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Advice for Paris / Alps / Vienna Itinerary + one other city

Where would be a good city (or two) to end (or otherwise adjust) the itinerary below, taking time, distance, and quality of sightseeing into account?

My partner and I have been to Europe three times, covering many major cities that Rick suggests. We're going back at the end of June for two weeks, likely starting in Paris for 3-4 nights (where we've already been twice but want to return to see Versailles, and to visit some old favorite sentimental spots) then heading to somewhere in Switzerland, where we have not yet been. Our main goal is to experience the Alps for 2-3 days...we're not as interested in the larger cities in Switzerland (Chamonix, France might also suffice).

We'd like to head from there toward Vienna, Austria for 3-4 nights, where we have never been. (It looks like a long distance on the map, perhaps an entire day's train ride, so perhaps we can take the night train, fly, or add a city before Vienna).

We could end the trip in Vienna, and extend time in each prior city, but are seriously considering adding one more stop, maybe in Eastern Europe or elsewhere. We've already been to Prague and like it very much. We're considering Krakow or Budapest, but are open to others.

Note: Munich is in the area, but we have been there and don't want to return right now. We've also been to Berlin and Dresden.

We're in the early planning stages and aren't stuck on any one city, but are excited about the Alps and perhaps visiting Paris again.

Thanks in advance,

-Bobby

Posted by
245 posts

We have visited a few places in Switzerland and loved it. To get the best Alps feeling I would go to Berner Oberland. Rick talks extensively about that area in his Swiss book with much good reason. Its absolutely breathtaking. We also enjoyed Lake Lucerne. Such a great city with lake activities and Mt Pilatus had some great hiking. The only drawback to that country is how dang expensive it is. I will mention we have spent quite a bit of time in the Italian Alps- Dolomites- we enjoyed that just as much as Switzerland if not more. It was easy to get around, beautiful and budget friendly. I felt like we got best of both worlds there- its very German feeling but Italian food. Happy travels!

Posted by
2642 posts

Krakow is a lovely little gem of a city, I spent 4 days there and that included a 3/4 day trip to Auschwitz--very walkable, enough to see and do that kept me busy--museums, the Castle, Kazimierz district, Schindler's factory--and it's fairly cheap as they use the zloty. Only drawback is it's not as easy to get there from Vienna as Budapest would be.

Budapest is my favorite city, planning my 3rd visit there in as many years this April. Slightly less than 3 hours by train, also very walkable and with an excellent transit system, affordable as they use the forint, and plenty to do. The Hungarian people are the kindest I've ever encountered and that really adds to the allure of Budapest for me--that and the fabulous food!

Posted by
7966 posts

I would save Vienna for another trip due to distance from Switzerland.

We love Interlakken and Lucerne in Switzerland. You can take trip from this area as well. Switzerland is great, but one of the most expensive countries in Europe.

Posted by
7175 posts

One big travel day in the middle, but as the whole day is written off, take it as an opportunity to relax and recharge.

TGV 9211
Dep 10:23 PARIS GARE DE LYON (France)
Arr 13:26 BASEL SBB (Switzerland)
IC 1073
Dep 13:31 BASEL SBB (Switzerland)
Arr 15:28 INTERLAKEN OST (Switzerland)

IC 1062
Dep 08:30 INTERLAKEN OST (Switzerland)
Arr 09:23 BERN (Switzerland)
IC 711
Dep 09:32 BERN (Switzerland)
Arr 10:28 ZUERICH HB (Switzerland)
RJ 165
Dep 10:40 ZUERICH HB (Switzerland)
Arr 18:30 WIEN HB (Austria)

RJ 61
Dep 11:39 WIEN HBF (Austria)
Arr 14:19 BUDAPEST-KELETI (Hungary)

Posted by
48 posts

Thanks for all of the comments, and the train schedule info - very helpful!

If we do end up going from somewhere in Switzerland to Vienna, I'm considering taking the night train in a sleeper cabin. There is one that runs from about 9PM and arrives at 7AM - assuming I can get some rest and actually sleep. Going during the day doesn't sound all that bad either. Good idea to make it a 'rest day.'

Thanks!
Bobby

Posted by
451 posts

If going to Switzerland, stay up in the mountains not on the edge of two lakes. Here are two villages that are above the valley of Lauterbrunnen. I love Wengen and Murren. They both have amazing views and good hikes. Murren is more touristy but it has better access to hiking. We loved the North Face trail from the top of the Funicular back down to Murren. It is an easy hike, grab sandwiches at the Coop grocery store in town before heading out.