5‑Week Adventure: Canberra → Scotland → Devon → Grenoble → Gex → Luzern → Nuremberg → Canberra

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh, Scotland

Morning: Depart Canberra on an overnight flight, arriving at Edinburgh Airport. Transfer to your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll down the historic Royal Mile, exploring shops, street performers, and the iconic St Giles' Cathedral.

Evening: Dine on traditional haggis at a local pub and enjoy a whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Book a Hotel

Day 2: Edinburgh Highlights

Morning: Visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle, taking in panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Scotland and wander the peaceful Princes Street Gardens.

Evening: Attend a ghost tour in the Old Town, followed by dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the castle.

Book a Hotel

Day 3: Day Trip to Stirling & Loch Lomond

Morning: Drive to Stirling Castle, learning about Scotland’s royal history.

Afternoon: Continue to Loch Lomond for a short boat cruise and lakeside walk.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh for a relaxed evening at a jazz bar.

Book a Hotel

Day 4: Scottish Highlands – Inverness

Morning: Travel north by train to Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Inverness Castle and stroll along the River Ness.

Evening: Sample local cuisine at a riverside restaurant and stay overnight in a cozy B&B.

Book a Hotel

Day 5: Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Morning: Take a guided boat tour on Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the legendary monster.

Afternoon: Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle for stunning lake views.

Evening: Return to Inverness for a traditional Scottish music session.

Book a Hotel

Day 6: Isle of Skye

Morning: Drive to the Isle of Skye via the scenic Skye Bridge.

Afternoon: Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Fairy Pools and Old Man of Storr.

Evening: Stay in Portree and enjoy fresh seafood at a harbor restaurant.

Book a Hotel

Day 7: Return to Edinburgh

Morning: Relax with a leisurely breakfast and a short walk in Portree.

Afternoon: Travel back to Edinburgh, stopping at Stirling for lunch.

Evening: Pack and prepare for the flight to England the next day.

Book a Hotel

Day 8: Travel to Exeter, Devon

Morning: Fly from Edinburgh to Exeter, then transfer to your Devon countryside cottage.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Exeter Cathedral and the bustling Exeter Quay.

Evening: Enjoy a farm‑to‑table dinner featuring locally sourced produce.

Book a Hotel

Day 9: Exeter to Plymouth & Coastline

Morning: Drive to Plymouth and visit the historic Royal Citadel.

Afternoon: Walk the scenic South West Coast Path along the cliffs of Tor Bay.

Evening: Dine on fresh fish and chips at a harbor restaurant.

Book a Hotel

Day 10: Dartmoor National Park

Morning: Head into Dartmoor National Park for a guided hike to Haytor Rocks.

Afternoon: Picnic near Wistman's Wood and spot wild ponies.

Evening: Return to your cottage for a relaxed night by the fireplace.

Book a Hotel

Day 11: Exeter to Exeter to Torquay

Morning: Drive to the seaside town of Torquay, the heart of the English Riviera.

Afternoon: Relax on the golden sands of Palace Beach and visit the Living Coasts aquarium.

Evening: Sample local wines at a beachfront bar.

Book a Hotel

Day 12: Devon Heritage

Morning: Tour the historic Tavistock Abbey and the charming market town.

Afternoon: Visit the Buckfast Abbey and its famous brew.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea before returning to Exeter.

Book a Hotel

Day 13: Travel to Grenoble, France

Morning: Fly from Exeter to Lyon, then take a train to Grenoble.

Afternoon: Check into a boutique hotel and explore the Bastille Fortress via cable car.

Evening: Dine on Alpine cuisine at a restaurant overlooking the mountains.

Book a Hotel

Day 14: Grenoble City & Museums

Morning: Visit the Musée de Grenoble, showcasing fine art from the Renaissance to contemporary.

Afternoon: Stroll through the historic Place Grenette and shop at local boutiques.

Evening: Attend a concert at the Alpes Concert Hall.

Book a Hotel

Day 15: Alpine Excursion – Chamrousse

Morning: Take the cable car to the ski resort of Chamrousse for panoramic mountain views.

Afternoon: Enjoy a gentle hike to the Lake of the Glacier and a mountain‑top lunch.

Evening: Return to Grenoble for a relaxed dinner.

Book a Hotel

Day 16: Day Trip to Vercors Regional Park

Morning: Drive to Vercors Regional Park and explore the dramatic cliffs of Grotte de Choranche.

Afternoon: Visit the Maison du Parc for interactive exhibits on local wildlife.

Evening: Sample regional cheeses and wines in a mountain chalet.

Book a Hotel

Day 17: Cultural Day – Grenoble

Morning: Tour the historic Grenoble Cathedral and the adjacent Archaeological Museum.

Afternoon: Walk through the vibrant Rue de la République for shopping and cafés.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner along the Isère River.

Book a Hotel

Day 18: Travel to Gex, France

Morning: Take a train to Geneva, then a short bus ride to the alpine town of Gex on the French side of the Jura Mountains.

Afternoon: Check into a lakeside hotel and explore the historic Château de Gex.

Evening: Dine on Savoyard specialties such as fondue and raclette.

Book a Hotel

Day 19: Lake Geneva & Mont Blanc Views

Morning: Cruise on Lake Geneva, taking in the stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc.

Afternoon: Visit the Jura Museum and enjoy a leisurely walk in the town’s gardens.

Evening: Relax at the hotel’s spa and enjoy a quiet night.

Book a Hotel

Day 20: Day Trip to Annecy

Morning: Drive to the “Venice of the Alps” – Annecy – and wander its canals.

Afternoon: Explore the Palais de l'Isle and the Château d'Annecy, then relax by the lake.

Evening: Return to Gex for a light dinner and a stroll through the town square.

Book a Hotel

Day 21: Hiking in the Jura Mountains

Morning: Embark on a guided hike to the Crêt de la Neige, the highest peak in the Jura.

Afternoon: Picnic with views of the Alpine arc, then descend through alpine meadows.

Evening: Enjoy a hearty mountain stew at a local tavern.

Book a Hotel

Day 22: Travel to Luzern, Switzerland

Morning: Take a train from Gex to Luzern, crossing into Switzerland via the scenic Bernese Oberland route.

Afternoon: Check into a lakeside hotel and stroll across the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge).

Evening: Dine on Swiss classics such as raclette and rosti in the old town.

Book a Hotel

Day 23: Luzern City Exploration

Morning: Visit the Lion Monument and the historic Jesuit Church.

Afternoon: Take a boat cruise on Lake Luzern, stopping at the picturesque village of Weggis.

Evening: Attend a classical music concert at the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern.

Book a Hotel

Day 24: Mount Pilatus Excursion

Morning: Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus.

Afternoon: Hike along the alpine trails, enjoy panoramic views, and have lunch at the summit restaurant.

Evening: Return to Luzern for a relaxed evening at a lakeside café.

Book a Hotel

Day 25: Day Trip to Interlaken

Morning: Take an early train to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Afternoon: Experience a gentle paragliding flight or a boat ride on Lake Brienz.

Evening: Return to Luzern, enjoying a quiet dinner in the old town.

Book a Hotel

Day 26: Rigi – The Queen of the Mountains

Morning: Board the historic cogwheel train to Mount Rigi via Vitznau.

Afternoon: Walk the summit trail, savoring views of the Swiss Alps and the lakes below.

Evening: Relax in a spa hotel with a view of the sunset over the lake.

Book a Hotel

Day 27: Travel to Nuremberg, Germany

Morning: Depart Luzern by train, traveling through the scenic Swiss and German countryside to Nuremberg.

Afternoon: Check into a centrally located hotel and begin exploring the Old Town (Altstadt).

Evening: Dine on Bavarian specialties like bratwurst and pretzels at a traditional tavern.

Book a Hotel

Day 28: Nuremberg Castle & History

Morning: Tour the majestic Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg), including the Imperial Hall.

Afternoon: Visit the Germanic National Museum and the historic Albrecht Dürer House.

Evening: Enjoy a river cruise on the Pegnitz River followed by a nightcap at a local beer garden.

Book a Hotel

Day 29: Day Trip to Bamberg

Morning: Take a short train ride to the UNESCO town of Bamberg.

Afternoon: Explore the stunning Bamberg Cathedral, the Old Town Hall perched on a bridge, and sample Rauchbier (smoked beer).

Evening: Return to Nuremberg for a quiet evening.

Book a Hotel

Day 30: Nuremberg Market & Food

Morning: Wander the vibrant Handwerkerhof craft market and try local pastries.

Afternoon: Join a cooking workshop to learn how to make traditional Bavarian pretzels and sauerkraut.

Evening: Feast on the dishes you prepared, paired with a selection of regional beers.

Book a Hotel

Day 31: Travel Back to Canberra

Morning: Transfer to Frankfurt Airport for your long‑haul flight home.

Afternoon: Fly across the Pacific, with a layover in Singapore for a short city tour.

Evening: Continue the journey, reflecting on the diverse landscapes and cultures experienced.

Book a Hotel

Day 32: Arrival in Canberra

Morning: Land at Canberra Airport and settle back into your home.

Afternoon: Unpack and review photos; perhaps create a travel scrapbook.

Evening: Rest and recover from jet lag, planning a future trip based on new inspirations.

Book a Hotel

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle – 2 hrs – $30
  • Royal Mile & St Giles' Cathedral – 3 hrs – $15
  • Stirling Castle – 2 hrs – $25
  • Loch Ness Cruise – 2 hrs – $40
  • Isle of Skye (Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr) – 6 hrs – $30
  • Exeter Cathedral – 1.5 hrs – $10
  • Dartmoor Haytor Rocks – 4 hrs – $0 (self‑guided)
  • Torquay Palace Beach – 3 hrs – $0
  • Grenoble Bastille Cable Car – 2 hrs – $20
  • Chamrousse Alpine Hike – 5 hrs – $25
  • Vercors Grotte de Choranche – 3 hrs – $35
  • Lake Geneva Cruise – 2 hrs – $30
  • Annecy Palace & Château – 4 hrs – $20
  • Luzern Chapel Bridge & Lion Monument – 2 hrs – $10
  • Mount Pilatus Round‑Trip – 6 hrs – $55
  • Mount Rigi Excursion – 5 hrs – $45
  • Nuremberg Castle – 3 hrs – $15
  • Germanic National Museum – 2 hrs – $12
  • Bamberg Cathedral & Old Town Hall – 4 hrs – $20
  • Cooking Workshop (Bavarian Cuisine) – 3 hrs – $60
  • International Flights (Round‑trip) – 40 hrs – $1 800
  • In‑country Transport (trains, buses, car hire) – 35 hrs – $550
  • Accommodation (34 nights) – – – $4 200
  • Meals & Miscellaneous – – – $1 800
  • Total Estimated Cost – – – $9 282

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a few extra days in the Scottish Highlands for deeper trekking or a visit to the Isle of Arran, and in the Alps for a multi‑day ski or mountaineering adventure. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Devon and Gex segments by flying directly from Exeter to Geneva, and skip the day trips to Bamberg and Annecy, focusing on the primary cities and their flagship attractions.

0