Epic 15-Day European Road Trip: France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day adventure through the heart of Europe! This itinerary, honed over three years of personal exploration, is best enjoyed from mid-April to early November. It's a perfect blend of iconic cityscapes and breathtaking natural wonders.
Prepare to be enchanted by the romance of Paris, the ethereal beauty of Switzerland's Interlaken region often called the gateway to paradise, and the sophisticated charm of Italy's Lake Como with its stunning villas. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Venice, a city seemingly floating on the sea. Experience the majestic, almost painterly, landscapes of the Dolomites, a region many find even more captivating than Switzerland itself. Traverse scenic mountain passes between Italy and Austria, discover the picturesque village of Hallstatt, and explore Fussen in southern Germany's Bavaria, home to fairytale castles. Finally, wander through the storybook streets of Colmar and Strasbourg, with their impossibly charming houses.
Self-Drive Freedom: Your Guide to an Unfettered Journey
This self-drive itinerary is ideal for those comfortable with long-distance driving. If you're coming from Vietnam, imagine tackling a journey akin to driving from Hanoi to Da Nang. For those who prefer the autonomy of the steering wheel, spending 7 hours driving (including breaks, making it 8.5 hours total) from point to point is a welcome alternative to the hassle of taxis, flights, or trains, especially when dealing with luggage. For a group of four, expect costs around 800€ for 13 days of car rental with full insurance, 600€ for fuel, tolls, and parking, another 600€ for entertainment and entrance fees, and finally, 6,000€ for 15 nights of accommodation and food. This totals approximately 8,000€ for four people, averaging just 2,000€ per person for a journey of complete freedom, without the worries of travel theft or lugging heavy bags!
On average, you'll be driving about 2.5 to 2 hours and 40 minutes per day. Over the 15 days, this amounts to roughly 38 to 40 hours spent on the road, including scenic detours and exploration, but not accounting for getting lost.
Day 1: Arrival in Paris (2 Nights)
Upon arrival in Paris, the cost of an Uber is comparable to arranging a private pick-up. Opting for a local guide often provides invaluable insights and makes navigation significantly easier.
Explore the City of Lights using public transportation. Renting a car at this stage would be an unnecessary expense. The most enriching way to discover Paris is by combining walking with occasional use of the Metro or Uber.
Day 2: Parisian Adventures
Dedicate today to exploring Paris on foot. If you're passionate about photography, I've shared my favorite Parisian photo spots in previous posts. If navigating and walking feel daunting, feel free to reach out; I'd be delighted to guide you through the city's secrets and capture some amazing shots!
Plan to pick up your rental car no later than 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. For detailed information on car rental in Europe, please refer to my dedicated article on self-driving in the region.
Day 3: Paris to Interlaken (3 Nights)
Depart from Paris before 8 AM, unless it's a weekend. If you're a confident driver, a stop in Bern en route is easily manageable within your schedule. While Bern is generally safe for keeping luggage in your car, it's always best practice to cover your belongings and park as close to a wall as possible.
Days 4 & 5: Exploring Interlaken's Wonders
These two days are dedicated to immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery around Interlaken. Explore iconic locations such as Blausee, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Mürren, Wengen, Brienz, and Iseltwald. Each offers unique vistas and unforgettable experiences.
Day 6: Interlaken to Lake Como (1 Night)
Today's destination is the stunning Lake Como. You have two primary options: visit Villa del Balbianello if you stay near Lenno, or explore Bellagio if you choose accommodation nearby. With careful planning, it's even possible to experience both.
Day 7: Lake Como to Venice (2 Nights)
Consider a detour to Milan if your car's boot is securely covered and you park in a reputable lot. Be mindful of Milan's ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones). If staying on the Venetian islands, park your car at a secure lot in Mestre and take the 11-minute train ride to Venice. Crucially, never leave any belongings in your car, even for a single night; secure them immediately at the Mestre station.
Day 8: Venice - Burano & Murano
Venture out from Venice to explore the charming islands of Burano, famous for its colorful houses, and Murano, renowned for its exquisite glassmaking.
Day 9: Venice to the Dolomites (2 Nights)
Your journey continues to the magnificent Dolomites. The choice of your accommodation will influence which stunning vistas you explore first.
Day 10: Dolomites Peaks and Lakes
If you plan to visit the iconic Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, Lago di Misurina, and Lago di Dobbiaco, base yourself in Cortina. For the breathtaking landscapes of Val di Funes, Seceda, and Alpe di Siusi, Bolzano is your ideal hub.
Day 11: Dolomites to Hallstatt (2 Nights)
For an adventurous drive, consider traversing the Grossglockner Pass. Otherwise, the most direct route via GPS is still incredibly scenic and will lead you to the idyllic village of Hallstatt.
Day 12: Hallstatt Exploration
Spend the day exploring Hallstatt and its surrounding natural beauty. You might also consider a visit to nearby Salzburg or the serene Gosau lake.
Day 13: Hallstatt to Fussen (1 Night)
Journey to Fussen, the gateway to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. If you're not a fan of the castle, the surrounding 10km radius offers a beautiful lake worth exploring.
Day 14: Fussen to Colmar or Strasbourg (1 Night)
Head towards the charming French region of Alsace, choosing to stay in either the enchanting town of Colmar or the historic city of Strasbourg.
Day 15: Colmar/Strasbourg to Paris
Begin your journey back to Paris. If you have time and enjoy shopping, consider a stop at the La Vallee Village outlet near Paris before heading to the airport or your accommodation.
Ensure you return your car before 6 PM to avoid additional charges or significantly higher refueling costs. Fill up your tank to avoid being charged double the price for fuel.
If you have less time or prefer to drive more, you could potentially shorten your stay in Switzerland by a day. For an even more condensed trip, consider reducing your time in Venice or the Dolomites to 13 days. If your available time is shorter, it's advisable to consider a different itinerary, as this route is best savored.
