Buzz
Explore iconic sites in France, Switzerland, and Italy on one of Europe's premier travel routes. This guide offers an optimal 10-day itinerary.
Best seasons to visit France, Italy, and Switzerland? Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November).
Traveling to France, Italy, and Switzerland is best during spring and autumn for cooler weather, affordable costs, and fewer tourists.
Summer months are hot, crowded, and expensive, while winter is often cold, damp, and gloomy.
Adventurous spirits unconcerned about weather or cost can enjoy Italy, Switzerland, and France year-round.
Key considerations for travelers
Apply for a Schengen visa
Traveling to France, Switzerland, and Italy in Europe requires a Schengen visa, granting access to 26 countries.
With a Schengen visa, enter the first country and exit at the last Schengen country visited, moving freely in-between without further checks but always carry your passport.
Obtaining a Schengen visa is notably easier for France and Italy, as they issue visas to independent travelers without a sponsor or invitation letter.
Flight tickets
Currently, flights to France are more affordable compared to the other two countries, offering a starting point from Paris with direct flights lasting 11 to 14 hours, and onward flights to other destinations.
A variety of airlines offer direct flights to France, ranging from economy to luxury options. Consider airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, and Thai Airways for your trip to France.
Opting for airlines with layovers in a third country can add an extra destination to your itinerary and potentially lower your travel costs.
Currency
The Euro serves as the official currency for all three countries, being EU members.
Current exchange rate: 1 Euro equals 24,316.51 VND
For spring and summer visits, pack light and airy fabrics, shorts paired with cool t-shirts, and bring along jackets or thin sweaters for cooler evenings.
European winters are cold, so pack warmly with thick coats, wool sweaters, and accessories like wool hats, scarves, gloves, and socks for your trip.
Travel Itinerary Suggestions for France - Italy - Switzerland
Day 1: Hanoi to Paris, France
Day 2: Paris City Tour
Visit the Arc De Triomphe, a symbol of French national pride and history, showcasing famous sculptures such as Francois Rude's 'The Marseillaise.'
Arc De Triomphe
Champs Elysees, known as the most beautiful avenue in the world, is the heart of Parisian luxury shopping.
Champs Elysees Avenue
Place de la Concorde, the largest public square in Paris, features two magnificent fountains and a central Egyptian obelisk, making it a captivating space for photography.
Alexandre III Bridge, a historical monument spanning the Seine between the 7th and 8th arrondissements of Paris, stands as one of the city's most exquisite bridges.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris's emblem, took 26 months to build and was inaugurated in March 1889 for the World's Fair, reaching a height of 320.75 meters. By night, it transforms into a luminous jewel against the dark sky.
The Eiffel Tower: Recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Day 3: Paris - Second city tour
Versailles Palace: Positioned west of Paris in the city of Versailles, the palace stands as a testament to the absolute monarchy of France, boasting vast grounds and stunningly opulent architectural feats.
Home to French monarchs Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI.
Louvre Museum: Ranked among the world's most prestigious museums, it showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations, Islamic art, and European art from the 13th to the mid-19th century. Visitors are encouraged to photograph its exterior.
Notre Dame de Montmartre: A quintessential Catholic church in Paris, showcasing gothic architecture on the Île de la Cité, amidst the Seine River. It serves as the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Paris.
Day 4: Journey from Reims to Colmar
Reims Cathedral: The primary church of the Archdiocese of Reims, located in the city of Reims, France. Originating from the 13th century, it is among the oldest and largest cathedrals in the country.
Explore the enchanting Old Town of Colmar, a compact area that captivates visitors for an entire afternoon with its charming streets and remarkable architecture.
Discover 'Little Venice': Nestled by the picturesque Launch river, considered one of Europe's most beautiful towns with its colorful streets reminiscent of fairy tales, splendid squares, stunning fountains, and ancient museums.
Day 5: From Colmar to Lucerne and Zurich, Switzerland
Explore Lucerne, a city brimming with captivating tourist spots including:
Lake Lucerne
The Lion Monument memorial.
Shills Mills Bridge.
Journeying to Zurich for sightseeing:
Fraumunster Church, established on the remains of an ancient noblewomen's convent founded in 853 by Louis the German for his daughter Hildegard.
Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style Protestant church in Zurich, Switzerland, among the city's four major churches.
Zurich Opera House: A gem on Sechseläutenplatz, rebuilt from the ashes of the Aktien theater in 1891. Since 1925, it has been the exclusive venue for a myriad of musical events and concerts.
Day 6: Zurich to Milan
Embarking on an Italian adventure with must-see attractions in Milan including:
Sant'Ambrogio Basilica, among Milan's oldest churches, stands as a testament to historical architecture.
Brera Art Gallery showcases
Central Scala Square and the iconic La Scala Opera House
Day 7: Milan to Venice Mestre
A memorable cruise from Tronchetto to San Marco reveals Venice's enchanting beauty and architectural marvels like the exquisite Byzantine Saint Mark's Basilica.
Stroll across the legendary Bridge of Sighs, a picturesque connector between old prisons and the interrogation rooms of the Doge's Palace, a frequent subject of postcards and paintings of Venice.
Lean into the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, now stabilized with 800 tons of lead counterweights, for a must-have photo op.
Piazza del Duomo stands as Pisa's pivotal art and tourism hub.
Visit the exquisite Santa Maria della Spina church.
Explore the historic Knights' Square.
Day 9: Rome – Embark on a city tour.
Vatican Museums: This museum complex showcases an immense collection amassed by Popes over centuries, featuring some of the most famous classical sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces in the world.
St. Peter's Basilica – Attend a ceremony among the artworks of renowned Renaissance artists, where you'll marvel at masterpieces by Raphael, Michelangelo, Fra Angelico, Apollonius, Van Dyck, Veronese, Leonardo, and more.
Stroll through the ancient Roman Forum, a testament to Rome's imperial past.
Witness the architectural marvel of the Colosseum, an iconic symbol of the Roman Empire where gladiators and slaves once battled for their lives.
Embark on a captivating 10-day, 9-night journey from Ho Chi Minh City through France, Switzerland, Italy, or opt for the extended tour including Vatican City starting from Hanoi.
Traveling through France, Switzerland, and Italy may come with a higher price tag, but the experiences gained are priceless. To avoid financial waste, research and plan your trip months in advance. For a time-saving option, consider booking our tour through France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Posted by: Ngô Kiều Trang
Keywords: Journey through Europe with a tour of France - Switzerland - Italy
