france, germany, switzerland itinerarywhy is graham wardle leaving heartland
Its definitely worth checking to see if you can do an open jaw ticket or two round-trips, but if its much more expensive then its probably best to, for example, fly back from Paris to London for your flight home, as long as its from the same airport. This includes public transportation and eating out (in Switzerland, you should try to go vegetarian, as meat prices are high) but no alcohol. Day 6: Panoramic views from Jungfrau. Enjoy the stunning vistas of Lake Geneva, explore medieval villages, take cable car rides to the mountaintops, and indulge in world-class cuisine. In other words, its kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if youve not yet been to France or Italy. 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. 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 DAY 2: Bern. 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. As for your itinerary, Im sure itll be great and you are off to a good start. And while Interlaken itself is cute, the scenery is actually what makes this place amazing. 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. Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes. Day 4: Montreux. So many first-time visitors are initially planning on spending only 1 or 2 nights in major cities that I wrote a detailed explanation of why3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities, even if you want to see as much as possible. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU). Probably not. Thanks in advance for your help. Day 3 - Interlaken and Lake Brienz. However, there are a lot of construction projects on the motorways which often result in traffic jams. A trip to Switzerland and France is an amazing experience for a multitude of reasons. Heres a possible breakdown of how to spend your time: This adds up to around 10-12 days, but you could add an extra day or two to any of the destinations depending on your interests. By train: There are regular train services that run between Geneva and Annecy, with a journey time of around 90 minutes. Price. Day 5: Lucerne. Traveling from Fssen to Lucerne, whether by public transportation or car, will take several hours. 6.1 Colmar. 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. Day 5: Zermatt. Chamonix is a beautiful French Alpine town (also known as the Mont Blanc town), known for its stunning natural scenery and world-class skiing and hiking. Check out my tips for Switzerland on a budget here. Krakow and Lisbon are both fantastic cities to visit, but they are on opposite ends of Europe. Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Germanys capital is for sure an interesting place to visit. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh. York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. min. Skiing and snowboarding: Chamonix has several ski areas, including Les Houches and Brevent-Flegere, with over 150 kilometers of ski runs. 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. 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. Personally, it felt that no hills and mountains are greener and lusher than here, which makes driving here even more fun. 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. I understand your situation and fortunately youve got nothing but great options. 10 years ago. If you like my recommendations and tips, you can support me on my newly created account on BuyMeACoffee - Link here! Depending on the length of your stay, I suggest changing hotels 2-3 times. Overall, a combination of these modes of transportation will provide flexibility and allow for easy access to the many beautiful destinations in France and Switzerland. It leaves out London, which I think could be good for a future trip instead assuming he enjoys this one. FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY IN 7-14 DAYS FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY IN 7-14 DAYS April 15, 2023 by Arzo Travels FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY - EXPLORE THESE BEAUTIES A trip to Switzerland and France is an amazing experience for a multitude of reasons. France and Switzerland can be considered relatively expensive destinations, especially in cities and tourist areas. I cover most of the popular choices in my article onwhere to go in Germany, which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights. Munich is a perfect starting destination with a big airport and many trains arriving in Munich, it is easy to start international travel here. Im travelling with my kids 6 and 10 years old & we will be starting and ending our journey in Netherlands. The David stands proudly above you etched with magnificent detail. 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. 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. Then you could take a train up to Edinburgh for a couple days and then fly from there to Amsterdam. Walk on the Peak Walk by Tissot: The Peak Walk by Tissot is a unique suspension bridge that connects two peaks at Glacier 3000. Pay tribute to one of the greatest rock stars of all time and take a photo with the statue. 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. So would you rather visit numbers 1 to 20 in one country instead of numbers 1 to 10 in each? Any suggestions Roger would be most appreciated. 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. You will loose a lot of sightseeing time because you will spend too much time travelling. As you can see, you can combine your Switzerland and Germany trip quite easily. 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. Mountain streets are usually a bit more challenging, but overall, I looooove driving in Switzerland. 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. Fantastic suggestions. 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! This pleasantly-paced yet interesting itinerary will begin in Munich and take you from Bavaria into Austria, a Mecca of classical music, amazing Alpine views and pinot noir wines. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but its easily the second most interesting city in all of Britain. Per day. For the remaining two nights you wont have time to reach anywhere that wont be chilly, so you might as well stay in the same general area and make the best of it. If you like my recommendations and tips, you can support me on my newly created account on BuyMeACoffee - Link here! That was my first trip overseas, and one of the best times of my life. We are flexible at this point. You might have seen my article about France and Italy itineraries for up to 2 weeks. The easyJet flight may be only an hour or so, but it will take half a day with getting to an airport, checkin in an hour before departure, waiting for luggage, etc. After that, head to Lucerne and follow the itinerary I talk about for 7 days. Find the best 10 day tours to France and Switzerland with TourRadar. Munich is wealthier and more relaxed, and different from Berlin in many other ways as well. Very happy to use the train system to get around. The Montreux Jazz Festival takes place every July and features a lineup of top international artists. 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. I saw two other comments on other articles, but Ill delete those because this one seems to summarize it best. Ships go west to France and Spain as well as south around the tip of Italy and then on to Croatia, Venice, and to Greece. Eibsee Lake, Zugspitze Mountain Austria The Romantic Road Rothenburg ob der Tauber Wurzburg Palace, Germany Visit the Alpine Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region at this museum, which has exhibits on mountaineering, skiing, and more. Day 1: Zurich. Some Things to do in Lake Thun. 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. So, compared to the 10-day itinerary, you will have 2 new destinations and can spend 2 full days in Lucerne and Munich. France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany Student Tour with optional Berlin & Salzburg Extension Trip Length: 9 - 12 days Europe Itinerary: 16 Days in France, Switzerland, & Italy We spent 16 glorious days in Europe several years ago, visiting France, Switzerland and Italy. 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. Try Swiss wine: Lausanne is in the heart of Switzerlands wine country, and you can visit local vineyards to taste the local wines. For example - Luzern and one of the . That sounds like a great trip and your idea makes sense. Thank you!! Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria are all very close together, making it super easy to see them all. Hotel pickup offered Mobile ticket 1. You can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or even dog sledding in the winter. 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. Yes, I meant Interlaken. 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. 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. It sounds like you might not be interested in London, and if thats the case youll have a chance to see it in the future. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. 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. 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. That's if you're a mountain lover like I am. Transportation: Train travel in Switzerland and France can be quite expensive, but its also a very efficient and convenient way to get around. I would like to visit somewhere I havent been before, while making sure we still see a must city or two, even if it overlaps with somewhere Ive been. 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. Hello, Roger. The streets are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. 4. Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes 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. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes But these places are still stunning so there is no compromise on the beauty, just on travel duration. With the 5 remaining days I think you should visit two more places, and the most obvious is Paris, which is only about 3 hours away by high speed train. 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. Just keep your eyes open and exercise common sense, and you should be fine as both are quite safe travel destinations overall. There is surely no shortage of activities. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day. Price. 7 days split between France and Switzerland is NOT a good idea. Free . The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days. With lakes, mountains, delicious food, charming villages and expert . Hopefully this helps a bit and Im happy to try to answer other questions if you have them. One day in Lucerne is not a lot, so make the most of it by not arriving late. Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2023. Appenzellerland has become popular because of the stunning mountain restaurant, the Aescher. This 2-week itinerary will allow you to visit even more places in Germany, as well as in Switzerland. You will not get free tap water with your food (you might get a little glass of tap water if you order an espresso). Per person. Just walk around the Eibsee and have a picnic. I have spent many weeks in Interlaken and I am sure, I will never tire. 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. Let me know if you have any other questions and Ill be happy to try to help. Required fields are marked *. If youve got more than a week and want to spend more time in Scotland, especially in the summer months, the place to head to is Inverness. Below youll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Take a walk along the canals and enjoy the picturesque views of the town. Its hard to do much sightseeing on a travel day. Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. The weather may be slightly cooler, but the scenery is still breathtaking, and there are usually fewer tourists around. 6 Our Europe road trip itinerary. 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. Its picturesque streets and historic buildings, including a 14th-century castle, make it a popular destination. Its a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the views of Lake Geneva. Travel documents, including your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any necessary vaccination certificates. If youve decided to finally explore Europe for the first time, its quite possible that you havent considered doing it on a cruise. As alluring as cruising the Med may be, a river cruise on the Rhine or Danube might suit you even better. 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. He has never been to Europe and we have friends going that have never been before either. Id spend 3 nights there for sure. 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! Brussels isnt a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so its a better option for most people. From $4,499 USD pp* Save up to $200. 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. Day 1: Semois Valley in Belgium & Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Swimsuit, as there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and water activities in Lake Geneva and the surrounding areas. The castle features an art museum that showcases local history and culture, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Annecy. I am all about great views, amazing lakes, mountains and city breaks in between. 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. 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. Were travelling from Melbourne, Australia so its going to be a long flight whatever we decide . 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. It is known for its historic architecture, lively cultural scene, and beautiful parks and gardens. Especially if you buy them well in advance, the flights within Europe will be cheap. From its historic buildings to its stunning natural scenery, Annecy is a perfect destination for a day trip from Geneva or a longer stay. By car: The easiest way to get to Yvoire from Geneva is by car. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and other outdoor activities. Youll be able to take efficient trains all the way to London and then a fairly cheap flight to Ireland. I recommend that youfocus on these 5 great citiesbefore you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places. Try the Alpine Coaster: The Alpine Coaster is a thrilling ride that takes you on a wild journey down the mountain. Check out my post on top activities to do in Interlaken for more tips. 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. Rain gear, including a waterproof jacket or poncho and umbrella, as rain showers are common in both countries, especially in the summer months. 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. Stroll around Old Town: Genevas Old Town is a charming and historic area filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. Romes architecture is an obvious highlight and fortunately you can see a lot in a fairly short time. 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. Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Leaving. Munich to Fssen: 2 hours 4 minutes. Let me know if youd like more guidance with putting together a more specific itinerary. Very popular! Day 6: Glacier Express. 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. Switzerland has the Matterhorn and France (and Italy) has the Mont Blanc these two mountains are some of the most iconic in the world! Is Prague worth trying to squeeze in or any suggested itineraries? Bring light, breathable clothes for warm days, and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and higher altitudes. Spend 2 days exploring the Lake Geneva region where you can visit Lavaux, Chillon Castle and Vevey. Day 2: Amsterdam Hop-on Hop-off City Bus Tour. Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes. different Swiss Travel Passes available regarding flexibility and duration. Enjoy Lake Geneva: Yvoire is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, so take some time to enjoy the lake. Can you help me with the itinerary? The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Geneva is a city in Switzerland located on the banks of Lake Geneva. I confess we are a bit overwhelmed with all the choices. The earlier you buy tickets, the cheaper they will be. In France, trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel between cities, with high-speed trains linking major destinations. We would like to see London, England, maybe Scotland. Enjoy! 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. A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is a great way to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Alpine lakes ripple with pristine waters reflecting the encompassing mountainsides. 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. 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. Highlights Of Those 9 Days In Switzerland, Amsterdam, Paris. Our son is studying abroad from May-July. If you are a mid-budget traveler and travel with someone, you should expect to pay 120-250 per person per day. 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. This 3 weeks Europe itinerary is just the ticket for a dreamy fairytale trip to see magical castles and enchanting storybook towns. Its really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. Your email address will not be published. The cable car ride is an experience in itself, with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Bath is another of Englands top destinations and its a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. Then it is time to head to the final destination may I introduce you to my most favorite area in the world? Request a Quote. There is little or no entertainment on the river cruise ships, but passengers dont miss it because the entire day and into the evening is spent just steps from local cultural offerings and restaurants. 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. 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. Its important to note that visa requirements are subject to change, so its best to check with the appropriate authorities or a reputable travel agency for the latest information and requirements. We were thinking of this route: Germany to Switzerland, France to London and then Ireland. From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. The train ride, or drive, from Lucerne to Interlaken is scenic. My 7 Day Switzerland itinerary starting from Geneva includes where to stay, things to do, where to eat, getting around and costs broken down into a day-by-day guide for: DAY 1: Geneva. DAY 4: Jungfraujoch & Interlaken. However, in smaller shops and villages, that might not be the case. Well fly to Paris as our first city then well depart from Athens as the last. Suggest you focus on one OR the other country. Thanks. Here are some essential items to include in your packing list: Overall, packing for this itinerary requires practical and versatile items that can be layered and mixed, and matched for different activities and weather conditions. This itinerary takes you through the best of Switzerland in a short 5 days. 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. The complete overview of the two weeks I spent Eurailing around France, Switzerland, and Germany! Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. You will have to skip many gorgeous places in Germany. I would go as far as saying, Montreux is one of the most beautiful places in all of Switzerland. Would like suggestions on itinerary. 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. 2 Week Italy Itinerary that includes Switzerland: Day 1: Depart / Lose a Day Traveling Day 2: Arrive in Zurich Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Day 4: Furka Ice Caves and Gimsel Pass Day 5: Return to Zurich, Overnight Train to Rome Day 6: Rome - Sightseeing major attractions Day 7: Vatican City Day 8: Rome - Sightseeing major attractions 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 Day 1: Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Especially for first-time visitors to Europe, Italy might be the most popular destination of all, and for good reason. However, with 14 days, start your itinerary in Berlin and spend 1,5-2 days there. Day 3: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen. 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. 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). We would like to include London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland. 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. Germany and Switzerland are both fascinating countries to visit both offer diverse attractions and activities. France and Switzerland Package Rated 4.4/5 (based on 513 reviews) Bestselling France & Switzerland Tour Packages For An Exquisite Vacation 8 Days & 7 Nights Customizable Call Us for details 1800-123-5555 Get to the main summit of the Bernese Alps, Mt Jungfrau 1 of 5 Hotel included in package: 4 Star 3 Star Cities: INTERLAKEN (2D) 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? 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. Choose from 16 tours with 120 real tour reviews. 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. EU Holidays Xanne Lim Apr 11th, 2016 The roads are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. The best way to get around for the above-mentioned France and Switzerland itinerary would be a combination of trains, buses, and boats. You could then take a train down to Nice for a few days in the French Riviera, although it will be crowded and fairly expensive that time of year. Walk on a glacier: Even in the summer months, you can walk on a glacier an amazing experience you cannot experience at many places.