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Packing for Best Of Europe 14 Days in June-HELP

Hi,

Has anyone done the Best of Europe 14 days in the summer or traveled to these places in the summer? The itinerary is: Rome, Florence, Venice, Bavaria, Switzerland, Burgundy, Paris. I feel good about packing light but I feel like I'm going through some different climates and want to be prepared. Any advice on still packing light for various climates? I mostly wear pants or capris but will bring one casual summer dress.

I'm also trying to determine if I need to pack comfortable walking shoes and trail runners for hiking in Switzerland (I use trail runners for the grip on the bottom vs. hiking shoes).

Posted by
415 posts

We took this tour in June of 2019, so a few years ago. We had HOT weather all the way through (even in Switzerland). I think it was considered a heatwave, so maybe not a typical experience. I did fine with capris and short sleeved tops. I had a lightweight fleece/sweatshirt, but never really needed it, except maybe for the bus. I also had a light rain jacket/windbreaker, but I don’t think it ever rained.
When we went, there was basically a free day in Lauterbrunnen where you could do your own thing. We joined the guide’s optional excursion to the Schilthorn. It was slight chilly (early morning), but not uncomfortably so.

For us, we didn’t choose to do any serious hiking that required special shoes (but of course maybe you have more ambitious plans). We both had ordinary running shoes, and were fine. After the trip to the Schilthorn, my husband and I returned to the valley with a combination of walking between the villages (paved path, easy but downhill of course) and one cable car. We also walked along a nice path on the valley floor back to the hotel and it was flat and easy. I don’t think the trail runners would be a bad idea, though, depending on what your walking shoes are like. You might also use the trail runners at other times on the trip (there’s a lot of walking).

I suppose you might have cooler weather in Switzerland, maybe take a couple of things to layer (ex fleece + raincoat) that would be useful at other times. Or a winter knit hat and light gloves can make a difference in mountain weather and don’t take up much space.

It’s a great tour, enjoy!!

Posted by
16822 posts

If you don’t normally wear dresses, don’t give space to one for your trip. The tour dinners are not dressy.

I am a light packer. I usually take capris to Italy. I normally travel in jeans on the plane so that would cover me in Switzerland if it was cooler. I’d probably have a pr of lightweight pants too. So, for me, 3 pr of bottoms, 3 lightweight short sleeve tees, 1 long sleeve tee and a waterproof rain jacket with hood. (Plus unders, socks and nightwear)

For Switzerland, If your guide gets you set up for the Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg hike above Wengen it’s a wide, well worn trail and can easily be done in walking shoes. All the elevation gain is via gondola then a flattish but gorgeous walk between the two and a cog train back down. My normal travel shoe is a trail runner (Altra Lone Peak) but I did not need the grippiness on either of the RS tours I took that stayed in the Lauterbrunnen area.

What a fun time you’ll have!

Posted by
11 posts

I live in southwest Germany, basically sandwiched between Bavaria and Switzerland, and I would say that you should at least plan for the possibility that it might be cool in the evenings, or in the mountains...but we can have our heatwaves here. More to the point, in Germany it can break out in rain quite unexpectedly, so be sure to pack a rain jacket (which should also help with the potentially cool evenings).

Posted by
3816 posts

Layers are your friend! Worst case scenario if it is cold you can wear all your layers at once. Just make sure all you take is easily rinsed out and will mostly dry overnight. I'd also pack a very lightweight waterproof outer layer. If it is super rainy you can buy an umbrella (the vendors will miraculously appear). You definitely need comfortable walking shoes for the entire trip - there are many threads in the forum about footwear, but whatever you take make sure they're well broken in way before June. Have a great time!

Posted by
178 posts

You've received lots of great advice already. I'd like to add that whatever bag you bring, whatever size, do not overfill it. On tours like this where you're moving a lot, the morning departures are sure less chaotic if everything fits neatly in your suitcase. There is some bad magic where the items that all fit in your bag when you perfectly tetrised them for departure, no longer fit on a quick morning pack. Have fun - what an amazing trip you will have!

Posted by
15 posts

@travelingdana, I think I’m on the same trip! I run hot so I’ll be bringing a couple skirts/skorts and a pair of leggings for cooler times. 3-4 short sleeves and a long sleeve for layering and a light rain jacket. For shoes I’m bringing 2 pairs, walking sandals and trail running shoes that are good for walking and hiking.

I’ve also been experimenting with merino wool socks. They truly do not smell after a full day of wearing and sweating. And they dry so quickly, unlike thicker cotton socks.

Posted by
15 posts

Oh and to add about have 2 pairs of walking shoes. It’s not just for hot vs cooler weather. I hear it’s easier on your feet to switch them up a bit. And if one pair gets wet or damaged, you still have a backup.