was an important religious and cultural center.

St. Gatien's Cathedral is one of the city's most notable attractions. It is an example of Gothic architecture and houses the tomb of General José de San Martín.

Greca Tip: The region around Tours is known for its wines, as it is located in the heart of the Loire Valley wine region, famous for its white, red and sparkling wines.

After breakfast, you will go on your own to the train station to transfer to Paris. Once in the City of Light, your trip will come to an end.

Without a doubt and after spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see him soon to forge new and emotional moments that will never leave his memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say, "Bon Voyage!"

Greca Tip: If you feel that your time in Paris was too brief, you can easily add extra nights to your booking. Simply let us know your preferences, and we'll be happy to assist you.