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. There is surely no shortage of activities. The France and Switzerland itinerary is packed with scenic beauty, outdoor activities, history, and culture. Getting around via trains and buses is actually easy and, overall, okay in Germany. . 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! Liechtenstein. You can visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and Trevi Fountain in two days if you are organized. Take a walk through the narrow streets and admire the stone houses and colorful flower gardens. If this will be your first trip to Europe, you are not alone. Bring light, breathable clothes for warm days, and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and higher altitudes. Day 2: Luzern. 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 Additionally, you could consider adding other nearby destinations, such as Zermatt or Interlaken in Switzerland, if you have more time available. 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. 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. You could do Venice and Rome or Barcelona and Madrid. Im travelling with my kids 6 and 10 years old & we will be starting and ending our journey in Netherlands. I am all about great views, amazing lakes, mountains and city breaks in between. So, as a German and Switzerland enthusiast, I share my tips for having an amazing time in Switzerland and Germany. 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. 20 helpful votes. Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. 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. Day 4 - Lake Thun. Skiing and snowboarding: Chamonix has several ski areas, including Les Houches and Brevent-Flegere, with over 150 kilometers of ski runs. >>>Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail. Honestly, unless you have a specific reason why not, this is probably the best one-week itinerary for most first-time visitors to Europe. Germany, France, and Switzerland. 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? Below youll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Here is a quick overview of an ideal Switzerland 8 Day Itinerary that starts in Zurich and also finishes in Zurich. York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Hi, I am Arzo. ), and Amsterdam. min. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. 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. 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. Then you could take a train up to Edinburgh for a couple days and then fly from there to Amsterdam. I did not realize there were multiple pages you could leave comments. First, my suggestion is to book a hotel in Geneva or Montrezx and do day trips from there. With two weeks you could visit places like Bologna and Modena in Italy, but youd be missing Paris. Appenzellerland has become popular because of the stunning mountain restaurant, the Aescher. 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. 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. I'd suggest going in a much more logical order! Well fly to Paris as our first city then well depart from Athens as the last. Layers of clothing to accommodate the varying weather conditions. Fantastic suggestions. A day trip on a 33-minute train ride from Madrid to Toledo is very worthwhile, although there are many other options. 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. The train service gets really slow and infrequent as you get within 2 or 3 countries of Greece, and its not worth spending days going through Serbia, Romania, and/or Bulgaria. A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is an unforgettable experience that will take you directly to the heart of the Swiss Alps. 4. 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. I have been running this blog since 2015. You can book this service through various companies, such as Alps2Alps or Geneva Airport Transfers. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy The port isnt very close to Rome, but its easy to get back and forth. 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. First time to Europe for all of us. $0. Though Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland, it is the busiest and biggest city with the most expensive shopping street in the world (Bahnhofsstrasse), a beautiful lake, and an old town that you should not miss during your day there. If you dont like Sparkling water, then shy away from Wasser mit Kohlensure and ask for still water. The town itself is charming, with traditional Alpine architecture, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. Can you help me with the itinerary? 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. $40. The key is to stay in the main part of the main island so you can enjoy Venice before the cruise passengers and day-trippers arrive, and also after they leave for the day. 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. 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. Our son is studying abroad from May-July. Ships starting in Venice go south and then head west and to Rome and then to France, or they go south to Croatia and then head east to Greece. 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. We've got 58 tours going to France and Switzerland, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 15 days. Youll have a great trip no matter what you choose. KG. 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. You will loose a lot of sightseeing time because you will spend too much time travelling. 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. Its a small town that is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, but its an interesting and charming place on its own. Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2023. Places to go, if we should stay more or less than 3 days at each, day trips, and any other recommendations you can think of. The cable car ride is an experience in itself, with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Each of these cities is beautiful and historic, but English is less widely spoken so they can also be quite a bit more challenging for a first-time visitor. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. 6.5 Portofino / Santa Margherita Ligure. . We have booked our flights round trip from DC to LGW for June 2023 July 2023 25 days. 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. That is also why I preferred Lucerne over Zurich for this itinerary. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. >>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries. 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. You might have seen my other article about the 5 best cities for a first trip to Europe and that could be worth considering because youve got enough time for those and a couple more as well. Would like suggestions on itinerary. 2. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Stroll around Old Town: Genevas Old Town is a charming and historic area filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. 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. 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. 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. The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days. The crowds will come, so early in the morning is really the best time to leave Munich). Thanks in advance for your help. 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. If you are not a citizen of the EU or EFTA, you may need a visa depending on your nationality. Venice, Italy The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but its easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. The best way to get around for the above-mentioned France and Switzerland itinerary would be a combination of trains, buses, and boats. From lakes, parks to museums, historical sites, and shopping opportunities: Munich has something for everyone. Walk along the canals: Annecy is known as the Venice of the Alps for its many canals and waterways. 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. Visit the Alpine Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region at this museum, which has exhibits on mountaineering, skiing, and more. Activities: Entrance fees for attractions such as cable cars, museums, and historical sites can also add up quickly. However, it is very popular amongst visitors from all around the world, so be prepared to rub shoulders with many of them. 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. 10 years ago. 1. The roads are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. If youve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one. From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. If youve decided to finally explore Europe for the first time, its quite possible that you havent considered doing it on a cruise. 11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks, 3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities, best choice for your first trip to Europe, Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail, best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales, article about the best France and Italy itineraries, best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks, where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks, spending 3 nights in almost any city you visit, France and Italy itineraries for up to 2 weeks, Westminster Abbey and St. Pauls Cathedral, West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs, Montmartre neighborhood and Sacr Coeur Cathedral, Probably the worlds best affordable restaurants and wine, Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours. Some Things to do in Interlaken. Travel the Golden Pass route to Montreux, and exit via Lausanne or Geneva to Paris. The castle features an art museum that showcases local history and culture, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Annecy. min. Day 4: Eiffel Tower and the Seine Sightseeing Cruise. Visit the Jardin des Cinq Sens: This beautiful botanical garden is located just outside the village walls and is filled with plants and flowers that are organized by color and scent. Here I share my travel tips the good, the bad, and the ugly to help you plan your trips! France and Switzerland can be considered relatively expensive destinations, especially in cities and tourist areas. -Roger. 6.6 St Paul de Vence. Day 5: Transfer from Paris to Lucerne by train. Walk along the lakeside promenade: Montreuxs lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline as you twist and turn down the slopes. 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. 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. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities and towns, as well as hiking boots if you plan to go hiking in the mountains. We do intend on having another holiday in Europe in the next few years so really want to concentrate on one area if you know what I mean and not spend too much time travelling. In 3 weeks youve got a lot of options, and Id recommend trying to choose 6 to 8 total cities. $2495 (priced double occupancy, not including airfare) Germanys capital is for sure an interesting place to visit. Any suggestions Roger would be most appreciated. Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. Just keep your eyes open and exercise common sense, and you should be fine as both are quite safe travel destinations overall. And if you can make it happen, try to visit Switzerland and Germany for 14 days or at least 10 days. Switzerland. 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. Winter is also a great time to visit Switzerland for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, especially in the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc area, but be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter days. In the winter, Chamonix is a skiers paradise, with numerous ski areas, cross-country skiing trails, and snowshoeing options. A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is a great way to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Transportation: Train travel in Switzerland and France can be quite expensive, but its also a very efficient and convenient way to get around. Let me know! So, today I share my favorite tips with you, so that you can have a fantastic trip to Germany and Switzerland. I recommend that youfocus on these 5 great citiesbefore you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places. Trip Route: Two Weeks Germany itinerary: Getting around Arriving in Germany Rhine River Valley Moselle River Valley France The black Forest (Schwartzwald!) Germany and Switzerland are both fascinating countries to visit both offer diverse attractions and activities. 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. Tip: Since prices in Fssen (which are quite high for Germany) are still cheaper than in Switzerland, I suggest spending the night here. I also discuss Mediterranean cruises, which can actually be an amazing way to see a lot of Europe on your first visit, especially if you dont like going back and forth to train stations and airports every 2 or 3 days. Brussels isnt a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so its a better option for most people. 5 days - Switzerland, France, Germany I have 5 days in Europe, leaving Wed, June 19. Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. 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. However, you may be able to find more affordable options in smaller towns or by booking in advance. The trains are not always on time, some connections might be canceled, and it isnt cheap. Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them. Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. DAY 4: Jungfraujoch & Interlaken. 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. For example - Luzern and one of the . Seriously, its worth a visit. I have added Appenzellerland to this itinerary because the landscape is different from many other places in Switzerland. Day 1 - Arrive in Zurich & Explore. 5. 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. From St. Moritz we crossed the border into Italy and flew back home out of Milan. Find the best 10 day tours to France and Switzerland with TourRadar. With lakes, mountains, delicious food, charming villages and expert . If you arent much of a city person at all and you have a much stronger desire to see beautiful scenery and landscapes, then Switzerland could be a good choice for your first visit to Europe. Skip to main content. Let me know if you have any other questions and Ill be happy to try to help. 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.

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