Nature-Lovers 6-Day European Itinerary

  • Day 1: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
    2.5 hours from Zagreb

    Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mesmerizing, emerald-green lakes and cascading waterfalls. Visitors explore a series of wooden walkways to get up close to the waterfalls and explore the stunning landscapes with various unique flora and fauna.

  • Day 2: Mountain Hiking in the Swiss Alps, Switzerland
    5.5 hours from Plitvice Lakes National Park by plane to Zurich and 3 hours to Lauterbrunnen

    Known for breathtaking views and scenic vistas, Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen Valley boasts a network of trails perfect for hiking or biking.There are many trails with varying difficulty levels, visitors hike up to the peaks that boast remarkable panoramic views while enjoying the Alpine flora and fauna.

  • Day 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
    7 hours from Lauterbrunnen Valley by train to Venice

    Enjoy a relaxing day in the car-free island of Venice,Italy known for it's unique way of living. A gondola ride through the narrow canals or a stroll around San Marco square, and visit the iconic Doge's Palace are a few must-dos on this day.

  • Day 4: Gaudi’s Park Guell, Spain
    2 hours from Venice by plane to Barcelona

    Designed by iconic architect Antoni Gaudi, Park Guell is a must-visit spot in Barcelona, Spain. The vibrant colorful tiles are just as Instagram-worthy as the unique architecture that surrounds visitors. Explore the various zones within the park and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

  • Day 5: The Cotswolds, England
    3 hours from Barcelona by plane and 2 hours from Heathrow airport

    Known for its rolling hills and picturesque countryside, The Cotswolds is an area in central England that's perfect to escape from city life. Visitors can explore various small towns and villages, and witness stunning landscapes and countless cows and sheep roaming in the area. Grab a cup of tea and scones to embrace typical British culture.

  • Day 6: Hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
    1 hour 45 minutes from The Cotswolds by plane to Dresden and 50 minutes by car

    Finish the trip with a day of hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park, located in the Saxony region of Germany. Here, visitors can admire unique rock formations, climb to the top of scenic viewpoints, and hike through lush green forests. At the end of the day, take a moment to relax and rejuvenate before heading home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park (8 hours, $45)
  • Hiking in Swiss Alps (5-6 hours, $30-$50)
  • Visiting Venice (6 hours, $60-$80 including gondola ride)
  • Park Guell (3 hours, $15-$20)
  • Explore the Cotswolds (5-6 hours, $40-$60)
  • Hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park (5-6 hours, $20-$35)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $245-$330

Transportation

To maximize sightseeing, consider a combination of air, train or car transportation. Distances among locations are relatively short, air or train travel between each stop is recommended. Alternatively, renting a car provides more freedom and flexibility but might increase expenses. Estimated total transportation cost for this itinerary is between $200-$350 with travel time of approximately 18 hours.

Useful tips

If you have more time, add a day trip to The Swiss city of Interlaken, the gorgeous nearby waterfalls can lead to an unforgettable day. Alternatively, Birmingham, England is a great destination to explore the food and culture of the area. Add an extra day for each day trip. To shorten a trip, decide to skip one of the places mentioned, such as Saxon Switzerland National Park, but that'll mean less expenditure on sightseeing and less time in motion.

Airports

The primary international airports for this itinerary are Zagreb International Airport (ZAG), Zurich Airport (ZRH), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Heathrow Airport (LHR), and Dresden International Airport (DRS).

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