So would you rather visit numbers 1 to 20 in one country instead of numbers 1 to 10 in each? 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. Buses are also available, especially for shorter trips or for travel to smaller towns not serviced by trains. 6.8 Some recommended sites for your road trip. End with 3 days experiencing the top sights and attractions of Paris. Thanks. Take a walk along Lake Geneva: Lausanne sits on the shore of Lake Geneva, and a walk along the lakefront is a great way to enjoy the views and soak up the atmosphere. Day 5: Zermatt. WHERE TO STAY FOR THIS SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE ITINERARY? France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany Student Tour with optional Berlin & Salzburg Extension Trip Length: 9 - 12 days 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. In France, trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel between cities, with high-speed trains linking major destinations. -Roger, My boyfriend and I are going to do a europe trip for 3 weeks in mid april to early May 2023. Annecy is a beautiful town located in the French Alps and is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and stunning natural scenery. It seriously is just jaw-dropping beautiful! They are Paris, Amsterdam, London, Rome, and Venice, so you dont have to click if you dont want to. 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. England. 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. Explore the old town: Lausannes old town is a charming and historic area with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. France, Switzerland, and German Trip Itinerary:Feedback Please 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 Free . 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. 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. Given the geography, it is quite easy to visit both countries on one trip, one after another. 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. Trains and buses are punctual and reliable. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. Venice is small enough to see in a full day, and so crowded that most people are satisfied to leave after that day. The bustling city of Geneva, with its famous Jet dEau fountain and diverse cultural offerings, is a must-visit destination. So, as a German and Switzerland enthusiast, I share my tips for having an amazing time in Switzerland and Germany. If Switzerland AND if early to mid October - split the 7 days between a city and a mountain resort. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Roger. However, in Switzerland, you will find out what beyond breathtaking scenery really means. However, there are a lot of construction projects on the motorways which often result in traffic jams. Enjoy snow activities: Glacier 3000 is a winter wonderland with plenty of snow activities to enjoy. A treat for your eyes! HOW MANY DAYS FOR SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE TRIP, BEST WAY TO GET AROUND FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND TRIP. The palace of Versailles captures your imagination with lavish gardens sweeping out to the horizon. Youll probably land in the morning so youll have almost 3 full days for Paris sightseeing. Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2023. The Swiss Travel Pass also covers most museums and entrances to. Bruges is really gorgeous and it will be much quieter than Amsterdam that time of the year, however they are somewhat similar otherwise. Day 5: Transfer from Paris to Lucerne by train. Bring light, breathable clothes for warm days, and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and higher altitudes. 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. 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. If you road trip, plan in some time at Brning Pass and have a cold drink while parking your car and enjoying the views. 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. 11 Best River Cruise Itineraries to Book in 2023 and 2024 Even though the weather will be a bit chilly in April and early May, you might still consider Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague, and those are my three favorite party cities in Europe. During this time, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and long daylight hours, making it perfect for exploring the beautiful towns and natural attractions of both countries. Day 1: Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Visit the Alpine Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region at this museum, which has exhibits on mountaineering, skiing, and more. Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day, as tap water is safe to drink in both countries. His #1 place to visit is Amsterdam. You can also sample local cuisine, including Swiss chocolate. 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. Is Prague worth trying to squeeze in or any suggested itineraries? The David stands proudly above you etched with magnificent detail. The streets are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails in and around Chamonix, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Some Things to do in Lake Thun. York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. The second stage takes visitors from Plan de lAiguille to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, a height of 3,842 meters. Need help with itinerary: Germany, Switzerland, France 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. Colmar to France, Germany and Switzerland Full-Day Tour 2023 - Viator 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. Hi, thanks for this post. 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. 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. Ultimately, its up to you to decide how much time you want to spend in each place based on your interests and preferences. 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 two weeks you could visit places like Bologna and Modena in Italy, but youd be missing Paris. Switzerland Itinerary: How to Spend 7 to 21 Days in Switzerland That is my first suggestion for that time of year and 8 days. We are flexible at this point. You could do Venice and Rome or Barcelona and Madrid. If you are a mid-budget traveler and travel with someone, you should expect to pay 120-250 per person per day. 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 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. Try the Alpine Coaster: The Alpine Coaster is a thrilling ride that takes you on a wild journey down the mountain. 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. 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. Copenhagen, Stockholm & Oslo Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen Days 2 & 3: Explore Copenhagen Day 4: Fly to Stockholm, explore Stockholm Days 5 & 6: Stockholm Day 7: Fly to Oslo Day 8: Oslo Day 9: Norway in a Nutshell Day 10: Fly home In the winter, Chamonix is a skiers paradise, with numerous ski areas, cross-country skiing trails, and snowshoeing options. Europe Itinerary: 16 Days in France, Switzerland, & Italy We spent 16 glorious days in Europe several years ago, visiting France, Switzerland and Italy. Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes. If you plan to go skiing, bring warm and waterproof ski clothing, including gloves, a hat, and goggles. 5 days - Switzerland, France, Germany I have 5 days in Europe, leaving Wed, June 19. In all honesty, I do think Annecy is the most beautiful French town! France, Switzerland, Austria & Germany Student Tour 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. So, today I share my favorite tips with you, so that you can have a fantastic trip to Germany and Switzerland. Travel time around 12 hours (with Eibsee) in total or 17 hours (Rothenburg ob der Tauber). Yvoire is a medieval village located on the shores of Lake Geneva in France, about 25 kilometers southwest of Geneva. Barcelona, Spain Its an easy port to reach. 2 Week Switzerland & Italy Itinerary + Printable! - A Mom's Take Austria. Take a boat tour and enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains. min. I love trips like this and Im happy to help with more advice if you need it. 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. The Aiguille du Midi cable car is popular! You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable. Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and France (11 days 10 nights 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. 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. Trip Route: Two Weeks Germany itinerary: Getting around Arriving in Germany Rhine River Valley Moselle River Valley France The black Forest (Schwartzwald!) This includes public transportation and eating out (in Switzerland, you should try to go vegetarian, as meat prices are high) but no alcohol. The costs in Switzerland will probably be much higher if you eat out each day and use a lot of cable cars. Personally, it felt that no hills and mountains are greener and lusher than here, which makes driving here even more fun.