Say hello to Payal Gupta, a working professional from New Delhi, who traveled to two countries with six adults and one child. She went on a vacation with her husband, parents, brother, sister-in-law, and niece to France and Switzerland. These 8 days of bliss came at a cost (including accommodations, flights, transportation, and tourist activities) of INR 828,362!
An ideal holiday for me would be a mix of relaxation, excitement, and quality time with my loved ones. Having explored many different places around the world, we were looking for a new destination that would cater to everyone in the family. Our search led us to France and Switzerland.
Planning a trip with six adults, each with their own busy schedules, is no easy feat! That’s when Fred and Fuzzys came to our rescue. We couldn’t plan ahead, but our travel expert from Fred and Fuzzys, Himanshu, helped us through it all. He was prompt and efficient in creating a customized package for us.
Day 1 – Bonjour Paris
We arrived at the Paris Airport around 1 pm in the afternoon. After an hour-long drive, we finally checked into our hotel, Hotel Migny Opera Montmartre. The rest of the day was spent exploring the city, including a cruise along the River Seine and a visit to the Eiffel Tower. The entire tour was a delightful experience for all of us and met our expectations. We returned to the hotel in the evening to rest and prepare for the next day.
Day 2 – Exploring Paris
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we embarked on a tour of the Louvre Museum. It was a full-day excursion, but it was definitely worth it. The Louvre was absolutely captivating, showcasing why it is renowned as one of the world’s finest art galleries. Seeing the Mona Lisa was truly a remarkable experience. The rest of the day was free for us to explore on our own, and we enjoyed strolling along the Champs-Elysees and experiencing the Moulin Rouge.
Suggested Read: 7 Incredible Travel Tips For Exploring Paris On A Budget Vacation
Day 3 – Goodbye Paris, Hello Interlaken
After morning meal, we checked out of our lodging and made our route to the Paris Railway Station. Our train journey to Interlaken, Switzerland through the Basel U-Rail lasted approximately two hours. The train ride was pleasant and comfortable. Upon arrival, we proceeded to the Merkur Hotel. We enjoyed the remainder of the day at our leisure, exploring the city and spending quality time together.
Day 4 – Exploits of Jungfraujoch
Early morning, we proceeded to Jungfraujoch which is a col between the Jungfrau and Monch. We were guided around the area. The entire experience was awe-inspiring! The view from the col is magnificent as it is situated at an elevation of 3,466 m above sea level. Enveloped in ice, snow and rock, it is undeniably an Alpine paradise! The sunny weather worked in our favor and heightened the experience.
Day 5 – Discovering Beautiful Zermatt
After morning meal, we checked out of our lodging and boarded our train to Zermatt in Switzerland itself. Upon arrival, we checked into Hotel Testa Griga. We were completely surprised by the simplicity of Zermatt city and its beauty! During the day, we embarked on a city excursion. This provided us with an opportunity to visit local churches and explore the culture. The day ended with a sumptuous dinner at a delightful local restaurant.
Day 6 – Stunning Glacier Express to St. Moritz!
We departed from beautiful Zermatt only to journey to an even more breathtaking St. Moritz. We traveled aboard the Glacier Express, which was an unparalleled and unique experience. The train ride traverses Switzerland in its entirety. We deeply cherished the natural Swiss beauty throughout our journey!
Upon arrival in St. Moritz, we proceeded to our lodging, Hotel Laudinella. The hotel was extremely cozy and well-furnished. Throughout the day, we indulged in the various amenities available such as the swimming pool, in-house dining, and the steam and sauna facilities.
Day 7 – Snowy Lucerne and Filmy Mt. Titlis!
Early morning, we departed from St. Moritz to journey to Lucerne. There was snowfall awaiting us at Luzerne which simply added to the entire experience of the city. After checking into Hotel Seeburg, we proceeded towards Mt. Titlis. The sight from the summit of the mountain was absolutely stunning! We were taken aback to witness a poster of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge at the peak. It excited us and instilled a feeling of pride within us.
In the evening, we returned to the hotel. On our way to the hotel, we also had the opportunity to enjoy a local fair in Lucerne.
Day 8 – Final day in Lovely Lucerne
In the morning, we embarked on the Lucerne City Tour where we explored the renowned streets for shopping. We also witnessed the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge. The tour was enlightening and led by an efficient tour guide.
In the afternoon, we boarded our train to Zurich and then proceeded to the airport to catch our flight back to New Delhi.
All in all, the trip to Europe was worth every penny spent. We had the chance to enjoy some quality family time while visiting some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Europe had always been one of my dream destinations, and being able to experience it with my loved ones was truly special. My next destination is the USA, and hopefully that journey will be just as heavenly as this one!
Wow Moment: The two minute sparkling display at the Eiffel Tower and the DDLJ poster at the peak of Mt. Titlis
Low Moment: We had to traverse all across Europe, which was incredibly tiring, especially for my parents! Utilizing local transportation from one place to another significantly increased our trip expenses.
Tips: Do not take for granted the importance of bringing necessary clothing such as warm attire, comfortable shoes, etc! Also, continuously monitor weather updates and be fully prepared with your schedule. Make sure to try all the thrilling activities available.
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