Lausanne is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Olympic Museum which celebrates the citys history as the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. 2. Walk along the canals: Annecy is known as the Venice of the Alps for its many canals and waterways. After Paris you could take a train to Interlaken and spend a few days around there to visit Europes best scenery. By train: There are regular train services that run between Geneva and Annecy, with a journey time of around 90 minutes. If you like my recommendations and tips, you can support me on my newly created account on BuyMeACoffee - Link here! DAY 3: Zermatt. Then, early in the morning, continue your journey. . There are several car rental companies in Geneva. If you plan to go skiing, bring warm and waterproof ski clothing, including gloves, a hat, and goggles. 10 Day France and Switzerland Tours & Trips - TourRadar However, with 14 days, start your itinerary in Berlin and spend 1,5-2 days there. So, today I share my favorite tips with you, so that you can have a fantastic trip to Germany and Switzerland. 17 Days. Day 3 - Interlaken and Lake Brienz. Mountain streets are usually a bit more challenging, but overall, I looooove driving in Switzerland. You can also sample local cuisine, including Swiss chocolate. And overall its just so overwhelming, do you have any ideas about cities we must visit for this 3weeks trip in between Paris and Athens please? At the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Alps, including Mont Blanc, as well as a range of activities such as the Step into the Void, a glass box that extends over a 1,000-meter drop, giving visitors the sensation of standing in mid-air. Especially if you buy them well in advance, the flights within Europe will be cheap. 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. We flew into Paris, spent 3 days touring the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, [] Subscribe * indicates required 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. You can either stay overnight at a guest house, which is located even higher than the Aescher, or you can book a room in the cute and colorful village of Appenzell. The French Swiss countryside and the area around Murten merit more time if you have a car. Rest of Europe Itinerary - Switzerland, France and Germany - AKDMC They are all more or less on the way between Amsterdam and Paris so they are convenient. Its really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. 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. You also mentioned Sweden and Norway, which could be reached by cheap flights out of any large city (including Zurich). 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. Especially for first-time visitors to Europe, Italy might be the most popular destination of all, and for good reason. Day 5: Transfer from Paris to Lucerne by train. 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). Per person. If you take the train, make sure to take the Luzern-Interlaken Express (not all train rides have the same route and the Express trains are normally the most scenic ones). I confess we are a bit overwhelmed with all the choices. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. Report inappropriate content Hambagahle Canton of Valais. The country has a famous Big 3 destinations in Rome, Florence, and Venice, which are all teaming with worthwhile sights and they are conveniently located fairly short train rides from each other. 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. This 13 days itinerary is designed to give you a good balance of sights, sounds and experiences. DO I NEED A VISIT FOR FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND, WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A FRANCE + SWITZERLAND TRIP, WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE, PLACES TO VISIT FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY, FINAL THOUGHTS ON A SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE ITINERARY, FRANCE AND GERMANY ITINERARY IN 7-10 DAYS, BEST PLACES FOR PARAGLIDING IN SWITZERLAND, 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. 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. With a mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and cultural richness, a trip to Switzerland and France is sure to be a memorable and unforgettable experience. 6.5 Portofino / Santa Margherita Ligure. When packing for the above-mentioned itinerary to France and Switzerland, its important to pack for varying weather conditions and activities. Its also reasonably close to Stonehenge. Read more aboutwhere to go in Switzerlandfor even more ideas. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps, with an elevation of 4,810 meters (15,780 feet). Food and drink: Dining out in Switzerland and France can also be pricey, especially in tourist areas. 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. Free rebooking. Thanks to good public transportation in both countries you can just lay back and enjoy window views while getting around or you can rent a car and explore both countries by car. Im happy to help more if you have further questions. Some Things to do in Lucerne. Best of Germany, Austria & Switzerland in 14 Days Tour - Rick Steves Here are some general considerations for the costs of the above itinerary: Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Geneva and other Swiss cities can be quite high, especially during peak tourist season. Then it is time to head to the final destination may I introduce you to my most favorite area in the world? Some things to do in Zurich. Located right at the foot of Zugspitze mountain it is a perfect place to explore what the German Alps have to offer. Fantastic suggestions. And if you can make it happen, try to visit Switzerland and Germany for 14 days or at least 10 days. If you road trip, plan in some time at Brning Pass and have a cold drink while parking your car and enjoying the views. Suggested Duration. 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. Enjoy! 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. 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. 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 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. 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. This South Germany Itinerary does its best at showing you some of the best that Bavaria has to offer. The most popular options after Paris would be Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome) or Spain (Barcelona and Madrid), and in April the weather would be nice in those places, and still fairly chilly if you went north to, say, Amsterdam. Geneva also boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as outdoor attractions like parks and gardens. We want to see as many as we can but also still wanna enjoy it and not rushing it. Choose from 16 tours with 120 real tour reviews. That's if you're a mountain lover like I am. Travel time around 12 hours (with Eibsee) in total or 17 hours (Rothenburg ob der Tauber). 2 days in Switzerland Itinerary: Explore Zurich + Rhine Falls + Rapperswil. Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2023. Maybe want to add just one party night in the club or something but we dont know which city will be best. It will be the first stop in Switzerland coming from Germany. And while Interlaken itself is cute, the scenery is actually what makes this place amazing. Buses are also available, especially for shorter trips or for travel to smaller towns not serviced by trains. Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes 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. The trains are not always on time, some connections might be canceled, and it isnt cheap. Let me know if youd like more guidance with putting together a more specific itinerary. The first stage takes visitors from Chamonix to Plan de lAiguille, a height of 2,317 meters, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Thank you!! Its picturesque streets and historic buildings, including a 14th-century castle, make it a popular destination. But these places are still stunning so there is no compromise on the beauty, just on travel duration. In all honesty, I do think Annecy is the most beautiful French town! Here are the best ways to get to Yvoire from Geneva and what to do when you get there: Once you arrive in Yvoire, there are plenty of things to do and see: Explore the medieval village: Yvoire is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, and a stroll through the village is like stepping back in time. 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. Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes The Perfect 5-Day Switzerland Itinerary - Practical Wanderlust However, in Switzerland, you will find out what beyond breathtaking scenery really means. From $4,499 USD pp* Save up to $200. I have been running this blog since 2015. Whether you come here in winter or during any other season, this place doesnt disappoint. Take a walk along the canals and enjoy the picturesque views of the town. Travel the Golden Pass route to Montreux, and exit via Lausanne or Geneva to Paris. Id spend three days in Amsterdam if you havent been there before as its absolutely one of the Top 5 cities to visit in Europe. 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. That is my first suggestion for that time of year and 8 days. How To Plan a Trip to Europe: Sample Travel Itineraries - Go Seek Explore If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. 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. Per day. The most colourful road trip in Europe: France, Switzerland & Italy This 2-week itinerary will allow you to visit even more places in Germany, as well as in Switzerland. Some Things to do in Interlaken. Its hard to do much sightseeing on a travel day. Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany Student Tour with optional Berlin & Salzburg Extension Trip Length: 9 - 12 days Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes 10 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY ITINERARY Munich - 1,5 Day Neuschwanstein Castle & Fssen - 1 Day Eibsee or Rothenburg ob der Tauber - 1 Day Zurich - 1 Day Lucerne - 1,5 Day Interlaken - 3,5 Days Travel time around 12 hours (with Eibsee) in total or 17 hours (Rothenburg ob der Tauber) ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER - 1 DAY Day 8: Zurich. It depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Geneva is a city in Switzerland located on the banks of Lake Geneva. 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! Its an amazing place that will not disappoint. Its better to pay more for a hotel to be on the main island and visit quickly than to save money with a hotel on the mainland where youll be in crowds going back and forth as well. Depending on the length of your stay, I suggest changing hotels 2-3 times. Bath is another of Englands top destinations and its a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. This sounds like a great first trip. Switzerland 10 Day Itinerary Map Hi, thanks for this post. Just walk around the Eibsee and have a picnic. Explore three of Scandinavia's great cities on this Europe itinerary. Tip: If you visit Eibsee and Fssen/Neuschwanstein Castle, I suggest visiting Eibsee first and then go to Neuschwanstein Castle. Overall, Yvoire is a charming village with plenty to see and do, and it makes for a great day trip from Geneva. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh. So, as a German and Switzerland enthusiast, I share my tips for having an amazing time in Switzerland and Germany. Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Even with so few days in Germany, it is a perfect day trip as it is also close to the Swiss border. For Sweden I would go to Stockholm, and for Norway I would go to Bergen, which is far more beautiful and interesting than Oslo. 6.7 French Riviera: Cannes, St Tropez, Cassis and Marseille. Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but its also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. Lausanne is a picturesque city in Switzerland located on the shores of Lake Geneva. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. 4. However, in smaller shops and villages, that might not be the case. $0. Stroll around Old Town: Genevas Old Town is a charming and historic area filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. Munich is wealthier and more relaxed, and different from Berlin in many other ways as well. I love trips like this and Im happy to help with more advice if you need it. If you buy water bottles in Germany (or soft drinks in bottles or cans), you have to pay a. We would also like to visit Paris, Switzerland (Interlaken maybe? Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. 20 helpful votes. Tip: Since prices in Fssen (which are quite high for Germany) are still cheaper than in Switzerland, I suggest spending the night here. 4. You will not get free tap water with your food (you might get a little glass of tap water if you order an espresso). If you prefer to focus on the south of England on your first trip then the best option is to go to Bath or nearby Bristol after London. While I normally recommend staying 2 days in Zurich, one day is good to see the main sights. Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better), Your email address will not be published. Its not like trying to visit, say, the US AND Mexico on the same trip. If youve decided to finally explore Europe for the first time, its quite possible that you havent considered doing it on a cruise. 9 Days In Switzerland, Paris, Amsterdam: How To Plan It Right Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass or other regional travel pass to save money on transportation costs. 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. For your first trip its best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart. different Swiss Travel Passes available regarding flexibility and duration. Switzerland Itinerary: Where to Go in Switzerland by Rick Steves You can stroll around and visit sights like the Gothic-style Lausanne Cathedral and the Place de la Palud. We would like to see London, England, maybe Scotland. Since traveling from one city to another will take at least half a day, you dont want to waste more time by visiting far-flung cities. Admire the architecture and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area. 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. Three nights is a sweet spot as it gives you two full sightseeing days where you wake up and go to sleep in the place you are visiting. Germany, France, Switzerland - Itinerary (Romantic Trip) Price. 3 Weeks in Europe: 15 Perfect Europe Itinerary Ideas [2023] However, compared to places that do not have any train service, I guess we Germans should consider ourselves lucky. 9 Day Western Europe Road Trip Itinerary Our trip began with a flight into Paris, France. However, it is very popular amongst visitors from all around the world, so be prepared to rub shoulders with many of them. 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? Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria are all very close together, making it super easy to see them all. 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. 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. Of course, it is a lot about Mont Blanc (which I will talk about more in detail later on), and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace Glacier. If this will be your first trip to Europe, you are not alone. EU Holidays Xanne Lim Apr 11th, 2016 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. 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. Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. This itinerary takes you through the best of Switzerland in a short 5 days. 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. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day, as tap water is safe to drink in both countries. 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. 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. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Then, I recommend staying 1 or 2 nights in Annecy in France before you get to Chamonix where I suggest staying 1-3 nights. By public transportation: I suggest, taking a train from Geneva to the pretty town of Nyon, Switzerland, and then taking a ferry across Lake Geneva to Yvoire. Take a walk through the narrow streets and admire the stone houses and colorful flower gardens. 8 hours (approx.) Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. This includes 4 of my 5 great cities for Europe trips, in a very efficient route. Germany and Switzerland are both fascinating countries to visit both offer diverse attractions and activities. ), and Amsterdam. Eibsee Lake, Zugspitze Mountain Austria The Romantic Road Rothenburg ob der Tauber Wurzburg Palace, Germany In other words, its kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if youve not yet been to France or Italy. 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. If you do not want to take the detour (which is somehow understandable since it takes about 2,5-3 hours one way) then I suggest heading to Eibsee which is Germanys prettiest lake close to Neuschwanstein Castle. Try Swiss wine: Lausanne is in the heart of Switzerlands wine country, and you can visit local vineyards to taste the local wines. If you can read this article then London will be easy for language reasons. Leaving. Hopefully this helps a bit and Im happy to try to answer other questions if you have them. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. With this Switzerland and France itinerary, I recommend spending at least 7-10 days to allow for enough time to explore each destination and take day trips to nearby attractions. -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. Hopefully you have more than 7 days though, and if you do you can add in one or more of the suggested add-on cities to build an itinerary that appeals most to you. Overall, its possible to enjoy a trip to France and Switzerland on a budget, but it may require some planning and research to find the best deals and affordable options. $640 days. 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. Website Design by Anchored Design, 25 Photos That Will Inspire You to Spend Christmas in Europe, 10 of the Best Places to Visit Europe in the Fall, Ultimate Guide for The Best Christmas Markets in Europe, The Best Places to Visit Europe in October, Explore what life is really like as an influencer and traveler. Annecy is a charming town with plenty of sights and activities to keep visitors entertained. As you can see, you can combine your Switzerland and Germany trip quite easily. I recommend that youfocus on these 5 great citiesbefore you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places. Cities like London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, and Barcelona are all large and packed with world-class things to see and do. Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. 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. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities and towns, as well as hiking boots if you plan to go hiking in the mountains. Ultimate Germany and Switzerland Itinerary (7-14 Days) - Arzo Travels Save. So with that in mind you can go in any direction you like and then have a flight booked from your last stop to Athens.
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