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13-Day Journey Through Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands
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13-Day Journey Through Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands
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Day 1: Arrival in Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland on December 31, 2024
1:40 PM
Arrival in Zurich
Arrive at Zurich Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Use the train from Zurich Airport to the city centre.
CHF10, 1 hour
3:00 PM
Check in at Hotel
Settle into your hotel and freshen up before exploring the city.
Local transport available.
CHF120, 1 hour
4:00 PM
Explore Old Town (Altstadt)
Begin your adventure by wandering through the historic streets of Zurich's Old Town, taking in the beautiful architecture and quaint shops.
Walk or use trams for local transport.
CNY0, 2 hours
6:30 PM
Dinner at Zeughauskeller
Indulge in traditional Swiss dishes like sausage and rosti in a lively old armory setting.
A 5-minute walk from Old Town.
CHF30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zurich
Day 2: Rhine Falls and Return
Schaffhausen, Switzerland on January 1, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Rhine Falls
Take an early train to Schaffhausen to witness the magnificent Rhine Falls (approx 1 hour).
Direct train from Zurich HB to Schaffhausen.
CHF20, 1 hour
9:00 AM
Visit Rhine Falls
Marvel at Europe's largest waterfall and take a boat ride closer to the falls.
Walk from the train station to the falls (20-minute walk).
CHF40, 2.5 hours
12:00 PM
Lunch at a nearby Restaurant
Enjoy lunch with a view of the spectacular Rhine Falls.
Various options close to the falls.
CHF30, 1 hour
2:00 PM
Train back to Zurich
Return to Zurich and enjoy some leisure time.
Train from Schaffhausen back to Zurich.
CHF20, 1 hour
3:00 PM
Visit Lake Zurich
Enjoy a serene walk along the shores of Lake Zurich, with stunning views of the Alps in the background.
Take tram number 4 towards the lake.
CNY0, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Schaffhausen
Day 3: Lucerne and Surroundings
Lucerne, Switzerland on January 2, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Lucerne
Catch an early train to the picturesque town of Lucerne (approx 1 hour).
Direct train from Zurich HB to Lucerne.
CHF15, 1 hour
9:00 AM
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
Admire the beautiful Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge adorned with flowers and paintings.
Short walk from the train station.
CNY0, 1 hour
10:30 AM
Visit Mount Pilatus
Take a scenic cable car ride to Mount Pilatus for breathtaking panoramic views.
Transfer to the cable car station (bus available).
CHF70, 3.5 hours
2:00 PM
Lunch at Restaurant Pilatus
Enjoy lunch at the restaurant atop Mount Pilatus while soaking in the majestic views.
At the summit.
CHF40, 1 hour
3:30 PM
Return to Lucerne for Strolling
Return to Lucerne for some leisure time exploring the lakeside promenade or shops.
Cable car back and walk to town.
CHF70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lucerne
Day 4: Interlaken and Waterfalls
Interlaken, Switzerland on January 3, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Interlaken
Travel to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz (approx 2 hours).
Direct trains from Lucerne.
CHF30, 2 hours
10:30 AM
Visit Trümmelbach Falls
Explore the impressive Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, accessible by a short bus ride.
Bus Number 21 from Interlaken.
CHF12, 2 hours
1:00 PM
Lunch at Restaurant Eiger
Savour local Swiss cuisine with views of the impressive Alps.
Located in Lauterbrunnen near the falls.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
3:00 PM
Explore Lake Brienz
Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Brienz, enjoying beautiful landscapes.
Boat station in Interlaken.
CHF25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Interlaken
Day 5: Zermatt and The Matterhorn
Zermatt, Switzerland on January 4, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Zermatt
Embark on a scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps to Zermatt (approx 2 hours).
Transfer to Visp, then take the cogwheel train to Zermatt.
CHF55, 2.5 hours
10:30 AM
Visit Gornergrat
Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for stunning views of the Matterhorn.
Gornergrat railway station.
CHF70, 4 hours
3:00 PM
Lunch at Gornergrat Bahn Restaurant
Refuel with a delicious meal while enjoying spectacular mountain views.
At the summit.
CHF45, 1.5 hours
5:00 PM
Leisure Walk in Zermatt
Spend the evening strolling through the charming car-free village of Zermatt.
Walking distance from your hotel.
CNY0, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zermatt
Day 6: Geneva and Surroundings
Geneva, Switzerland on January 5, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Geneva
Travel to Geneva via scenic train routes (approx 3 hours).
Direct train from Zermatt to Geneva.
CHF45, 3 hours
11:30 AM
Explore Jet d'Eau
Visit the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain and take a stroll along Lake Geneva.
Walking distance from the train station.
CNY0, 1 hour
1:00 PM
Lunch at Café du Bourg-de-Four
Enjoy a French-inspired lunch near the Old Town.
A 15-minute walk.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
2:30 PM
Visit the U.N. Office
Explore the United Nations Office and learn about its history.
Short tram ride to Palais des Nations.
CHF12, 2 hours
4:30 PM
Evening at Parc des Bastions
End your day with a relaxing walk in Parc des Bastions.
Walk back towards the city centre.
CNY0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Geneva
Day 7: Journey to Lyon
Lyon, France on January 6, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Lyon
Travel by train from Geneva to Lyon (approx 2 hours).
Direct train services available.
CHF30, 2 hours
10:30 AM
Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Start your exploration at this stunning basilica for panoramic views of Lyon.
Funicular railway from city center.
CNY0, 2 hours
1:00 PM
Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
A gourmet market where you can enjoy a fantastic meal with local delicacies.
Short tram or taxi ride.
CHF40, 1.5 hours
3:00 PM
Stroll by the Rhône River
Take a leisurely walk along the lush promenade by the Rhône River.
Walking distance from lunch.
CNY0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Lyon
Day 8: Exploring Paris
Paris, France on January 7, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Paris
Catch a high-speed train from Lyon to Paris (approx 2 hours).
TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu to Gare de Lyon.
CHF60, 2 hours
10:30 AM
Visit the Louvre Museum
Start your Parisian adventure by exploring the incredible collections at the Louvre.
Short metro ride from the train station.
CHF17, 3 hours
1:00 PM
Lunch at Café de Flore
Savour classic Parisian cuisine in this historic café frequented by famous intellectuals.
A short walk from the Louvre.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
3:00 PM
Explore the Eiffel Tower
Take in magnificent views from the iconic Eiffel Tower, with the option to go up or enjoy the surrounding gardens.
Metro from the café to Champ de Mars.
CHF25, 2.5 hours
Find Hotels in Paris
Day 9: Relaxing in Nice
Nice, France on January 8, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Nice
Travel from Paris to Nice by train (approx 6 hours).
Direct TGV service.
CHF100, 6 hours
3:00 PM
Check-in at Hotel
Settle into your hotel on the beautiful French Riviera.
Walking distance from train station.
CHF150, 1 hour
5:00 PM
Walk along Promenade des Anglais
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastline at sunset.
Walking distance from hotel.
CNY0, 1 hour
7:00 PM
Dinner at Le Chantecler
Indulge in a fine dining experience with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.
In the hotel or nearby.
CHF90, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nice
Day 10: Amsterdam Awaits
Amsterdam, Netherlands on January 9, 2024
8:00 AM
Fly to Amsterdam
Depart from Nice to Amsterdam (approx 2 hours flight).
Transfer to airport and fly.
CHF75, 3 hours (including check-in)
12:00 PM
Check-in and Coffee at Café Amsterdam
Indulge in local treats while unwinding at a café after arriving.
Walking distance from accommodation.
CHF15, 1 hour
2:00 PM
Visit Rijksmuseum
Explore the renowned art collections at this iconic museum.
Short tram ride or walk.
CHF20, 2 hours
5:00 PM
Dinner at De Silveren Spiegel
Enjoy a delightful dinner in a charming, historic restaurant.
Short walk or tram ride.
CHF60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Amsterdam
Day 11: Rotterdam Retreat
Rotterdam, Netherlands on January 10, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Rotterdam
Take a short train ride to Rotterdam (approx 1 hour).
Direct train services available.
CHF10, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Visit the Markthal
Explore the iconic market hall showcasing a vibrant selection of food and local products.
Central location, walkable.
CNY0, 1.5 hours
11:30 AM
Walk to Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
Admire the unique architecture of Rotterdam's Cube Houses.
Short distance from Markthal.
CNY0, 30 minutes
1:00 PM
Lunch at Restaurant Parkheuvel
Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant with a fantastic view over the park.
10-minute walk.
CHF80, 2 hours
3:00 PM
Visit Kunsthal Museum
Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Kunsthal Museum.
Short taxi ride or tram.
CHF12, 2 hours
5:30 PM
Return to Amsterdam
Head back to Amsterdam for the evening.
Train back to Amsterdam.
CHF10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Rotterdam
Day 12: Cultural Day in The Hague
The Hague, Netherlands on January 11, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to The Hague
Take a short train ride to The Hague (approx 1 hour).
Direct train available.
CHF10, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Visit Mauritshuis
Explore the impressive art collection at the Mauritshuis museum, home to Vermeer’s 'Girl with a Pearl Earring.'
Walking distance from the train station.
CHF15, 2 hours
12:00 PM
Lunch at Restaurant T’ Potje
Savour local Dutch dishes at a cosy restaurant.
Short walk from Mauritshuis.
CHF25, 1.5 hours
1:30 PM
Explore Scheveningen Beach
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the sandy beach of Scheveningen.
Take tram 1 from the city centre.
CNY0, 2.5 hours
Find Hotels in The Hague
Day 13: Cultural Immersion in Utrecht
Utrecht, Netherlands on January 12, 2024
8:00 AM
Train to Utrecht
Travel to Utrecht by train (approx 30 minutes).
Direct train services available.
CHF5, 30 minutes
9:00 AM
Visit Dom Tower
Climb the highest church tower in the Netherlands for stunning views of the city.
Walking distance from the station.
CHF10, 1.5 hours
11:00 AM
Explore Utrecht Canals
Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque canals lined with cafes and shops.
Walking distance from the Dom Tower.
CNY0, 2 hours
1:00 PM
Lunch at Restaurant Gys
Enjoy a delicious organic meal using local ingredients.
Located near the canals.
CHF25, 1.5 hours
2:30 PM
Visit Centraal Museum
Immerse yourself in art and local history at the Centraal Museum.
Short walk from lunch spot.
CHF12, 2.5 hours
Find Hotels in Utrecht
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
October 3, 2024
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