Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

11‑Day Central Europe Itinerary (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, France)

Viewed by 78 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Zurich Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Zurich Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along the Limmat River to soak up the alpine atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Old Town (Altstadt), visiting landmarks such as the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches. Enjoy a light lunch at a traditional Swiss café.

Evening: Dine on Swiss specialties at a restaurant near the Bahnhofstrasse, then unwind with a night‑time walk through the illuminated Lake Zurich promenade.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Lucerne & Mt. Pilatus

Morning: Take a short train ride to Lucerne and wander across the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke). Browse the market stalls and admire the Water Tower.

Afternoon: Board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking panoramic views. Have a mountain‑top lunch before descending via the aerial cableway.

Evening: Return to Lucerne for a relaxed dinner by the lakeside, sampling fresh fish from Lake Lucerne.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Interlaken & Jungfrau Region

Morning: Travel to Interlaken and check into your hotel. Walk along the Aare River and admire the town framed by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Afternoon: Take the Jungfraubahn to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, exploring the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observation Deck.

Evening: Return to Interlaken for a Swiss fondue dinner, followed by a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Zermatt & Matterhorn

Morning: Journey to the car‑free village of Zermatt, settling into a chalet‑style hotel. Begin with a walk through the quaint streets lined with chalet houses.

Afternoon: Ride the Gornergrat Railway to a viewpoint of the majestic Matterhorn. Enjoy a light snack while taking photos of the iconic summit.

Evening: Dine at a traditional mountain restaurant, savoring raclette and local wines, then relax in the village’s serene atmosphere.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Geneva & Lake Geneva

Morning: Transfer to Geneva and check into a lakeside hotel. Visit the Jet d'Eau, the city’s famous water fountain.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Old Town, including St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall. Take a short boat cruise on Lake Geneva to admire the surrounding vineyards.

Evening: Enjoy a gourmet dinner at a restaurant overlooking the lake, then stroll along the Quai du Mont-Blanc for night views of the fountain.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Munich, Germany

Morning: Cross the border into Germany and arrive in Munich. Start with a visit to the bustling Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel performance.

Afternoon: Tour the historic Residenz Palace and its treasury, then relax in the English Garden, perhaps stopping at the Chinese Tower beer garden.

Evening: Savor Bavarian cuisine at a traditional beer hall, followed by a leisurely walk along the illuminated Isar River.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Salzburg, Austria

Morning: Take a short train ride to Salzburg. Begin with a walk through the Mirabell Gardens, enjoying the baroque fountains and flowerbeds.

Afternoon: Explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, offering spectacular city views. Visit Mozart’s Birthplace in the historic centre.

Evening: Dine on Austrian specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, then attend a classical concert in a historic venue.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Venice, Italy

Morning: Arrive in Venice and check into a hotel near St. Mark’s Square. Begin with a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal, admiring the palazzos.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Wander through the winding alleys and cross the famous Rialto Bridge.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood in a canal‑side trattoria, followed by a romantic gondola ride under the moonlit sky.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Morning: Travel to Amsterdam and settle into a boutique hotel in the Jordaan district. Start with a stroll along the Canal Ring, admiring the historic houses.

Afternoon: Explore the Rijksmuseum and view Dutch masterpieces, then visit the nearby Van Gogh Museum.

Evening: Dine at a canal‑front café, then experience Amsterdam’s lively nightlife in the Leidseplein area.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Paris, France

Morning: Arrive in Paris and check into a hotel near the Seine. Begin with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, taking the elevator to the summit.

Afternoon: Walk through the historic Île de la Cité, touring Notre‑Dame Cathedral and Sainte‑Chapelle’s stained‑glass windows.

Evening: Enjoy a classic French dinner in the Latin Quarter, followed by a night cruise on the Seine to see the city lights.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Paris – Departure

Morning: Spend your final hours visiting the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, focusing on the highlights such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Afternoon: Stroll through the fashionable Champs‑Élysées for some last‑minute shopping and a quick bite.

Evening: Transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of an unforgettable 11‑day adventure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Zurich Old Town – 2 hrs – €0 (free)
  • Lake Zurich promenade – 1.5 hrs – €0
  • Lucerne Chapel Bridge – 1 hr – €0
  • Mt. Pilatus (cogwheel & cableway) – 4 hrs – €70
  • Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe – 5 hrs – €120
  • Matterhorn (Gornergrat Railway) – 3 hrs – €90
  • Jet d'Eau & Lake Geneva cruise – 2 hrs – €30
  • Marienplatz & Glockenspiel – 1 hr – €0
  • English Garden (Chinese Tower) – 2 hrs – €15 (food)
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress – 2 hrs – €25
  • St. Mark’s Basilica – 1.5 hrs – €10
  • Rialto Bridge & gondola ride – 2 hrs – €40
  • Rijksmuseum – 2 hrs – €20
  • Van Gogh Museum – 1.5 hrs – €19
  • Eiffel Tower summit – 2 hrs – €28
  • Notre‑Dame & Sainte‑Chapelle – 2 hrs – €15
  • Louvre Museum – 3 hrs – €17
  • Champs‑Élysées shopping – 2 hrs – variable
  • Total Estimated Cost (excluding flights & accommodation): €681

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding a day in the Swiss Alps for a hike in the Lauterbrunnen Valley or a visit to the historic town of Bern. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine Germany and Austria by spending a single day in Munich and using an early train to Salzburg, or skip the evening cruise in Paris and fly out directly after lunch.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version