Europe 10-Day Itinerary 2026 — Paris, Switzerland & Italy for First-Timers
A first trip to Europe is a dream for many Indians — and with one Schengen visa covering 29 countries, you can pack several iconic cities into one trip. This 10-day itinerary links Paris, Switzerland, and Italy (Venice–Rome) for a classic first-timer’s loop, with transport, costs, and tips.
Best time & visa
Travel May–June or September for great weather and manageable crowds. Apply for your Schengen visa early (see our Schengen visa guide), to the country where you’ll spend the most nights.
Day-by-day plan
- Days 1–3 — Paris: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine cruise, Versailles.
- Days 4–5 — Switzerland (Interlaken/Lucerne): Jungfrau or Mt. Titlis, lakes, scenic trains.
- Days 6–7 — Venice: Grand Canal, St. Mark’s, gondola, Murano/Burano.
- Days 8–10 — Rome: Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, day trip to Florence/Pisa optional.
Getting around
Use fast trains (Paris–Switzerland–Italy) or budget flights between countries; a rail pass can pay off. Within cities, use metros and walking. Pre-book major attractions to skip lines.
Budget & tips
- Mid-range 10-day trip: roughly ₹1.5–2.5 lakh per person excluding flights (Switzerland is the pricey bit).
- Carry mandatory Schengen travel insurance; book trains early for cheaper fares.
- Use a forex card; validate train tickets where required.
- Don’t over-pack the route — 3–4 bases in 10 days is plenty.
FAQs
Is 10 days enough for Europe? Yes for 3–4 cities/countries. Don’t try to do more — travel time eats into sightseeing.
