Train Exp. through the Alps (Royal Baroque Route from Nice)
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Nice, France
- 10 to 12 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
The mountain railways of the Alps wind their way through canyons, tunnels, and viaducts, affording spectacular views and adventure. With this full-day tour, you'll ride the train to picturesque medieval villages, hopping off to enjoy hiking, perusing town squares, and more. A good fitness level is required as you’ll be walking up to 7 miles (11 kilometers) in total, experiencing this untrammeled land in the open air.
- Journey through the Alps by train, with a guide making it easy
- Visit alpine villages that pop from storybooks
- A local authentic lunch is provided
- Enjoy hiking in the French Alps with a local guide
What's Included
- Local taxes
- Lunch
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Fuel surcharge
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Gare Sncf De Nice, 12 Av. Thiers, 06000 Nice, France
Meeting point at 8am in front of the main entrance: Gare de Nice-Ville ("boulangerie Paul" terrace), 12 avenue Thiers, Nice (2mn walk from Tramway line 1 stop "Gare Thiers", follow black modern building Iconic). The guide will be waiting with a blue sign "Nice Creative Tours - Guided visits"
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
Your full day out along the Baroque Route mountain railway—one of France’s most picturesque train journeys—begins conveniently in the heart of Nice. In the morning, meet your guide at the Nice train station, and come prepared for a day out in France’s spectacular maritime Alps region. With round-trip transit and hands-on guidance, this tour offers an accessible way to get out in nature.
Once aboard the train, soak up extraordinary mountain views, with stops in several notable villages, including Tende and La Brigue. This active tour—which also covers roughly 9 miles (15 kilometers) on foot—gives you the chance to really immerse yourself in the scenery. Then, break for lunch: Enjoy a picnic of local fare, or upgrade for an indulgent meal in one of the top restaurants in town.
Afterwards, the journey continues to Saorge, considered one of France’s most beautiful villages. Visit its historic monastery before continuing your hiking in the Roya Valley. As you go, your guide will share stories and history about the region that you wouldn’t discover on your own.
Finally, return to central Nice by train at the end of the day, where this experience ends.
Once aboard the train, soak up extraordinary mountain views, with stops in several notable villages, including Tende and La Brigue. This active tour—which also covers roughly 9 miles (15 kilometers) on foot—gives you the chance to really immerse yourself in the scenery. Then, break for lunch: Enjoy a picnic of local fare, or upgrade for an indulgent meal in one of the top restaurants in town.
Afterwards, the journey continues to Saorge, considered one of France’s most beautiful villages. Visit its historic monastery before continuing your hiking in the Roya Valley. As you go, your guide will share stories and history about the region that you wouldn’t discover on your own.
Finally, return to central Nice by train at the end of the day, where this experience ends.
1
Gare de Nice Ville
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Southern French Alps (Pass By)
2
Saorge
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Monastere de Saorge
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Tende
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
The Alps (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions (except if it rains all-day), please dress appropriately
- The guide will send you a text message the day before the tour with the final details (temperature, weather, advises for clothing). If you want to check meteo forecast by yourself type on google: meteo Tende + day of tour)
- There is only time departure at 8am from Gare de Nice-Ville, 12 avenue Thiers 06000 Nice (Boulangerie Paul) (we don't organize pick-up from hotel)
- Good physical conditions required (there are some important uphills if you want to visit all the monuments)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Susan_B
It was a fun trip! Our guide, Cyril, was amazing! He was knowledgeable and entertaining. So much history in Entreveaux and Touet-sur-Var. Beautiful views of the mountains and countryside. We would recommend this tour.
Reviews
4.8
based on 711 reviews
Brenda_M, Apr 2026
Cyril provided great knowledge of history of the region along the way. Awesome views of the Alps and beautiful untouched hill towns. The cherry on top was the Notre Dame of the Fountains church that was opened just for us and a walk down to the beautiful river below.
Zachary_P, Apr 2026
This was a great day trip experience. Very unique train ride through the lower Alps, overlooking little towns as you wind through the mountains and valleys. The two towns we visited were really amazing to see up in the mountains. Our guide Sofia was so knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. This is an absolutely must do experience if you have an extra day to spare from Nice.
Darryl_K, Apr 2026
An excellent excursion and a true bargain for everything that was included. Samuel, our guide, was excellent. He was so personable. He easily made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. At the end of the day we’re exhausted-but happy. Thank you, Samuel!
April_S, Apr 2026
My husband and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary with a train ride in the French Alps and it did not disappoint. The guide was exceptional and the other guests were lovely to talk to and share the experience with!
Peter_C, Apr 2026
Spectacular alpine scenery, well preserved and still vibrant medieval village (Saorge), impressive religious artwork in local churches and monastery. Great lunch al fresco in a La Bridge restaurant.
Augusta_A, Mar 2026
Breathtaking views!!! Samuel our guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and took his time explaining the history of region!!! This was a highlight of our trip. Highly recommend!!
Chris_J, Mar 2026
Cyril was a great tour guide. He went above and beyond to make this excursion special for the family. This was one of our favorite excursions we did on this vacation.
Samantha_P, Mar 2026
The description didn't adequately describe how much we enjoyed the event. Cyril is so pleasant and knowledgeable. We learned so much about the culture of the people and how the towns evolved over time. Highly recommend. A lovely compliment to your other planned activities.
Donald_P, Mar 2026
If I could give this tour a “5+” rating, I would! Cyrill was a welcoming and wonderful guide who introduced and explained the fascinating history and culture of Nice and its connections to the Alps. He also introduced us to the warm and hospitable people in the villages that we visited. An unforgettable experience!
Gabby_O, Feb 2026
Absolutely loved this tour! Carmela was incredibly knowledgeable. She shared rich history and was flexible in her approach to the tour so that all participants had a great experience.
Joanne_A, Feb 2026
This is a very unique experience. We all enjoyed the day and we were happy we made it to the citadel. It is quite a hike, but worth the work. The views are amazing. Carmela’s communication beforehand was efficient and clear about changes. She was well organized and informative. We all enjoyed spending time with her. The lunch selection was very impressive and the food was good.
Jennifer_S, Dec 2025
Cyril is an amazing guide! I’ve traveled all over the world, and your tour guide can really make or break your experience. Cyril definitely was just as much of a highlight of this tour as the destination itself. He was extremely fun yet very knowledgeable of the history of the area. Even the shop owners in the towns we visited stated that we lucked out on getting Cyril as our guide. If in Nice, this tour is a must!
Side note: I sometimes lose track of my tour guide. From taking photos or in crowds. Cyril was dressed as Mario (as in Mario and Luigi). I never once worried about losing him. 😂 It was hilarious and a great ice breaker upon meeting.
Tiffany_E, Dec 2025
This tour has all the things you could want! Beautiful nature views, lovely walking, delicious food and a wonderful guide who made the whole day informative, fun and really looked out for the group. Carmela was so kind and knowledgeable and also so patient and encouraging. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience she went above and beyond from texting information for us the night before to translating the entire lunch menu.
Jennifer_L, Dec 2025
Cyril is a great tour guy who prepared lots of additional materials to help us learn local medieval cities history and with a twist of French humor,
Melanie_R, Nov 2025
What a wonderful tour! Cyril was a great tour guide. He was very friendly and informative! The train ride to the Apls was amazing scenery!!! The villages we visited were sleepy this time of year, but still charming! We hiked down through a pine forest and olive orchard, which was idyllic! Highly recommend the tour!
Darlene_M, Nov 2025
Be sure and dress appropriately for the time of year you are taking this train experience. Tour guide did a great job.
Susan_B, Nov 2025
It was a fun trip! Our guide, Cyril, was amazing! He was knowledgeable and entertaining. So much history in Entreveaux and Touet-sur-Var. Beautiful views of the mountains and countryside. We would recommend this tour.
Charlene_U, Nov 2025
Started the tour at Entrevaux as planned then decided as a group to go to Touet-sur-Var so we could be back in Nice at 18h30. Moderate uphill climbs at both but very beautiful views of the mountainside and some interesting history. Cyril was a great guide, very knowledgeable and funny.
Michael_M, Nov 2025
If you did the second town hiking stop, it's extra 4 hours. Won't get back till 9:30 pm. Wish we could have done it. I would go back to just do the second stop.
Satish_S, Nov 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip. Our guide Cyril was just amazing. He took good care of us and explained every single details during the whole trip.
Memorial trip. Worth visiting.
Not to miss on the efforts everyone took to celebrate our anniversary too 😊😊😊, thanks Cyril.
Thanks again
Paul_E, Oct 2025
One day before departure we were told that the trip would be cancelled unless the four remaining participants each paid an additional €30 atop the fee previously paid. That was an unpleasant last-minute demand.
Diane_F, Oct 2025
This was one of the best excursions/tours we’ve ever had! Toured two beautiful cities with our exceptional guide, Carmela, who was knowledgeable and very interesting. She went out of her way to get to know our interests and to be very helpful. Lunch was delicious. The restaurant set out a special area just for our group, and there was more food than we could eat. We also had wine. The hike to the Citadel was challenging, but the view from the top is worth the effort. (I walk 3-4 miles a day, and I found it difficult.) it was simply a wonderful day.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re happy you enjoyed this beautiful day in the Alps with Carmela — she’ll be so happy to read your kind words. It’s great to know you appreciated both her guiding and the delicious lunch (our mountain hosts do love to make sure no one leaves hungry!).
The hike to the top is indeed a bit of a challenge, but as you said — those views make every step worth it! We’re so glad the day felt special from start to finish.
Warm regards,
Nice Creative Tours Team
Corilyn_R, Oct 2025
Worth it ! The day was informative and adventurous. The train was pleasant with great history of nice. The town’s were quaint
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind review!
All Nice Creative Tours team really appreciate it, we make efforts to be personable and to have guides passionates about our history.
We love too this specific, not-very-turistic and off-the-beaten-tracks villages :-)
We will be happy to see you again and show you more treasures of Nice or about hidden gems of our hinterland.
Best regards
Donna_R, Oct 2025
Disappointed. Description was not accurate. Only stopped twice and only one was on itinerary. Twice I contacted the operator and told them we wouldn’t be able to do the hiking. Both times they assured me that there would be foot paths we could take. Maybe on the stops WE DID NOT GO TO that day.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you Donna for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry the tour did not meet your expectations, and we would like to clarify a few points:
- The tour description clearly mentions that a good fitness level is required. On the day of your visit, two members of your group had mobility difficulties — one using a crutch and another with a heavy shopping trolley. Even on the easiest paths, they were unable to walk at a normal pace, which unfortunately slowed down the rest of the participants who had to wait at each stop.
- For safety and timing reasons, the tour guide offered the possibility for your group to return to Nice earlier, but everyone preferred to continue the itinerary.
- Effectively, as we stated in the description (maybe it was not enough visible), out off the high season, the guide reserves the right to change a part of the itinerary. If no one is able to do the hike in the 2nd village, we prefer to change for a 3rd nice village where we can have less time and be back in Nice at 7pm (instead 9pm, which is pretty late for a lot of people, specially now when the day become darker around 7pm and soon 6pm)
Sometime we have to change itinerary due to weather conditions, as noted in the tour’s terms.
- We did not receive any prior message about mobility concerns, so it is possible the inquiry was made through a third-party agency that did not forward the information to us. We always aim to ensure the tour remains safe and enjoyable for all participants while following the published itinerary as closely as possible.
Thank you again for your comments. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify these details for future guests
If you really felt aggrieved we are sorry about that, and you can contact us directly.
Best regards
Pam_W, Oct 2025
Very much enjoyed our tour. Carmela was wonderful and clear in her directions. She gave excellent information about the areas history and the villages. She is well loved by the villagers who excitedly greeted her.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your lovely review!
All Nice Creative Tours team really appreciate it, we transfer the compliment to Carmela!
We love too this specific, not-very-turistic and off-the-beaten-tracks villages by this so special train line :-)
We will be happy to see you again and show you more treasures of Nice or about hidden gems of our hinterland.
Best regards
Rebecca_B, Oct 2025
We really enjoyed this tour with our guide Cyril! Not only were all the sites we visited stunning Cyril was very knowledgeable about the history and culture that he made the trip very much enjoyable. The start of the trip in Annot was paced nicely (slower) and we had a very delicious lunch with so much food! We were provided a variety of selections to meet any palate. The second half of the tour in Entrevaux was just as beautiful as I thoroughly enjoyed the hike up to the citadel. You do in fact need a decent level of mobility and fitness to make the trip up, but this part is only the last hour of the trip and those who do not want to participate in the hike can stay behind and continue their exploration of the beautiful village shops or have a coffee or beer in one of the few bistros. We were a group of 6 plus Cyril and it was a very manageable size group. I felt the value to cost was high given it was an all day excursion with everything included. I would highly recommend tourists visiting Nice take a day to explore this beautiful and historic region and this tour makes it very easy to do so.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review Rebecca!
We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and the stunning views with Cyril — your kind words will be passed along to him.
We are happy to read that you enjoyed your full day trip through the Alps visiting 2 medieval villages off-the beaten tracks and experiencing the authentic lifestyle of Nice’s hinterland.
We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon!
Warm regards,
Nice Creative Tours Team
DeniseD_W, Oct 2025
The train ride was good, however, I was disappointed that the group did not go all the farther on the train. We only saw two villages and no snow top mountains. The guide was very knowledgeable about the area. We ended up doing more hiking than what was expected and people with disabilities could not have handle the hiking part of the tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We’re sorry to hear you disliked part of the experience, though we’re glad you enjoyed the train ride and appreciated your guide’s knowledge. We’re not sure what you meant by “the group did not go all the farther on the train.” Sometimes, when participants prefer to return earlier (if the full day is too long for their holidays schedule), the group visits only one village. If you visited two villages, then you experienced the full itinerary as described for this tour.
Regarding the scenery, this excursion explores the authentic Alpine villages at around 800–900 meters in altitude (when the long hiking option is taken) — it’s not a high mountain or snow-top tour. Snow can occasionally be seen only during the winter months (December to February).
We truly value your feedback and hope you still enjoyed discovering the charm and culture of Nice’s hinterland.
Warm regards,
Nice Creative Tours Team
Leslie_S, Oct 2025
Be prepared to hike!
Great trip. Camilla was wonderful. So much knowledge she shared with our group.
It was a really special day.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re so glad you enjoyed your day in the Alps with Carmela — she’ll be very happy to hear your kind words. Thanks for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you again soon!
Warm regards,
Nice Creative Tours Team
Anna_F, Oct 2025
The hiking is more than moderate. The hike up to the castle was steep. Samuel our guide was knowledgeable. Enjoyed the group and the lunch we ate in Entrevaux. Sadly for those not hiking at our second stop in Annot, the shops and eateries were closed so the only thing to do if you decided not to go on the longer hike was sit at a bar. Many in the group were disappointed that the town had shut down for the afternoon hours.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback and for your kind words about Samuel — he’ll be happy to know you enjoyed the day and the group atmosphere.
We’re sorry to hear that part of the experience was less enjoyable for those who didn’t join the hike in the second village. When participants prefer not to hike, there are currently two options: returning earlier around 4 p.m., or after visiting the village and the main monuments: the possibility to relax at the bar, enjoy a drink, ice cream, or dessert, visit the bakery or grocery with local produces, or play a few rounds of bocce together! (we proposed but nobody wanted to play)
We understand that during the off-season, some shops may close in the afternoon, and we’re actively working to improve this part of the experience (new itinerary coming soon).
Thank you again for your helpful feedback — it helps us make our tours even better.
Warm regards,
Nice Creative Tours Team
Helen_R, Oct 2025
If you’re not a huge hiker I recommend doing half day trip. Do not stay behind and wait in village. No food available. No shopping.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your feedback, and we’re sorry you disliked the second part of the tour.
When participants prefer not to hike or don’t feel sporty enough for a second long walk, there are currently two options: returning earlier around 4 p.m., or after visiting the village and main monuments, relaxing at the bar — and maybe playing a few rounds of bocce together (we generally propose to finish the day playing if there is time).
We’re a bit surprised, as of course these non-touristic villages don’t have shopping area (except for a few craft shops not open every day), but usually there are always food options available — drinks or food at the bar, ice creams, desserts, or local produces to enjoy or take home. We’re also working on improving this part of the experience, with a new itinerary coming soon!
Warm regards,
Nice Creative Tours Team
Likely to Sell Out
From $202.17
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Train Exp. through the Alps (Royal Baroque Route from Nice)
711
12 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$202.17
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Water Tours
- Rail Tours
- Hiking Tours
- Full-day Tours
- Walking Tours
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Cruises & Sailing
- Day Trips
- Outdoor Activities
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- On the Water
- Cultural Tours
- Nice
- Water Tours - Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Full-day Tours - Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Walking Tours - Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Stand Up Paddleboarding - Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Water Tours - Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Full-day Tours - Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Full-day Tours - Monaco-Ville
- Walking Tours - Monaco-Ville
Attractions in Nice, France
- Mt. Boron (Mont Boron) Tours & Tickets
- Massena Square (Place Masséna) Tours & Tickets
- Marc Chagall National Museum (Musée National Marc Chagall) Tours & Tickets
- Eze Tours & Tickets
- Cours Saleya Flower Market (Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya) Tours & Tickets
- Place Garibaldi Tours & Tickets
- Nice Museum of Asian Arts (Musée des Arts Asiatiques) Tours & Tickets
- Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse) Tours & Tickets
- Villa Kerylos Tours & Tickets
- Quai des États-Unis Tours & Tickets
- Fort du Mont Alban Tours & Tickets
- Maeght Foundation (Fondation Maeght) Tours & Tickets
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château) Tours & Tickets
- Exotic Garden of Èze (Jardin Exotique d’Èze) Tours & Tickets
- Cimiez Monastery (Monastere de Cimiez) Tours & Tickets
- St. Paul de Vence Tours & Tickets
- Villefranche Cruise Port (Port de la Santé) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Nice, France
- Eze Tours & Tickets
- Promenade des Anglais Tours & Tickets
- St. Paul de Vence Tours & Tickets
- Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice) Tours & Tickets
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château) Tours & Tickets
- Grasse Fragonard Perfumery (Parfumerie Fragonard) Tours & Tickets
- Cours Saleya Flower Market (Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya) Tours & Tickets