It is known as a global hub for diplomacy and is home to the United Nations headquarters and several other international organizations. The cable car is divided into two stages. This includes 4 of my 5 great cities for Europe trips, in a very efficient route. This will allow you to visit it if you have a visa for the EU. Swimsuit, as there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and water activities in Lake Geneva and the surrounding areas. One day in Lucerne is not a lot, so make the most of it by not arriving late. Prices always depend on where you stay, what kind of accommodation you choose, what mode of transport and more. The crowds will come, so early in the morning is really the best time to leave Munich). Ultimately, its up to you to decide how much time you want to spend in each place based on your interests and preferences. Either way, it surely will be fun! Trains depart from Geneva Cornavin train station and arrive at Annecy train station. If you have more than 7 or 10 days in France & Switzerland, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. Day 4: Eiffel Tower and the Seine Sightseeing Cruise. 17 Days. Enjoy! Stay up in a village up in the mountains like, Muerren, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. 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. 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 Bern/Basel - After spending 4 days in the mountains, head to Bern or Basel for 1 day. 5 days - Switzerland, France, Germany - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. 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. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU). If youve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one. Mountain streets are usually a bit more challenging, but overall, I looooove driving in Switzerland. Athens, Greece The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. That is also why I preferred Lucerne over Zurich for this itinerary. I have spent many weeks in Interlaken and I am sure, I will never tire. About This 10 Day Switzerland Itinerary Our 10 day itinerary focuses on the German and Italian parts of Switzerland. -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. Day 4: Montreux. Enjoy snow activities: Glacier 3000 is a winter wonderland with plenty of snow activities to enjoy. Hopefully this helps a bit and Im happy to try to answer other questions if you have them. Only . Travel time around 12 hours (with Eibsee) in total or 17 hours (Rothenburg ob der Tauber). York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Enjoy a meal with a view: The summit of Glacier 3000 offers several dining options with stunning views of the mountains. Maybe want to add just one party night in the club or something but we dont know which city will be best. So, today I share my favorite tips with you, so that you can have a fantastic trip to Germany and Switzerland. The trains are not always on time, some connections might be canceled, and it isnt cheap. Travel adapters to ensure that your electronics can be charged and used in both countries. The best place to start would be one of the cruises that leaves from a popular port in the Mediterranean (and the adjacent seas). 10 Best France and Germany Tours & Trips 2023/2024 - TourRadar France and Switzerland Itinerary in 7-14 Days 10 Day Europe Itinerary: Germany, Italy, Switzerland + Austria! Skiing and snowboarding: Chamonix has several ski areas, including Les Houches and Brevent-Flegere, with over 150 kilometers of ski runs. min. Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. 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. 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. 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. Credit and debit cards are accepted widely. Take a boat tour and enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains. 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. 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. You also mentioned Sweden and Norway, which could be reached by cheap flights out of any large city (including Zurich). Look for local markets and grocery stores to save money on meals, or consider picnicking in scenic areas for a unique and affordable dining experience. Ive been to Europe and have visited, London, Bern, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan & Cannes. Barcelona, Spain Its an easy port to reach. Getting around via trains and buses is actually easy and, overall, okay in Germany. End with 3 days experiencing the top sights and attractions of Paris. Day 3 - Interlaken and Lake Brienz. 5 days - Switzerland, France, Germany I have 5 days in Europe, leaving Wed, June 19. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey. Ultimate France Itineraries - 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days | kimkim The best time to visit France and Switzerland for this itinerary would be during the summer months of June, July, and August, as well as early fall in September and early October. 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. 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. France and Italy are also both quite different as well, so I think it would be great to get a taste of the best of both of them to compare them, and then for your next trip you could even focus on smaller and less famous places in both countries. That sounds amazing! Liechtenstein. 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. 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. However, it is not on many Switzerland itineraries though it should be. From lakes, parks to museums, historical sites, and shopping opportunities: Munich has something for everyone. 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. If you buy water bottles in Germany (or soft drinks in bottles or cans), you have to pay a. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. Germany, France, Switzerland - Itinerary (Romantic Trip) Your custom tailored Wonders of Europe Tour shows you the opulence . If you are on a budget, you can travel for less (assuming you stay in hostels and cook for yourself at least once in a while) but public transportation or renting a car will always be quite high. Day 1 - Arrive in Zurich & Explore. A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is a great way to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The Swiss Travel Pass also covers most museums and entrances to. Rest of Europe Itinerary - Switzerland, France and Germany - AKDMC 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. Hi, thanks for this post. Explore the museums: Geneva is home to many world-class museums, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Patek Philippe Museum. Luzern - From Geneva, head to Luzern for a day. However, this detour is actually well worth it. 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. >>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries. 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. Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Also, you can give yourself more time to enjoy the actual traveling, as road tripping and train travel (at least in Switzerland) give you the option to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and you can take some rest and just soak in the beauty. Spend 2 days exploring the Lake Geneva region where you can visit Lavaux, Chillon Castle and Vevey. $300. Very happy to use the train system to get around. Going to Italy? 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: Complete Guide for First-Timers Travel the Golden Pass route to Montreux, and exit via Lausanne or Geneva to Paris. And though Switzerland is not part of the EU, it is part of the Schengen Agreement. Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying over the mountains with a tandem paragliding flight. Annecy is a charming town with plenty of sights and activities to keep visitors entertained. What this actually means is that the old buildings are picture-perfect, and since Rothenburg is small, you can do quite a lot in half a day or a full day. 11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks We are a family of 5 (children 18 and 22 twins). I understand your situation and fortunately youve got nothing but great options. 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. Rain gear, including a waterproof jacket or poncho and umbrella, as rain showers are common in both countries, especially in the summer months. Ultimate Germany and Switzerland Itinerary (7-14 Days) - Arzo Travels Barcelona is another great party city by the way. Try Swiss wine: Lausanne is in the heart of Switzerlands wine country, and you can visit local vineyards to taste the local wines. Explore the castles courtyards, halls, and towers, and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and mountains. I am planning an 8 days trip to Europe 1st week of Feb next year. 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. 10 Best France and Switzerland Tours & Trips 2023/2024 - TourRadar On your way up or down make sure to also see Seealpsee (a beautiful mountain lake) and rest before continuing your journey. Day 6: Glacier Express. Layers of clothing to accommodate the varying weather conditions. Day 2: Amsterdam Hop-on Hop-off City Bus Tour. After that, head to Lucerne and follow the itinerary I talk about for 7 days. Then either take a train to Munich or drive south (it is a rather long train ride, which takes around 6 hours) and stop in Rothenburg first before continuing your trip to Munich. 4. In 3 weeks youve got a lot of options, and Id recommend trying to choose 6 to 8 total cities. 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. Some things to do in Zurich. 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. Very popular! 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. When packing for the above-mentioned itinerary to France and Switzerland, its important to pack for varying weather conditions and activities. 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 Price. Depending on the length of your stay, I suggest changing hotels 2-3 times. 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. How To Plan a Trip to Europe: Sample Travel Itineraries - Go Seek Explore A trip to France and Switzerland, covering places like Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Annecy, Yvoire, and Chamonix, is a fantastic experience that offers something for everyone. Its also reasonably close to Stonehenge. 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. 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). 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. Tip: If you visit Eibsee and Fssen/Neuschwanstein Castle, I suggest visiting Eibsee first and then go to Neuschwanstein Castle. KG. France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany Student Tour 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. 6 Our Europe road trip itinerary. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. The costs in Switzerland will probably be much higher if you eat out each day and use a lot of cable cars. Visit the Chteau dAnnecy: This 12th-century castle is a historic landmark that has been beautifully preserved. 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. The best way to get around for the above-mentioned France and Switzerland itinerary would be a combination of trains, buses, and boats. 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. Here are some must-see sights and activities to do during your day trip to Glacier 3000: Take the cable car to the summit: Start your adventure by taking the cable car to the summit of Glacier 3000. Day 1: Semois Valley in Belgium & Luxembourg City, Luxembourg 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. 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. 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). You can take a boat tour or rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the lake on your own. different Swiss Travel Passes available regarding flexibility and duration. London is the obvious place to start and spend 3 or 4 nights before taking the train north. 6.7 French Riviera: Cannes, St Tropez, Cassis and Marseille. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. You can visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and Trevi Fountain in two days if you are organized. You will not get free tap water with your food (you might get a little glass of tap water if you order an espresso). With that in mind I think your best options for those two other days are Bruges, Brussels, and/or Cologne. Thanks. Hi, I am Arzo. 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. 1. $2495 (priced double occupancy, not including airfare) I would probably suggest something along those lines if this is your first trip to Europe and wont be your last. Here I share my travel tips the good, the bad, and the ugly to help you plan your trips! They are all more or less on the way between Amsterdam and Paris so they are convenient. For each itinerary there are suggestions of other destinations that are easy to add on to the main cities. 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. 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. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day. Take a walk and discover hidden gems like St. Pierre Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, and the Place du Bourg-de-Four. Let me know if you have any other questions and Ill be happy to try to help. 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. Visit the Alpine Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region at this museum, which has exhibits on mountaineering, skiing, and more. We would like to include London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland. With its stunning views, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, Lausanne is a perfect destination for a day trip from Geneva. 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. 1. Were still trying to fit which cities will best to put in between, were young couples and its gonna be our first europe trip. 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. I am all about great views, amazing lakes, mountains and city breaks in between. Explore the old town: Lausannes old town is a charming and historic area with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares.