Planning for a two-week itinerary in Europe may be difficult; the continent boasts more than 40 countries, each with their own unique charms, after all. From the romantic architecture of Paris to the thundering Trümmelbach Falls in Switzerland, there’s a gem to be unearthed for city and nature lovers alike.
Immerse yourself in the scenic gondola rides down the canals of Venice, and take a train across the spectacular scenery with views of nature’s finest in Switzerland. Finally, end your fulfilling vacation in the historic Prague, where you can find friendly locals who are always up for a chat in bustling bars decked out in old-school ornaments.
First stop: floating city of Venice
Day 1: Arrival and checking in
Take your first day slowly. Depending on where you’re flying in from, you may be feeling fatigued from the side effects of bad jet lag creeping up on you. Have a stroll around the airport, just soaking up the foreign chatter to familiarize yourself with the environment that you’ll be in for the next 3 days or so.
Venice Marco Polo Airport
Website: Venice Marco Polo Airport Head over to your hotel or vacation rental, and catch up on your precious beauty sleep. If you need any recommendations on where to stay, check out some of our budget and luxury picks in Venice.
Day 2
In the morning: touring Venice on the water
To start off your day, wake up bright and early and get on the No.1 Vaporetto. Cruise from the Piazzale Roma to San Marco, all whilst being surrounded by the sights of towering ancient buildings that have withstood the test of time to stand tall in aged beauty on the streets of Venice. Your journey on the water will take around 40 minutes, so for those who get motion sickness easily, be sure to bring necessary medication along. The Vaporetto arrives at an interval of 10 minutes in the morning, and every 20 minutes when the sun sets. The best spots are definitely at the bow of the vessel, where you get to marvel at the intricately carved ceilings inside the palazzi that line the canal. You can get an ACTV single-fare ticket or a Tourist Travel Card, which offers much better value if you plan to travel by boat over the course of 7-12 hours.
You are recommended to purchase all of your tickets and travel cards on land via three main ways: at the ACTV ticket office, from the manual ticket machine, and from the boat attendant. If you find the staffed ticket points to be closed, purchase your tickets from the ACTV touch-screen ticket machine for convenience. Lastly, if you can’t find any of these at the Vaporetto station that you’re at, ask for a ticket from the conductor, but be quick about it as the fines can be heavy if you’re caught on board without a ticket. Check out the website below for the detailed timetable of the water buses.
No.1 Vaporetto
Price: from 8 USD
Opening Hours: Changes ocassionally. Check the information on the docks or call the headquarters for precise timing
Contact: 041 2424
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In the afternoon: "Secret Itineraries" tour in Palazzo Ducale (Tickets from 13 USD, tours from 68 USD)
Built in a Gothic architectural style, Doge’s Palace houses a number of seasonal exhibitions, ranging from historical exhibits meant to spread cultural awareness across the diverse population of Venice, to famous artworks by renowned artists such as Henri Rousseau. However, that is not the main highlight of the Palace. Hidden within the layers of century-old castle walls is an uncharted area of the palace. Feast your eyes on the Piombi attic prison with a secret itinerary tour. You can also explore the torture dungeons used to punish corrupt officials and criminals back in the day, and emerge from the shadowy depths of the dungeons after your tour with access to the rest of the palace. Learn more about this tour in the link below.
Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)
Address: Palazzo Ducale San Marco, 1 30135 Venezia
Price: Tickets from 13 USD, tours from 68 USD
Opening Hours: from November 2nd to March 25th 8.30 am - 5.30 pm (last admission 4.30 pm) from March 26th to November 1st 8.30 am - 7 pm (last admission 6 pm)
Contact: +39 0412715911
Website: Palazzo Ducale
Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
Price: from 68.52 USD
Duration: 85min
Website:
In the evening: grab a bite at Quanto Basta
A must-visit if you’re near the Cannaregio area, this restaurant serves up a wicked serving of everything. From thin-crusted pizzas to lamb kebabs freshly skewered and grilled, you can definitely satiate your picky taste buds here.
(PS: It’s halal too!)
Quanto Basta
Address: Cannaregio, 148, 30121 Venice, Italy
Price: from 4 USD
Opening Hours: 10 am - 12 am daily
Contact: +39 0415 242939
Website: Quanto Basta
Day 3
In the morning: stroll through the Dorsoduro area
Filled with the creative spirit of youths, the Dorsoduro area is commonly known as the student district in Venice. With an abundance of eateries offering quality food for some of the cheapest prices, feel free to take a walk while admiring the vibrant houses stacked up against the backdrop of the rising sun. Taking a breather once in a while isn’t such a bad idea.
In the afternoon: the beauty of Venetian legends
If you think you saw it all at the Palazzo Ducale yesterday, you’ve yet to step foot into one of the most monumental galleries in Venice. The Gallerie dell'accademia houses a plethora of works by renowned Venetian painters from the fourteenth century through to artists of the Renaissance era, including Bellini, Carpaccio, and Giorgione, to name a few. Stop by Bellini’s “The Lamentation Over The Body Of Christ” for a vivid re-enactment of the scene where Christ was taken off the cross while his friends mourned over his death.
Gallerie dell'accademia
Address: Campo de la Carità 1050, 30123 Venezia, Italia
Price: from 15 USD
Opening Hours: Monday from 8.15 am to 2 pm, Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 am to 7.15 pm
Contact: +39 041 5200345
Website: Gallerie dell'accademia
At night: end your day at Gelateria il Doge
Known for their wacky flavors, the gelato at Gelateria il Doge will not disappoint! Expect the unexpected! Chocolate with pepper and dark chocolate with orange marmalade are just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re not the adventurous type, opt for the signature Creme Il Doge; the creamy and rich texture will definitely have you coming back for more.
Gelateria il Doge
Address: Dorsoduro 3058/A, Rio Terà Canal, 30123 Venezia, Italy
Price: from 1.70 USD
Opening Hours: Varies. Call before going
Contact: +38 91288965
Website: Gelateria il Doge
Day 4:
In the morning: grab a morning read in the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
As you can guess from the name, this library is a haven for bibliophiles from all over the world. Boasting a collection of more than 750,000 books, 13,000 manuscripts, and 24,000 prints, the huge library is sadly not open to the public unless for research purposes. There are, however, some old books and manuscripts on public display for those interested.
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
Address: Piazzetta San Marco n.7 30.124 Venezia
Price: from 21 USD
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 19pm, Sat 8am - 1:30pm
Contact: +39 0412407211
Website: Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
In the afternoon: lunch at Al Buso in the Ponte di Rialto area
Rest after a long morning of traveling under the shaded seats. Situated right under the Rialto Bridge, the stunning view is a plus to the scrumptious selection of food at Al Buso. Try out their delicious catch of seafood; the lobster spaghetti is a hit with everyone. Spend a relaxing afternoon indulging in a filling lunch while watching the gondolas slowly pass by.
Al Buso
Address: Ponte di Rialto, Sestiere di San Marco, 5338, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Price: from 20 USD
Opening Hours: 11am - 12am
Contact: +39 0415289078
After lunch: stop by Carlo Goldoni's House and Library for Theatrical Studies
Previously home to the famous playwright Carlo Goldoni, who was often known for his witty honesty, the small Gothic-style castle contains exhibitions of period paintings revolving around the stories told in his plays. Get up close to the intricately woven costumes dating back to the 18th century, as well as the puppet theater set that is reminiscent of stages from the past. The theater studies library is also open for those interested in learning about the craft.
Carlo Goldoni's House and Library for Theatrical Studies
Address: San Polo 2794, 30125 Venice, Italy
Price: from 5.50 USD
Opening Hours: 10 am - 4 pm (ticket office 10 am - 3.30 pm) Closed on Wednesdays, December 25th, January 1st Theatre Studies Library from August 1st, 2016 is open to the public from Mondays to Fridays: 8.30 am to 1.30 pm; Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Contact: +39 041 2759325
Website: Carlo Goldoni’s House and Library for Theatrical Studies
Day 5:
Arrivederci Italia: Traveling to your next destination
After 3 days of artistic adventures, it’s time to move on to your next vacation spot! Wake up early and have a hearty breakfast near to your hotel / vacation rental, and head over to the Venezia S. Lucia station and take the high-speed train for a 2.5-hour trip down to Milano Centrale. From there, take the Bernina Express to Zurich. The first train departs from Milan at 10.20, and you will reach your new destination, Zurich, at 19.53.
Train Timetables
Website: SBB
Welcome to Switzerland!
You will be exploring some of nature’s most scenic creations in Switzerland, so grab a quick dinner at Caffè Ritazza in Zurich Airport, and take a short rest to prepare for the 2 days of intense physical activities coming up. There are no direct trains between Lauterbrunnen and Zurich, so you can opt for a short taxi ride that will take around 20 minutes. By the time you reach your hotel, it will be night time. Get ready to snuggle into your new bed; tomorrow will be a fun new day!
Caffè Ritazza at Zurich Airport
Address: Gate A, Zurich Airport
Opening Hours: Daily from 5.30 am - 1.30 pm & 3.30 pm - last flight
Contact: +41 438168598
Website: Caffè Ritazza
Day 6:
In the late morning: heading up Lauterbrunnen Valley
Let the stunning sights of Jungfrau extend a warm welcome on your first official day here. Think crisp white snow atop thin layers of ice; the frozen landscape is simply majestic to feast your eyes on. You can choose to hike up the rugged trails, or take the railway for a beautiful experience through the Eiger and the Mönch Mountains. Whip out your camera at the Eismeer and Eigerwand intermediate stations, where the vast expanse of the peaks stretches out far beyond what your naked eye can see.
Information about hiking trails
Website: Jungfrau Trails
Take the town’s main bus line, located across from the local coffee shop in town, for a 5-hour trip to the information center of Jungfrau.
Jungfrau Top of Europe Railway
Address: Jungfrau Railways rail information Höheweg 37 Interlaken
Price: from 63 USD
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 am - 12pm & 1.30 pm - 5.30pm. Saturday 8 am - 12 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Contact: +41 033 828 72 33
Website: Jungfrau Top of Europe Railway
In the evening: fill up your tummy at Airtime
Stop by Airtime for some hot chocolate to warm yourself up after the chilly hike. Located in a quiet corner in town, the humble cafe serves up delectable delights in the form of sweet treats, including warm brownies and fluffy pancakes (that are vegan-friendly!). Those looking for a hint of savory taste amongst the sugary desserts can try out the vegetable soup with grilled sandwiches.
Airtime
Address: Fuhren | Fuhren, Lauterbrunnen 3822, Switzerland
Price: from 6 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm
Contact: +41 338551515
Website: Airtime
Day 7:
In the morning: glide down the Swiss Alps (from USD 229.0)
Join a professional paragliding tour past the alpine landscapes of the Lauterbrunnen U-Valley with an experienced pilot. Soar past the snowy peaks of Schilthorn and admire the views. The 1.5-hour adventure will be over in a flash, so be sure to soak up as much of the beauty as you can before it’s over! No experience is needed, so feel free to bring everyone in your family along. Included in your package is a free pickup from your hotel / vacation rental in Lauterbrunnen. You can also arrange to meet your guide at a central location if you’re coming from another attraction. Take a short drive down to the jump-off site in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. Strap up and take off!
Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley
Duration: 1 hour
In the afternoon: tour the spellbinding Trümmelbach Falls
After getting a dose of adrenaline, head over to the snaking valleys for a spectacular nature trail. Hidden behind the towering mountaintops is the thundering Trümmelbach Falls (Trümmelbachfälle). Consisting of a series of 10 waterfalls, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is usually swarming with tourists after 10 am, so be sure to swap your morning activities around if you don’t like crowds! Be sure to check beforehand on the exact opening times of the Trümmelbach Falls, as they change with the seasons and temperature.
Trümmelbach Falls
Price: from 4 USD
Opening Hours: Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily from the beginning of April to the beginning of November and from 8.30 am to 6 pm in July and August
Access: About 3 km (1.9 miles) after passing through Lauterbrunnen you will arrive at Trümmelbach Falls
Contact: +41 338553232
Website: Trümmelbach Falls
In the evening: healthy dinner at Flavours
After a tiring day, drop by Flavours for a fresh serving of dessert and grilled sandwiches made to your liking. The all-day breakfasts are a hit. Imagine a steaming hot plate of scrambled eggs, bread, and bacon with an extra serving of guacamole after a long day of hiking! They also serve up bread with a drizzle of cheese, and a wicked selection of burgers (for those who like extra chewy food!).
Flavours Cafè
Address: Fuhren, Lauterbrunnen 3822, Switzerland
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: Open daily from 9 am - 6 pm
Contact: +41 338553652
Website: Flavours Cafè
Day 8:
In the morning: retreat to a quaint village
When dawn breaks, it’s time to leave the scenic Lauterbrunnen for the idyllic village of Château d'Oex. Known for its steep downhill and cross-country skiing areas, it is not uncommon to see families of four tobogganing down the snow-covered peaks! If you’re visiting during the colder months, go for a short ski session after you’ve settled down in your accommodation for the day; the crisp winter air is a refreshing wake up call! You can hire a car to take you to your new destination. It will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes without much traffic, and you can get the most out of your trip. Check the link below for more information about the route and other transport options.
Transportation details
Website: RouteRank
In the afternoon: take flight at the Espace Ballon exhibition
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Espace Ballon on Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Espace Ballon is dedicated to everything and anything related to hot air balloons; for example, did you know that the first human-carrying flight technology was the hot air balloon? Visit the open area, where you can learn more about the history of hot air balloons. Celebrate the successes of duo Piccard and Jones, who were the first balloon flyers around the world. Try it out for yourself at the 3-D cinema, where you get to go on different balloon adventures above the ground and surround yourself with spectacular aerial views of the neighboring natural attractions, including the sparkling Lake Lugano and Bernese Oberland Peaks.
Espace Ballon
Address: La Place / 1660 Château-d'Oex
Opening Hours: 2pm - 5pm / Monday: Closed November: Annual closure
Contact: 078 723 78 33
Website: Espace Ballon
In the evening: dinner at McCarthy's Lord of the Burgers
At Lord of the Burgers, you can expect a warm welcome the moment you step into the restaurant. The famous design-it-yourself burger is a hit with both young and old and, if you’re overwhelmed by the options they have, you can just go for a good old beef burger with egg and a drizzle of fragrant mushroom sauce. For hyperactive little ones, let them roam by themselves on the indoor playground on the second floor while you wait for your food to be prepared. It’s the perfect end to a fulfilling day!
McCarthy's Lord of the Burgers
Address: Route de Saanen 71Chateau-d’ OexVaud1660Switzerland
Price: from 17 USD
Opening Hours: Sunday: 11am - 10 pm. Friday: 11 am - 10.30 pm. Saturday: 6 pm - 10 pm, call to ask if you can go down during weekdays.
Contact: 0041-269246834
Website: McCarthy’s Lord of the Burgers
Day 9:
In the morning: heading back to Zürich
Rise and shine, it’s your last day in beautiful Switzerland! Head back to Zurich the way you came, either by taking a car to Lauterbrunnen and taking a short cab ride back to Zurich, or opting for a longer but straightforward car ride (around 2 hours and 45 minutes) to your next location. The link below details the various ways you can take your trip back.
Transportation Options from Switerzland to Zurich
Website: Rome2Rio
In the afternoon: taking a spin around the old town
The old town of Niederdorf is reminiscent of an old medieval city, where traces of rare half-timbered houses can be found between the low, narrow alleys. Niederdorf covers the streets between Central and Bellevue and is affectionately coined as the ‘Dörfli’ by locals. If there’s one thing you must try before you leave, it is the highly raved about fondue restaurants of Zurich! Satisfy your sweet tooth by going for a chocolate fondue, or try something new by using tomato sauce as the dip. If you want an authentic taste of Swiss cuisine, definitely drop by the Swiss Chuchi restaurant for a mouth-watering array of cheese fondues to accompany your sizzling rosti. Fair warning, though: some people have complained of the strong smell of the unfamiliar cheese, but there’s a first for everything, so feel free to try it out before passing judgement!
Swiss Chuchi
Address: Rosengasse 10, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Price: from 28 USD
Opening Hours: 11.30 am - 11.15 pm
Contact: +41 442669696
Website: Swiss Chuchi
In the evening: traversing across foreign lands
All good things come to an end and it’s been a fulfilling four days in Switzerland. With all the sights that you’ve seen and the thrills you’ve experienced, it’s time to leave and move on to your next destination, the historic Prague in the Czech Republic. You can take a flight from Zurich to Prague, which will take you about 3-5 hours and cost you around 180 USD for a direct flight. If you’d like to save on your expenses (because we all know how easy it is to blow your budget when traveling!) then you can opt for a train ride, which will take you around 12 hours with 2 changes. Check the links below to find out more about ticket prices and specific details.
Suggested flight details from Zurich to Prague
Website: Swiss
Night trains from Zurich-Prague, Czech Republic
Website: Train Information
Day 10:
In the morning: sleep your post-flight fatigue away
Regain your energy from all that traveling by sleeping in this morning, and then take a morning stroll around the neighborhood where you are lodging. The chances are, no matter which part of the city you’re in, you can expect colorful views of vintage houses and quaint little cafes lining the streets. Explore and get lost in the array of colors that cloud your vision, it’s all part of the experience!
In the early afternoon: take a day trip down to Kutná Hora
Back in 1142, Kutná Hora was just a small city starting out with its first settlement of the Cistercian monastery in Bohemia. Established as the center for silver mining in Bohemia, it allowed the city to flourish during the economic boom of the 13th century.
Now, the glimmering facades of the city are long gone, replaced instead by rustic exteriors suspended in time. The creepy bone church of the Sedlec Ossuary, for example, is an eerie memento mori, housing up to 70,000 bones. Walk down the well-preserved streets for a taste of the past, and spend a relaxing day by the town square people watching. The quaint atmosphere of this ghost town is unusually calming.
Train Services to Kutná Hora
Price: from 4 USD per person
Opening Hours: Trains leave every two hours in the morning and early afternoon, and every hour starting at 3 p.m
Duration: around 1 hour
Website: Train Information - Jizdnirady.cz
Day 11:
In the morning: hang out in the old town square
The bustling town square is always buzzing even in the morning! Explore the quirky shops that line the center of the square, or opt for some good old people watching from the benches; observing the influx of tourists and families make for a great pastime with a cone of ice cream in hand! If you want to experience the heart of Prague, head to where the music is coming from. Jazz street musicians play snazzy tunes from the traditional Scottish bagpipe, so feel free to get your groove on in the town square!
Old Town Square
Address: Old Town Square Old Town, Prague 1 Czech Republic
Access: Metro station: Staromestska (line A), Namesti Republiky (line B), Mustek (lines A & B) Tram stop: Staromestska (trams 17, 18)
In the afternoon: quick lunch at Ristorante & Pizzeria Pulcinella
Serving up a decent serving of pizza and wine, grab a slice of your favorite Hawaiian-styled pizza at Ristorante & Pizzeria Pulcinella, complete with a stunning outdoor area and beautiful views all around.
Ristorante & Pizzeria Pulcinella
Address: Melantrichova 465/11 Staré Město 110 00 Praha - Praha 1
Price: from 24 USD
Opening Hours: Open every day from 11 am to 11 pm
Contact: +420 224 215 023
Website: Ristorante & Pizzeria Pulcinella
In the evening: keep up with the time by the Astronomical Clock
Undoubtedly the most hyped-up attraction in Prague, the hourly chime that tourists tend to queue up for can be rather underwhelming. Nonetheless, spend some time admiring the beautifully detailed engravings on the face of the clock. Standing tall as the landmark of the Old Town Hall, relive some of your most beautiful memories with your loved ones underneath the stunning Astronomical Clock.
Day 12:
In the morning: explore the Jewish Quarter
The historical significance of the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) makes it a popular tourist attraction in Prague. Originally saved by Hitler from the Nazi’s attack, it was dedicated as a space for a museum after all the Jews had been extinguished. Now, you can visit the graves that have stood the test of time, and take a walk through the century-old museum in honor of the Jews who once lived here.
Jewish Quarter
Address: Jewish Quarter (Josefov) Josefov, Prague 1 Czech Republic
Access: Metro station: Staromestska (line A) Tram stop: Staromestska (trams 17, 18)
In the afternoon: take a stroll in Letná Park
Easily accessible from the Jewish Quarter, just cross the snaking river for a refreshing change of environment. With walking trails for you to spot your favorite furry animals scampering from tree to tree and a panoramic view of the cityscape, you can slow down your pace in Letenské Sady. Watch out for the art students who like to practice landscape painting here too; you may just find your silhouette etched onto a oil painting!
In the evening: grab a drink at Kafka Snob Food
The snazzy lights at Kafka Snob Food certainly get you in the mood for a good drink or two. Built with the famous Prague-born writer Franz Kafka in mind, you can browse through the Franz Kafka Society’s bookshop on Široka 14, a short walk away, while waiting to get a seat. Be sure to get a crispy apricot tartlet while you’re at it; the delicious blend of oozing apricot sauce with the tangy undertones of Tabasco in your Bloody Mary makes for an eccentric blend of savory goodness.
Kafka Snob Food
Address: Shiroka 64/12, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic
Price: from 20 USD
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 am - 10 pm, Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 10 pm
Contact: +420-725-915-505
Website: Kafka Snob Food
Day 13:
In the morning: soup for breakfast at Polevkarna Pani Manco
Grab a steaming hot bowl of soup before embarking on your journey today. With a selection ranging from goulash with fresh mushrooms to the classic tomato basil soup, you can find something that will suit your taste at Polevkarna Pani Manco.
Polevkarna Pani Manco
Address: Krizhikova 275/11, Prague 186 00, Czech Republic
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7.30 am - 10 pm, closed on Sundays.
In the afternoon: tour the City of Prague Museum
Located around the corner from Florenc metro station is the unassuming Prague City Museum. Venture into the interior to find yourself amongst some of the most informative exhibits about Prague’s unique history. Dating back to the neolithic era, you can see how the roots of the Gothic movement have ingrained themselves even in modern Prague. It is a haven for history buffs!
The City of Prague Museum
Address: Main Building Na Poříčí 52, 180 00 Prague 8
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: daily except Mondays 9 am - 6 pm. The last Wednesday of the month: open until 8 pm.
Contact: +420 2248167723
Website: The City of Prague Museum
In the early evening: visit the National Technical Museum
A must-see at the National Technical Museum is definitely the transport hall. Featuring exhibits of small aircraft that hang from the roof, locos, wagons, and a plethora of cars and motorbikes that line the alley, this place is a hit with both the young and the old. Check out the 3-wheeled cars from the 1950s for a major throwback.
National Technical Museum
Address: National Technical Museum Kostelní 42, 170 78 Prague 7 Czech Republic
Price: from 7.55 USD
Opening Hours: Monday closed, If Monday is a holiday: 10 am – 6 pm. Tuesday to Friday: 9 am - 5.30 pm. Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm. Sunday, public holidays: 10 am - 6 pm
Contact: +420 220399111
Website: National Technical Museum
Day 14:
What?! It's over already?
Fourteen days itinerary around Europe may sound like a long time but, in reality, time passes fast when you’re having the most fun. Make sure you head to the airport early to check in, and you may even have extra time to do some last-minute duty-free shopping in Terminal 1.
It's goodbye ... for now
And with that, your two weeks itinerary in Europe has officially come to an end. Throughout the steep hikes and woozy bar-top conversations, we hope that you’ve experienced the heart of Europe for what it really is: a place with warm locals and a rich culture, with so much more for you to discover! Keep those interesting places you saw but never had time to see in the back of your head; a second tour around Europe isn’t such a bad idea after all!
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