11-Days Route de Soleil - European Rail Trail Travel

Meet your Guide and Explore Amsterdam

We kick off in the vibrant city of Amsterdam at 16:00 where you'll connect with your fellow travellers and your awesome guide. It's not just a meeting - it's the start of a thrilling adventure. Make new friends, swap your travel stories, and get comfortable with the crew.

We chose Amsterdam as our starting point because of the cities’ sheer intensity of experiences in such a small geographic space with a wonderfully eclectic mix of historical, cultural and modern sights to explore.

Later we venture out to explore the beautiful historical canals, admire centuries old architecture, seek out the local dish 'Hollandse Nieuwe', and peek into the famous red light district. One night in Amsterdam is where legend travel stories are created!

Included activities: Guided Amsterdam walking tour

Enchanting Brugge, Moules-Frites and Belgian-style Ale

We begin with an early morning train ride from Amsterdam to the enchanting mediaeval town of Brugge, a true gem in Belgium, with a history that dates back to the 9th century.

Bruge is like a town frozen in time, with intimate narrow cobblestone streets, well-preserved colourful architecture, endless rows of chocolate shops, Belgian beer breweries, and majestic canals which have coined it the nickname as the Venice of the North.

The afternoon promises an engaging tour of Brugge, where you'll discover its rich history, from the prosperity of its trading past to its beautifully preserved Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Prepare to be captivated by the fairytale atmosphere as we explore its winding canals and stunning squares.

We suggest trying Belgian waffles with loads of cream and jam, or the local Moules-Frites, the national dish of Belgium - paired with a local Belgian-style ale or witbier (wheat beer) for a truly iconic experience!

Included activities: Guided Bruges walking tour

Relax, sit back and enjoy the journey!

We continue our journey South as we depart the old-world charm of Brugge and make our way to the iconic "City of Love," Paris.

The train ride offers a perfect opportunity to relax and soak in the magic and pleasure of journeying through tumbling green fields and through quaint picturesque villages.

Upon arrival in Paris, you'll have the evening free to explore this enchanting metropolis at your own pace. Discover the city's romantic evening ambiance by strolling along the Seine River, savouring delicious French cuisine, or admiring the Eiffel Tower's shimmering lights.

Paris by night is a memorable experience, so be brave and explore with the group and enjoy the sights and smells of Paris at dusk.

Included activities: Guided evening Paris walking tour
Optional activities: Moulin Rouge cabaret

There’s no cure for Paris!

Paris is a lot of things, but boring is not one of them. It’s hard to choose what to do today so we’ll start with a city tour in the morning which will bleed into the afternoon, exploring famous landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.

We’ll meander through famous streets and ‘cafe’ on bustling sidewalks as we make our way around this beautiful city.

You are welcome to leave our walking tour after lunch if you want to spend the afternoon enjoying a ‘behind the scenes’ culinary tour in a local bakers workshop, or if you wish to head out on your own.

Cuisine is everything to the Parisians, so the option to join a traditional baker and discover the art of crafting the perfect French baguette, croissant or pain au chocolat in the city of gastronomy is pretty special! Optional

After a day of culture and culinary delights, we’ll re-connect and head out on an evening cruise on the River Seine and enjoy the setting sun over this most memorable day in this most enchanting city!

Included activities: Guided Paris walking tour, U. Impact! Experience – river cleanup
Optional activities: The secrets of French baking experience

What’s more French than a glass of Beaujolais? (...Two glasses)

We continue to head south from Paris to the "Gastronomic Capital of France”, Lyon.

Its location, situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers has meant the culinary scene has developed as a hub in France over millennia, with a focus on the agricultural produce of meats, dairy, seasonal veggies, fine wines and rich olive oils.

In a city bursting with Renaissance architecture, rivers and fertile lands, it’s no wonder there are over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants!

We arrive in the early evening, check in and store our bags at our accommodation, and then head off to find dinner and enjoy stretching our legs amongst the cobblestoned alleyways of the old city.

Included activities: Evening exploration of Lyon

Walking tour, Wine tour and Picnics & Petanque in the park!

We’ll start the morning exploring Lyon’s charming Old Town (Vieux Lyon), filled with cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and traboules (hidden passageways). No wonder it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage site recognition.

We’ll aim for a picnic just outside of the old city for lunch at one of the oldest Petanque courts in Lyon - red wine, baguettes, patè, cheeses and local meats - it’ll be a delightful way to spend lunch

We make our way home via the historical silk production commune before joining a Beaujolais wine tasting tour in the early afternoon!

Included activities: Walking tour of Lyon, local pétanque, segway and wine tasting

Palace of the Popes in Provence

This morning we’ll head directly south into the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region on a short train ride to the historic town of Avignon, arriving late morning allowing plenty of time to explore after lunch.

Avignon is a fairytale destination with grand masonry architecture and engineering. It’s a beautiful quintessential French town which was the seat of the Catholic Popes during the 15th century. This means we get to explore fortified walls and cobblestoned streets as the township rises from the Rhône River

We’ll visit the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) - a grand mediaeval palace that was once the papal residence, the charming Old Town and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge.

By night, Avignon has a surprising culture of craft beer pubs and eateries influenced by Roman, Spanish and Mediterranean cultures. It’s an evening to relax and appreciate the best part of French culture!

Included activities: Exploration of Orange and entry into Roman Theatre, walking tour of Avignon

Sublime Mediterranean Coastline on the Côte-d'Azur

Next stop, Nice! Once the ultimate playground of the rich and famous, we move from historically impactful to fun, high end beach vibes. Nice is known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline and vibrant culture.

Our train journey takes us out of the Rhone Valley and along the mediterranean coast - passing the trading city of Marseilles on the way

Once in Nice, we take time, space and freedom to explore this charming coastal city at your own pace. You can take a leisurely walk along the Promenade des Anglais, relax on the beach, or explore the vibrant Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its colourful markets and delightful street cafes.

Nice offers a wonderful blend of seaside relaxation and buzzing nightlife, making it the perfect place to get a little dolled up and partake in the French Riviera's luxurious charm during the evening.

Included activities: Evening exploration of Nice, sunset on Promenade des Anglais

Experience The French Riviera - Nice, Cannes & Monaco

Today promises a picturesque adventure as you explore the enchanting French Riviera.

Eze: Begin by visiting the charming mediaeval hilltop village of Eze, known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean and its secrets of French perfume. You'll have the chance to learn about the art of perfume-making, a craft deeply rooted in the region's history.

Monte Carlo/Monaco: Next up, it’s the glamorous city of Monte Carlo, home to the famous Monte Carlo Casino, opulent superyachts and its legendary F1 street circuit.

Saint Paul-de-Vence: Next, you'll explore the artists' haven of Saint Paul-de-Vence. This picturesque village has inspired countless artists over the years and is known for its charming streets, galleries, and creative energy.

Cannes: Your day concludes with a visit to the world-famous city of Cannes. Explore the bustling Croisette Promenade, lined with luxury boutiques and glamorous hotels. Cannes is not only renowned for its film festival but also for its stunning Mediterranean beaches and upscale lifestyle.

This day offers a perfect blend of culture, art, and glamour along the French Riviera, ensuring you experience the region's rich diversity

Included activities: Guided French Riviera tour – Eze, Monaco, Saint Paul-de-Vence, Cannes, secrets of Perfume experience

From Foie Gra and Bellet Blanc to Pizza and Pinot

It’s a late wake up and an easy start to the day on our penultimate day. We’ll take the opportunity to enjoy a final French coffee over the french Riviera as the sun rises before heading to our final destination, Milan.

It’s a stunningly scenic trip along the coast to Genoa, passing through San Remo and Arenzano before winding our way through the foothills of Liguria and Piedmont and crossing over into Lombardy and into Milan.

This is what train travel is all about. Sit back, relax and just enjoy the stunning views!

We arrive in Milan early evening with enough time to do what we have all been craving - that fancy French is wonderful, but give me Pizza. We will head into town for a group dinner shout by your guide in a wonderful piazza - welcome to Italy and thank you France and Belgium for an incredible journey so far.

Included activities: Pizza frenzy

Arrivederci, au revoir and tot ziens

For those leaving us today, we wish you ‘arrivederci, au revoir and tot ziens!

For those continuing on with us on the epic Pizza and Pasta Giro from Milan, then take some time to catch up on your social media - insta spam already coming right up; or wash away the fun of France because your next adventure starts this afternoon!