12-Day Iconic Europe Grand Tour: Paris, Northern Italy & Switzerland Highlights

Day 1: Paris Arrival

Paris, France on June 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your Paris adventure with a classic French breakfast featuring croissants and café au lait at the historic Café de Flore, open from 7:30 AM.
EUR20, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The Louvre is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed Tuesdays.
EUR17, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy French bistro fare near the Louvre with specialty dishes and fine wine at Le Fumoir, open from noon to 11 PM.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Seine and visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral

Stroll the Seine riverbanks, then visit the iconic Notre-Dame, open from 8:00 AM to 6:45 PM. Enjoy the gothic architecture and stained glass.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Coupe Chou

Dine in a cozy, romantic ambiance serving traditional French cuisine, open till 11 PM.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 2: Paris Landmarks

Paris, France on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Angelina Paris

Famous for its hot chocolate and pastries, Angelina is open from 7:30 AM - 7 PM.
EUR25, 1h0m

9:30am

Eiffel Tower visit

Pre-book tickets to visit the Eiffel Tower’s summit (open 9:00 AM - 12:45 AM). Great views of Paris from the top.
EUR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant

Enjoy a refined meal on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, open noon to 3 PM.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Explore the artist district and the marble-domed basilica open from 6 AM to 10:30 PM. Free admission to the basilica.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Relais Gascon

Taste southwest French cuisine including confit de canard in Montmartre, open till 11 PM.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles, France on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Grab fresh pastries before heading out to Versailles.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Palace of Versailles

Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station (~1h).
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Palace of Versailles and Gardens

Explore the grand palace, Hall of Mirrors, and extensive gardens. Open 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM (last entry 6 PM), closed Mondays.
EUR20, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Dine within the Versailles estate with Italian-French cuisine, open 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
EUR40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Paris and free evening

Relax at hotel or explore local cafés and shops.
Free, Evening
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Day 4: Departure to Milan

Paris to Milan on June 6, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to energize for travel day.
Included in hotel, 0h30m

8:00am

Train Paris to Milan

Take the high-speed TGV/EuroCity train (~7 hours). Arrival early afternoon.
EUR100, 7h0m

3:30pm

Check into Hotel Spadari al Duomo, Milan

Centrally located hotel, perfect base near Milan Cathedral.
EUR200 per night, Rest

5:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Marvel at this iconic Gothic cathedral open 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, climb rooftop for views.
EUR15, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Classic Milanese cuisine in the Brera district, open till 11 PM.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 5: Milan & Travel to Venice

Milan & Venice, Italy on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Trendy bakery known for fresh pastries and espresso, open 7:30 AM - 7 PM.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)

See Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece with advanced booking, open 8:15 AM - 7 PM.
EUR15, 1h0m

11:00am

Travel to Venice by train

Take a 2.5-hour train to Venice Santa Lucia station.
EUR40, 2h30m

2:00pm

Check into Hotel Danieli, Venice

Luxury hotel with historic charm close to St. Mark’s Square.
EUR350 per night, Rest

3:30pm

Explore St. Mark's Square and Basilica

Visit the stunning basilica (9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Wednesday) and enjoy the piazza.
Free entry, EUR3 for basilica museum, 2h0m

6:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic Venice gondola ride through canals (tours last 30-40 minutes).
EUR80, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Highly regarded Venetian seafood and pasta, open till midnight.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 6: Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Farini

Delicious bakery with coffee, open from 7:00 AM.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs

Tour this historic palace and famous bridge, open 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
EUR25, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Renowned for fresh seafood and Venetian dishes, reservation recommended, open 12 PM to 3 PM.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Murano Island

Take a vaporetto to Murano to see famous glassblowing workshops, open all day.
EUR20 round trip, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Antiche Carampane

Authentic Venetian cuisine in a historic setting, open till 11 PM.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 7: Venice to Florence

Venice to Florence, Italy on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train Venice to Florence

Fast train takes approximately 2 hours to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station.
EUR35, 2h0m

11:30am

Check into Hotel Brunelleschi, Florence

Boutique hotel centrally located overlooking the Duomo.
EUR250 per night, Rest

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Popular spot for traditional Tuscan dishes, open 12 PM - 3 PM.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Home to Renaissance masterpieces, open 8:15 AM - 6:50 PM, closed Mondays.
EUR25, 3h0m

6:30pm

Sunset walk to Piazzale Michelangelo

Panoramic views of Florence city and Duomo at sunset.
Free, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Romantic atmosphere with Tuscan specialties, open till 11 PM.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 8: Florence & Travel to Rome

Florence & Rome, Italy on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Famous for excellent coffee and pastries, opens 8 AM.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Baptistery

Climb Brunelleschi's Dome and explore the cathedral, open 10 AM - 5 PM.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:00am

Train Florence to Rome

Fast train takes about 1h30m to Roma Termini station.
EUR40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Check in Hotel Artemide, Rome

Elegant 4-star hotel near Via Nazionale with spa facilities.
EUR280 per night, Rest

2:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Santa Cristina al Quirinale

Modern Italian dishes close to hotel, open 12 PM - 3 PM.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheatre and ruins, open 8:30 AM - 7 PM in summer.
EUR18, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Traditional Roman trattoria popular for carbonara, open 6 PM - 11 PM.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 9: Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Famous for excellent espresso and pastries, open from 7:30 AM.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Pre-book tickets to explore vast art collections and Michelangelo's ceiling, open 9 AM - 6 PM, closed Sundays.
EUR25, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Renowned for gourmet pizza by the slice, open 12 PM - 10 PM.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

Marvel at the largest church in the world with free entry, open 7 AM to 7 PM in summer.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Iconic Roman landmarks perfect for leisurely walking and photos.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Bacaro

Authentic Roman cuisine in a lively setting, open till midnight.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 10: Rome to Lucerne

Rome to Lucerne, Switzerland on June 12, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for your scenic train journey to Switzerland.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Train Rome to Lucerne (via Milan and Zurich)

Approximately 7-hour journey offering breathtaking views, arrive early afternoon.
EUR110, 7h0m

3:30pm

Check into Hotel des Balances, Lucerne

Charming historic hotel near Chapel Bridge with lake views.
CHF300 per night, Rest

4:30pm

Walking tour of Lucerne old town and Chapel Bridge

Discover medieval architecture and iconic wooden bridge, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss dishes served in cozy setting, open 5:30 PM - 10 PM.
CHF45, 2h0m
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Day 11: Swiss Alps Adventure

Lucerne & Interlaken, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early for mountain excursions.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Mount Pilatus

Take boat and cogwheel railway to summit, open daily 8:30 AM - 5 PM.
CHF72, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mount Pilatus restaurant

Enjoy panoramic alpine views with Swiss cuisine.
CHF50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Lucerne and travel to Interlaken

Train ride of approx. 2 hours to Interlaken.
CHF40, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check into Hotel Interlaken

Comfortable hotel with great access to Jungfrau region.
CHF250 per night, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Traditional Swiss and international dishes, open till 10 PM.
CHF40, 2h0m
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Day 12: Jungfrau Excursion

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early start for Jungfraujoch visit.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Train trip to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Scenic train ride to Europe’s highest railway station, open 8 AM - 5 PM.
CHF190, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jungfraujoch restaurant

Enjoy views and Swiss specialties at the summit.
CHF45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Relax and enjoy the alpine panorama on the journey back.
Included, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Casual dining with Swiss beers and local specialties, open until 10 PM.
CHF35, 2h0m
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Day 13: Zurich & Departure

Interlaken to Zurich, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in the Swiss Alps.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Zurich Airport

Approx. 2-hour train ride to Zurich airport for departure or last city exploration.
CHF50, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Zurich old town (if flight is later)

Visit Bahnhofstrasse, Lindenhof and the lake promenade, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss-German dishes in historic cellar setting, open 11:30 AM - 11 PM.
CHF40, 1h30m

5:00pm

Departure from Zurich

End of an unforgettable European journey.
N/A
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