🗺️ Itinerary: the 7 stages of this train tour through Europe

France → Germany → Switzerland → Slovenia → Italy → France

1️⃣ Cologne (Germany)

To start this European rail itinerary, take a Eurostar to Germany. In less than 3.5 hours, you'll arrive in Cologne, a city still too little known.

Known for its UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral, the city is also known for its alternative atmosphere, creative neighborhoods such as Ehrenfeld and friendly Rhine-side atmosphere.

2️⃣ Zurich (Switzerland)

From Cologne, board the night train ÖBB Nightjet. Travelling by night in Europe allows you to optimize your time while reducing your carbon footprint. When you wake up, you'll discover Zurich, a Swiss nugget nestled between lake and mountains, often overshadowed by Geneva.

An unspoilt historic center, bathing in the lake, Alpine panorama: an ideal stopover for a slow-travel train tour.

3️⃣ Ljubljana (Slovenia)

We then head off on one of Europe's most beautiful rail journeys aboard the EuroNight. Crossing the Swiss and Austrian Alps is one of the highlights of this train itinerary.

On arrival: Ljubljana, arguably one of Europe's most underrated capitals. Its pedestrian-only city center, iconic bridges and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect destination for a long-lasting city break.

4️⃣ Trieste (Italy)

Then off to Italy! To optimize the journey, a direct bus links Ljubljana to Trieste in around 1h30 (compared to over 6h by train with connections). An efficient alternative for saving time on site.

Trieste surprises with its unique identity, a blend of Italian and Austro-Hungarian influences. Facing the Adriatic, its monumental squares and historic cafés give it an incomparable charm. A truly underrated city in Europe.

5️⃣ Naples (Italy)

From Trieste, head south with a direct train operated by Italo (one daily departure). Often described as chaotic, Naples is in fact one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

Its UNESCO-listed historic center, lively alleyways, Vesuvius as a backdrop and mythical gastronomy make it an unmissable stop on this train journey. It's also an opportunity to discover another side of Italy, far from the clichés.

6️⃣ Turin (Italy)

To head north, come aboard the Intercity Notte (direct night train recommended). Turin is probably one of Italy's most unfairly underrated cities.

An elegant Baroque capital, the city's majestic palaces, historic cafés and, above all, monumental arcades give it the air of an open-air gallery.

A perfect way to end your European rail tour on a refined note.

7️⃣ Return to France by train

To get in, there are several rail options:

• TGV INOUI
• Frecciarossa (Red arrow)

This Europe by Train tour completes a varied rail adventure, combining high-speed and night trains.

Why choose this European rail route?

This itinerary proves that a rail travel in Europe can be practical, spectacular and responsible. It's the ideal tour for :

• ✔️ Discover Europe's underrated cities
• ✔️ Travel more sustainably and explore Europe differently
• ✔️ Enjoy scenic routes
• ✔️ Optimize your time with night trains

Paris - Cologne

The step from Paris to Cologne lasts 3h20. You'll travel in a high speed train.

Cologne - Zurich

Departure around 10pm, wake up at Zurich HB at 8am.

The step from Cologne to Zurich lasts 9h00. You'll travel in a Nightjet operated by ÖBB.

Zurich - Ljubljana

It is one of the most beautiful routes : you cross the Swiss and Austrian Alps.
⚠️ If you want to book this train, don't do Zurich–Ljubljana on Nightjet or sites like Trainline, but look for Zurich–Zagreb in "Night Train", and choose Ljubljana as the drop-off station. (Often, the train doesn't appear well if you search Zurich–Ljubljana directly, but it's just a sales system issue, not a connection!)

The step from Zurich to Ljubljana lasts 11h30. You'll travel in a EuroNight (EN) operated by ÖBB.

Ljubljana - Trieste

For this step, the bus is the simplest solution (several changes and more than 6 hours of train travel).

The step from Ljubljana to Trieste lasts 1h30. You'll travel in a bus operated by Citram Pyrénnées - transports Nouvelle Aquitaine .

Trieste - Naples

The step from Trieste to Naples lasts 7h26. You'll travel in a Italo operated by Italo NTV.

Naples - Turin

Make sure to take the direct one in Milan for a comfortable night!

The step from Naples to Turin lasts 11h00. You'll travel in a Intercity Notte operated by Trenitalia.

Turin - Paris

The step from Turin to Paris lasts 7h33. You'll travel in a TGV Inoui operated by SNCF Voyageurs.

You can find tickets from 54 euros.