Local Discoverer Itinerary

Ready for your Interrail trip? This gentle journey travels across Western Europe, exploring beautiful cities and landscapes.

• Start your trip in the vibrant cities of Munich, Innsbruck and Chur, enjoying history and culture. 

• Continue your trip in Lake Como, Lyon and Paris, marvelling at majestic landscapes, iconic sights and hidden treasures.

• End your trip with a relaxing stay in Oxford, the heart of England.

Cities visited in this trip:

1. Munich, Germany

2. Innsbruck, Austria

3. Chur, Switzerland

4. Lake Como, Italy

5. Lyon, France

6. Paris, France

7. Oxford, England

For this itinerary we recommend:

Travel days: 7 days within 1 month

Munich, Germany

The capital of Bavaria, Munich, is known for its magnificent museums, safe atmosphere and impressive mix of architecture. There's plenty to explore in this vibrant city.

• Admire the façade of the Neues Rathaus, the Gothic town hall in Marienplatz.

• Visit some of Munich's best museums and galleries, including the Alte Pinakothek, Glyptothek and the BMW Museum.

• Join the locals with their food shopping at the Viktualienmarkt, where you can sample traditional Bavarian delicacies and fresh, artisan products.

Train tip: Munich is the perfect location for day trips into Bavaria. To visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, take the train from Munich HBF to Füssen and then the bus to Neuschwanstein.

Innsbruck, Austria

With its colourful buildings hidden amongst a majestic mountainscape, Innsbruck is the perfect escape after the bustle of a big city. Don't be fooled, though - this enchanting place is filled with things to do.

• Wander through the Old Town, examining the details of the medieval buildings and enjoying the easy pace of life.

• Take the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen - a 20 minute cable car up into the sweeping Karwendel Mountains. With breath-taking panoramas across Innsbruck and Tyrol, this is not to be missed.

• Visit the Imperial Palace, an impressive museum complex where you can learn about the history of Austria and its palaces.

Train tip: the Old Town of Innsbruck is just a 15 minute walk from the main train station, allowing you to admire the mountain views as you go. 

Chur, Switzerland

As the starting location of the Bernina Express, we'd recommend staying in Chur overnight, before taking one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

• Explore Chur's Old Town, admiring the traditional architecture and medieval ruins.

• Sample some delicacies of the Graubünden region, including nut tart, goat-milk cheese and salsiz, a herby sausage.

• Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, Italy. This 4-hour scenic train ride will be one of the highlights of your trip, with astonishing panoramas of mountains, glaciers, valleys and lakes. Don't forget your camera!

Train tip: the Bernina Express is covered by your Interrail Pass, but the usual reservation fees apply. 

Lake Como, Italy

Famed for its stunning scenery, quaint villages and hidden villas, Lake Como is a real Italian gem. We'd recommend staying in the atmospheric town of Varenna to escape the tourist crowds.

• Explore the colourful town of Bellagio, a postcard destination with cobblestone corners and sunny streets.

• Visit some of the historic villas lining the lakeshore, including Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi and Villa Monasterio.

• Try some water sports if you're feeling adventurous. From sailing to windsurfing, there's something for everyone.

Travel tip: There are frequent ferries between the towns on Lake Como. The ferry from Varenna to Bellagio takes about 15 minutes and has services operating all day.

Lyon, France

Famed for its gastronomy and eclectic charm, Lyon is the place to see French culture at its finest. WIth basilicas, ruins and manmade islands, this stunning city will capture you immediately.

• Explore the Traboules of Old Lyon: hidden Renaissance passageways giving direct access to the river.

• Marvel at the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, a Roman amphitheatre built high above the riverside. If you're visiting in the summer, you might even catch a performance!

• Try traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at local restaurants known as bouchons to discover some surprising delicacies.

Train tip: the TGV from Lyon to Paris is approximately 2 hours and regularly runs throughout the day. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see more of Lyon while you can!

Paris, France

Ah, Paris. There's so much to explore in the City of Light, and plenty of places to see local culture at its finest.

• Enjoy a picnic by Canal Saint-Martin, a spot frequented by locals. Grab a fresh baguette and some cheese, and you're ready to go!

• Stroll through the Marais, a vibrant quarter in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. With stunning mansions, hidden museums and quaint streets, it's a world away from the tourist hotspots.

• Experience the food scene in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. With diverse cuisines, modern restaurants and bistros, this is the place to really indulge yourself.

Travel tip: the best way to get around Paris is on foot. The Metro is also accessible, but watch out for pickpockets.

Oxford, England

With its golden architecture and vibrant atmosphere, Oxford is the quintessential English city.

• Visit one of the University of Oxford's colleges. With 39 colleges scattered across the city, these buildings of historical interest are often open to visitors.

• Marvel at the exhibits in the Ashmolean, Oxford's museum of art and archaeology. With regular temporary exhibitions and permanent collections, you could easily spend hours in here.

• Take a free walking tour around the streets to discover the city's most famous treasures. Admire the Radcliffe Camera and the Bridge of Sighs, while your local guide tells you the history of this fascinating city.

Travel tip: Oxford is just an hour from London Paddington Station. It also has excellent connections to other UK cities, including Cambridge, Bath and Edinburgh.