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12 days in Switzerland, Italy and Paris

Posted by (India) on

I am planning to take a 12-days trip to Europe in June/July. I have been to Zurich and Lucerne and small villages surrounding them. However, not been to the top of Titlis, Jungfrau, Rigi or Pilatus.

Similarly, I have been to Paris but not to Versailles or any surrounding sites; and have not been inside Louvre or any other major attractions either. Had spent most of the three days absorbing the Paris architecture from outside; this time, would like to see Louvre and 2-3 other monuments from inside (suggestions welcome).

On this background, want help with an itinerary for 12-days trip covering Switzerland (optional), Italy, Southen France (optional) and last stop being Paris. I will be backpacking, so excess travelling wouldn't be an issue; however, I do not want to do a city a day kind of travel either. I would like to trains wherever possible, but can also fly to save time. Backpacking for fun, not because of the budget. I like nature, I like architecture (beautiful from outside, so I can walk around and absorb), not much into museums (unless the museum houses a masterpiece). Will be grateful for suggestions.

Posted by
7175 posts

Not much time to fit this all in over 12 nights.
Travel times by train of approx 3-5 hours.

Start in Lauterbrunnen - 3nts
To Milan - 2nts
To Nice - 2nts
To Avignon - 2nts
Finish in Paris - 3nts

Posted by
6113 posts

You say you don't want to rush, but then you try to squeeze 3 countries into 11 nights! You are also planning on travelling next month. Train and airline tickets have been available for ages, so the cheaper fares will have gone.

I would suggest that you visit Florence or Rome , then fly to Nice, then take the train or fly to Paris. The trouble with seeking nature is that it tends to be away from city centres and takes time to reach, which you don't have with your itinerary.

Posted by
2 posts

Thx for your reply Jennifer. Probably, I wasn't clear enough in my first post. I have mentioned both Switzerland and Southern France as optional - as in, if I can fit one of the two in, it will be great; if not, no issues.

Posted by
15582 posts

Maybe fly in to Milan or Venice and go up to the Dolomites for about 3 days (or more), then at least one full day in Venice. Florence has architecture and some excellent sculpture without going into a museum. And a number of masterpieces in the museums too. You can spend all your time in Italy or get a cheap flight to Paris for a minimum of 3 full days there (be sure not to fly into Beauvais airport); less and it isn't worth the time and money to get there. There are dozens of interesting towns that you can reach by train without going as far south as Rome. But Rome is only a 2-hour train ride from Florence . . .

Posted by
7662 posts

Switzerland is wonderful, also very expensive. Jungfrau is nice, but not sure why you are focusing on mountain peaks. Austria and Italy have great places in the Alps and are cheaper. Paris is great, but you have been there. Have you been to Florence, Venice, Siena or Rome.

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