We(parents + kids-21 & 17) hope to travel the end of May. Wanting to see highlights in Paris, countryside of Switzerland, no particular city in mind, and travel to Frankfurt area where we have relatives. Will rent car and drive, also willing to travel by train. We plan on having 11 nights to take in as much as possible. Any suggestions on best way to see these three countries?
Posted by
OP
Edwardsville, IL, USA
2 posts
We can fly into Paris and out of Frankfurt or the other way does not matter. Flight cost is same and same if flying round trip from Frankfurt. Our relatives are about 1 hour from Frankfurt(near Ramstein AFB) and would like to spend 2 or 3 nights in that area.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Kendra,
A trip of 11 nights is not long, so I definitely agree with Adam that using trains would absolutely be a better option! The trip from Paris to Switzerland via TGV is VERY fast (there's no way a car can match a speed of 300 kmH!).
Keep in mind that you'll lose the first day in flight times and time zone changes. Is that included in your 11 day time frame?
As you want to spend 2-3 nights with your relatives, that leaves about 7 days for other touring. You might consider 4 days or so in Paris and 3 days or so in Switzerland. One of the most popular areas of Switzerland (especially with the group here) is the Berner Oberland region outside of Interlaken. Use Murren or Lauterbrunnen as a home base to tour that area (be sure to visit Gimmelwald also).
In planning your trip, you'll also have to allow some time for travel between cities, so that will reduce your touring time somewhat.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
With the limited time you've got, you should not drive between the destinations. The train is faster.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Kendra, a few initial questions: are you flying into Paris and out of Frankfurt? How many nights do you want to spend in Frankfurt? Have you traveled to Europe before?