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Help with Switzerland/France itinerary

Hi!

My boyfriend and I booked a spontaneous flight deal to Geneva for late May 2026. We could really use some help narrowing down where we should go and what is the best way to optimize our time. For reference, we are both mid to late 20s. We love great food, beautiful scenery, outdoor activities like cycling or hiking (though we aren't like avid or intense outdoorsy people), wandering around, and museums/historical sites. This is the mock itinerary I've come up with. I'd love feedback on if it's feasible, if the places I have listed are worth seeing, and/or any alternatives anyone can suggest.

I am a bit worried about the weather and running out of things to do/planning a bad trip.

Itinerary:
Day 1- arrive in Geneva and take a train to Basel. Use basel as a base for day trips.

Day 2- Colmar day trip

Day 3- Strasbourg day trip (Is the Alsace region a good place to visit outside of Christmas markets?)

Day 4- travel to Bern and use bern as a base.

Day 5- Day trip to Gruyeres.

Day 6- Day trip to Grindelwald.

Day 7- Travel to Annecy.

Day 8 and 9- explore Annecy

Day 10- day trip to Lyon

Day 11- day trip to Chamonix

Day 12- travel back to Geneva for flight home the next day.

Thank you in advance!

Posted by
135 posts

I've been to both Chamonix and Annecy. I would spend less time in Annecy - we spent about 3/4 of a slow, leisurely day there in Annecy and it was plenty of time. However, I would give yourself way more time in Chamonix! Mount Blanc, Aguille di Midi, hiking, etc. wonderful town, lots of great eateries - a great fit for the way you describe your travel party.

~Mitzi

Posted by
22979 posts

You posted this question twice, on the France Forum and the Switzerland Forum, I'll keep my answer here.

I do not see the point in staying in Basel to take day trips to Colmar and Strasbourg. Why not just stay in Colmar and visit Strasbourg as a day trip. Hotels in France will be a whole lot less than Switzerland and you will spend less time commuting and more time seeing.

Posted by
5 posts

Sorry. I wasn't sure if since this community is broken up by country if I'd need separate feedback for France and Switzerland.

Posted by
137 posts

Gruyeres could be done as part of day 7. That would give you more time in the BO.

You should consider the weather and what days could be exchanged to ensure a clear day in Chamonix and Grindelwald