france, germany, switzerland itinerary

When packing for the above-mentioned itinerary to France and Switzerland, its important to pack for varying weather conditions and activities. The one-hour cable car ride up to the Schilthorn observation deck is something youll never forget, and the only thing that might be more dramatic is the train ride up to the Jungfraujoch station, which is the highest in Europe. Its an amazing place that will not disappoint. If you like my recommendations and tips, you can support me on my newly created account on BuyMeACoffee - Link here! Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range 1 to 105 year olds River Rhine Travel Style Family, Group +2 more Operated in English +2 more Operator Crucemundo -30% Tour length 8 days Price per day $155 From $1,773 US $1,241 +$123 upfront costs You save: $532 Book With Flexibility Download Brochure View tour View Map River Cruise A travel day isnt much of a sightseeing day, so if you change cities every day or two, youll have very little time to see the things youve actually gone all that way to see. Here are thebest first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks(in much greater detail). In the winter, Chamonix is a skiers paradise, with numerous ski areas, cross-country skiing trails, and snowshoeing options. Day 5: Lucerne. 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. The train ride, or drive, from Lucerne to Interlaken is scenic. First, my suggestion is to book a hotel in Geneva or Montrezx and do day trips from there. If you chose one or the other you could probably see the whole Top 20 (or close to it), but if you chose both you could see the Top 10 in each country. Barcelona and Venice are among the most popular departure ports and you can find cruises that go west or east from those places as well as cruises that drop you in another part of Europe or cruises that return to the departure port. I cover this best cheap Europe itinerary more fully in the linked article. You surely cannot go wrong with planning a Germany and Switzerland itinerary to see some of the most beautiful places in Europe. However, it is not on many Switzerland itineraries though it should be. 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 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. Getting around via trains and buses is actually easy and, overall, okay in Germany. As summer of 2023 approaches, its clear that this is going to be a busy travel season, especially compared to the last few pandemic years. London is the obvious place to start and spend 3 or 4 nights before taking the train north. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe. The complete overview of the two weeks I spent Eurailing around France, Switzerland, and Germany! Spend the afternoon and evening in the cute town of Fssen and have dinner here before continuing your journey to Switzerland. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially in popular tourist destinations like Montreux, Lake Geneva, and Chamonix. 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. Germany. Rest of Europe Itinerary - Switzerland, France and Germany - AKDMC If you dont want to spend much time in London you could take a train up to Hull on your arrival day or the day after. 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). Arrive early Thurs AM in Geneva. From its historic buildings to its stunning natural scenery, Annecy is a perfect destination for a day trip from Geneva or a longer stay. . Walk on the Peak Walk by Tissot: The Peak Walk by Tissot is a unique suspension bridge that connects two peaks at Glacier 3000. Here are some must-see sights and activities in Lausanne for a day trip: Visit the Olympic Museum: Lausanne is the home of the International Olympic Committee, and the Olympic Museum is a must-see for sports enthusiasts. Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, explore the old town area (Altstadt) and check off Grossmnster, Fraumnster Church, The Rathaus (old hall), take in the Limmat River views from Lindenhof Hill, and more. From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Germanys capital is for sure an interesting place to visit. Free rebooking. Find the best 10 day tours to France and Switzerland with TourRadar. My advice is to spend an afternoon looking around the Grand Place (main square) in Brussels and then hop a 58-minute train ride to Bruges for a night or two. Let me know! Here are some must-see sights and activities in Montreux for a day trip: Chteau de Chillon: This castle is located on a small island on Lake Geneva and is one of Switzerlands most visited historic monuments. If you are a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA), you do not need a visa to visit Switzerland or France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period as a tourist or for business purposes. Very popular! The large cities here such as Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Basel are all fairly dull and very expensive, so its better to minimize your time in any of them and head straight to the smaller scenic towns. 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). Alpine lakes ripple with pristine waters reflecting the encompassing mountainsides. Walk along the lakeside promenade: Montreuxs lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Visit the Montreux Jazz Festival: If youre lucky enough to be in Montreux during the summer months, you can experience one of the worlds most famous music festivals. 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. This itinerary takes you through the best of Switzerland in a short 5 days. Switzerland Itinerary: How to Spend 7 to 21 Days in Switzerland 10 Best France and Switzerland Tours & Trips 2023/2024 - TourRadar Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that youve got a wide variety of choices. Given the geography, it is quite easy to visit both countries on one trip, one after another. The French Swiss countryside and the area around Murten merit more time if you have a car. 10 Day France and Switzerland Tours & Trips - TourRadar WHERE TO STAY FOR THIS SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE ITINERARY? 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. 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. 10 Amazing Days in Switzerland - Itinerary by Scenic Trains Some things to do in Zurich. Walk across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you only have 7 days then youll find a list below of classic itineraries that are well-suited to a first visit to Europe. Switzerland. Report inappropriate content Hambagahle Canton of Valais. Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system, with reliable trains and buses that run frequently and efficiently. Take a stroll, enjoy the fresh air, and soak up the stunning views of the lake and mountains. 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. You could do Paris to Amsterdam to Berlin to Prague in a very efficient train journey, and then fly back to Paris for the flight home. As alluring as cruising the Med may be, a river cruise on the Rhine or Danube might suit you even better. Where is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Located? If you are not a citizen of the EU or EFTA, you may need a visa depending on your nationality. On your way up or down make sure to also see Seealpsee (a beautiful mountain lake) and rest before continuing your journey. With that itinerary, you have seen some of the most beautiful places in Germany and Switzerland in only 7 days. Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes Montreux is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is famous for its beautiful promenade, lovely climate, and magnificent views of the Alps. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Switzerland on a Budget // What I Spent in 10 Days in Switzerland Two Week Eurail Itinerary Want to steal my Eurail itinerary? My husbands grandmother was born in Hull, England so a partial day stop would be of interest to us. You could spend 3 days in Amsterdam, 3 days in Paris, and in between you could spend a day in Bruges and a day in Cologne. Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes. With two weeks you could visit places like Bologna and Modena in Italy, but youd be missing Paris. Youll enjoy the train rides almost as much as the cities, so focus on places that are within 5 hours of each other by train. From Lugano, drive to Zermatt (crossing again through Italy) and resume the above itinerary, visiting Luzern at the end before returning to Zrich. If you were to get up to Mont Blanc yourself, you should know that climbing Mont Blanc is a serious undertaking and requires proper preparation, training, and equipment. Here is a quick overview of an ideal Switzerland 8 Day Itinerary that starts in Zurich and also finishes in Zurich. In France, trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel between cities, with high-speed trains linking major destinations. Visit the Alpine Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region at this museum, which has exhibits on mountaineering, skiing, and more. Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. 1. Day 3: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen. You might have seen my article about France and Italy itineraries for up to 2 weeks. Stroll around Old Town: Genevas Old Town is a charming and historic area filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. If you buy water bottles in Germany (or soft drinks in bottles or cans), you have to pay a. 13 Days Itinerary to Italy, Switzerland and France for a Good Mix of Europe Italy, Switzerland and France are the classic must-visits for Central Europe, each with its own unique culture, scenery and architecture. You have amazing mountain peaks in Switzerland but if you want to enjoy views from Germanys highest mountain, Zugspitze, then you can also take a cable car to get up or you hike up. The Netherlands is obviously going to be chilly in February, but you can still have a good time. Some Things to do in Lake Thun. 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. Enjoy snow activities: Glacier 3000 is a winter wonderland with plenty of snow activities to enjoy. 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. Its hard to do much sightseeing on a travel day. Fantastic suggestions. If Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and the bad witch planned a getaway together, this would be their itinerary. The cable car ride is an experience in itself, with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. 11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks The castle now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the village and the surrounding region. Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation. Maybe want to add just one party night in the club or something but we dont know which city will be best. 9 Day Western Europe Road Trip Itinerary Our trip began with a flight into Paris, France. Click here to find the rates for a Swiss Travel Pass. France Itinerary Great Britain itinerary Greek Islands Itinerary Italy Itinerary Spain Itinerary Switzerland Itinerary Slovenia and Croatia in Summer London to Europe without the Eurostar City Guides open Back City Guides Amsterdam Barcelona Berlin Budapest Edinburgh Florence Paris Prague Stockholm Trains in Europe open Back Trains in Europe 6.7 French Riviera: Cannes, St Tropez, Cassis and Marseille. Yvoire is a charming medieval village located on the shores of Lake Geneva in France. First time; so excited! Your email address will not be published. Overall, Yvoire is a charming village with plenty to see and do, and it makes for a great day trip from Geneva. MORE ABOUT ITHERE. It can make a wonderful day trip from Geneva. While I normally recommend staying 2 days in Zurich, one day is good to see the main sights. Spend 2 days exploring the Lake Geneva region where you can visit Lavaux, Chillon Castle and Vevey. Another difficulty is that the trains between them are still quite slow compared to the high-speed rail in the West, so it takes most of a day from one to another, and a bus is often a better choice. Geneva also boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as outdoor attractions like parks and gardens. $640 days. 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. Family Tour - Switzerland and France - 7 Days - Tripadvisor 20 helpful votes. Europe - France, Switzerland, and German Trip Itinerary:Feedback Please - Hello Fodor's Travel Community, I'll be traveling on a solo backtracking trip for 5 weeks to Belgium, France, Switzerland . Athens, Greece The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Explore three of Scandinavia's great cities on this Europe itinerary. Explore the castles courtyards, halls, and towers, and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Day 4: Montreux. 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. Then, early in the morning, continue your journey. From lakes, parks to museums, historical sites, and shopping opportunities: Munich has something for everyone. Visit the Mer de Glace Glacier: This is one of the largest glaciers in Europe and can be accessed by a funicular train. Yes, I meant Interlaken. Berlin is the capital and the most interesting city in the country by quite a bit, and its also pleasantly affordable compared to the other large cities in Germany. Day 6: Panoramic views from Jungfrau. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! Day 1: Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Germany and Switzerland are both fascinating countries to visit both offer diverse attractions and activities. Switzerlands charming towns of Montreux and Lausanne offer picturesque lakeside scenery and stunning Gothic architecture, while the shimmering Lake Geneva and its surrounding mountains provide a backdrop for unforgettable adventures. ), and Amsterdam. They are all more or less on the way between Amsterdam and Paris so they are convenient. This South Germany Itinerary does its best at showing you some of the best that Bavaria has to offer. The BEST France and Switzerland road trip itinerary through the Alps Even if you flew to, say, Barcelona, it will still be fairly cold so I dont think its worth it. Its not like trying to visit, say, the US AND Mexico on the same trip. However, to see some of the best places these countries have to offer, you will need to travel to some degree. min. We would like to include London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland. Read more aboutwhere to go in Switzerlandfor even more ideas. 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! Take a boat tour of Lake Annecy: Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in Europe. Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. Day 3: Transfer from Amsterdam to Paris by train. 3 Weeks in Europe: 15 Perfect Europe Itinerary Ideas [2023] Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities as well and its easy to reach with a 3-hour train ride from Paris, so Id start with those two. 2. 9 Day Western Europe Road Trip Itinerary: France to Switzerland However, there are a lot of construction projects on the motorways which often result in traffic jams. The castle features an art museum that showcases local history and culture, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Annecy. We started our trip in Zrich and continued onward to Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and St. Moritz. With two weeks you could have a really great introduction to both France AND Italy if you wanted. You can stroll around and visit sights like the Gothic-style Lausanne Cathedral and the Place de la Palud. 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. Especially for first-time visitors to Europe, Italy might be the most popular destination of all, and for good reason. Let me know if you have any other questions and Ill be happy to try to help. Ultimate Germany and Switzerland Itinerary (7-14 Days) - Arzo Travels 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. Relax at a spa: After a day of skiing or hiking, unwind at one of the many spas in Chamonix, which offer massages, saunas, and other treatments. In other words, its kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if youve not yet been to France or Italy. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day, as tap water is safe to drink in both countries. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and higher prices, the shoulder season of May and October can also be a good time to visit. Tip: Since prices in Fssen (which are quite high for Germany) are still cheaper than in Switzerland, I suggest spending the night here. 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. The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days. Learn at the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, Check out more tips for Schloss Neuschwanstein here, Eibsee or Rothenburg ob der Tauber 1 Day, Swim in Lake Zurich (and do a boat Cruise). Enjoy! Just walk around the Eibsee and have a picnic. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. 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. And any suggestions for the night club? Id spend 3 nights there for sure. This includes 4 of my 5 great cities for Europe trips, in a very efficient route. Its a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the views of Lake Geneva. 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. Trains depart from Geneva Cornavin train station and arrive at Annecy train station. For Sweden I would go to Stockholm, and for Norway I would go to Bergen, which is far more beautiful and interesting than Oslo. However, with 14 days, start your itinerary in Berlin and spend 1,5-2 days there. If you prefer to focus your first Europe trip on England and Scotland, you can have a great time and save the Continent for next time. Honestly, unless you have a specific reason why not, this is probably the best one-week itinerary for most first-time visitors to Europe. However, due to the high altitude, the main tips I can give you are to be prepared for cold temperatures (even in the summer months) and take appropriate precautions to avoid altitude sickness. The Aescher is a mountain restaurant located on Ebenalp Mountain in the Alpstein area. For your first trip its best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart. You could even stop in Brussels for a few hours on your way to Bruges (you have to change trains there anyway) and see all three. Even though taking a plane from Berlin to Munich may sound better at first, you will not save tons of time considering that the airport in Munich is very far from the city center, and then add in all the check-in times, etc. We arrived on an early morning flight and headed right to the rental car booth to pick-up our rental and then we were off on our first day's adventure! >>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries. Transportation: Train travel in Switzerland and France can be quite expensive, but its also a very efficient and convenient way to get around. Bruges is really gorgeous and it will be much quieter than Amsterdam that time of the year, however they are somewhat similar otherwise. If you road trip, plan in some time at Brning Pass and have a cold drink while parking your car and enjoying the views. 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. Hi, I am Arzo. Florence is a highly recommended stop after Venice, as its the capital of the Tuscany region and also arguably Europes most important city for a couple hundred years. Cities like London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, and Barcelona are all large and packed with world-class things to see and do. Day 6: Glacier Express. 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. Im so happy that you have found this information to be useful and Ill try to help more. Hotel pickup offered Mobile ticket Only . End with 3 days experiencing the top sights and attractions of Paris. $300. . Free Epic Germany Itinerary: 2 weeks plus Austria Switzerland France! You could even fly into Paris and then take a train to Amsterdam then Berlin and then Prague, and then pick another couple of places before a flight to Athens. 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. 17 reviews. That surely will not be the most budget-friendly trip you can take, but it is a trip to remember! Seriously, its worth a visit. Some visitors like to see the famous WWII beaches and memorials, while others (especially in summer) like to check out one or more of the beach-resort towns. Im not a big fan of Brussels for a long stay, but the Grand Place (main city square) is one of Europes most impressive and it would be easy to reach and visit. Nestled between the Swiss Alps, this town offers the chance to have a city trip while being surrounded by stunning nature. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. One day in Lucerne is not a lot, so make the most of it by not arriving late. 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. 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. Check out my post on top activities to do in Interlaken for more tips. The roads are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. If you spend too long in one city youll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there. In this situation (and weather) what would you suggest is a good itinerary for the days we are there? Two nights in Venice would not be wasted time, and its possibly the most gorgeous city in the entire world, but you can see the best of it in a bit over 24 hours. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey. Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes Either way, it surely will be fun! Take a walk and discover hidden gems like St. Pierre Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, and the Place du Bourg-de-Four. How To Plan a Trip to Europe: Sample Travel Itineraries - Go Seek Explore -Roger. Any suggestions Roger would be most appreciated. He has never been to Europe and we have friends going that have never been before either. 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. It provides an unforgettable experience of the stunning natural beauty of the region. Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes In Switzerland, I suggest adding Zurich to your itinerary for one day. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. It is quite a big city, but thanks to good public transportation, you can get around easily and see some of the best places in a short time. You can check the schedules and purchase tickets on the Flixbus or Ouibus websites. The architecture all over France is a highlight, and of course Paris has some of the most famous structures on earth including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre museum. If you plan to go skiing, bring warm and waterproof ski clothing, including gloves, a hat, and goggles. Pay tribute to one of the greatest rock stars of all time and take a photo with the statue. Suggested Itineraries | Travel Itineraries in Europe | Train - Eurail $640 days. Venice is small enough that you can see the main sights in about 24 hours, and its so insanely crowded that many people tire of it after about a day as well. However, in Switzerland, you will find out what beyond breathtaking scenery really means. You cannot go with when choosing public transportation in Switzerland. The town itself is charming, with traditional Alpine architecture, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. With lakes, mountains, delicious food, charming villages and expert . I would go as far as saying, Montreux is one of the most beautiful places in all of Switzerland. Food and drink: Dining out in Switzerland and France can also be pricey, especially in tourist areas. Trip Route: Two Weeks Germany itinerary: Getting around Arriving in Germany Rhine River Valley Moselle River Valley France The black Forest (Schwartzwald!) Ranking Utah National Parks from Best to Worst, Ultimate Guide to Starting a Travel Blog and Making Money.

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