Two Weeks in France, Italy and Switzerland: Paris, Milan and Lucerne

About USD 7,127 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 14 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.

Travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and many other nations can enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Citizens of India and other countries typically require a Schengen visa. Check your specific country requirements via the official embassy portals of these nations before you book.

These cities are safe, but keep your bags zipped and in front of you in crowded areas like the Paris metro or near Milan Central Station. Avoid walking alone at night in parts of Loreto or near the southern end of the yellow metro line in Milan. In Lucerne, simply keep an eye on your belongings while near busy tourist spots.

Use the extensive public transport networks in all three. In Paris, the metro and RER trains are efficient. In Milan, the metro is reliable for city travel. In Switzerland, use the trains, as the network is dense and reliable. Avoid renting a car in these city centers because traffic is heavy and parking is expensive.

Service is typically included in your bill across France, Italy, and Switzerland. It is common to round up the bill in cafes or leave a few extra coins if the service was exceptional. You are not expected to leave a percentage-based tip like in the United States.

France and Italy use the Euro, while Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc. Most vendors accept credit and debit cards, including contactless payments. Carry a small amount of cash for markets or small cafes, but cards work almost everywhere.

May, June, and September offer pleasant weather before the peak summer crowds arrive in July and August. Winters are cold and snowy in Lucerne, making it ideal for winter sports, while cities like Paris and Milan remain busy and urban throughout the year.

Public WiFi is widely available in cafes, stations, and public spaces throughout all three cities. You can easily purchase a local prepaid SIM or use an e-SIM to access 5G networks. Most carriers in France, Italy, and Switzerland provide high-speed mobile data coverage.

Pack comfortable walking shoes because you will spend time on cobblestones and in large museums. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather, especially if you travel to the mountains near Lucerne. Keep your clothes neat to blend in, as locals in Paris and Milan often value a polished, stylish appearance.