Welcome to our whirlwind journey across Europe, where we traversed captivating landscapes, immersed ourselves in rich history, and indulged in the diverse cultures of the continent. Join me as we embarked on a 3-week adventure, hopping on trains and embarking on scenic road trips, exploring the stunning destinations from Italy to Switzerland. From the sun-soaked beaches of the Amalfi Coast to the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, this trip promises to be an unforgettable exploration of Europe’s most iconic destinations, with breathtaking transits along the way.
Day 1-2: Amalfi Coast – A Coastal Paradise Reached by Train
Our journey started with the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, a picturesque stretch of coastline renowned for its rugged cliffs, charming towns, and sparkling turquoise waters. After arriving in Rome, we boarded a train that took us along the scenic routes, offering glimpses of the Italian countryside, before arriving at our destination. We spent two days basking in the coastal splendor, exploring the vibrant streets of Amalfi and indulging in delectable Italian cuisine.
Check out more to do in Amalfi
Day 3-4: Rome – Ancient History with a Train Ride
From the Amalfi Coast, we hopped on a train to the eternal city of Rome. Relaxed and enjoy the comfortable journey, watching the landscapes change as we traverse the Italian countryside. In Rome, we immersed ourselves in the grandeur of the Colosseum, wandered through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, and marveled at the awe-inspiring beauty of the Vatican City.
Day 5-7: Florence – Scenic Train Ride through Tuscany
Next, we boarded a train from Rome and embarked on a scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany. As the train rolled through the rolling hills and vineyards, we soaked in the beauty of the Italian countryside. Arrived in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and explore the iconic Florence Cathedral and the charming streets of this artistic city.
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Day 8-10: Venice – Arriving by Train to the City of Canals
Leaving Florence behind, we embarked on a train journey that took us to the magical city of Venice. Witnessed the transition from land to water as we approached this unique destination. Arriving at the train station, we stepped onto a vaporetto (water bus) and traversed the canals to reach our accommodation. We lost ourselves in the labyrinthine streets, cruised along the serene canals, and admired the architectural wonders that graced this extraordinary city.
Check out more to do in Venice
Day 11-16: Road Trip through the Alps – Scenic Drives and Mountain Passes
It was time for a change of pace as we embarked on an epic road trip through the breathtaking Alps. After renting a car, we set off on an adventure that took us through stunning mountain passes, winding roads, and picturesque landscapes. Marveled at the majestic Dolomites, soaked in the beauty of Seceda, explored the enchanting South Tyrol region, and reveled in the luxurious alpine atmosphere of St. Moritz.
Check out more to do along the Alps
Day 17-19: Lake Como – Driving Along the Scenic Shores
Leaving the Alps behind, we hopped back in the car and drove to the tranquil beauty of Lake Como. Enjoyed the freedom of the open road as we traversed scenic routes that offered panoramic views of the lake and its surrounding mountains. Explored charming towns like Varenna and Bellagio, soaked up the breathtaking views, and savored the serenity of this pristine lake.
Check out more to do in Lake Como
Day 20-26: Switzerland – Scenic Train Rides and Epic Drives
Upon leaving Lake Como, we embarked on a scenic train journey from Milan to Interlaken, Switzerland. Sat back and relaxed as the train traversed the Swiss landscapes, revealing stunning vistas of mountains, lakes, and charming villages. In Switzerland, we continued our exploration with epic drives through winding mountain roads, showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Check out more to do in Switzerland
As our 3-week European adventure came to an end, we reflected on the incredible memories and experiences we gathered along the way. The scenic train rides, breathtaking road trips, and picturesque landscapes have added an extra layer of magic to our journey. As we bid farewell to Europe, we carry with us the cherished memories of the beautiful transits and the remarkable destinations that have captured our hearts. Until we meet again, Europe, auf Wiedersehen and arrivederci!
For more details, tips, and places to explore, visit my destination blogs linked within each city above.
Transit reccomedations
Italy: Traveling between cities in Italy, the best train pass option to consider is the ItaliaRail Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel on the national train network of Italy, allowing you to explore multiple cities and regions at your own pace. With the ItaliaRail Pass, you can choose between flexible options such as consecutive travel days or a set number of travel days within a specified period. The ItaliaRail Pass provides access to high-speed trains, regional trains, and even some international connections. It offers the convenience of skipping ticket lines at the station and provides the flexibility to hop on and off trains as you please. With extensive coverage across Italy, you can easily reach popular destinations like Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and more.
Switzerland: When exploring the Jungfrau region in Switzerland, the best travel pass to consider is the Jungfrau Travel Pass. This pass is specifically designed for visitors interested in exploring the Jungfrau region, which includes popular destinations such as Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen, and the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. The Jungfrau Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on various modes of transportation within the region, including trains, buses, and even some mountain railways and cable cars. With this pass, you can easily access the breathtaking mountain landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and iconic attractions of the region.
Car rental: for traveling from Venice to Lake Como, it’s important to consider reputable car rental companies that offer convenient pick-up locations in Venice and drop-off locations near Lake Como. Here are a few well-known car rental companies that provide services in Italy:
- Hertz: Hertz is a popular car rental company with a wide selection of vehicles and multiple locations in both Venice and Lake Como. They offer competitive prices, flexible rental periods, and various car categories to suit your needs.
- Avis: Avis is another trusted car rental company that operates in Italy. They provide a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars. Avis has multiple pick-up points in Venice, including Marco Polo Airport, making it convenient for travelers arriving by air.
- Europcar: Europcar is a well-established car rental company with a strong presence in Italy. They offer a diverse fleet of vehicles, along with flexible rental options. Europcar has pick-up locations in Venice, including Marco Polo Airport and the city center, as well as drop-off locations near Lake Como.
Travel Raven 