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12-Day Scenic Journey Through France, Switzerland, and Italy
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12-Day Scenic Journey Through France, Switzerland, and Italy
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Day 1: Explore Paris
Paris, France on May 2, 2025
8:30am
Breakfast at Café de Flore
Enjoy a classic Parisian breakfast of croissants and coffee at this historic café, open from 7:00am to 11:00pm.
EUR15, 1h
10:00am
Visit Eiffel Tower
Experience panoramic views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, which opens at 9:30am. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
EUR25, 2h
12:30pm
Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais
Savour modern French bistro dishes in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Open from noon to 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
2:30pm
Louvre Museum Tour
Explore priceless artworks including the Mona Lisa. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Fridays and closed Tuesdays.
EUR17, 3h
6:00pm
Dinner at Le Jules Verne
Dine in the Eiffel Tower's upscale restaurant for French cuisine with views. Reservations essential. Open 7:30pm-10:30pm.
EUR150, 2h
Find Hotels in Paris
Day 2: Paris Landmarks
Paris, France on May 3, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Angelina
Famous for its hot chocolate and pastries, Angelina is open from 7:30am. A must-try to start your day.
EUR20, 1h
9:30am
Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité Walk
View the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior and stroll around the historic island. The cathedral interiors may be limited due to restoration.
Free, 2h
11:30am
Visit Sainte-Chapelle
Admire the stunning stained-glass windows in this 13th-century chapel. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
EUR11.50, 1h
1:00pm
Lunch at L’As du Fallafel
Enjoy an iconic falafel sandwich in the lively Marais district; open from 11:30am to 11:30pm.
EUR12, 1h
2:30pm
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Visit
Discover the artistic vibe of Montmartre and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for beautiful city views. Basilica open 6:00am to 10:30pm.
Free, 3h
6:00pm
Dinner at Le Moulin de la Galette
Experience traditional French cuisine in Montmartre’s historic windmill restaurant open from 7:00pm.
EUR50, 2h
Find Hotels in Paris
Day 3: Day Trip Versailles
Versailles, France on May 4, 2025
7:30am
Early Breakfast at Hotel
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out early to Versailles.
Included, 1h
8:30am
Travel to Versailles
Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station; journey takes about 45 minutes.
EUR7, 45m
9:30am
Palace of Versailles Tour
Explore the grandeur of the palace and gardens. Open 9:00am to 6:30pm except Mondays. Book skip-the-line tickets.
EUR27, 4h
1:30pm
Lunch at La Petite Venise
Charming Italian-style restaurant within Versailles grounds open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
3:00pm
Stroll Versailles Gardens
Enjoy the vast gardens with fountains and sculptures, free to explore.
Free, 2h
5:30pm
Return to Paris
Catch the RER train back to Paris for an evening at leisure.
EUR7, 45m
7:00pm
Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle
Casual and affordable French dining in Pigalle, open until 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Versailles
Day 4: Geneva Highlights
Geneva, Switzerland on May 5, 2025
7:00am
Travel Paris to Geneva
Take the early TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Geneva, approximately 3h 5m.
EUR60, 3h5m
10:15am
Breakfast at Café du Centre
Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee in central Geneva; open from 7:00am.
CHF20, 1h
11:30am
Jet d’Eau and Lake Geneva Walk
Visit the famous water fountain and stroll along lakeside promenades to admire the view and relax.
Free, 1h30m
1:00pm
Lunch at Les Armures
Try traditional Swiss fondue in the Old Town, open 11:30am to 2:00pm and 6:30pm to 10:30pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
2:45pm
Visit the International Red Cross Museum
Learn about humanitarian efforts and history. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
CHF15, 2h
5:00pm
Explore Geneva Old Town
Wander through historic streets and visit St. Pierre Cathedral, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m
7:00pm
Dinner at Bayview by Michel Roth
Indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine overlooking the lake; dinner service from 7:00pm.
CHF150, 2h
Find Hotels in Geneva
Day 5: Swiss Alpine Adventure
Interlaken, Switzerland on May 6, 2025
7:00am
Travel Geneva to Interlaken
Take the train via Bern to Interlaken Ost, approximately 3h 15m journey.
CHF50, 3h15m
10:30am
Breakfast at Café de Paris
Relax with hearty Swiss breakfast options right in Interlaken center; open from 7:30am.
CHF18, 1h
11:30am
Boat Ride on Lake Thun
Enjoy a scenic boat cruise for spectacular views of the Alps, departures every hour; lasts about an hour.
CHF25, 1h
1:00pm
Lunch at Restaurant Taverne
Sample Swiss specialties in traditional ambience in Interlaken; open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
CHF35, 1h30m
3:00pm
Jungfrau Region Excursion
Optional afternoon excursion to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) – train departs from Interlaken; allow 4h total.
CHF120, 4h
7:30pm
Dinner at Hotel Restaurant
Unwind with comfort food at your hotel after a long day in the Alps.
CHF30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Interlaken
Day 6: Lucerne Charm
Lucerne, Switzerland on May 7, 2025
8:00am
Travel Interlaken to Lucerne
Train via Bern to Lucerne, about 2h journey across scenic Swiss landscapes.
CHF35, 2h
10:30am
Breakfast at Heini
Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee in this popular Lucerne bakery; opening from 7:30am.
CHF15, 1h
11:30am
Chapel Bridge and Old Town Walk
Wander the charming medieval streets and visit the famous wooden Chapel Bridge.
Free, 2h
1:30pm
Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker
Traditional Swiss and Central European dishes in a family-run setting, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
CHF30, 1h30m
3:00pm
Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport
Explore interactive exhibits about trains, cars, planes, and space; open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
CHF32, 2h
6:00pm
Dinner at Restaurant Stern
Enjoy contemporary Swiss cuisine within a cosy setting; open from 6:00pm.
CHF50, 2h
Find Hotels in Lucerne
Day 7: Zurich Highlights
Zurich, Switzerland on May 8, 2025
8:30am
Travel Lucerne to Zurich
Short 45-minute train ride to Zurich offering urban highlights.
CHF15, 45m
9:30am
Breakfast at Café Sprüngli
Try luxurious Swiss chocolates and pastries at this famous Zurich institution open from 8:00am.
CHF20, 1h
10:30am
Bahnhofstrasse Shopping
Stroll along one of Europe's most exclusive shopping streets with boutiques and luxury shops.
Free, 2h
12:45pm
Lunch at Zeughauskeller
Hearty Swiss fare in a historic armory building, open 11:30am to 11:00pm.
CHF30, 1h30m
2:30pm
Visit Kunsthaus Zurich
Explore one of Switzerland's top art museums featuring both classical and contemporary art. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
CHF23, 2h
5:00pm
Lake Zurich Promenade
Relax and enjoy the lakeside scenery before evening activities.
Free, 1h
7:00pm
Dinner at Kronenhalle
Dine at this elegant restaurant famous for Swiss cuisine and art-filled interiors; open from 6:30pm.
CHF80, 2h
Find Hotels in Zurich
Day 8: Milan Culture
Milan, Italy on May 9, 2025
7:00am
Travel Zurich to Milan
Take the efficient EuroCity train from Zurich to Milan, around 3h 30m journey.
EUR60, 3h30m
11:00am
Breakfast at Pavé
Trendy Milanese bakery serving excellent coffee and pastries; open from 8:00am.
EUR15, 1h
12:30pm
Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
Explore this Gothic masterpiece and its rooftop terraces; open 8:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h
2:30pm
Lunch at Luini
Sample famous panzerotti, a Milanese street food favourite, open 10:00am to 7:30pm.
EUR10, 30m
3:15pm
Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This historic shopping arcade offers stunning architecture and high-end shops.
Free, 1h
4:30pm
Sforza Castle and Park Walk
Explore the museums and grounds of this Renaissance castle; castle open 7:00am to 7:30pm.
EUR10, 2h
7:30pm
Dinner at Trattoria Milanese
Enjoy classic Milanese dishes in a cosy atmosphere; open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR45, 2h
Find Hotels in Milan
Day 9: More Milan & Travel Rome
Milan, Italy / Rome, Italy on May 10, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Marchesi 1824
Historic café perfect for a delicate breakfast; open from 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h
9:30am
Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper
See Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece; pre-booking essential. Visit duration 1h.
EUR15, 1h
11:00am
Travel Milan to Rome
Take a high-speed train to Rome, approximately 3h journey.
EUR70, 3h
2:30pm
Check-in and Light Lunch
Check in to your Rome accommodation and enjoy a light lunch nearby such as pizza by the slice at Pizzarium, open 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR12, 1h
4:00pm
Explore Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
Visit these famous landmarks in the late afternoon when crowds are lighter.
Free, 2h
7:00pm
Dinner at Roscioli
Experience traditional Roman cuisine in a buzzing deli-restaurant; open from 7:00pm.
EUR55, 2h
Find Hotels in Milan
Day 10: Ancient Rome
Rome, Italy on May 11, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli
Famous for pastries and coffee; opens at 7:00am.
EUR10, 1h
9:00am
Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour
Explore iconic ancient Roman landmarks with duration approx 3 hours; Colosseum open 8:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR18, 3h
12:30pm
Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Traditional Roman dishes near the Forum; open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
2:30pm
Visit Capitoline Museums
Discover Rome’s artistic and archaeological treasures; open 9:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h
5:00pm
Stroll Piazza Venezia and Vittorio Emanuele Monument
Enjoy the architecture and city views.
Free, 1h
7:30pm
Dinner at Armando al Pantheon
Classic Roman trattoria near the Pantheon, open from 7:30pm.
EUR60, 2h
Find Hotels in Rome
Day 11: Vatican City
Rome, Italy on May 12, 2025
7:30am
Breakfast at Bar Fondi
Local cafe near the Vatican open from 7:00am serving excellent espresso and pastries.
EUR8, 30m
8:00am
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Explore one of the largest museum complexes and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel; open 9:00am to 6:00pm, early entrance advisable at 8:30am with pre-booked tickets.
EUR30, 3h
11:30am
St. Peter’s Basilica
Visit the stunning basilica next door, open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h
1:00pm
Lunch at Ristorante Arlù
Enjoy authentic Roman and Italian dishes near Vatican; open 12:30pm to 3:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
3:00pm
Walk along Tiber River and Castel Sant’Angelo
Relax on riverside paths and visit the historic castle. Castle open 9:00am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h
7:00pm
Dinner at Osteria del Pegno
A charming spot with classic Roman cuisine; open from 7:00pm.
EUR50, 2h
Find Hotels in Rome
Day 12: Rome Departure
Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025
7:30am
Breakfast at Panella
Delicious Roman bakery with great coffee options; open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h
9:00am
Visit Pantheon and Piazza Navona
Explore these iconic landmarks and vibrant square for last minute sightseeing.
Free, 2h
11:30am
Light Lunch at Enoteca Corsi
Small Roman eatery offering sandwiches and wines, open until 3:30pm.
EUR20, 1h
1:00pm
Return to Hotel and Prepare for Departure
Relax and gather luggage before transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino airport.
Variable, 2h
Find Hotels in Rome
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May 1, 2025
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