24-Day France, Alsace & Switzerland Interrail Adventure from London

Day 1: Arrival and Paris Highlights

Paris, France on April 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your Paris exploration with croissants and coffee at this iconic and historic café.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore renowned art pieces including the Mona Lisa; museum opens 9am.
EUR17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Bouillon Chartier

Enjoy classic French cuisine in a lively, budget-friendly brasserie near the Grands Boulevards.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité

Visit the gothic cathedral exterior and stroll around the historic island district.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Seine River Walk and Bateaux Mouches Cruise

Scenic walk along the Seine followed by a river cruise to see major landmarks.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Frenchie to Go

Relax with modern French dishes in a casual setting, perfect for solo diners and groups.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 2: Paris Culture & Montmartre

Paris, France on April 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at La Maison Pichard

Indulge in freshly baked croissants and pastries at this beloved boulangerie.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Explore bohemian Montmartre, including the Basilica with stunning city views.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Relais Gascon

Enjoy hearty southwestern French dishes in a friendly atmosphere, known for large salads.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Musée d’Orsay

View Impressionist masterpieces in this stunning former railway station (9:30am-6pm).
EUR16, 2h

4:30pm

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Walk one of Paris’s most famous avenues and climb the Arc for city panoramas.
EUR13, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Petit Cler

Authentic and affordable French cuisine near the Eiffel Tower in a quaint street café.
EUR22, 1.5h

Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Paris, France on April 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local boulangerie

Quick fresh French breakfast to start your day.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

RER C Train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche

45-minute train journey to the Palace of Versailles.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Palace of Versailles Tour

Explore the grand palace, gardens, and Trianon estates; opens at 9am with fewer crowds early in the day.
EUR20, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Flottille

Relax with lakeside dining serving traditional French dishes inside Versailles grounds.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Paris

Travel back for late afternoon exploration of Le Marais district.
EUR7, 45m

5:00pm

Le Marais Walking and Shopping

Discover boutiques, galleries and vibrant nightlife in Paris’s historic Jewish quarter.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at L’As du Fallafel

Casual dining with the city’s most famous falafel sandwich, ideal for budget travellers.
EUR8, 1h

Day 4: Paris to Alsace - Strasbourg

Paris to Strasbourg, France on April 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Verlet

Fresh coffee and pastries to energise before your journey eastward.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Train Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg

Direct TGV train approximately 2h20m to Strasbourg, capital of Alsace region.
EUR40, 2h20m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Maison Kammerzell

Dine in a historic timber-framed building serving traditional Alsace specialities.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Strasbourg Old Town and Cathedral

Visit the stunning Gothic cathedral and wander picturesque streets of La Petite France.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Boat Tour on Strasbourg Canals

Enjoy a relaxing river cruise highlighting historic architecture, running till early evening.
EUR14, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Gruber

Traditional Alsatian cuisine in a cosy restaurant at fair prices.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 5: Colmar and Alsace Villages

Alsace Region, France on April 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Au Brasseur Strasbourg

Enjoy hearty Alsatian breakfast and fresh brews from a local microbrewery.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Train Strasbourg to Colmar

40-minute regional train through scenic Alsace countryside.
EUR15, 40m

10:00am

Explore Colmar Old Town

Walk the charming cobbled streets, admire half-timbered houses and visit the Unterlinden Museum.
EUR13, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Wistub de la Petite Venise

Savour local Alsace dishes in this cosy eatery near the canals.
EUR22, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nearby Alsace Villages: Eguisheim or Riquewihr

Take a short bus or taxi ride to one of these storybook medieval villages famed for vineyards and charm.
EUR10, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Strasbourg

Relax after day trips by returning to Strasbourg for the evening.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Au Crocodile

Elegant but accessible dining offering refined Alsatian and French classics; book in advance recommended.
EUR35, 1.5h

Day 6: Alsace to Lyon

Strasbourg to Lyon, France on April 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed start with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train Strasbourg to Lyon

Travel via Mulhouse on high-speed trains, approximately 3h journey.
EUR45, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Taste Lyon’s finest local foods at this famed market hall with many artisanal and affordable options.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Vieux Lyon

Discover Renaissance architecture, traboules, and lively streets ideal for afternoon walking.
Free, 2.5h

4:30pm

Visit Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Climb the hilltop for panoramic views and admire this ornate basilica; open till 6pm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Walk in Presqu’île District

Shop or enjoy the vibrant ambience in the city’s central peninsula.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouchon Le Jura

Sample authentic Lyonnaise dishes in a traditional bouchon atmosphere at reasonable price.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 7: Lyon to Geneva

Lyon, France to Geneva, Switzerland on April 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Mokxa

Delicious coffee and light pastries before departure.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Train Lyon to Geneva

Regional train ride of about 2 hours crossing into Switzerland.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Buvette des Bains

Casual lakeside dining serving Swiss-inspired light meals.
CHF20, 1h

1:30pm

Walking Tour of Geneva Old Town

Explore highlights including St. Pierre Cathedral; group tours available or self-guided.
CHF15, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Jet d’Eau and Parc des Bastions

See Geneva’s iconic water fountain and peaceful park featuring the Reformation Wall.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café du Soleil

Savour authentic Swiss cheese fondue at good value in a friendly setting.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 8: Geneva Museums & Parks

Geneva, Switzerland on April 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café La Clémence

Relaxed breakfast in Old Town with classic Swiss offerings.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

United Nations Tour

Pre-booked guided tour inside the UN Office; open mornings only.
CHF25, 1.5h

11:30am

Museum of Natural History

Explore extensive natural exhibits; free entrance and open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Manora Rooftop Restaurant

Affordable meals with lovely views in the city centre.
CHF20, 1h

3:00pm

Leisure time at Parc La Grange

Enjoy lakeside rose gardens and tranquility, ideal for late afternoon relaxation.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chez Ma Cousine

Casual dining famous for tasty roast chicken and Swiss sides.
CHF25, 1.5h

Day 9: Travel to Interlaken

Geneva to Interlaken, Switzerland on April 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast for an early start.
CHF10, 30m

8:00am

Train Geneva to Interlaken via Bern

Enjoy scenic 3.5-hour train ride through Swiss countryside.
CHF50, 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Husi Bierhaus

Comfortable pub offering wholesome Swiss food at good prices.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Tour on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Relaxing afternoon cruise with spectacular alpine lake views; available into early evening.
CHF30, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Interlaken Town Centre

Leisurely stroll through picturesque streets with mountain backdrop.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Goldener Anker

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a warm, budget-friendly setting.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 10: Jungfraujoch Excursion

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Konditorei Café Schuh

Fresh pastries and coffee to start your alpine adventure.
CHF12, 1h

9:00am

Train to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Experience breathtaking glacier views on this iconic mountain train journey; round trip takes about 7 hours.
CHF120, 7h

5:00pm

Return and rest

Relax after a vision-packed day in Interlaken.
Included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The 3 Tells Irish Pub

Friendly and casual dining with good food options for solo and group travellers.
CHF25, 1.5h

Day 11: Interlaken to Zermatt

Interlaken to Zermatt, Switzerland on April 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast before train travel.
CHF10, 30m

8:30am

Train to Zermatt via Visp

Approximately 2.5-hour picturesque train journey to car-free mountain village.
CHF45, 2.5h

11:00am

Check-in and Light Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Tasty local alpine dishes at good value in a friendly ambiance.
CHF25, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Wander quaint streets with iconic views of the Matterhorn, a photographer’s dream.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Take this cog train for panoramic views over Switzerland’s highest peaks; open daily till sunset.
CHF50, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Snowboat

Enjoy Swiss and international dishes in a friendly environment suited for solo travellers.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 12: Zermatt to Lucerne

Zermatt to Lucerne, Switzerland on April 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café du Pont

Coffee and pastries before morning travel.
CHF12, 1h

9:00am

Train to Lucerne via Visp and Bern

Scenic 3-hour train journey showcasing Swiss landscapes.
CHF40, 3h

12:15pm

Check-in and Lunch at Tibits

Affordable and tasty vegetarian buffet in central Lucerne.
CHF20, 1h

1:30pm

Lucerne Old Town Exploration

Visit charming Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, iconic city symbols.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Swiss Museum of Transport

Discover Swiss transportation history; open till 5pm with free entrance for some exhibits.
CHF32, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss hearty meals at reasonable prices, loved by locals.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 13: Lucerne Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bar Odeon

Good variety of breakfast options in a trendy atmosphere.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

Take a boat and cogwheel railway for stunning alpine views; verify availability as season opens mid-April, option to visit Rigi mountain if unavailable.
CHF72, 6h

3:30pm

Return to Lucerne

Time to rest or explore more city at leisure.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Charming riverside dining with reasonably priced Swiss and French cuisine.
CHF35, 1.5h

Day 14: Travel to Zurich & City Exploration

Lucerne to Zurich, Switzerland on April 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Spitz

Enjoy artisan coffee and pastries before a short train ride.
CHF12, 1h

9:30am

Train Lucerne to Zurich

Convenient 1-hour journey to Switzerland’s largest city.
CHF15, 1h

10:45am

Walking Tour of Zurich Old Town

Explore historic sites including Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches; guided tours optionally available.
Free or CHF20 (guided), 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Casual dining famous for Zürcher sausages and local favourites.
CHF15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Discover impressive art collections spanning multiple periods; open till 6pm.
CHF23, 2h

5:00pm

Lake Zurich Promenade Walk

Relax with a scenic lakeside stroll during early evening.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Vibrant vegetarian buffet at Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with budget-friendly prices.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 15: Zurich and Rhine Falls Day Trip

Zurich, Switzerland on April 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Starting the day with artisan bread and speciality coffee.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Day Trip to Rhine Falls

Train to Schaffhausen and visit Europe’s largest waterfall; visitor centre open 9am-6pm.
CHF6 train, CHF5 entrance, 5h including travel

3:00pm

Return to Zurich for Bahnhofstrasse Shopping

Explore Zurich’s famous shopping boulevard; perfect for window shopping on a budget.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Cozy restaurant serving classic Swiss raclette and cheese dishes at reasonable prices.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 16: Zurich to Paris

Zurich, Switzerland to Paris, France on April 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a longer journey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

TGV Lyria to Paris Gare de Lyon

High-speed scenic train journey of approximately 4 hours to Paris.
EUR60, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gare de Lyon Station

Quick meal in a station café before onward travel.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Transfer to Gare du Nord

Metro or taxi transfer approximately 30 minutes to Paris Gare du Nord station.
EUR5, 30m

2:15pm

Eurostar to London St Pancras

Fast train crossing the Channel returning you to London in about 2h15m.
GBP70, 2h15m

4:30pm

Arrival in London

End of your eclectic France, Alsace and Switzerland journey with wonderful memories.
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