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2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
Get ready to spend 10 days enjoying a European vacation by rail! The Milan to Amsterdam Rail Express features some of Europe’s top destinations and unmissable experiences. Admire the jaw-dropping views on train trips through the Swiss Alps and the Black Forest region. Discover the highlights of Paris, Milan and Brussels. Visit the charming French cities of Strasbourg and Metz and cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals. Enjoy free days in the Swiss Alps and Paris. Expat Explore’s train journeys offer a unique way to experience Europe at its best!
Welcome to the first day of this Milan to Amsterdam Rail Express tour. Arrive in Milan this morning and say ciao to Italy! Meet up with the tour leader and tour group at the hotel. Start the day with a guided tour of the city. Join a Milan local to explore this fashionable city which is full of amazing attractions and a buzzing atmosphere! Then, enjoy some authentic Italian cuisine at a local restaurant for lunch. The rest of the day is free to spend as you choose. Discover more of Milan which is famous for design, football and more.
Meals: Lunch
It’s the second day of the tour and that means it’s time to travel to Switzerland. Marvel at the spectacular scenery from the comfort of the train as it travels from Italy through the Swiss Alps. Today’s first stop is Spiez - a scenic town surrounded by green hills, lakes and vineyards. Enjoy famous Swiss efficiency when switching trains! Next stop, Interlaken. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque pastoral scenery of Switzerland as you travel. Arrive in the Swiss mountain village and head to the hotel which is home base for the next two nights. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Enjoy a free day in the Swiss Alps today! Spend your time in any way you choose. The Swiss mountain village is in the perfect position for leisurely relaxation or a bit of exploring! Today you could choose to visit Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, which offers incredible scenery. Admire the views and take in the impressive glacier. Back at lower altitudes, why not stroll the streets of local villages and absorb the atmosphere? Tonight, choose to join an optional group dinner and sample an authentic Swiss fondue!
Meals: Breakfast
Continue this European holiday by rail and travel onwards to Germany. Today’s first stop is Freiburg im Breisgau. Known as the capital of the Black Forest region, you can be sure to expect some truly picturesque surroundings! Embark on an orientation tour before enjoying some free time to explore and grab some lunch. Marvel at the city’s medieval architecture and the Dreisam River which flows through the city. Then, travel onwards to the hotel for the evening in Offenburg. Offenburg is renowned for its wine and gastronomy, making it the ideal place for a unique culinary experience! Look forward to an included dinner tonight.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Today is set to be filled with unforgettable experiences as the tour departs Germany and travels to France. Today’s first stop is the enchanting city of Strasbourg, capital of the Grand Est (formerly Alsace) region. Look forward to some free time to explore this city which is full of fairytale architecture. Be sure to check out the astronomical clock at the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame! In the afternoon, travel to Metz. Arrive, check into the hotel and set off on an orientation tour. Learn more about the history of this picturesque city and see top sights including the Gothic Metz Cathedral and the medieval German’s Gate. Enjoy a free evening to spend as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast
The “City of Lights” is on the itinerary today! Catch a high-speed train to Paris - one of the most popular travel destinations in the world! Arrive at Gare de l’Est station and enjoy an included lunch with the group. Next, get ready to set off on a walking tour of Paris with your tour leader! Paris is home to bucket list monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and more. Experience the romance and beauty of Paris as you stroll the picturesque streets. The walking tour ends in the city’s Latin Quarter. Afterwards, enjoy free time to experience Paris. For a night of beautiful sights, join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion.
Meals: BreakfastLunch
Paris is filled with incredible landmarks, museums, galleries, restaurants and more which you get to explore on a free day in the city! Join your tour leader for the Paris Shopping & Art optional tour which includes visits to some of the city’s top spots including the Louvre, Fragonard Perfume Museum, Galeries Lafayette and a lunch cruise along the River Seine. Alternatively, explore on your own and revel in the great culture and history of Paris. Visit top attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées or even take a cruise along the River Seine. Before the day is over, be sure to sit down for a bite of famous French cuisine! Tonight, choose to join the fabulous Parisian Cabaret optional.
Meals: Breakfast
Say au revoir to Paris! The rail express tour continues to Brussels, Belgium’s capital city. This beautiful city is filled with history, art, culture and stunning architecture! Arrive in Brussels and embark on an orientation tour of the city centre. See highlights including the Park of Brussels, the Grand Palace and the Brussels Town Hall. Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover more of the city. You could do some shopping, visit one of the many museums (featuring exhibitions on everything from artworks by Magritte and musical instruments to comic book characters!) or take a trip to the quirky Atomium for panoramic views of the city!
Meals: Breakfast
Make the most of the last few hours in Brussels. Later this morning, leave Belgium behind as the tour travels towards the Netherlands. Arrive in Amsterdam, check into the hotel and freshen up before it’s time to travel into the city centre for a canal cruise. This is the perfect introduction to Amsterdam! Sail along the canals and view the city from a unique perspective. Cruise past famous landmarks while learning about Amsterdam’s fascinating and eclectic history. After the canal cruise, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group on the last night of the tour. Look forward to a great meal in a historic restaurant!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
After 10 days, seven countries and several fantastic experiences, this Milan to Amsterdam Rail Express tour wraps up this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with your fellow train buddies this morning before the tour officially concludes. Share your favourite memories and be sure to swap contact details with your newly-made travel friends! We hope you have enjoyed this rail tour of Europe!
Meals: Breakfast
Welcome to the first day of this Milan to Amsterdam Rail Express tour. Arrive in Milan this morning and say ciao to Italy! Meet up with the tour leader and tour group at the hotel. Start the day with a guided tour of the city. Join a Milan local to explore this fashionable city which is full of amazing attractions and a buzzing atmosphere! Then, enjoy some authentic Italian cuisine at a local restaurant for lunch. The rest of the day is free to spend as you choose. Discover more of Milan which is famous for design, football and more.
Take a guided tour of Milan: Take a tour of Milan with a local guide. Visit the mesmerising Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, stand in awe at the impressive structure of the Duomo Cathedral and so much more!
Welcome lunch: Get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and get to know your new travel buddies with a welcome lunch at a local restaurant in Milan.
Lunch
Hotel
It’s the second day of the tour and that means it’s time to travel to Switzerland. Marvel at the spectacular scenery from the comfort of the train as it travels from Italy through the Swiss Alps. Today’s first stop is Spiez - a scenic town surrounded by green hills, lakes and vineyards. Enjoy famous Swiss efficiency when switching trains! Next stop, Interlaken. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque pastoral scenery of Switzerland as you travel. Arrive in the Swiss mountain village and head to the hotel which is home base for the next two nights. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Scenic train journey through Switzerland: You could not ask for a more beautiful journey than this one. See spectacular lakes, mountains and lush forests along the way to Interlaken.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Enjoy a free day in the Swiss Alps today! Spend your time in any way you choose. The Swiss mountain village is in the perfect position for leisurely relaxation or a bit of exploring! Today you could choose to visit Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, which offers incredible scenery. Admire the views and take in the impressive glacier. Back at lower altitudes, why not stroll the streets of local villages and absorb the atmosphere? Tonight, choose to join an optional group dinner and sample an authentic Swiss fondue!
Breakfast
Hotel
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Get an authentic taste of Switzerland and warm up with an authentic Swiss fondue dinner! Is there anything better than a pot of melted cheese?
Continue this European holiday by rail and travel onwards to Germany. Today’s first stop is Freiburg im Breisgau. Known as the capital of the Black Forest region, you can be sure to expect some truly picturesque surroundings! Embark on an orientation tour before enjoying some free time to explore and grab some lunch. Marvel at the city’s medieval architecture and the Dreisam River which flows through the city. Then, travel onwards to the hotel for the evening in Offenburg. Offenburg is renowned for its wine and gastronomy, making it the ideal place for a unique culinary experience! Look forward to an included dinner tonight.
Orientation tour of Freiburg: Discover this German city in the heart of the breathtaking Black Forest region on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Freiburg lies at the foot of Schlossberg (Castle Mountain) and is decorated with cobblestone streets, stunning medieval architecture and stunning natural scenery all around.
Visit Offenburg: Enjoy a free evening in the historic city of Offenburg which dates back to Roman times. Thanks to its close proximity to the Rhine Valley, Offenburg boasts an impressive culinary scene. This makes it the perfect spot to grab a delicious dinner with a glass of local wine!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Today is set to be filled with unforgettable experiences as the tour departs Germany and travels to France. Today’s first stop is the enchanting city of Strasbourg, capital of the Grand Est (formerly Alsace) region. Look forward to some free time to explore this city which is full of fairytale architecture. Be sure to check out the astronomical clock at the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame! In the afternoon, travel to Metz. Arrive, check into the hotel and set off on an orientation tour. Learn more about the history of this picturesque city and see top sights including the Gothic Metz Cathedral and the medieval German’s Gate. Enjoy a free evening to spend as you wish.
Explore Strasbourg: Thanks to its close proximity to Germany, Strasbourg features a unique blend of French and German cultural and architectural influences. Enjoy some free time to explore this city which is the capital of the Grand Est (formerly Alsace) region. Admire the extraordinary architecture and sweeping views of the Rhine River!
Discover Metz: Embark on an orientation tour of Metz with your tour leader before enjoying some free time to explore on your own. Metz is a true hidden gem which boasts plenty of historic sights, museums and gardens. The Saint-Etienne Cathedral, nicknamed “God’s Lantern” is a must-see sight as it features the largest expanse of stained glass windows in the world! Three of these windows were painted by famous modernist painter Marc Chagall.
Breakfast
Hotel
The “City of Lights” is on the itinerary today! Catch a high-speed train to Paris - one of the most popular travel destinations in the world! Arrive at Gare de l’Est station and enjoy an included lunch with the group. Next, get ready to set off on a walking tour of Paris with your tour leader! Paris is home to bucket list monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and more. Experience the romance and beauty of Paris as you stroll the picturesque streets. The walking tour ends in the city’s Latin Quarter. Afterwards, enjoy free time to experience Paris. For a night of beautiful sights, join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion.
Paris orientation tour: Traverse through this breathtaking city on foot, guided by your tour leader, spotting sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the River Seine, the reconstruction of Notre Dame and so much more! Plus, enjoy an included visit to Sainte Chapelle. This historic royal chapel was the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century and is located on the Île de la Cité in the River Seine.
BreakfastLunch
Hotel
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Paris is filled with incredible landmarks, museums, galleries, restaurants and more which you get to explore on a free day in the city! Join your tour leader for the Paris Shopping & Art optional tour which includes visits to some of the city’s top spots including the Louvre, Fragonard Perfume Museum, Galeries Lafayette and a lunch cruise along the River Seine. Alternatively, explore on your own and revel in the great culture and history of Paris. Visit top attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées or even take a cruise along the River Seine. Before the day is over, be sure to sit down for a bite of famous French cuisine! Tonight, choose to join the fabulous Parisian Cabaret optional.
Breakfast
Hotel
Enjoy a full day experiencing Paris’s art and shopping! Visit the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Galeries Lafayette and much more.
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Say au revoir to Paris! The rail express tour continues to Brussels, Belgium’s capital city. This beautiful city is filled with history, art, culture and stunning architecture! Arrive in Brussels and embark on an orientation tour of the city centre. See highlights including the Park of Brussels, the Grand Palace and the Brussels Town Hall. Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover more of the city. You could do some shopping, visit one of the many museums (featuring exhibitions on everything from artworks by Magritte and musical instruments to comic book characters!) or take a trip to the quirky Atomium for panoramic views of the city!
Brussels orientation tour: Explore the de facto capital of the European Union on an orientation tour guided by your Expat Explore tour leader. While it may be the headquarters of the European Union, Brussels is definitely not all business and no pleasure! You will be introduced to the main sights, including the Mont des Arts Garden, Grand Place - Grote Markt, the iconic Manneken Pis, the European Parliament building and much more.
Breakfast
Hotel
Make the most of the last few hours in Brussels. Later this morning, leave Belgium behind as the tour travels towards the Netherlands. Arrive in Amsterdam, check into the hotel and freshen up before it’s time to travel into the city centre for a canal cruise. This is the perfect introduction to Amsterdam! Sail along the canals and view the city from a unique perspective. Cruise past famous landmarks while learning about Amsterdam’s fascinating and eclectic history. After the canal cruise, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group on the last night of the tour. Look forward to a great meal in a historic restaurant!
Amsterdam canal cruise: Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals and enjoy a perfect introduction to Amsterdam.
Farewell dinner in Amsterdam: Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers in a beautiful, historic restaurant, dating back to 1885, situated in a building designed by famous architect Pierre Cuypers who also designed the Rijksmuseum.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
After 10 days, seven countries and several fantastic experiences, this Milan to Amsterdam Rail Express tour wraps up this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with your fellow train buddies this morning before the tour officially concludes. Share your favourite memories and be sure to swap contact details with your newly-made travel friends! We hope you have enjoyed this rail tour of Europe!
Breakfast
We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.
A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Milan and Amsterdam book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.
Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Experience a highlight of European travel when you journey to Jungfraujoch - the top of Europe! Take the Eiger Express cable car to 3,454m above sea level. Get ready for breathtaking mountain views as you go, the trip is part of the adventure! Arrive at Jungfraujoch which is the highest train station in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the year-round snow, take in the panoramic alpine scenery, marvel at the massive Aletsch Glacier and explore the magical ice palace and Sphinx Observatory! Return by cable car or Jungfraubahn train for even more spectacular mountain vistas. This optional excursion has been voted number one by Expat Explore travellers for several years and comes highly recommended!
Please Note: Certain departures will stay in a different region of the Swiss Alps, with the 'Swiss Alps Mountain Experience' excursion offered in place of Jungfraujoch. Please contact us for more information.
Get an authentic taste of Switzerland and warm up with an authentic Swiss fondue dinner! Is there anything better than a pot of melted cheese?
What better way to enjoy an evening in Switzerland than with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner? Fondue is a dish popular in Switzerland, France and Italy, with friends and family gathering around a communal table to dip pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese. Enjoy a taste of Switzerland with this classic fondue dinner.
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Spend an evening in the beautiful Montmartre neighbourhood, affectionately referred to as the ‘last village in Paris’. See the Moulin Rouge, stroll the cobbled streets and visit the charming village shops and romantic terraces. Admire views of the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica before enjoying a three-course dinner filled with authentic French options (vegetarian options are available) finished off with a delicious local dessert!
Enjoy a full day experiencing Paris’s art and shopping! Visit the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Galeries Lafayette and much more.
Experience Paris’s unmatched art and shopping scene with a full day of activities! Start the day in Montparnasse, a vibrant neighbourhood frequented by many famous artists. Next, take a sightseeing and lunch cruise on the River Seine before heading to one of the world’s most celebrated museums - the Louvre! Other activities today include visits to the renowned parfumerie Fragonard Musée du Parfum, the Tuileries Garden and Ladurée pâtisserie. Finally, enjoy free time to shop at Galeries Lafayette! This excursion includes public transport.
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Experience a fantastic show and the famous French Cancan at one of the top Paris cabaret venues. The shows are lively, colourful and tastefully produced. With striking decor, beautiful costumes and a variety of classic and modern choreography this is a show you will not want to miss! The price includes the show and a glass of French champagne (soft drink option also available).
2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
30 Aug 2025 - 08 Sep 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
20 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
11 Oct 2025 - 20 Oct 2025 | Book now with low deposit |
For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre .
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