12-Day Scenic European Train Journey: Amsterdam to Rome via Paris, Switzerland, and Venice

Day 1: Discover Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on September 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with authentic Dutch pancakes in a cozy setting near Centraal Station, open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Anne Frank House

Explore the historic Anne Frank House (open 9am-7pm), a poignant museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist.
EUR14, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk the Canal Belt

Stroll along the UNESCO-listed canal belt to experience Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and picturesque architecture.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at De Kas

Enjoy fresh farm-to-table dishes in this greenhouse restaurant that highlights local produce, open from 12pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Rijksmuseum Visit

Visit the Rijksmuseum (open 9am-5pm) to see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
EUR20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax in Vondelpark

Unwind in Amsterdam's largest park, perfect for a leisure walk or people-watching among locals.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Moeders

Savor traditional Dutch cuisine at Moeders, a charming restaurant known for hearty dishes specializing in home-style cooking.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Amsterdam Culture & Train to Paris

Amsterdam, Netherlands to Paris, France on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Enjoy a New Zealand-style breakfast with excellent coffee to start the day right, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Van Gogh Museum

Discover the vast collection of Van Gogh’s works and learn about his life (open 9am-6pm).
EUR19, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Sample diverse local and international street food in an indoor food market setting, open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Train to Paris by Thalys

Take the high-speed Thalys train from Amsterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord; journey roughly 3h20m.
EUR60-120, 3h20m

5:00pm

Check-in & Rest at Hotel in Paris

Settle in at a centrally located 3-4 star hotel such as Hôtel Le Six.
EUR150, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bouillon Chartier

Dine at this classic Parisian bistro known for traditional French cuisine in a lively atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Paris Iconic Sights

Paris, France on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Historic café serving classic French breakfast at Saint-Germain, opens at 7:30am.
EUR18, 1h0m

9:30am

Louvre Museum

Visit the Louvre (open 9am-6pm except Tuesdays) to admire world-famous art like the Mona Lisa.
EUR17, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy French cuisine steps away from the Louvre in a stylish setting, open for lunch from noon.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Seine River Cruise

Take a scenic 1-hour cruise on the Seine River to see Paris landmarks from the water, operating 10am-10pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Eiffel Tower

Book tickets to ascend the Eiffel Tower (open 9:30am-11:45pm), enjoying panoramic city views.
EUR26, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chez Janou

Treat yourself to Provencal dishes in a lively bistro in Le Marais, open until midnight.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Train to Switzerland

Paris, France to Lucerne, Switzerland on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Holybelly 5

Enjoy French-style breakfast with excellent coffee in a trendy café, opens at 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h0m

9:00am

Train Paris to Lucerne

Take a scenic train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lucerne with a change in Basel; travel time approx 4h30m.
EUR90, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel des Balances

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine with riverside views in Lucerne’s Old Town, open 12pm-2:30pm.
CHF40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Lucerne Old Town

Walk charming cobbled streets, see Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, open to the public.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Enjoy hearty Swiss fare in an atmospheric traditional tavern, open until 10pm.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Switzerland Mountains

Interlaken, Switzerland on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel in Lucerne before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train Lucerne to Interlaken

Scenic 2-hour train ride through the Swiss countryside and mountain views.
CHF50, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Well-reviewed Swiss menu located in Interlaken’s city center, open 11:30am-2:30pm.
CHF30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Harder Kulm Panoramic View

Take the funicular (open 9am-6pm) up to Harder Kulm for breathtaking views over Interlaken and lakes.
CHF38, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk along Lake Thun

Relax with a gentle stroll along the shore, enjoying serene alpine views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Casual dining experience with Swiss and international dishes plus local beers.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Swiss Alps Excursion

Jungfrau Region, Switzerland on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Buffet breakfast to fuel your day before mountain exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Day trip to Jungfraujoch

Ride the train to “Top of Europe” (open 7am-6pm), enjoy snow activities and spectacular alpine vistas.
CHF130, 6h0m

3:00pm

Return to Interlaken and Rest

Relax at the hotel or explore local shops after the mountain excursion.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Laterne

Cozy Swiss restaurant offering authentic dishes and local wines.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Train to Venice

Interlaken, Switzerland to Venice, Italy on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your long journey south.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train Interlaken to Venice

Travel via Zurich and Milan with scenic views, approximately 7-hour journey.
EUR100-150, 7h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at Hotel in Venice

Settle in at a charming 3-4 star hotel near St. Mark’s Square, such as Hotel Saturnia & International.
EUR150, N/A

5:00pm

Explore St. Mark’s Square

Walk through the iconic piazza and visit Saint Mark's Basilica (open until 5pm).
Free; Basilica entry EUR3, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Enjoy classic Venetian seafood dishes in an atmosphere beloved by locals and tourists alike.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Venice Canals & Art

Venice, Italy on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Start with delicious Italian pastries and coffee, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Doge’s Palace Tour

Tour the historic palace (open 9am-7pm) showcasing Venetian Gothic art and history.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Gondola Ride

Experience the famous Venetian canals by gondola, typically 30-40 minutes ride, available all day.
EUR80, 0h40m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Savor fresh seafood and Venetian specialties in an intimate setting, open 12pm-2pm.
EUR50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art masterpieces in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home (open 10am-6pm).
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leisurely Walk to Rialto Bridge

Enjoy shopping and stunning views near the historic bridge and markets.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Experience authentic Venetian cuisine at a family-run restaurant off the main tourist paths.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Train to Rome

Venice to Rome, Italy on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train Venice to Rome

Take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa) for approx 3h45m direct to Rome Termini station.
EUR50-80, 3h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Roscioli

An Italian deli and restaurant known for Roman specialties close to Campo de’ Fiori, open from noon.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in at Hotel in Rome

Check into a central 3-4 star hotel such as Hotel Artemide.
EUR160, N/A

4:00pm

Visit Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Roman amphitheater and the Forum ruins (open 8:30am-7pm).
EUR18, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Roma Sparita

Known for its authentic Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe, nicely situated in Trastevere.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Rome Ancient Wonders

Rome, Italy on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella - L’Arte del Pane

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this renowned bakery, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Visit the world-famous art collections and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel (open 9am-6pm, closed Sundays except last Sunday).
EUR30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Relish some of Rome’s best gourmet pizza al taglio near the Vatican, open 11:30am-8pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Tour the magnificent basilica and consider climbing the dome for city views (open 7am-7pm).
Free; Dome climb EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Piazza Navona

Enjoy the lively square with fountains and cafes, great for people watching and evening stroll.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Return for a delicious Roman dinner featuring carbonara or saltimbocca.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Rome Leisure & Departure Prep

Rome, Italy on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Explore two of Rome’s iconic landmarks early to avoid crowds, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Il Forno Campo de' Fiori

Casual dining with delicious focaccia and local dishes, open 11am-3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping and walking in Trastevere

Wander the quaint neighborhood full of artisanal shops and charming streets.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Tonnarello

Celebrate your last night in Rome with hearty pasta dishes known for excellent Roman flavors.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on September 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before your journey home.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Airport

Arrange shuttle or taxi to Rome Fiumicino Airport for departure.
EUR48, 0h45m
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