4. Berlin is new on the 2-week itinerary. Enjoy! A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is an unforgettable experience that will take you directly to the heart of the Swiss Alps. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. 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. You also mentioned Sweden and Norway, which could be reached by cheap flights out of any large city (including Zurich). 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. 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. -Roger, Hi Roger, I won a cruise from Amsterdam to Bhudapest which departs on 02/10/23. Need help with itinerary: Germany, Switzerland, France Since the day you arrive and the day you leave will offer little sightseeing time, you need at least two full sightseeing days in order to even see your choice of the top sights. Its not like trying to visit, say, the US AND Mexico on the same trip. Let me know if youd like more guidance with putting together a more specific itinerary. 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. Germany is a popular first-time Europe destination for those with family and/or roots in the country, even if other people save it for a 2nd or 3rd trip. Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes. Required fields are marked *. Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day. Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. 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. The Aescher is a mountain restaurant located on Ebenalp Mountain in the Alpstein area. 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. In France, trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel between cities, with high-speed trains linking major destinations. Liechtenstein. Click here to find the rates for a Swiss Travel Pass. 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. Prague is a very special place as well and it could be another really good one. Im happy to help more if you have further questions. Prices always depend on where you stay, what kind of accommodation you choose, what mode of transport and more. My Boyfriend and I are planning a 2 week vacation to Europe in October for his 50th birthday. 12 thoughts on " Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and France (11 days 10 nights) - October 9-20, 2023 " Anilecc87 says: March 27, 2019 at 9:51 pm. If you dont like Sparkling water, then shy away from Wasser mit Kohlensure and ask for still water. Price. Day 5: Zermatt. 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. 7 days split between France and Switzerland is NOT a good idea. Comment* The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Europe 10 Day Trip to Germany Austria Switzerland Itinerary You surely cannot go wrong with planning a Germany and Switzerland itinerary to see some of the most beautiful places in Europe. Thank you so much. 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. 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. Whether you come here in winter or during any other season, this place doesnt disappoint. Transportation: Train travel in Switzerland and France can be quite expensive, but its also a very efficient and convenient way to get around. Hopefully this helps a bit and Im happy to try to answer other questions if you have them. 5 days - Switzerland, France, Germany - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums We have booked our flights round trip from DC to LGW for June 2023 July 2023 25 days. The Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc, as well as the surrounding peaks it stands at3.842 meters (or 12,605 feet) and is the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without climbing yourself. You can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or even dog sledding in the winter. Nestled between the Swiss Alps, this town offers the chance to have a city trip while being surrounded by stunning nature. Visit the Castle: Yvoires castle, Chteau dYvoire, dates back to the 14th century and is a must-see attraction. Luzern - From Geneva, head to Luzern for a day. These 11 best river cruise itinerariesthrough South America, India, Vietnam, Europe, and Africawill leave you spellbound. Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. TIP: If you plan to get around via public transportation, make sure to check out the Swiss Travel Pass, which is perfect for tourists. However, with 14 days, start your itinerary in Berlin and spend 1,5-2 days there. 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. 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. 20 helpful votes. DAY 3: Zermatt. 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). Were still trying to fit which cities will best to put in between, were young couples and its gonna be our first europe trip. Austria. -Roger, My boyfriend and I are going to do a europe trip for 3 weeks in mid april to early May 2023. 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. We are flexible at this point. 11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks France and Italy are small enough and bordering enough that its pretty efficient to visit both of them on the same trip, and you can do it all by train once you get to Paris or Rome. Some Things to do in Lucerne. If you dont want to spend much time in London you could take a train up to Hull on your arrival day or the day after. If Switzerland AND if early to mid October - split the 7 days between a city and a mountain resort. Visit the Mer de Glace Glacier: This is one of the largest glaciers in Europe and can be accessed by a funicular train. Admire the architecture and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area. One of the most beautiful and gorgeous pieces of architecture must be the Neuschwanstein Castle, south of Munich. Spain. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes It is known for its historic architecture, lively cultural scene, and beautiful parks and gardens. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days. Take a boat tour and enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2023. From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. We would also like to visit Paris, Switzerland (Interlaken maybe? Geneva - Catch a train to Geneva via a stop in Lausanne. From lakes, parks to museums, historical sites, and shopping opportunities: Munich has something for everyone. The roads are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. 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. 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. Re: Itinerary Help: France, Switzerland, Germany. Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria: Charming Central Europe 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. By car: The easiest way to get to Yvoire from Geneva is by car. Switzerland 10 Day Itinerary Map If youve decided to finally explore Europe for the first time, its quite possible that you havent considered doing it on a cruise. Thanks in advance for your help. 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. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy. Germany, France, and Switzerland. 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. Solo Female Travel Switzerland, Europe and Beyond. DAY 2: Bern. 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. 2. That is my first suggestion for that time of year and 8 days. $0. First time; so excited! Here are some must-see sights and activities to do during your visit to Annecy: Explore the Old Town: Annecys Old Town is a charming area with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and quaint shops. Some Things to do in Interlaken. 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). 8 hours (approx.) Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes 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. Day 5: Lucerne. Day 4 - Lake Thun. And the window views are out of this world. 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. England. The cable car is divided into two stages. Ultimate France Itineraries - 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days | kimkim Bring light, breathable clothes for warm days, and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and higher altitudes. Munich is a perfect starting destination with a big airport and many trains arriving in Munich, it is easy to start international travel here. min. By train: There are regular train services that run between Geneva and Annecy, with a journey time of around 90 minutes. 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. Activities: Entrance fees for attractions such as cable cars, museums, and historical sites can also add up quickly. 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. Drink lots of water and have a pit stop at Plan de lAiguille for half an hour or an hour. Here is a quick overview of an ideal Switzerland 8 Day Itinerary that starts in Zurich and also finishes in Zurich. 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. DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. Germany and Switzerland are both fascinating countries to visit both offer diverse attractions and activities. And while Interlaken itself is cute, the scenery is actually what makes this place amazing. Barcelona is another great party city by the way. Appenzellerland has become popular because of the stunning mountain restaurant, the Aescher. 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. Probably not. $0. We were thinking of this route: Germany to Switzerland, France to London and then Ireland. 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.
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