The most common mistake on a first Europe trip is trying to see seven countries in ten days. You spend the holiday on trains and in hotel lobbies. A better plan is three or four bases connected by fast trains.
The classic route: Paris, Switzerland and Italy (11 nights)
- Nights 1–3: Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, a Seine cruise and Versailles or Disneyland.
- Nights 4–5: Lucerne. TGV from Paris to Basel or Zurich, then on to Lucerne. Mount Titlis and a lake cruise.
- Nights 6–7: Interlaken & Jungfrau. Jungfraujoch and the villages of the Jungfrau region.
- Night 8: Venice. Train across the Alps via Milan. Gondolas, St Mark's Square and the islands.
- Nights 9–11: Rome. The Colosseum, the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain. Fly home from Rome.
Why this works
Each base has a different character: a capital city, the Alps and Italy's history. Trains between them are scenic and efficient, and flying into Paris and out of Rome (an "open-jaw" ticket) avoids doubling back.
Shorter version (8 nights)
Paris (3), Lucerne (2), Interlaken (3). Simple and relaxed.
Common mistakes
- Too many one-night stops. Every hotel change costs half a day.
- Ignoring visa timelines. Apply for your Schengen visa early. See Schengen visa for Indian travellers: how the process works.
- Not booking timed tickets. The Louvre, the Vatican, the Eiffel Tower summit and Jungfraujoch all benefit from advance booking.
- Overpacking. You will carry your bags on and off trains.
Food
Indian restaurants are easy to find in Paris, Zurich, Interlaken and Rome. Vegetarian food is easiest in Italy.
When to go
Late May, June or September for good weather with manageable crowds. See Best time to visit Europe from India: a season-by-season guide and our Multi-country tours page.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go