10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for France, Switzerland, and Italy

• Day 1: Paris, France
  From Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport take RER B (50 minutes, £10) to Gare Du Nord

  Visit the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Explore the Louvre Museum, the world's largest art museum. Take a stroll along the Seine river and enjoy the city's beautiful architecture.

• Day 2: Interlaken, Switzerland
  From Paris Gare De Lyon station take a direct train to Interlaken Ost Station (6 hours, £45)

  Interlaken is a scenic town situated between two Alpine lakes. Here, you can take a cable car up to the Harder Kulm mountain for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Take a leisurely walk in Höheweg, the main street of Interlaken, with shops, restaurants and cafes.

• Day 3-4: Lucerne, Switzerland
  From Interlaken Ost, take a direct train to Lucerne (2 hours, £20)

  Lucerne is a beautiful city with picturesque views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. Walk across the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Visit the Lion Monument, a rock relief in memory of the heroic death of Swiss mercenaries during the French Revolution. Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

• Day 5-6: Florence, Italy
  From Lucerne, take a direct train to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station (6 hours, £35)

  Florence is known for its rich history, art, and architecture. Visit the Duomo, the iconic red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi. View the famous statue of David at the Academia Gallery. Walk along the Ponte Vecchio, the gorgeous medieval bridge over the Arno River, which is lined with jewelry shops.

• Day 7-8: Rome, Italy
  From Florence Santa Maria Novella Station take a direct train to Rome Termini Station (2 hours, £20)

  Rome, the capital of Italy, is the heart of ancient history and art. Visit the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, where gladiatorial contests and public spectacles were held. View the intricate details of the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, housing the Pope's residence, museums, and the famous Sistine Chapel.

• Day 9-10: Venice, Italy
  From Rome Termini Station, take a direct train to Venice Santa Lucia Station (4 hours, £25)

  Explore the floating city of Venice, walk through the winding streets and cross the many bridges over the canals. Take a gondola ride and experience the city from a unique perspective. Visit the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Rialto Bridge, which are all important landmarks in Venice.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Eiffel Tower (2 hours, £10)
• Louvre Museum (2-3 hours, free on the first Sunday of the month)
• Harder Kulm (4 hours, £20)
• Chapel Bridge (1 hour, free)
• Lion Monument (30 mins, free)
• David Statue (2 hours, £18)
• Colosseum (2-3 hours, £12)
• Vatican City (3-4 hours, £22)
• Doge's Palace (2-3 hours, £16)

Transportation

Train travel is the most economical and efficient way to travel within Europe. Book train tickets in advance to save on costs, as prices tend to rise closer to the travel date. Flights can also be an option, but are often more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

Total Travel Costs (not including flights): approx. £155

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting smaller towns and villages for a more authentic experience. If you have less time, consider skipping Interlaken and spending more time in the other cities. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, as all of these destinations require a lot of walking.

Airports

Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) is located 25 km northeast of Paris. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is located 12 km north of Zurich. Florence Airport (FLR) is located 10 km northwest of Florence. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is located 35 km southwest of Rome. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located 13 km north of Venice.