ToursRail ToursRome to Amsterdam Rail Explorer

Rome to Amsterdam Rail Explorer

Reviews
Countries
7
Days
14
Start Point:
Rome/
End Point:
Amsterdam/
Ages:
10 - 75+
Accommodation:
Hotel
Transport:
Train & more

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Sold Out
View Dates & Rates

Price per adult twin share room.

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More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes Learn More
  • Low deposit secures your booking
  • Pay 10% now; rest in instalments
  • Smaller group sizes & fully guided
  • FREE Wi-Fi in hotels

Summary

All aboard the Rome to Amsterdam Rail Explorer! Enjoy a 14-day rail holiday showcasing Europe’s highlights in a totally unique way. Explore incredible Italian cities including Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Take a train to the heart of the Swiss Alps and visit Luxembourg and Germany by rail. Discover the delights of Paris and tick famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe off your bucket list!  Experience beautiful Brussels and cruise the iconic canals in Amsterdam. Looking for one of Europe’s best train vacation packages? This Rome to Amsterdam train tour is it!  

Highlights

  • Free days to explore Venice, the Swiss Alps and Paris in depth
  • Option to visit Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe' 
  • Experience a Rhine River cruise in Germany 
  • Locally guided tours in Rome and Florence

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 03:00 PM

End Point

Hotel in Amsterdam | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Italy - get ready to experience Europe by rail! The adventure kicks off in Rome, a city where gladiators once fought to the death simply to entertain the roaring crowds. From its time as the capital of the Roman Empire to being the place that the Pope calls home, Rome has exerted a huge influence over the world for thousands of years. Start things off with a walking tour of the Eternal City and see famous sights like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the majestic Colosseum. Tonight, dine with your fellow travellers in the heart of the city centre.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome

Welcome to Italy - get ready to experience Europe by rail! The adventure kicks off in Rome, a city where gladiators once fought to the death simply to entertain the roaring crowds. From its time as the capital of the Roman Empire to being the place that the Pope calls home, Rome has exerted a huge influence over the world for thousands of years. Start things off with a walking tour of the Eternal City and see famous sights like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the majestic Colosseum. Tonight, dine with your fellow travellers in the heart of the city centre.

Experiences

Guided tour of Rome: Your local guide will escort you to all the major sites like the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum and more. Learn more about the history, art and architecture of this amazing city.

Dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant: Italian cuisine is loved by many all over the world and you have the chance to try authentic Italian food during tonight’s welcome dinner.

Meals

Dinner

DAY 2: Rome - Florence

Head Northwest on a fast train to Florence and upon arrival, soak up everything this enchanting city has to offer! Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and today, it is a creative city full of incredible art, history, culture and architecture. Hit the sidewalks and squares with a local guide who will bring the timeless art and abundant architecture to life. The best places for dining and shopping will be revealed along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a group lunch in the heart of the city before visiting the workshop of a local leather maker. The evening is yours; stroll the streets or shop till you drop.

Experiences

Locally guided tour of Florence: Join a local guide for a tour along the streets of Florence, paying special attention to the history of the city where Leonardo da Vinci was born.

Tuscan lunch: Enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch with the group in the heart of Florence. 

Leather-making demonstration: Find out why Italian leather is sought after during a leather-making demonstration and take the opportunity to shop at a leather workshop.

Meals

BreakfastLunch

DAY 3: Florence - Venice

Make the most of free time this morning. Explore a little more on your own or join the optional trip to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. A great way to show off your visit to Italy is by snapping a photo of yourself leaning against the iconic tower! This afternoon, board a train to Venice and its dreamy canals. Your tour leader will conduct an orientation tour to St. Mark’s square to introduce the group to the city before having a free afternoon to explore. You will inevitably take a wrong turn or two, but getting lost in this magical, floating city and discovering hidden gems along the way is the best part of visiting Venice! Choose to join the water taxi optional this evening.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will show you an easy way to navigate Venice on your own, as you walk across the Rialto Bridge and see sights like St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace along the way.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Pisa Half-Day Trip

See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy’s most famous landmarks! Enjoy a gelato while wandering around Pisa square.

Venice Water Taxi

See Venice from the water in comfort and style as you cruise along Venice’s famous Grand Canal in a classic water taxi and see the main sights!

DAY 4: Venice: Free Day

Look forward to a full day to discover the delights of Venice! A visit to the city will not be complete without a gondola ride, which your tour leader can organise for you this morning. Another great activity is the Murano, Burano & Venetian lagoon optional excursion. On it, explore more of the Venice Lagoon -  visit the island of Murano to learn about the glass-making tradition of Venice and pop over to Burano to experience Venetian lacemaking at its finest. Or, simply make the most of an agenda-free day to take in all of the beautiful surroundings. Whatever you choose to do, Venice is one of those places where you discover the very best simply by getting totally lost.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Venice Gondola Ride

No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.

Venice Lagoon Tour

Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.

DAY 5: Venice - Milan

Today, travel by train to the land famous for football and fashion - Milan! After storing your luggage in the hotel, meet with a local from Milan for a guided tour of the city. Explore the city's amazing treasures, experience the buzzing atmosphere and even bump into a few fashionable locals! Once the tour is over, there is a free afternoon to continue exploring this fashionable city. Alternatively, join the tour leader on an optional trip to the gorgeous Lake Como. Located at the base of the Alps, Lake Como holds the bragging rights for having the most beautiful scenery in the Italian Lake District! Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Experiences

Take a guided tour of Milan: Visit the mesmerising Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, stand in awe at the impressive structure of the Duomo Cathedral and so much more!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

On Tour Excursions
Lake Como Half-Day Trip

Explore the majestic natural scenery and picturesque towns of Lake Como! Visit Varenna, a hillside village and Bellagio, known as the Pearl of Lake Como.

DAY 6: Milan - Swiss Alps

Spectacular scenes will be on display from the comfort of the train window for the next leg of the trip! Travel across the border to the serenity of Switzerland. The first stop is Spiez, a town nestled between lakes, hills and vineyards. The Swiss trains run like clockwork, and the group will change trains here as the next stop is Interlaken. Take in the scenery as the train passes old timber houses and cows grazing in the fields. The hotel is situated in the heart of a Swiss mountain village and dinner is included tonight.

Experiences

Scenic train journey through Switzerland: You could not ask for a more beautiful train journey than this one. See spectacular lakes, mountains and lush forests along the way to Interlaken.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 7: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Slow it all the way down today in the Swiss Alps. This is the perfect location to really appreciate the magical beauty of the region! The day is entirely free to do as much or as little as you please. Today’s Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe optional excursion is highly recommended. The excursion travels to the highest train station in Europe where you’ll find year-round snow, impressive glaciers, an ice palace and the most epic photographic opportunities! This is consistently one of our travellers’ favourite optional excursions! Tonight, choose to join the group for a Swiss fondue dinner.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe

Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.

Swiss Fondue Dinner

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?

DAY 8: Swiss Alps - Mainz

Today, see more of Europe by rail as the tour travels to Germany. Head to Mainz in the heart of Germany’s largest wine-producing region, Rheinhessen. The region is home to acres and acres of vineyards and is known for producing favourites like Riesling and Silvaner. Arrive and enjoy an orientation tour of Mainz. Beer gardens, wine stands and cafes offer refreshments along the banks of the Rhine River. Stroll along the streets and visit the markets around the main cathedral before travelling back to the hotel for an included dinner.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Mainz: Visit the heart of the German winemaking region of Rheinhessen. Mainz is the wine-making capital of Rheinhessen and highlights of the city include the 1,000-year-old Mainz Dom cathedral, the Church of St. Stephan and the Gutenberg Museum. Mainz is also where the Gutenberg printing press was invented in the 1400s!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 9: Mainz - Boppard - St. Goar - Luxembourg City

The first stop today is Boppard, in the Rhine Valley. Here, enjoy an included wine tasting including the famous eiswein that is produced in the region. Next, take a leisurely cruise on the river towards a town called Boppard. Along the way, listen to tales about the beautiful landscape and also the legend of Lorelei who lured shipmen to their death simply by distracting them with her beautiful voice. Arrive in St. Goar, which is known for producing hand-carved cuckoo clocks and interesting beer steins, the perfect souvenir for your trip! Afterwards, enjoy an included lunch before travelling to Luxembourg City. Enjoy an orientation tour and learn more about this tiny country!

Experiences

Scenic train journey along the Rhine river: Depart Mainz in the west and meander through the wine-producing Rhine Valley region. 

Wine tasting in Boppard: Enjoy a taste of the local produce with a wine tasting in Boppard. The area is especially known for its eiswein!

Rhine River cruise: Look forward to a “picture-perfect” experience while cruising from Boppard to St Goar in the Rhine Valley.  Admire the vineyards and castles whilst the boat glides across the beautiful Rhine river.

Visit St. Goar: Learn about the art of making cuckoo clocks and beer steins from local craftsmen in St. Goar.

Explore Luxembourg City: Enjoy an orientation tour of Luxembourg’s capital city. Along the way, learn more about the history and culture of this tiny European country which has a very interesting motto; “we want to remain what we are”.

Meals

BreakfastLunch

DAY 10: Luxembourg City - Paris

The iconic Eiffel Tower awaits! Board a high-speed train to Paris - the most-visited city in the world. Arrive at Gare de l'Est station and first on the agenda is an included lunch.Then, head out to explore on foot. Monuments and statues that once only existed in the movies and in history books will come to life as the tour leader guides you past the street vendors and cafes of the city of love. Enjoy an included visit to Sainte Chapelle - a historic royal chapel. The tour ends in the famous Latin Quarter close to Notre Dame and with free time to enjoy the ‘City of Lights’ on your own. Why not join the Evening in Montmartre optional to enjoy beautiful sights and a delicious meal?

Experiences

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.

Meals

BreakfastLunch

On Tour Excursions
An Evening in Montmartre

Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.

DAY 11: Paris: Free Day

The wonderful thing about Paris is that there is so much to experience, regardless of the time of day, or season! Explore on your own and discover the beauty, culture and art of this city which has been immortalised in many songs, stories and films. Don’t miss out on trying some authentic French cuisine! Soak up the city or join a full day of exploration on the Paris Shopping & Art optional excursion which includes visits to the Louvre, Fragonard Perfume Museum and Galeries Lafayette. Plus, explore Montparnasse and a sightseeing lunch cruise on the River Seine! Complete the day by joining tonight’s optional for a fabulous night out at the cabaret!

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Paris Shopping & Art

Enjoy a full day experiencing Paris’s art and shopping! Visit the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Galeries Lafayette and much more.

Parisian Cabaret with drinks

Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!

DAY 12: Paris - Brussels

As the headquarters of the European Union, you’d imagine Brussels is all business and no pleasure. Luckily for us, this is far from the truth! Arrive this morning and head out for an orientation tour of the city centre. During the tour, find tranquillity in the green oasis that is the Park of Brussels and stroll around the Grand Place which is surrounded by the stunning architecture of the Broodhuis History Museum and Brussels Town Hall. From here, the afternoon is free! Choose to join the half-day trip to Bruges to see the city, cruise the canals and visit the Choco-Story Museum. Alternatively, visit the Atomium for a beautiful 360° panorama of Brussels or explore the old town centre and visit one of the many museums.

Experiences

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.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Bruges Half Day Trip

Explore the medieval Belgian town of Bruges! Enjoy an orientation tour, a visit to Choco-Story, a canal cruise and a taste of Belgian frites.

 

DAY 13: Brussels - Amsterdam

Enjoy the last few sights of the Belgian Capital this morning. After lunch, it’s time to travel to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Arrive and check into the hotel and enjoy the chance to freshen up before heading into the centre of Amsterdam for a canal cruise. Explore the city from a unique perspective and gain an alternative view of this eclectic and bohemian city while drifting past famous landmarks and learning about Amsterdam’s interesting history. Tonight, celebrate the last night of the tour with a farewell dinner with your fellow train buddies. Enjoy great food and share memories made during this train journey around Europe.

Experiences

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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 14: End of tour in Amsterdam

After 14 days of discovering Europe by train, this bucket-list tour comes to an end. This morning the tour concludes in Amsterdam, the Netherland’s bustling capital city. Share memories with your newly-made travel friends over the last breakfast. Don’t forget to swap details with your fellow travellers before your onward journey home!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 13 nights' accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities
  • Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • All rail travel throughout your tour with reserved seat selection 
  • Standard Class Rail
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

18 Experiences!

  • Explore Rome on a guided tour
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Rome
  • Locally guided tour of Florence
  • Lunch at a Tuscan restaurant
  • Learn how Italian leather is crafted
  • Discover Venice in an orientation tour
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Italy's fashion capital, Milan
  • Scenic mountain rail journey through the Swiss Alps
  • Experience Mainz on an orientation tour
  • Scenic Rhine Valley train journey 
  • Enjoy a wine tasting in Boppard
  • Embark on a Rhine River cruise
  • See how cuckoo clocks and beer steins are crafted in St. Goar 
  • Explore Luxembourg City on an orientation tour
  • Discover Paris on an orientation tour
  • Explore the highlights of Brussels on an orientation tour
  • Cruise along Amsterdam's canals 
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner in Amsterdam

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Rome

Photos of the tour

Pisa Half-Day Trip

Visit one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks! Travel from Florence to Pisa and visit the Piazza dei Miracoli. This is Pisa’s main square, home to the spectacular Pisa Cathedral, the Romanesque Baptistery and, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Enjoy a gelato as you wander around the square. Be sure to get a picture of you “holding up” the tower! This excursion includes a return train ticket from Florence to Pisa, a local bus to the piazza and a gelato.

Optional Excursions

All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

Our Price Beat Promise is to give you the lowest prices for our tours - guaranteed! Show us the lower price and we’ll do more than match it, we’ll beat it! Learn More

Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
08 Oct 2023 - 21 Oct 2023Flexible booking date for 08 Oct 2023 - 21 Oct 2023SOLD OUT!
19 Dec 2023 - 01 Jan 2024Flexible booking date for 19 Dec 2023 - 01 Jan 2024Contact us for availability

Additional Information

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.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

7 reviews
A
AAA Verified Buyer2023-04-27
Incredible Opportunity & Experience!!!
Expat Explore's Rome to Amsterdam Rail Tour was simply amazing!!! Darius, our tour leader is truly the best in the hospitality industry. There are not enough words to describe what he brought to the experience! I would highly recommend this trip for people that enjoy fast paced and physical vacations. You must be able to pack light and be flexible. You haul your gear from the train to your hotel (& vice versa) and the tour leader must make decisions from second to second to be able to get you to where you need to be based upon current conditions. Will definitely book another tour with Expat Explore!!
R
Rumy Verified Buyer2023-03-23
Amazing experience
The tour and tour guide were great.
M
Mary Verified Buyer2023-03-21
Our Tour leader Firo is amazing and he did an excellent job.
We our very happy that I chose Expat for our time Europe tour. Our tour leader Firo did an excellent job. The hotels are very clean and breakfast is very good. We'll recommend Expat to our Friends.
C
Catalina Verified Buyer2022-10-12
Great European experience
The tour was well planned out, some days a little fast paced and not much free time
L
Lavon Verified Buyer2022-08-13
Great trip
Matt, our tour guide was fantastic! He had so much insight every where we went and made sure everyone was well taken care of. The only reason I'm not giving them a 5 star is some of the hotels we're not in safe areas to go walking from.

Why this tour?

Expat Explore’s rail tours are a unique and exciting way to experience a European holiday! On the Rome to Amsterdam Rail Explorer, enjoy 2 weeks in Europe by train and visit seven countries. If it’s a taste of Europe you want, this tour is for you! 

The Rome to Amsterdam train journey begins in Italy’s capital and travels north. Travel from Rome to Paris by train, stopping in the Swiss Alps, Germany and Luxembourg City on the way, and finish up in Brussels before catching the train to Amsterdam! 

Along the way, you’ll get to experience a number of travel highlights including:

Guided tours of Rome, Florence and Milan. Expert local guides offer insight into these famous Italian cities. You’ll get to learn all about the highlights and hidden gems! 

An array of delicious local cuisines to try. Enjoy a welcome dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant, indulge in lunch at a Tuscan restaurant in Florence and look forward to a tasty Dutch farewell dinner at a stunning historic restaurant in central Amsterdam. Let’s not forget the wine tasting in Boppard, Germany! This is your chance to try a few of Germany’s top wine varietals including Eiswein (ice wine). 

Orientation tours of Paris, Venice, Mainz and Brussels which provide a great overview of these riveting destinations.

Cruises along the Rhine River in Germany and through the canals in Amsterdam. Seeing these destinations from the water is a travel experience you won’t forget! 

Exciting optional activities such as a trip to Lake Como and Paris + tour are incredible add-ons to further enhance your Rome to Amsterdam Rail adventure!    

Is this the right tour for me?

This Rome to Amsterdam Rail Explorer tour offers a great opportunity to see some of the highlights of Europe while enjoying the benefits of rail travel! The itinerary is a great balance of included city tours and excursions with ample free time to explore at your own pace. Fill your free days in Venice, the Swiss Alps and Paris in any way you wish before boarding the train to the next incredible destination!

You’ll enjoy 2 weeks in Europe by train on this tour. Rail travel is fast, scenic and offers travellers extra space and comfort. Admire the views and even walk around the train as you go. Wondering about the Rome to Amsterdam train time? Rail travel is generally faster than coach travel and the itinerary has been designed to maximise time spent at each destination. 

What is the accommodation like on tour?

Single travellers will be paired with someone of the same gender in twin share rooms. If you would prefer more privacy, single supplements are available. 

Is two weeks enough time to see Europe? 

This Rome to Amsterdam train tour offers a great taste of Europe! You will enjoy travel highlights of seven countries and experience fantastic included activities with enough time to explore on your own. 

Is it expensive to travel Europe by rail?

Touring Europe by rail can be expensive, but there is no need to worry about the Rome to Amsterdam train price when you travel with Expat Explore! Train tickets, accommodation, most meals and many activities are included in the tour cost. We make rail travel affordable and fun! 

Enjoy the wonders of train travel and experience the highlights of Europe on the Rome to Amsterdam Rail Explorer with Expat Explore!