Comprehensive 24-Day France and Switzerland Adventure via Interrail from London

Day 1: Arrival and Paris Highlights

Paris, France on April 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Begin your Paris journey with breakfast at this iconic café, offering classic French pastries and coffee in a historic setting.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the world’s largest art museum and see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo; it opens at 9am.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Bouillon Chartier

Enjoy traditional French cuisine at this budget-friendly and lively restaurant near the Grands Boulevards.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll to Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit the famous gothic cathedral and admire its impressive facade and nearby historic Île de la Cité.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Seine River Walk and Bateaux Mouches

Take a scenic riverside walk and consider an early evening river cruise for spectacular views of Paris landmarks.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Frenchie to Go

Dine on delicious yet affordable modern French dishes in a casual environment, perfect for solo travellers.
EUR25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 2: Paris Culture and Sights

Paris, France on April 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at La Maison Pichard

Start with fresh croissants and artisanal bread at this renowned boulangerie.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Explore the charming Montmartre district, visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy panoramic views of Paris.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Relais Gascon

Enjoy hearty, affordable southwestern French cuisine, famous for large salads and cassoulet.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Musée d’Orsay

See an exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in a former railway station; open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR16, 2h

4:30pm

Walk along Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe

Stroll this famous avenue and climb the Arc for city views.
EUR13, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Petit Cler

Settle in a quaint street café serving classic French dishes at reasonable prices near the Eiffel Tower.
EUR22, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Paris, France on April 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local boulangerie

Grab a quick, fresh French breakfast to energise for the day ahead.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Train to Versailles (RER C)

Take a 45-minute train journey to the Palace of Versailles, departing from central Paris.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Palace of Versailles

Tour the opulent palace, gardens, and the Trianon estates; best to arrive early for fewer crowds. Opens 9am.
EUR20, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Flottille

Enjoy lakeside dining within the Versailles grounds, with affordable French options.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Paris

Travel back to Paris to rest or explore neighbourhoods like Le Marais.
EUR7, 45m

5:00pm

Le Marais Walk and Shopping

Explore this historic district’s boutiques, galleries, and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at L’As du Fallafel

Treat yourself to the famed falafel sandwich in the heart of Le Marais – casual and budget friendly.
EUR8, 1h
View Hotels

Day 4: Travel to Lyon and Explore

Paris to Lyon, France on April 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Holybelly 5

Experience quality brunch with affordable options before catching your train.
EUR15, 1h

9:15am

Train Paris to Lyon (TGV)

Take a direct high-speed TGV train for approximately 2h to Lyon Part-Dieu station.
EUR29, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and light lunch

Check into your budget-friendly hotel, then enjoy lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse food hall, featuring local specialities.
EUR20, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Vieux Lyon

Wander the Renaissance-era old town with its traboules (hidden passages) and charming streets.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Ascend to this iconic hilltop basilica for panoramic city views; open till 6pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along Presqu’île district

Explore shops and cafés in the city centre’s lively and historic peninsula.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouchon Le Jura

Sample authentic Lyonnaise cuisine in a traditional bouchon at reasonable prices.
EUR25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 5: Lyon to Geneva

Lyon, France to Geneva, Switzerland on April 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Mokxa

Enjoy great coffee and pastries before your train journey.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Train Lyon to Geneva

Board the direct regional train, about 2h travel to Geneva.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and Light Lunch at Buvette des Bains

Relax by Lake Geneva and enjoy light Swiss-inspired meals.
CHF20, 1h

1:30pm

Walking Tour of Old Town Geneva

Explore the historic centre featuring St. Pierre Cathedral and charming streets; organized group tours available.
CHF15, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Jet d’Eau and Parc des Bastions

See Geneva’s famous water fountain and stroll the peaceful park with its Reformation Wall.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café du Soleil

This traditional eatery is known for serving the best cheese fondue in Geneva at fair prices.
CHF30, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 6: Geneva Museums and Parks

Geneva, Switzerland on April 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café La Clémence

Classic Swiss breakfast in an inviting Old Town spot.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

United Nations Headquarters Tour

Book in advance to join this guided tour to learn about international diplomacy; open mornings only.
CHF25, 1.5h

11:30am

Visit Museum of Natural History

Discover impressive collections of fossils and Swiss wildlife; open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Manora Restaurant

Enjoy reasonably priced meals with lake views at this rooftop eatery in the city centre.
CHF20, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Parc La Grange

Spend the afternoon in this beautiful lakeside park featuring rose gardens and open spaces.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chez Ma Cousine

Try traditional roast chicken and sides in a casual, budget-friendly setting near the Old Town.
CHF25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 7: Travel to Interlaken and Explore

Geneva to Interlaken, Switzerland on April 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or local café

Fuel up before a longer train journey across Switzerland.
CHF10, 30m

8:00am

Train Geneva to Interlaken

Travel via Bern with scenic Swiss rail routes; total journey about 3.5h.
CHF50, 3.5h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Husi Bierhaus

A budget-friendly local pub serving Swiss comfort food in Interlaken.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Thun or Lake Brienz Boat Tour

Enjoy afternoon cruising on one of the beautiful lakes; boats typically run until early evening.
CHF30, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Interlaken town centre

Stroll through the charming town surrounded by alpine views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Goldener Anker

Traditional Swiss dishes with reasonable prices and a cozy atmosphere.
CHF30, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 8: Mountain Adventure in Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Konditorei Café Schuh

Enjoy fresh Swiss pastries and coffee before your alpine adventure.
CHF12, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

Take the train to the ‘Top of Europe’ for amazing glacier views; trains run frequently, serviced by the Jungfrau Railways.
CHF120, 7h

5:00pm

Return and rest

Return to Interlaken and relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in ticket, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The 3 Tells Irish Pub

Casual dining with a friendly atmosphere popular among solo travellers and groups alike.
CHF25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 9: Interlaken to Zermatt

Interlaken to Zermatt, Switzerland on April 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start your day early with a simple breakfast.
CHF10, 30m

8:30am

Train to Zermatt via Visp

Take the scenic 2.5-hour train ride to the car-free mountain village of Zermatt.
CHF45, 2.5h

11:00am

Check-in and Light Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Try local Swiss alpine dishes in a welcoming and affordable setting.
CHF25, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Wander the quaint village with shops and Matterhorn views, ideal for walking tours.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Gornergrat Bahn Observation

Take a late afternoon ride on the Gornergrat railway for spectacular mountain panoramas; open daily till sunset.
CHF50, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Snowboat

Enjoy a mix of international and Swiss cuisine with a friendly vibe suitable for solo travel.
CHF30, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 10: Zermatt to Lucerne

Zermatt to Lucerne, Switzerland on April 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café du Pont

Fuel up with excellent coffee and pastries before your travel to Lucerne.
CHF12, 1h

9:00am

Train to Lucerne via Visp and Bern

Enjoy a relaxing 3-hour journey through picturesque Swiss landscapes.
CHF40, 3h

12:15pm

Check-in and Lunch at Tibits

A popular vegetarian buffet with affordable prices in central Lucerne.
CHF20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Lucerne Old Town

Wander the charming streets, visit the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, iconic city landmarks.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport

Discover Switzerland’s extensive transport history and science; open till 5pm.
CHF32, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss restaurant with hearty meals at reasonable prices, popular with locals.
CHF30, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 11: Lucerne Day Excursion

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bar Odeon

A lively spot with a good range of breakfast options to start your day.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Mount Pilatus

Take a boat and cogwheel train for breathtaking views; open from mid-April but check before your trip. Alternative: nearby Rigi mountain.
CHF72, 6h

3:30pm

Return to Lucerne and rest

Relax at your hotel or explore nearby shops.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Upscale yet reasonably priced dining with lovely views over the Reuss river.
CHF35, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 12: Travel to Zurich and City Tour

Lucerne to Zurich, Switzerland on April 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or Café Spitz

Grab a hearty breakfast before your short train ride.
CHF12, 1h

9:30am

Train Lucerne to Zurich

A quick 1-hour train ride puts you in the heart of Switzerland's largest city.
CHF15, 1h

10:45am

Walking Tour of Old Town (Altstadt)

Guided or self-guided tour through Zurich’s historic district, including Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches.
Free or CHF20 for guided tour, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Famous for Zürcher sausages with affordable prices and a casual atmosphere.
CHF15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore a leading Swiss art museum with impressive collections spanning centuries; open till 6pm.
CHF23, 2h

5:00pm

Relax by Lake Zurich promenade

Take an early evening stroll along the lakeside and enjoy the views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Enjoy a vibrant vegetarian buffet at Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, with budget-friendly pricing.
CHF30, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 13: Zurich and Surroundings

Zurich, Switzerland on April 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start your day with artisan bread and excellent coffee in a trendy café.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Day Trip to Rhine Falls

Take a 1-hour train to Schaffhausen and visit Europe's largest waterfall; visitor centre open 9am-6pm.
CHF6 (train), CHF5 entrance, 5h (incl. travel)

3:00pm

Return to Zurich and Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Explore one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets; window shopping for budget travellers.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Enjoy classic Swiss raclette and other cheese dishes in an affordable, cosy setting.
CHF30, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 14: Return to London

Zurich, Switzerland to London, England on April 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final relaxing breakfast before your journey back.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Paris Gare de Lyon

Board the TGV Lyria for a 4h train journey through stunning scenery.
EUR60, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gare de Lyon Station

Grab a quick meal at one of the station cafés or brasseries.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Train Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras Eurostar

Transfer by metro or taxi to Gare du Nord (approx. 30m) then catch the Eurostar, journey about 2h15m.
GBP70, 2h45m (including transfer)

4:15pm

Arrive London, England

End of your comprehensive France and Switzerland trip with great memories and many experiences.
N/A, N/A
View Hotels