14 Days France, Italy & Switzerland Itinerary
Embark on a 14-day adventure through France, Italy, and Switzerland, experiencing the best of European culture, cuisine, and landscapes. This moderate-budget trip balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, ensuring a memorable journey through vibrant cities and breathtaking scenery.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$2800
Best Time
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
85
Daily Avg
$200/day
Cities
Paris (2d), Lyon (1d), Geneva (1d), Lyon (1d), Geneva (1d), Interlaken (2d), Milan (2d), Florence (2d), Rome (2d)
Pace
Fast
This combination offers a diverse experience, blending iconic cityscapes with stunning natural beauty. From Parisian romance to Swiss Alps adventures and Italian Renaissance art, this trip provides a rich cultural and scenic tapestry.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Iconic Landmarks
Day 1: Eiffel Tower
Art & Culture
Day 2: Louvre Museum
Scenic Views
Day 7: Interlaken paragliding
Food & Wine
Day 2: Lyon food tour
Historical Sites
Day 13: Colosseum & Roman Forum
Shopping
Day 12: Ponte Vecchio
Parks & Gardens
Day 12: Boboli Gardens
Transportation
Day 6: Scenic train to Interlaken
Local Markets
Day 1: Dinner
Religious Sites
Day 9: Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
Outdoor Adventure
Day 8: Hiking near Interlaken
Local Experiences
Day 1: Dinner
France, Italy, and Switzerland offer a diverse culinary landscape, from refined French cuisine to hearty Italian dishes and comforting Swiss specialties. Expect fresh, high-quality ingredients and regional variations across all three countries. Be prepared for rich flavors and a focus on local produce.
Must-Try Dishes
A buttery, flaky pastry perfect for breakfast. Look for 'croissant au beurre' for the authentic butter version.
📍 Any boulangerie (bakery)
The classic Neapolitan pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Simple, fresh, and delicious.
📍 Pizzerias in Naples or any reputable pizzeria
A Swiss cheese dish where the cheese is melted and scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions. Perfect for a cold day.
📍 Restaurants in the Swiss Alps or traditional Swiss restaurants
A simple yet satisfying dish of steak and french fries, often served with a béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.
📍 Brasseries and bistros throughout France
Food Neighborhoods
Known for falafel, trendy restaurants, and Jewish delis
Known for traditional Roman cuisine and lively atmosphere
Known for traditional Swiss cuisine and charming cafes
A large Italian marketplace with various food stalls and restaurants
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in Italy and Switzerland. Look for 'vegetarian' or 'végétarien' on menus. Vegan options are less common but growing in popularity; search for vegan restaurants in major cities. Gluten-free options are becoming more accessible, but it's always best to inquire directly. If you have allergies, clearly communicate them to the wait staff using translated phrases.
In France, meals are often leisurely affairs. Wait to be seated and don't ask for the check until you're ready. In Italy, tipping is not always expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. In Switzerland, punctuality is important, and it's polite to say 'bon appétit' before starting your meal in all three countries.
Nice Carnival
FebruaryLarge carnival with parades and festivities.
Venice Film Festival
August/SeptemberMajor film festival attracting large crowds.
Montreux Jazz Festival
JulyWorld-renowned jazz festival.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take RER B from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare du Nord (€11, ~30 mins)$70
02:00 PM - Check into Accommodation
Settle into your hotel/hostel. Consider accommodation near Gare du Nord for easy train access later.
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- 🚶Metro line 6 or 9 to Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro stations.$30
03:00 PM - Eiffel Tower
Visit the Eiffel Tower. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Eiffel Tower.FREE
06:00 PM - Champ de Mars
Relax and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Champ de Mars.$25
07:00 PM - Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a local bistro near the Eiffel Tower.
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- 🚶Walk to the Seine River from Dinner$20
08:30 PM - Seine River Cruise (Optional)
Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Seine River.
Book on Klook
Near Gare du Nord
Convenient for arrival and departure, with good transport links.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
The weather is generally mild and sunny with occasional showers. Temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate.
Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Check for public holidays as they may affect opening hours and transportation schedules.
Getting Around
TGV high-speed rail; Paris Métro is extensive
Navigo Card (Paris)
Get a Navigo card for unlimited Paris transport. Book TGV tickets early for best prices.
Travel
300 USDAccommodation
60-100 USDFood
40 USDActivities
250 USDConsider using budget airlines or overnight trains to save on travel costs.
Opt for hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb outside the city center for cheaper rates.
Eat at local markets and cafes instead of tourist restaurants to save on food expenses.
- Book train tickets in advance for better prices.
- Learn basic phrases in French and Italian.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes.
- Purchase a travel adapter for European outlets.
- Download offline maps for navigation.
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Light jacket
- 3Universal adapter
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5First-aid kit
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance for best prices and availability, especially for peak season or popular cities like Paris, Rome, Venice, Florence, Zurich.
High-Speed Train Tickets
Book 1-3 months ahead for cheaper fares (e.g., TGV, Frecciarossa, Italo, SBB) as prices increase closer to departure.
Popular Attractions & Museums (e.g., Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, Jungfraujoch)
Book specific timed-entry tickets online weeks to months in advance to avoid long queues and guarantee entry. Many sites sell out.
Travel Insurance
Purchase immediately after booking initial trip components (flights/accommodation) to cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
eSIM or Local SIM Card
Arrange or purchase before departure to ensure immediate connectivity upon arrival. Physical SIMs can be bought at airports but may be more expensive.
Car Rental (if planning rural exploration)
Book several months ahead, especially for automatics and during peak season. Research international driving permits (IDP) requirements if applicable.
Specialized Tours (e.g., cooking classes, wine tours, guided city tours)
Popular tours, especially small group or niche experiences, can sell out weeks in advance.
Visa Requirements
Check your nationality's specific visa requirements for the Schengen Area well in advance of your trip.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Orange stores at airports or in major cities, Amazon
📍 Holafly website
📍 Travel Wifi website
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities. Many public areas also offer free WiFi, but the connection speed can vary. Smaller towns may have less reliable WiFi access.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for easy activation upon arrival. Check the data roaming rates with your current provider, but a local SIM card or eSIM is often more cost-effective. Download offline maps for areas where WiFi may be limited. Always be mindful of data usage, especially when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + round ground hole
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Service included (service compris); round up for good service
Round up to nearest €1–2
€1–2 per bag
Service is legally included in all restaurant bills. Rounding up is a nice gesture.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Overall, France, Italy, and Switzerland are safe destinations. Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas and take necessary precautions.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
17
15
18
112 for European emergency number
Payments
Cash useful at markets and small cafés
Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard)
Very common
Chip and PIN is standard. American Express less widely accepted.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months. Summer is also popular, but expect higher costs and more tourists.
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