The cable car ride is an experience in itself, with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. The Aescher is a mountain restaurant located on Ebenalp Mountain in the Alpstein area. The ship typically is in port from the early morning until mid evening, often giving you the opportunity to have dinner in the city (unlike Caribbean cruises). If you can get a cheap enough flight, the 3 best cheap European cities to visit are Prague, Budapest, and Krakow, which are all around half as expensive as most of the other cities on this list. Comment* The Swiss Travel Pass is a cost-effective option for travelers that provides unlimited access to public transport, including buses, trains, and boats, and also offers free entry to more than 500 museums and exhibitions. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities and towns, as well as hiking boots if you plan to go hiking in the mountains. I'd suggest going in a much more logical order! I did not realize there were multiple pages you could leave comments. TIP: If you plan to get around via public transportation, make sure to check out the Swiss Travel Pass, which is perfect for tourists. Switzerland Explore Fussen (Neuschwanstein Castle, Lakes and more!) If you are a solo (female) traveler, you will be happy to hear that Switzerland and Germany are great to travel alone, and there are no extra precautions I take except for avoiding dodgy areas (especially at night) and watching my surroundings. Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Walk along the canals: Annecy is known as the Venice of the Alps for its many canals and waterways. For most people its best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities. Deauville is one of the more famous of those, and its also famous for its horse race track and as one of the epicenters of the industry in Europe. Germany, France, and Switzerland. The closest major European cities are at least two hours apart by high-speed train, and from the time you check out of one hotel until you are checked into your hotel in the next city, its going to be 5 or more hours in most cases. I suggest staying in either Montreux or Geneva both beautiful towns/cities on the shores of Lake Geneva, which will allow you to do day trips from there. Price. The earlier you buy tickets, the cheaper they will be. Glacier 3000 is a popular attraction located near the town of Les Diablerets. Day 4: Eiffel Tower and the Seine Sightseeing Cruise. -Roger, Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city, 3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip, Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other, Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights, Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time, Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands, Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands, Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France, Itinerary 11: Eastern Europes best cheap cities, 8 Best Asia destinations in August of 2023, 32 Cheapest Overwater Bungalow Resorts in the World in 2023, Switzerland is insanely expensive now - Here are some examples, Cheap destinations around the world by month. Here are thebest first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks(in much greater detail). Florence probably has the best food of the three most popular Italian tourist cities, which is another reason to stop over there for at least a couple days. Is Prague worth trying to squeeze in or any suggested itineraries? Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes Check out my post on top activities to do in Interlaken for more tips. Enjoy a meal with a view: The summit of Glacier 3000 offers several dining options with stunning views of the mountains. Getting from Geneva to Annecy is relatively easy and can be done by car or public transportation. Thanks. By private transfer: Another option is to book a private transfer service, which will pick you up from your hotel or any other location in Geneva and drop you off at your destination in Annecy. For a bit of fun you might be interested in the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe, which start at US$80 per night for really nice hotels. -Roger, Wow, thanks for the speedy reply Roger I really appreciate it. The second stage takes visitors from Plan de lAiguille to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, a height of 3,842 meters. This sounds like a great first trip. In all honesty, I do think Annecy is the most beautiful French town! We would like to include London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland. So maybe look at the itinerary suggestions in the article above again knowing that youll fly to Athens and you can go in any direction, and I think itll be easier. As you probably know, Hull isnt much of a tourist town, but its close to York, which is really wonderful, and you might spend a day or so there. The castle now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the village and the surrounding region. The Netherlands is obviously going to be chilly in February, but you can still have a good time. Your 10 Day Germany Austria and Switzerland Itinerary 2 Days in Munich and One Day Trip from Munich You are going to start your Europe 10 day trip in the capital of Bavaria; Munich! Your email address will not be published. We want to see as many as we can but also still wanna enjoy it and not rushing it. End with 3 days experiencing the top sights and attractions of Paris. Ive been to Europe and have visited, London, Bern, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan & Cannes. If you are on a budget, you can travel for less (assuming you stay in hostels and cook for yourself at least once in a while) but public transportation or renting a car will always be quite high. In other words, flying Chicago to London round-trip might be US$1,200 per person, while Chicago to London and Paris to Chicago might be US$1,800 total. Thanks, 4. A huge part of Spains tourism industry is built around its southern beaches and islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife (in the Canary Islands). The amount of time you spend in France and Switzerland really depends on your travel style and what you want to see and do during your trip. Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes If youve only got a week then choose one of them and assume youll return again to conquer more of this amazing part of the world. Visit the Alpine Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region at this museum, which has exhibits on mountaineering, skiing, and more. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey. There are no tolls for cars in Germany. Amsterdam,Budapest, andPragueare some of the most popular river cruise ports, but there are dozens of others including many smaller towns in France where few other tourists will be when you stroll off the ship. 6.8 Some recommended sites for your road trip. Food and drink: Dining out in Switzerland and France can also be pricey, especially in tourist areas. 4. I agree: you will have almost no time in Nice. Day 3: Transfer from Amsterdam to Paris by train. Walk along the lakeside promenade: Montreuxs lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. After that you can hop on a high-speed train for 1 hour 22 minutes to reach Brussels, or go straight to Amsterdam in a bit over 3 hours total. Wendy. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes, and the entire journey takes about an hour and a half. For scenic routes such as along Lake Geneva or in the Chamonix Valley, boats are a great option, providing breathtaking views and a unique way to experience the region. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day, as tap water is safe to drink in both countries. Travel time around 12 hours (with Eibsee) in total or 17 hours (Rothenburg ob der Tauber). From St. Moritz we crossed the border into Italy and flew back home out of Milan. If you have seven days in Europe and you really want to see the quaint villages, the storybook streets, the breathtaking castles, and the fairy-tale beauty that's inspired countless books and movies, then you need to spend 7 days in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria. We would also like to visit Paris, Switzerland (Interlaken maybe? While Nice is a wonderful tourist city for a look at the French Riviera, the other larger cities of Lyon and Marseilles are probably better saved for a future trip because they are light on key sights compared to many smaller towns. 12 thoughts on " Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and France (11 days 10 nights) - October 9-20, 2023 " Anilecc87 says: March 27, 2019 at 9:51 pm. There are many motorway streets without speed limits, but many do have a speed limit you should stick to (speed cams are placed throughout the country). 10 Days in Switzerland: Zrich, Lucerne, Bernese Oberland & Zermatt 14 Days in Switzerland: 10 Day Itinerary plus Lugano 14 Days in Switzerland: 10 Day Itinerary plus Lausanne and Lake Geneva 17 to 21 Days in Switzerland: The Best of Switzerland 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary The Highlights of Switzerland It leaves out London, which I think could be good for a future trip instead assuming he enjoys this one. Florence is the most relaxing of the 3, and also a great base for side trips to Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre, just to name a few. Explore the old town: Lausannes old town is a charming and historic area with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. Travel the Golden Pass route to Montreux, and exit via Lausanne or Geneva to Paris. Ranking Utah National Parks from Best to Worst, Ultimate Guide to Starting a Travel Blog and Making Money. Where is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Located? Just keep your eyes open and exercise common sense, and you should be fine as both are quite safe travel destinations overall. In general I highly recommend spending 3 nights in almost any city you visit because it you try to move faster you end up spending way too much time in train stations and/or airports. Romes architecture is an obvious highlight and fortunately you can see a lot in a fairly short time. 6.1 Colmar. If you road trip, plan in some time at Brning Pass and have a cold drink while parking your car and enjoying the views. Some Things to do in Lake Thun. Then you could take a train up to Edinburgh for a couple days and then fly from there to Amsterdam. Honestly, unless you have a specific reason why not, this is probably the best one-week itinerary for most first-time visitors to Europe. Getting around via trains and buses is actually easy and, overall, okay in Germany. The best way to get around for the above-mentioned France and Switzerland itinerary would be a combination of trains, buses, and boats. Day 1: Semois Valley in Belgium & Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else youve got a couple options in between. Let me know if youd like more guidance with putting together a more specific itinerary. Though you can not directly access the mountain peak of Mont Blanc by cable car, you do get pretty close. Visit the Freddie Mercury statue: Montreux was the home of legendary rock singer Freddie Mercury, and there is a statue of him on the lakeside promenade. Overall, this itinerary is perfect for travelers who love adventure, culture, and natural beauty and want to experience the best of France and Switzerland in a short time. Its also reasonably close to Stonehenge. You could do Venice and Rome or Barcelona and Madrid. After exploring the old town (and the famous Chapel Bridge) and marvel at the unique and historic buildings, you can add a mountain excursion for the afternoon. . You also mentioned Sweden and Norway, which could be reached by cheap flights out of any large city (including Zurich). If you have more than 7 or 10 days in France & Switzerland, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. min. Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes. Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes. min. 1. I love trips like this and Im happy to help with more advice if you need it. Skiing and snowboarding: Chamonix has several ski areas, including Les Houches and Brevent-Flegere, with over 150 kilometers of ski runs. Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them. France is such a rich country for tourism experiences that you could spend a month there and still feel like you are missing significant sights. But it is located quite far up north, and with 10 days in both countries, you would stress yourself out too much by adding it to a shorter itinerary. This isnt really recommended for a first trip to Europe unless you are a backpacker who is sure they are going to be able to visit Europe again when they have more money. Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better), Your email address will not be published. Even with so few days in Germany, it is a perfect day trip as it is also close to the Swiss border. That sounds amazing! Spend the afternoon and evening in the cute town of Fssen and have dinner here before continuing your journey to Switzerland. Spain is another huge country with many things to see, but on your first visit to Europe its best to focus on its two huge cities. Similar to Paris, Rome is an unusually beautiful city from almost any angle when you are in the historical center. Between you and me, its better to minimize time in Loch Ness or skip it altogether because its not one of the more photogenic parts of Scotland and the monster has always been a hoax. Prices always depend on where you stay, what kind of accommodation you choose, what mode of transport and more. Geneva also boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as outdoor attractions like parks and gardens. Tip: If you plan to rent a car, I suggest renting the car after your time in Berlin and not driving in the city itself. It is located on the border between France and Italy and is a popular destination for mountaineers and tourists alike and if you get the chance to add the Mont Blanc to your France and Switzerland itinerary, I highly suggest doing so. The town also has several museums and cultural attractions, including the Alpine Museum and the Maison de la Montagne, which offer insights into the history and culture of the region. The weather may be slightly cooler, but the scenery is still breathtaking, and there are usually fewer tourists around. Its hard to do much sightseeing on a travel day. Day 5: Zermatt. Walk on the Peak Walk by Tissot: The Peak Walk by Tissot is a unique suspension bridge that connects two peaks at Glacier 3000. Day 5: Transfer from Paris to Lucerne by train. Liechtenstein. Switzerland, France and Germany Duration: 7 days Highlights: Basel, Black Forest, Freiburg, Strasbourg, Colmar A 7-day off-the-beaten-path itinerary in Switzerland, France and Germany Request a Quote Send to Client Print Itinerary Download PDF Itinerary Day 1 - Arrive Basel, Switzerland Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that youve got a wide variety of choices. Since you can get between most of these towns by train in 2 hours or less, spending only 2 nights in each one is a reasonable option if you want to see a lot in a short time. If youve decided to finally explore Europe for the first time, its quite possible that you havent considered doing it on a cruise. By car: The easiest way to get to Yvoire from Geneva is by car. You can check the schedules and purchase tickets on the SNCF website or at the train station. As alluring as cruising the Med may be, a river cruise on the Rhine or Danube might suit you even better. Hotel pickup offered Mobile ticket Cologne you can enjoy in a day because the main sights are the lovely historic center and the famous cathedral, and both are adjacent to the main train station. I recommend that youfocus on these 5 great citiesbefore you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places. Per person. So, lets get started and find out about the best places to visit on a France and Switzerland trip. -Roger, My boyfriend and I are going to do a europe trip for 3 weeks in mid april to early May 2023. 4. From its historic buildings to its stunning natural scenery, Annecy is a perfect destination for a day trip from Geneva or a longer stay. A backpack or daypack for carrying essentials during the day, such as water, snacks, and a camera. Also, you can give yourself more time to enjoy the actual traveling, as road tripping and train travel (at least in Switzerland) give you the option to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and you can take some rest and just soak in the beauty. Germany, France, Switzerland - Itinerary (Romantic Trip) Jun 1, 2022, 1:18 PM Save I'm planning a 12 days trip to Germany, France and Switzerland from 27th June to 8th July. Take a cable car or train to the summit: If you want to experience Mont Blancs stunning views without climbing, you can take a cable car or train to the summit. Below youll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Europe Itinerary: 16 Days in France, Switzerland, & Italy We spent 16 glorious days in Europe several years ago, visiting France, Switzerland and Italy. We are torn between landing in London then doing France (hes a big history buff so anything war related is a must) then maybe Berlin and Belgium or doing Italy (his ancestry) and just concentrating on that for 2 weeks. 2. The best time to visit France and Switzerland for this itinerary would be during the summer months of June, July, and August, as well as early fall in September and early October. Appenzellerland has become popular because of the stunning mountain restaurant, the Aescher. Itinerary 1: Classic London and Paris London (3 or 4 nights) Paris (3 or 4 nights) Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them Honestly, unless you have a specific reason why not, this is probably the best one-week itinerary for most first-time visitors to Europe. Free . $640 days. Try the Alpine Coaster: The Alpine Coaster is a thrilling ride that takes you on a wild journey down the mountain. Enjoy Lake Geneva: Yvoire is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, so take some time to enjoy the lake. Austria. Then, I recommend staying 1 or 2 nights in Annecy in France before you get to Chamonix where I suggest staying 1-3 nights. Paris is obviously the best first place to start exploring France and 3 or 4 nights there will feel like a very complete first visit. Id spend 3 nights there for sure. Tip: Since prices in Fssen (which are quite high for Germany) are still cheaper than in Switzerland, I suggest spending the night here. I am a full-time teacher and part-time travel blogger and a solo female traveler (sometimes accompanied by my little dog) based in Germany, and in love with Switzerland, Europe, and the world. So probably 3 nights in Amsterdam and then you can take the high-speed train (a bit over 3 hours) to Paris and spend 3 or 4 nights there. This two-week adventure covers four of France's most popular districts, and offers an immersion in culture, cuisine, and scenery as you explore the French Riviera, Provence, and French Alps, ending in Paris. You can scan my article on where to go in Switzerland for specifics, but the short version is that the Interlaken area and specifically the Lauterbrunnen Valley are the best place for a few days, and maybe 2 more days in Lucerne if youve got the time and money (Switzerland is expensive!). Im so happy that you have found this information to be useful and Ill try to help more. Flexible passes allow you to use the pass for a certain amount of days within one month or the regular, more affordable option, which means you have to use the pass on consecutive days of travel. Then spend the rest of your time in one of the most unique destinations in the world, where you will have an abundance of stunning lakes, mountain peaks, cute towns and villages, and more. Meanwhile, Frances Annecy, Yvoire, and Chamonix are rich with medieval charm, alpine scenery, and world-class ski resorts, with the towering Mont Blanc providing a stunning and awe-inspiring vista. EU Holidays Xanne Lim Apr 11th, 2016 If you are not a citizen of the EU or EFTA, you may need a visa depending on your nationality. It is one of Germanys biggest cities, so there are tons to do and see, but in this case, I suggest spending only 1 or 1.5 days in Munich. Germanys capital is for sure an interesting place to visit. Madrid, which is the capital, and Barcelona, which is on a northern Mediterranean beach, are very different from each other and not substitutable for each other at all. Take a stroll, enjoy the fresh air, and soak up the stunning views of the lake and mountains. There are several car rental companies in Geneva. min. However, you may be able to find more affordable options in smaller towns or by booking in advance. If this will be your first trip to Europe, you are not alone. A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is an unforgettable experience that will take you directly to the heart of the Swiss Alps. The fastest version of this extremely popular itinerary that I recommend is 9 nights, but if you skip Florence you could actually do this in 7 nights if you had to. Im happy to help more if you have other questions or have something else in mind. Yvoire is a charming medieval village located on the shores of Lake Geneva in France. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline as you twist and turn down the slopes. Mediterranean cruises usually start at 7 nights but can go up to 3 weeks, which can provide an amazing tour of the entire region without having to pack and repack your bags more than once. Day 1: Zurich. Maybe want to add just one party night in the club or something but we dont know which city will be best. I think I would save Venice for a separate Italy trip at another time, or if you wanted you could spend your last week in Italy doing Venice for 1 or 2 days then a train to Florence for 2 or 3 days and then Rome for 3 days. I have been running this blog since 2015. They are typically more expensive than Med cruises on huge ships, but they also allow passengers to see more because they only hold a few hundred people and they often dock literally in the middle of the historic cities they visit. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and other outdoor activities. England. You can take a boat tour or rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the lake on your own. Krakow and Lisbon are both fantastic cities to visit, but they are on opposite ends of Europe. Let me know! I saw two other comments on other articles, but Ill delete those because this one seems to summarize it best. With two weeks you could visit places like Bologna and Modena in Italy, but youd be missing Paris. But these places are still stunning so there is no compromise on the beauty, just on travel duration. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or bring your own snacks while taking in the panoramic views. The streets are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. However, the overall cost of your trip will depend on a number of factors, such as the time of year you visit, the type of accommodation you choose, and the activities and dining options you prefer. The Mont Blanc range offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including glaciers, valleys, and lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can also easily get to Cornwall in Englands southwest corner from Bath, and thats a whole different and fascinating experience (with nicer weather than up north). If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh. From the old town of Zurich with stunning churches and cobblestone streets, to Lucerne with its enormous glittering lake and historic fortress you can climb to see the city from a bird's eye view. If you only had one week I would choose one or the other, but in two weeks you can have really good visits to Paris, Nice (and Cannes and Monaco), Venice, Florence, and Rome, at a fairly leisurely pace. Switzerland 10 Day Itinerary Map Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy The port isnt very close to Rome, but its easy to get back and forth. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Since Paris gets so many tourists from non-French speaking countries, its easy to get by on just English, and the Metro system makes it fast and easy to get around. Try Swiss wine: Lausanne is in the heart of Switzerlands wine country, and you can visit local vineyards to taste the local wines. This 2-week itinerary will allow you to visit even more places in Germany, as well as in Switzerland. My husbands grandmother was born in Hull, England so a partial day stop would be of interest to us. Brussels isnt a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so its a better option for most people. Thank you so much. Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes Whether you visit for 7, 10, or 14 days this itinerary for Switzerland and Germany will help you plan your trip. Its packed with famous sights and its a major world capital. As for your itinerary, Im sure itll be great and you are off to a good start. 10 Reasons to Love England and 2 Reasons Why not to, Best Places to Stay in Croatia Best Tips For All Budgets, WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE COMO TOP AREAS AND HOTELS, RENT A CAR IN JORDAN HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ST.MORITZ BEST HOTELS FOR ALL BUDGETS. Take a cruise on Lake Geneva: A boat ride on Lake Geneva is a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Montreux and the surrounding area. France and Switzerland can be considered relatively expensive destinations, especially in cities and tourist areas. These cities each pack a huge punch and they are very different from each other as well. You cannot pay at some ticket centers with your credit card, so always have cash on you (American Express is, unfortunately, not as widely accepted as Visa or MasterCard). FRANCE + SWITZERLAND + GERMANY + AUSTRIA: A Fairytale Route Most fairytale stories are plucked straight from the lovely and quaint villages scattered throughout France, Germany, and Austria. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. I am having a hard navigating where I asked for help. Best of Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 14 Days Tour from $4,295 per person + air Single Supplement $825 See Dates & Prices On this two-week tour, mountains, Mozart, and mugs of beer all clink together to create a totally yodel-y adventure. By car: If you have a car, you can drive from Geneva to Annecy, which is about a 45-minute journey. Solo Female Travel Switzerland, Europe and Beyond. Tip: If you visit Eibsee and Fssen/Neuschwanstein Castle, I suggest visiting Eibsee first and then go to Neuschwanstein Castle. With two weeks I think Id choose 4 or 5 total cities, as I think that 3 nights is the optimal amount of time to spend in each city so you get to see a lot without spending half your time on trains or in airports. The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days. Look for local markets and grocery stores to save money on meals, or consider picnicking in scenic areas for a unique and affordable dining experience. This will allow you to visit it if you have a visa for the EU. Cities like London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, and Barcelona are all large and packed with world-class things to see and do.

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