Taste of Europe: My Weeklong Trip from Lucerne Through Switzerland, Italy, and France

So, you want to visit Europe but only have a week? I get it! That’s how I felt, too, a few years back. Europe is a big place. How could I experience as much as possible in just seven days? I ended up settling on a whirlwind trip that began in lovely Lucerne, Switzerland, passed through some incredible parts of Italy, and concluded in France. The “7-Day Taste of Europe Tour” – that’s what I called it in my head – was a true adventure. I thought I’d put together my thoughts for you about the destinations and must-see locations you need to consider if you get the travel bug to book your own taste of Europe.

Read our full review: Taste of Europe Tour Full Review and Details

Now, let’s jump into the daily events so you know just how fun an itinerary could be!

Day 1: Embracing the Charm of Lucerne, Switzerland

Okay, day one lands you right in Lucerne! And this city? Totally gorgeous. The plan involved getting settled after arriving and a bit of exploration, which sounds simple, is that right? First thing was first: drop off the bags at the hotel. After getting organized, it was time to discover the city.

Now, Lucerne has some fantastic sights! The Chapel Bridge, so incredibly old, makes you wonder about all the people who’ve walked across it. The Water Tower, standing tall nearby, almost looks like something from a storybook. What I think folks should do is walk along the Reuss River – it’s a nice way to see the city and the pretty buildings that line the waterway. If you are hoping to visit local restaurants and grab a drink in the evening, I feel that this can be quite memorable.

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Day 2: Journey to Milan, Italy

Day two means an early start to catch the train to Milan. The train ride itself, in my view, provides some outstanding scenery as you travel through the Swiss Alps and then into Italy. After reaching Milan, the day focuses on hitting a few very significant landmarks.

Now, you just cannot go to Milan and miss the Duomo. I feel that this cathedral is breathtaking, that’s my opinion. Going to the roof is very worth it, offering amazing views across the city. Afterward, I enjoyed some window shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which isn’t your average shopping spot. The architecture there, I think, is something special. I decided to go to La Scala opera house (from the outside, anyway). Even if you are not inside for a show, you may love just being near this globally famed theater.

Day 3: Venice: Canals and Gondolas

Early train again today, moving from Milan to Venice. After dropping off my luggage, I felt the most popular thing was definitely the canals, so naturally that had to be first up. Taking a gondola, yes, can be a little pricey, I know, but honestly? It offers such a great way to see the city; what do you expect me to do?! The gondolier sang, the water gently lapped at the sides of other boats, so I had that picture-perfect Venice experience.

St. Mark’s Square is quite the social hub. The pigeons are there, groups are chattering, street sellers abound, but so too is the stunning architecture. I suggest that everyone sees Doge’s Palace as well, it can give you some proper history. Wandering through the little alleys and over bridges really delivers you right into the heart of the city. Then you should end the day with some proper Italian gelato! That’s an easy recommendation, since the gelato will be there for you regardless.

Day 4: Florence: Art and Renaissance

You know what day four brings? Florence, y’all! Now this is another train trip, yes, from Venice, bringing a switch in scenery as we pull into Tuscany. First up, I just love that the area surrounding Florence is filled with classic, beautiful, old houses, like a movie set come to life. What is a must-do activity in Florence, do you wonder? To answer your theoretical wonderings: visit the Accademia Gallery. You may love this since it holds David by Michelangelo. This statue just radiates talent; I feel the energy still lingering today.

Right, so Ponte Vecchio is next. Walking across this bridge filled with stores just creates this distinct feel and experience. I do want to bring to everyone’s attention, though, that the amount of people crossing that same bridge is also quite enormous, you have been warned. Don’t ignore climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo to catch the sunset across the Arno. This really caps off your visit, bringing all those incredible sights you saw that day together in one big landscape moment. Then, you could visit the restaurants, so that is quite awesome.

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Day 5: Arriving in Paris, France

Right, so prepare yourself. I believe there is some serious travel coming today. Time to leave Italy and travel toward the French capital, with Paris being quite exciting. Get ready for a day focused on reaching the City of Lights from Florence.

And you can relax! Yes! Settle in to allow the high-speed train to speed through scenic settings, enabling an easeful viewing of pretty countryside landscapes and bringing that anticipation higher and higher as the Eiffel Tower grows ever closer in sight. Upon arrival, go see your chosen lodging arrangements (likely lodging). Take it easy a bit and charge yourself for the adventures ahead. If there is sunlight available and the wherewithal within, why not see one of the city’s nearby cafes or bistros?

Day 6: Iconic Paris: Landmarks and Art

The day begins, obviously, with a trip to the Eiffel Tower. I feel that you have to go up, that’s just how it is, despite what folks might say, it’s practically essential, what else would you be doing on your vacation? The views from the top give you a sense of the scale of the whole city. A trip down to the Louvre is something else, where, honestly, you will be amongst quite the groupies. Make a bee-line to visit the Mona Lisa and see that Da Vinci was really on to something with art.

For something chill, just wandering through the Tuileries Garden lets you unwind after seeing lots of incredible, yet tiring, art. And seeing Notre Dame, despite any reconstructions occurring or damage from fire, can bring such emotion due to its impact to the area and society through all time. Ending the day around the Seine allows you to soak in the city vibe; you will be walking around like all those stylish people you always saw in photos.

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Day 7: Departure

Sadly, the tour has ended. You should use the morning to collect what memories and experiences from those locales that you could not get previously. Buy souvenirs that you probably will never use, but feel were essential purchases to “celebrate” that great time, is that right? The tour’s last day will leave a collection of awesome locales to remember in one amazing European highlights tour. But then sadly you are going back home…

Read our full review: Taste of Europe Tour Full Review and Details