Welcome to Paris! Begin your trip by exploring the iconic Eiffel Tower in the morning. Take in the stunning views of the city from the top and capture memorable photos. In the afternoon, visit the Louvre Museum to admire world-famous art masterpieces. As the evening approaches, stroll along the charming streets of Montmartre and indulge in delicious French cuisine.
Montmartre: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Angelina Paris, known for its famous hot chocolate and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, head to Le Jules Verne located on the Eiffel Tower, and enjoy a gourmet meal with panoramic views of Paris. Average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a fantastic dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais, a popular brasserie in Montmartre. Indulge in classic French dishes with an average cost of about $50 per person.
Friday December 29: Exploring Paris
Start your day by visiting the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral in the morning. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River and enjoy the scenic views. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in art and culture at the Musée d'Orsay. As the evening sets in, experience the vibrant nightlife in the Marais district.
Marais district: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café de Flore, known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For lunch, head to L'Ambroisie, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a refined menu of French cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about €150 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Le Jules Verne, located on the Eiffel Tower with breathtaking views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about €200 per person.
Saturday December 30: Day Trip to Versailles
Embark on a day trip to the enchanting Palace of Versailles in the morning. Explore the opulent palace and its spectacular gardens. Enjoy a picnic in the park or indulge in a royal meal at one of the on-site restaurants. Return to Paris in the evening and unwind with a scenic boat cruise along the Seine River.
Palace of Versailles: Cost estimate - €18, Time spent - 4-6 hours
Seine River Boat Cruise: Cost estimate - €15, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Sweet Breakfast Café: Start your day off with a delightful breakfast at Sweet Breakfast Café, located just a short walk from the Palace of Versailles. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
Garden View Bistro: For a relaxed lunch in the picturesque surroundings of the Versailles gardens, visit Garden View Bistro. Enjoy their seasonal salads and tasty sandwiches while soaking in the beauty of nature. Average cost for a meal is about 25 euros per person.
Royal Dining Room: End your day with a regal dinner experience at the Royal Dining Room inside the Palace of Versailles. Feast on gourmet French cuisine fit for a king or queen and savor the elegant ambiance of this historic setting. Average cost for a meal is about 80 euros per person.
Sunday December 31: New Year's Eve in Paris
On New Year's Eve, start your day with a visit to the charming neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Explore its quaint streets and enjoy a cup of coffee at a traditional Parisian café. In the afternoon, take a romantic stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens. As the evening approaches, head to the Champs-Élysées to join the exciting festivities and fireworks.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - Morning
Champs-Élysées: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Maison Kayser. This cozy bakery offers freshly baked croissants, pastries, and a variety of breads. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Le Comptoir du Relais. This popular bistro serves classic French dishes with a modern twist. Don't miss their famous steak tartare. Average cost for a meal is about 30 euros per person.
In the evening, dine at Le Jules Verne, located on the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy panoramic views of Paris while savoring gourmet French cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 150 euros per person.
Monday January 1: Travel to Zurich
Today, travel from Paris to the picturesque city of Zurich. Take a morning flight or train to Zurich and arrive in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming Old Town, known as Altstadt. Marvel at the medieval architecture, visit the beautiful churches, and enjoy the local Swiss cuisine.
Travel from Paris to Zurich: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - Half a day
Zurich Old Town (Altstadt): Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - Afternoon
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Schober, a charming patisserie and café in Zurich's Old Town. Indulge in their delicious pastries and enjoy a cup of rich Swiss coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 20 CHF per person.
For lunch, dine at Zeughauskeller, a historic Swiss restaurant located in the heart of Zurich. Try their traditional Swiss dishes such as Zurich-style veal with mushroom sauce. Average cost for a meal is about 30 CHF per person.
For dinner, visit Hiltl, the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant. The extensive buffet offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options from various cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 40 CHF per person.
Tuesday January 2: Discovering Zurich
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Zurich Lake. Enjoy a peaceful walk along its shores and take in the scenic beauty. In the afternoon, explore the famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets. As the evening sets in, indulge in Swiss chocolate tasting and savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Zurich Lake: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - Morning
Bahnhofstrasse: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Felix, located near Zurich Lake. Indulge in freshly baked pastries and enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 15 CHF per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Les Halles, a charming French bistro. Try their delicious sandwiches and salads, made with fresh local ingredients. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 25 CHF per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Zeughauskeller. This historic restaurant offers traditional Swiss dishes, such as fondue and schnitzel. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 35 CHF per person.
Wednesday January 3: Day Trip to Lucerne
Take a day trip to the picturesque city of Lucerne in the morning. Explore the charming Old Town, cross the iconic Chapel Bridge, and visit the Lion Monument, a famous Swiss landmark. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and admire the breathtaking mountain scenery. Return to Zurich in the evening and savor a traditional Swiss fondue dinner.
Day trip to Lucerne: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - Full day
Boat ride on Lake Lucerne: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Traditional Swiss Fondue Dinner: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
A charming breakfast spot in Lucerne is Café de Ville, known for its cozy atmosphere and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Stern Luzern, located in the heart of Lucerne's Old Town. This historic restaurant offers a variety of Swiss and international dishes, and the average cost for a lunch meal is about $20 per person.
In Zurich, indulge in a delicious dinner at Zeughauskeller, a famous Swiss restaurant known for its traditional Swiss cuisine and cozy ambiance. A dinner meal here would cost around $30 per person on average.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Paris, don't miss out on exploring the charming neighborhood of Le Marais, known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and historic architecture. Visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery and pay homage to famous personalities buried there, including Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde. In Zurich, venture outside the city to the stunning Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, and marvel at its natural beauty. For a taste of local culture, visit the quirky Viadukt Market, located beneath Zurich's arches, offering a variety of fresh food, artisan crafts, and vintage items.