An enchanting traditional newlywed vacation is a scarce sight these days. Explore Akshay’s 10 night/11 day honeymoon journey to Europe that was brimming with affection, magnificence, excitement, delectable cuisine, and a fondness for train rides.
Duration of Trip: 10 nights/ 11 daysTotal Cost of Trip: INR 1,74,000Inclusions: Transfers, lodging, sightseeing trips, rail pass, and breakfastMonth of travel: DecemberClimate: -3 degrees to 12 degrees celsius
While searching for honeymoon bundles on the internet, I came across the Fred and Fuzzys website. We had already decided on the destinations we desired to explore in Europe. The option of customizing the package as per your requirement is what piqued my interest.
I submitted an inquiry, and Rishab from Fred and Fuzzys returned my call and assisted with the reservation process. He connected me with various agents and I chose the package offered by ‘Clearship Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd’.
We smoothly navigated through the booking process, as a multi-destination honeymoon journey to Europe was easily planned and coordinated. My spouse and I were thrilled to travel together to all these marvelous destinations and embark on a new chapter of our lives.
Here is a concise itinerary of the places we visited on our journey to Europe
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich at 6 am- transfer to Montreux by rail – check-in at 2 pm – explore local market
Day 2: Breakfast – city sightseeing tour – return to hotel
Day 3: Breakfast – check-out from Montreux – arrive in Interlaken – check-in at noon – sightseeing in Interlaken – return to hotel
Day 4: Breakfast – day trip to Jungfrau – return to hotel at 5 pm
Day 5: Breakfast – train to Venice via Milan – arrive in Venice at 4 pm – check into hotel
Day 6: Morning meal – exploring Venice – returning to lodging.
Day 7: Morning meal – taking a train to Florence – arriving at 2 pm – checking out – discovering Florence by walking around – returning to lodging.
Day 8: Morning meal – embarking on a Cinque Terre tour – returning to lodging at 5 pm.
Day 9: Morning meal – departing from Florence – arriving in Rome at midday – checking in – free time for leisure.
Day 10: Morning meal – sightseeing with a Hop-On Hop-Off tour – having dinner outside in the evening – returning to lodging.
Finest Train trips for a journey to Europe
There were numerous alternatives for us to travel throughout Europe on our honeymoon. Some were quicker than the choice we took, and some were more economical. Nevertheless, we believed that the most effective method to explore Europe would be to cut through its valleys, pass by its plains, and ride along its rivers.
Below is the collection of our train trips we took that made our journey to Europe unforgettable:
Adventure 1: Zurich to Montreux
And so we began our journey, from the Zurich airport straight to our first destination in Switzerland. A quaint, hilly, lake-side town that encompasses a micro-climate within Switzerland.
Distance: 208 kmTime needed: 2 hours and 38 minutesFrequency: Every hourCost: Interrail Switzerland 8-day pass (EUR 90 per person)
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Highlights of Montreux:
- Exploring the Christmas markets in Montreux was a complete pleasure.
- Tried the excellent coffee and sandwiches available in Montreux cafes.
- Winter evenings with the early sunset were quite enchanting. The town illuminates quite beautifully.
- Visited the elegant Montreux palace.
Review of The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic:
The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic was an excellent hotel. The service was outstanding, and the hotel staff were eager to assist us. As for the structure, it reminded us of the noble splendor for which Swiss history is renowned.
My Evaluation: 4/5
Trip 2: Montreux to Interlaken via Lausanne
After enjoying a pleasant Christmas in Montreux, we traveled north towards the mountains in Interlaken. We desired to witness the splendor of the snow-covered Alps in a conventional Swiss region.
Distance: 148 kmTime Required: 2 hours and 41 minutesFrequency: Every 15 minutesCost: Interrail Switzerland 8-day pass (EUR 90 per person)
Map:
Highlights of Interlaken:
- Tasted their local specialty of warm wine. A well-liked beverage among Swiss individuals during the frigid and severe winter months.
- Interlaken was mainly designated as a resort town for individuals journeying to Jungfraujoch. Nevertheless, the food in the cafes was exceptionally delightful
Trip 3: Interlaken – Jungfraujoch (return journey)
Next on our itinerary was the intimidating heights of Jungfrau. Reaching the summit of the Swiss Alps was a thrilling prospect. This part of our journey was the briefest but most picturesque, as the train ascended directly up the mountains.
Distance: 18 kmTime Required: 2 hoursFrequency: Every 30 minutesCost: Round-trip ticket EUR 97 per person (after demonstrating the Interrail pass)
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Main Attractions of Jungfrau:
- We reached the peak of Jungfraujoch with the cogwheel train. The journey to the summit of the mountain was incredibly picturesque.
- The weather at the peak was beautifully arranged with a combination of snow and sunshine.
Review of Beausite Hotel:
The hotel reserved in Montreux was superior to the Beausite Hotel in Jungfrau. All the amenities were available, but there was nothing new or extravagant to impress the travelers.
My review: 3/5
Journey 4: Interlaken to Venice via Milan
After leaving the chilly heights of Switzerland, we traveled to the submerged city of Venice. It was a dramatic transition from mountaintops to a city that would eventually sink in a century. Italy, with its culture and cuisine, was at the top of our list of destinations.
Distance: 554 kmDuration: 6 hr 41 minsPrice: EUR 52 per personFrequency: Every 60 mins
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Main Attractions of Venice:
- It took us some time to adjust to the concept of traveling on a public transportation system wherever you want in a water taxi or a gondola through the canals of Venice.
- We took the hop on hop off water transport and visited the major landmarks of Venice like St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s palace, and Grand Canal.
- The city felt like it belonged to another era with its meandering canals and narrow alleys. A memorable place on our trip to Europe.
- We decided against taking the private Gondola ride as it cost EUR 150 for 20 minutes.
Review of the Hotel Albergo Cavalletto And Doge Orseolo:
The atmosphere in Venice was quite frosty. When we arrived at the Hotel Albergo Cavalletto And Doge Orseolo, the staff was rather indifferent and focused. We would have preferred slightly friendlier and more proactive hosts.
Hotel review: 2.5/5
Adventure 5: Venice to Florence
Upon concluding our time in Venice, we journeyed towards the youthful and lively city of Florence. The allure of Florence in Italy is unparalleled. Paired with magnificent structures and a profound history, Florence offers something to explore for individuals of all generations.
Distance: 258 kilometersTime Taken: 2 hours 33 minutesCost: EUR 19 per individualFrequency: Every 15 minutes
Map:
Notable features of Florence
- I indulged in the regional seafood in Cinque Terre, which was delightful.
- Visited the stunning village of Cinque Terre. It was a visual delight with its vibrant houses along the picturesque coastline.
- We didn’t have an interest in visiting historical landmarks, so we merely roamed the streets of Florence and relished our time in the Piazza della Signoria.
Evaluation of Hotel Ginori Al Dumo:
Our stay at the Hotel Ginori Al Duomo was pleasant and comfortable. The hotel boasted a prime location close to the places we desired to visit. The establishment also featured a delightful restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine.
My evaluation: 4.5/5
Adventure 6: Florence to Rome
The final leg of our journey guided us to the capital of Italy – Rome. It would have been unthinkable for us to depart Italy without experiencing perhaps the most historically significant city in the world. We were able to check off a major item on our list, as they say, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Distance: 286 kilometersTime Taken: 2 hours 3 minutesCost: EUR 17 per individualFrequency: Every 20 minutes
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Guide:
Main Attractions of Rome:
- We arrived in Rome on our journey to Europe on New Year’s day. There weren’t many things open on the first day, but the deserted streets gave us an opportunity to explore Rome without the hustle and bustle.
- Another chance for me to practice photography, as there weren’t many people around.
- On the second-to-last day, we took advantage of the hop on hop off bus service and visited all the major landmarks in Rome such as the Colosseum, Trevi fountain, Roman forum, and the Pantheon.
Best Western Mondial Hotel had a very opulent condominium-like atmosphere. It was decorated in a vintage style that made the place charming and endearing.
My Review: 4/5
Among all the destinations we visited during our European trip, Florence stood out as our favorite city. It had a pleasant climate and friendly residents. There were numerous attractions suitable for all ages and, most importantly, a lively culinary scene that delighted us food enthusiasts.
My spouse and I felt truly fortunate to have journeyed across Europe together. It was a romantic beginning to the next chapter of our lives that we will cherish for a long time. A special expression of gratitude to Fred and Fuzzys for assisting us in planning our trip.
Unforgettable moments from our trip:
- Exploring the Christmas market in Montreux.
- Witnessing the picturesque village of Cinque Terre.
Challenges:
- Upon arrival in Venice, we discovered that we had to make our own way to the hotel using public transportation.
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