Paris, France 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Depart Hanoi (HAN)

Begin your grand European adventure with your flight from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Enjoy your overnight flight!

Arrive in Paris (CDG)

Welcome to Paris!

After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, transfer to your hotel. You'll have some time to drop off your bags and refresh before beginning your Parisian exploration.

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into your hotel and take some time to relax and acclimate after your overnight flight.

Some hotels may offer early check-in or luggage storage.

Confirm early check-in availability or luggage storage with your hotel in advance.

Lunch in Le Marais

Enjoy a casual Parisian lunch in the historic Le Marais district, known for its charming streets and diverse food options.

Montmartre Walking Guided Tour

Discover Montmartre, one of the most iconic, artistic districts of Paris, with a local guide and wander its charming and cobbled streets.

Learn about the bohemian neighborhood where famous artists lived.

This tour offers a fantastic introduction to Montmartre's history and unique atmosphere.

Dinner in Montmartre

Savor a delightful dinner in Montmartre, enjoying the evening ambiance and perhaps a view of the illuminated Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Essential Louvre Masterpieces Tour

Embark on an exclusive semi-private tour of the Louvre, limited to six guests, to see its most iconic artworks with skip-the-line access.

Whether it's your first visit or not, this tour offers an intimate experience.

Booking this tour guarantees a more personal experience and avoids long queues.

Lunch near Louvre

Grab a quick and delicious lunch near the Louvre, perhaps at a cafe along Rue de Rivoli or in the Palais Royal gardens.

Eiffel Tower Visit

Ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.

Pre-booking your tickets is highly recommended to avoid long waits.

Book tickets online several weeks in advance for your desired time slot.

Dinner with a View

Enjoy a delightful dinner near the Eiffel Tower or along the Seine, soaking in the romantic evening atmosphere of Paris.

Train to Lille

Take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare du Nord to Lille Flandres or Lille Europe station.

The journey is quick and comfortable.

Book train tickets in advance for better rates and seat selection. High-speed TGV trains are the best option.

Check into Lille Accommodation

Arrive in Lille, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

You'll have some time to settle in before the wedding festivities begin.

Lille Flandres station is centrally located and convenient for hotels.

Attend Wedding Festivities

Celebrate with your friend at their wedding in Lille!

Enjoy the ceremony and reception.

Dress appropriately for the occasion. Confirm exact timings and locations with your friend.

Relaxed Morning in Lille

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Lille.

Perhaps grab breakfast at a local cafe or take a short stroll through Vieux-Lille if time permits.

Vieux-Lille (Old Lille) is known for its charming cobbled streets and Flemish architecture. (TripAdvisor Attraction: Vieux-Lille, 4.6/5 rating)

Train back to Paris

Take a high-speed TGV train from Lille back to Paris Gare du Nord.

Ensure you have your return tickets booked. Consider booking an afternoon train to allow for a relaxed morning.

Return to Paris Hotel

Upon arrival in Paris, head back to your accommodation to drop off your luggage and freshen up.

This assumes you'll return to the same Paris hotel from earlier days.

Le Marais Private Food Tour

Indulge in a private food tour of Le Marais, tasting 8+ French classics.

From viennoiseries to traditional croque monsieur, this tour offers a delicious dive into French culinary culture.

Come hungry! This tour is a fantastic way to experience local flavors and Parisian life.

Free Evening in Paris

Enjoy a relaxed evening in Paris after your food tour.

Perhaps a leisurely walk along the Seine or a drink at a cozy Parisian bar.

Train to Lucerne

Board a high-speed train from Paris (Gare de Lyon) to Basel SBB, then connect to a scenic regional train to Lucerne.

Enjoy the changing landscapes as you journey into Switzerland.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in Lucerne and settle in.

Choose a centrally located hotel for easy access to sights.

Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, and admire the historic Water Tower. Enjoy views of the Reuss River and the city.

Free to walk across. Take time to appreciate the interior paintings depicting Lucerne's history.

Explore Lucerne Old Town

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Lucerne's Old Town.

Discover medieval squares, frescoed buildings, and boutique shops. (Rating: 4.6/5)

Swiss Dinner

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at a local restaurant.

Try dishes like cheese fondue or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes.

Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with river views.

Lion Monument & Glacier Garden

Visit the poignant Lion Monument, carved into a rock face, commemorating the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution.

Afterwards, explore the nearby Glacier Garden with its glacial potholes and a mirror maze.

The Lion Monument is free; Glacier Garden has an entrance fee.

Lake Lucerne Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing short boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque shoreline.

Various cruise options available, choose a shorter scenic one. Tickets can be purchased at the pier.

Lunch in Lucerne

Grab a quick bite before your train journey.

Train to Interlaken

Take a direct scenic train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost.

This route offers beautiful views of lakes and mountains.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in Interlaken and prepare for your alpine adventures.

Explore Interlaken Town

Take a leisurely walk through the charming town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Explore the shops and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.

The main street, Höheweg, is great for a stroll.

Dinner in Interlaken

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Interlaken.

Paragliding Interlaken

Experience the thrill of flying like an eagle and soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and lakes.

(Rating: 4.9/5)

Book in advance as slots fill up quickly. Price varies.

Jet Boat Interlaken

Enjoy a spectacular and exhilarating ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, speeding past majestic waterfalls and stunning scenery.

(Rating: 4.9/5)

Price varies. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

Riverside Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch at a restaurant with views of the Aare River or the surrounding mountains.

Relax by Aare River

Spend a relaxing afternoon by the stunning turquoise Aare River, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.

You can also visit a local cafe.

The river is a popular spot for leisurely walks and photo opportunities.

Dinner in Interlaken

Enjoy a delicious dinner in Interlaken, perhaps trying some local specialties.

Ropes Park Interlaken

Challenge yourselves at the Ropes Park, a forest playground with various courses of wooden bridges, Tarzan swings, and zip lines, suitable for different skill levels.

(Rating: 4.8/5)

Gloves are recommended. Check height and weight restrictions.

Harder Kulm Viewpoint

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm, Interlaken's 'Top of Adventure'.

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from the Two Lakes Bridge.

Funicular operates regularly. There's a restaurant at the top.

Souvenir Shopping

Browse local shops in Interlaken for Swiss souvenirs, chocolates, and watches.

Farewell Swiss Dinner

Enjoy a final Swiss dinner in Interlaken, savoring the last moments in the alpine region.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from your hotel in Interlaken, preparing for a full day of travel to Italy.

Train Journey to Rome

Embark on a scenic train journey from Interlaken Ost to Rome Termini.

This long but picturesque journey will take you through the heart of the Alps, likely with changes in cities like Milan. Enjoy the transition from alpine landscapes to Italian countryside.

Arrive in Rome

Arrive at Rome Termini station, marking the beginning of your Italian adventure.

From Rome Termini, you can easily access hotels via metro, bus, or taxi.

St. Mark's Square & Basilica

Begin your day by exploring the heart of Venice, St.

Mark's Square. Admire the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the exterior of the Doge's Palace. Soak in the iconic Venetian atmosphere before your departure.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Entry to the Basilica is free, but queues can be long. Consider paying a small fee for skip-the-line access to certain parts.

Classic Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from its unique waterways with a traditional gondola ride.

Enjoy gliding through the charming canals, offering a different perspective of the city's architecture and hidden gems.

Standard rates for gondola rides are fixed. Confirm the price before starting. Consider sharing a gondola to reduce individual cost.

Lunch in Castello

Enjoy a final authentic Italian lunch in the Castello district, a less touristy area offering charming local eateries.

Look for a trattoria serving fresh pasta and seafood. Many places offer a 'menu del giorno' (set menu) for good value.

Transfer to Venice Airport

Make your way from central Venice to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) via water bus (Alilaguna), public bus, or water taxi, allowing ample time for your international departure.

Allow ample time for transfers, especially if taking public transport, as it can get busy. Water taxis are faster but more expensive.

Flight to Santorini (via Athens)

Board your flight from Venice to Santorini (Thira JTR), likely with a layover in Athens (ATH).

This journey will take most of your afternoon and evening.

Check for the most efficient connection. Direct flights are rare; Athens is a common hub for flights to Santorini. Ensure your luggage is checked through to Santorini.

Arrival & Late Dinner in Santorini

Upon arrival at Santorini airport, take a pre-arranged transfer or taxi to your accommodation.

Settle in and find a nearby spot for a late dinner.

Pre-booking a transfer is highly recommended, especially late at night, as taxis can be limited.

Explore Fira & Caldera Views

Start your day with a walk through Fira, Santorini's capital.

Marvel at the stunning caldera views, white-washed buildings, and blue-domed churches. Enjoy breakfast with a view.

Wear comfortable shoes as Fira has many stairs and cobbled paths. Don't forget your camera!

Santorini Wine Museum Visit

Discover the unique viticulture of Santorini at the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, located in an underground cave.

Learn about the island's winemaking history and enjoy a tasting.

The museum offers tastings of local wines at the end of the tour. A great way to understand the unique volcanic terroir.

Caldera-View Lunch

Enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views of the caldera, perhaps in Firostefani or Imerovigli, offering iconic photo opportunities.

Many restaurants offer stunning views; consider making a reservation, especially for a prime table.

Oia Sunset Experience

Travel to the picturesque village of Oia, famous for its magical sunsets.

Arrive early to find a good spot and explore its charming streets, boutiques, and art galleries before the crowds gather.

Oia gets extremely crowded for sunset. Secure your spot at least an hour before sunset. Consider a dinner reservation at a restaurant with sunset views.

Farewell Dinner in Oia

Enjoy a final memorable dinner in Oia, savoring authentic Greek cuisine while reflecting on your incredible journey through Europe.

Plenty of charming tavernas and upscale restaurants. Fresh seafood is a must-try. This marks the conclusion of your 12-day adventure.