Discussions similar to: aller vacances Europe cet été
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Where to park when visiting Swiss cities?
Hi there,

I’m spending some time in Switzerland this summer. Beyond the landscapes, I’d still like to visit a few cities—especially Bern, Lausanne, Zurich, and Fribourg.

The issue is parking...

For Lausanne, I found a park-and-ride that’s cheaper on Saturdays. But for the others, it gets tricky...

I don’t necessarily plan to park right in the city center, but there don’t seem to be proper park-and-rides...

I see that the Bern–Fribourg railway line is under construction.

I’d really like to avoid paying an arm and a leg for parking over there or relying on a train once an hour.

Same goes for Montreux—it looks pretty complicated...

If you’ve got any tips...

Thanks! !
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Your suggestions for a 3-week Scandinavia itinerary
Hi there, my partner and I are planning a 3-week trip to Scandinavia next June (2026). We’d love to validate our itinerary and get any relevant tips on what to see—or avoid, etc.

Day 1 and 2: Departure from Montreal and arrival in Copenhagen Days 2, 3, 4: Stay in Copenhagen Day 5: Train from Copenhagen to Stockholm Days 5, 6, 7: Stay in Stockholm Day 8: Flight from Stockholm to Oslo Days 8, 9, 10: Stay in Oslo Day 11: Train from Oslo to Bergen (Bergen Line) Days 11, 12: Stay in Bergen Days 13 to 18: 6-night cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila Day 19: Stay in Kirkenes Day 20: Flight from Kirkenes to Oslo Days 20, 21: Stay in Oslo Day 22: Return to Montreal from Oslo.

Thanks so much.
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Planning a trip to Italy: practical questions about Rome, Tuscany, and guided tours
Hi there, I live in Quebec and I’m planning a trip to Italy. We’re thinking of visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Here are a few questions I haven’t been able to find clear answers to online. If anyone can help, I’d really appreciate it—thanks in advance!

- There are different City Passes for Rome. I’ve found the differences between them, but whenever I try to simulate a purchase, I’m always redirected to another site like Tiquet. Is there an official Tourism Office website for these?

- Is it easy to get around Tuscany by public transport, especially in the Chianti region?

- For guided tours (or not), which company do you prefer? Get Your Guide? Viator?

Looking forward to your recommendations—thanks again!
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Which neighborhood to stay in Rome based on my criteria?
Hi there, 🙂

I’m about to book 4 nights in the Italian capital and I’m wondering where the best place to stay would be.

- A neighborhood that’s not too noisy - A neighborhood well served by public transport (airport and the city’s main sights) - A neighborhood with restaurants and supermarkets - A neighborhood with relatively reasonable prices

Public transport is essential. We gave this trip as a gift to someone who won’t be able to walk long distances like we usually do.

I also don’t want to be too far from the historic center.

Termini and Monti seem to fit these criteria? Is Termini a bit sketchy? But sketchy like dangerous or sketchy like homeless people just looking for a place to sleep?

We’ll be traveling off-season.

Thanks for your ideas !
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Which islands in the Balearics?
Hi there,

We're planning our next September vacation for 10 days. We're thinking of going to the Balearic Islands but we're torn between Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. And most importantly, which areas should we avoid and which should we prioritize, for example in Mallorca? We want to steer clear of places that are too crowded and too urbanized, and we'll be getting around by rental car.

Is it possible to visit two islands in 10 days with a ferry transfer?

Thanks for your tips!
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Rome: Feedback on my 7-day itinerary
Hello, We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio. I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now: Monday 21 afternoon: Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats. Tuesday 22: The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis. Wednesday 23: Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi. Thursday 24: Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain. Friday 25: Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli. Saturday 26: Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt. Sunday 27: Ostia. Monday 28: Departure. Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits? Thanks for your input and help! Cheers! Anne
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A week in Basilicata (Italy): transport, sights, accommodations
Hi there, I’m wondering about spending a week in Basilicata in southern Italy in mid-to-late March. Initially, I was talking about Puglia, but I realize that in my imagination it was actually Puglia—but no, it’s really the timeless charm of Basilicata that I want to discover.

We’d be leaving from Nice. Do any of you have any tips? People who’ve been there recently—how about transport? Accommodations? A possible itinerary? Maybe fly into Naples and rent a car? Thanks for your feedback!

Have a great day,

Barbara
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Where to stay to explore the Spanish Basque Country and Navarre?
Hello,

After a road trip in Quebec in 2025, we’re looking for a destination this year (around September 20th to October 10th) where we can settle in 2 or 3 spots and explore the area without having to drive 200 km every day to see something. I’ve had my eye on northeastern Spain for a while, and I thought of the Basque Country and its hinterland (Rioja? Navarre?) to avoid too many kilometers from Belgium. Bilbao and San Sebastián seem like must-sees, and beyond that, we love the vibe of small ports, medieval old towns (like Onati), hiking in beautiful landscapes, and cycling on greenways. I also spotted the Bardenas Reales, but it might be too far from a home base—unless we make it an extra stop... Based on this, can you recommend where it’d be interesting to set up base? Have a great evening, Claire
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Where to stay on Gran Canaria to explore the island?
Hi there,

I’m planning a trip from Gran Canaria to El Hierro to Tenerife at the end of winter.

My current dilemma is where to book accommodations on Gran Canaria.

We’re planning to stay 7 nights on the island, and our goal is to hike, drive along small roads, discover a few villages, and admire some beaches (just for the views, not for swimming!).

Since the island is quite rugged, the journeys can be long even if the distances are short. I’d like to avoid driving 2 hours every morning and evening to reach the area we want to explore...

I’m thinking of splitting the 7 nights into 4 somewhere and 3 elsewhere.

But where? It seems the center and the northwest might be the best options.

Any advice, given that I’m mainly looking for peace and quiet, a beautiful view, a secluded spot, or a quiet village?

Thanks! :)
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Traveling in Italy: how to avoid ZTL traps in Milan, Como, and elsewhere?
Hi there,

This year, we booked a rental in Colonno, Italy, by Lake Como.

Everything was going well until my wife wanted to see Milan... Out of 11 days, why not spend a day there, even though I’m not really a "city" person? Then I discovered ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato)...

A 90 € fine if you’re unlucky enough to drive into one, and another 90 € if you drive out... While I was looking for info on where to park without risking a fine in Milan (any tips?), I found out that Como also has a ZTL. (Any parking advice there too?)

My question is: is there a map showing all the cities with ZTLs? Because if it means getting hit with hundreds of euros in fines 9 months later... 😕

The more I look for info, the more I come across unsettling stories... Like people who pass a ZTL sign, turn around immediately, and still get hit with two 90 € fines in 3 minutes... I don’t want to ruin the vacation over a small mistake...

Thanks in advance,
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Andante Card for Public Transport in Porto
Hi, I’m planning a long weekend in Porto soon with 4 other adults, and I’d love some info about the rechargeable Andante card for public transport. Since we’ll be traveling across different zones, I’m thinking of getting the single-trip rechargeable option. When we buy it, do we *have* to purchase just one trip for a specific zone, or can we buy multiple trips for the same zone—or even one for one zone and another for a different zone? Also, how do we go about recharging it?

Otherwise, is the Andante Tour 72-hour card a better deal? The catch is we’ll need to get to the airport on the 4th day, and it won’t be valid anymore by then.

Thanks for your tips!
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Summer vacation at Lake Garda
Hello,

We're planning to visit Lake Garda from August 10th to 24th with our 4-year-old daughter. We’d stay for 15 days. We’ll be arriving at Verona Airport. We don’t know the area at all. We were thinking of staying near Malcesine. Do you think we should plan for two accommodations to explore the lake? We’d prefer to avoid crowded spots, even though I suspect it might be tricky in August. If you have any great tips or recommendations within a budget of up to 150 € per night, that would be amazing! Do you think a car is essential, or can the lake be easily explored by ferry and bus? For a 15-day stay, would you recommend staying around Lake Garda or visiting one or more other lakes as well? We’re looking for activities suitable for our 4-year-old daughter.

Thanks so much for your help. I
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Ideas for a 9-day itinerary in the Lake Como region.
Hi everyone, vacation is coming up... Don’t stress about life—with three weeks to go, we’re just starting to plan our days.

If you have any ideas, we’ll be based in Colonno.

Excluding arrival and departure days, we have 9 full days.

Nice hikes? Waterfalls? Towns or villages you absolutely must see? Any zoos or aquariums in this area? I haven’t found anything!

For now, our plans (in no particular order) are:

- A day in Milan - A day in Como - A day in Lugano (on the antiques market day, then returning via Lanzo d’Intelvi for the views) - A day in Locarno (funicular and other attractions)

Maybe a day in Bellinzona—I have to go there during our stay anyway, so why not spend the whole day there?!

My wife wants to take a boat tour on Lake Como.

The GreenWay hike looks nice, especially with a teen, especially since the starting point is behind our rental.

I also spotted the village of Griante because you can hike up to the Chiesa di San Martino church with a great view once you arrive—perfect for our usual picnic...

Anyway, as you can tell, we’re missing ideas for 1 or 2 days. If no one posts, no worries—we’ll figure it out. To be honest, I haven’t really looked beyond the "cities" to visit. But since we’re heading to a very touristy area this time, I thought it might be nice to get some tips!

I went to Lugano for 2 days a few years ago by myself. I swore I’d bring my little family back there. I only visited Lugano, Locarno, and Lanzo d’Intelvi back then.
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Has anyone used Klaus Wagen car rental agency in Portugal?
Hi everyone, I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon. After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them. So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them? Thanks in advance!
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What are your accommodation recommendations in the Faro region this summer?
Hi everyone, I’m planning a week-long trip to southern Portugal with my two teens. I’m looking for accommodation ideally located near Faro. What do you think of the towns of Lagos and Albufeira? Is it easy to get around these places using public transport, or is it better to rent a car to make the most of our stay? If you have any accommodation recommendations (hotel, campsite, Airbnb, or other), I’d love to hear them. Thanks so much in advance for your tips and valuable feedback! Hélène
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What are the ATM fees in Italy?
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
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How to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal?
Hi there, I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
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Where to go in Spain based on our criteria?
Hello fellow travelers! My husband and I would like to spend a few weeks in Jan-Feb-Mar 2025 in Spain.☺️ Our main criteria: shopping, hiking, long walks along the sea, climate 15-24°C, easy transport, languages (French, English, or Spanish), 🥂🏌️‍♀️🚴🎾☀️🎼🏝️ We’ve already been to Marbella and Alicante. However, we don’t know these places apart from suggestions from friends who’ve visited them. 🤔 We’re thinking of renting an apartment or condo near the sea and maybe a car from time to time! We’ve visited Spain a lot and really enjoy it given the distance and climate for these months away from the cold! 😊 Looking forward to your suggestions and tips! Thanks so much! 🤗 Oh, and we’re seniors but in great shape! 💃🕺😉
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Getting to Pegli from Genoa and other nearby places to visit
Hi, I saw that you can take the navebus to Pegli. Could you tell me where to catch it, and are there other ways to get there? Also, which is better to visit: Pegli, Bocadasse, Nervi, or Camogli... if you're spending 6 full days in Genoa and have a bit of time to dedicate to one or more nearby spots? Thanks in advance for your answers.
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Feedback on first Switzerland trip itinerary with AI help
Hi everyone,

My wife and I have booked our tickets from the 24th to the 31st to visit Switzerland, and we want to try skiing for the first time.

Here’s the itinerary I put together with some AI help. I’d love your feedback and tips to tweak the plan! Thanks in advance!

Arrival in Basel on the 24th in the evening, hotel in the city center with breakfast the next morning.

Train from Basel to Interlaken on December 25th, arriving at the hotel around 2 PM.

14:00 – 15:00: Arrival and check-in at Neuhaus Golf & Strandhotel Check-in, rest, and freshen up after the trip. Enjoy the view of Lake Thun—it’s a stunning setting. Grab a coffee or a drink on the terrace or at the hotel bar. The Neuhaus has direct lake access, perfect for a short walk right after settling in.

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15:30 – 17:30: Downtown & Christmas vibes Bus or taxi (10 min) → Interlaken city center (Hohematte Park). Stroll through the park, take in the views of the Jungfrau, and check out the open shops and chocolateries. Wander around Interlaken’s Christmas market (if it’s still up, often until the 26th). Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine at a local stand.

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17:30 – 18:30: Gourmet break or aperitif Café de Paris, Hüsi Bierhaus, or Velo Café for a snack or drink.

For a unique hot chocolate: Funky Chocolate Club (you can even make your own chocolate!). 19:30 – Alpine Christmas dinner

Romantic dinner at a typical restaurant: Spycher Restaurant: fondue and Swiss folklore (reservation recommended). Laterne Restaurant: cozy chalet vibe, traditional cuisine. Des Alpes: local dishes with a view of Interlaken’s lights.

21:30 – Quiet end to the evening Digestive walk around the lake, peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Cozy option: hot bath or reading at the hotel bar with mountain views.

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Thursday, December 26th — First ski day: Bodmi Arena (Grindelwald)

Goal: Learn to ski gently

🕘 10:00 — Leave the hotel Bus or taxi (5–10 min) → Interlaken Ost train station. Train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (departs around 10:20, arrives 10:50).

🕚 11:00 – 13:00 — Beginner ski lesson at Bodmi Arena Booking: Swiss Ski School Grindelwald. Location: Beginner slopes with a “magic carpet.”

🍽️ 13:00 – 14:00 — Lunch on-site

Restaurant Bodmi (view of the Eiger).

☕ 14:00 – 16:00 — Free practice + coffee break in the sun Keep practicing or enjoy the valley views from the terrace.

🚂 16:30 — Return train Grindelwald → Interlaken Ost. 🕖 17:00 — Back to the hotel, relax or take a lakeside walk. 🍽️ 20:00 — Fondue dinner at Spycher Restaurant or Husi Bierhaus.

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Friday, December 27th — Ski #2: Grindelwald First (blue slope autonomy)

Goal: Improve and enjoy the scenery

🕘 10:00 — Leave hotel → Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (arrive 10:50). 🕚 11:00 — Rent gear (Skiset or Alpin Center). 🚡 12:00 — Cable car Grindelwald → First (20-minute scenic ride). 🍽️ 12:30 – 15:00 — Ski on the First blue slope, multiple runs at your own pace. 🍽️🏔️ Lunch with a view at Berggasthaus First between runs. ☕ 15:30 – 16:00 — Break at the summit, coffee or hot chocolate. 🚡 16:30 — Cable car descent → return to the station. 🚂 17:30 — Train back → Interlaken Ost → hotel. 🍽️ 20:00 — Free evening (suggestion: dinner at Des Alpes Restaurant, mountain vibe).

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Saturday, December 28th — Nature day in Lauterbrunnen

Goal: Discover the valley of 72 waterfalls

🕘 10:00 — Leave hotel → Interlaken Ost. 🚂 10:35 — Train Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (arrive 10:55). 🕚 11:00 – 12:30 — Walk through the village + hike to Staubbach Falls. 🚡 12:30 – 14:00 — Lunch at Hotel Oberland Restaurant or Airtime Café. 🚶 14:00 – 15:00 — Walk to Trümmelbachfälle (45 min on foot, bus available). 🏞️ 15:00 – 16:00 — Visit the indoor waterfalls (entry ~CHF 14). 🚍 16:30 — Return to Lauterbrunnen (bus or on foot). 🚂 17:00 — Train back → Interlaken Ost → hotel. 🍽️ 20:00 — Dinner in Interlaken (Laterne Restaurant or Ox Restaurant & Grill).

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Sunday, December 29th — Scenic day: Mürren & Allmendhubel

Goal: Effortless alpine views + mountain vibes

🕘 10:00 — Leave hotel → Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (arrive 10:30). 🚡 10:45 — Cable car Lauterbrunnen → Grütschalp → scenic train to Mürren. 🕚 11:30 – 12:00 — Walk around Mürren, a car-free village. 🍽️🏔️ 12:00 – 13:30 — Lunch at Alpenruh Restaurant (panoramic terrace). 🚡 13:30 – 15:00 — Funicular ride to Allmendhubel, views of Eiger – Mönch – Jungfrau. ☕ 15:30 — Descent to Mürren, coffee or walk. 🚡 16:30 — Cable car + train back to Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken. 🚂 17:30 — Return to the hotel. 🍽️ 20:00 — Cozy dinner (raclette or Swiss soup in Interlaken).

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Monday, December 30th — Relaxation in Interlaken

Goal: Rest and enjoy the scenery before departure

🕘 10:00 — Leisurely start, walk along Lake Thun. 🚡 11:00 — Funicular to Harder Kulm (~CHF 40 round trip for 2 people). 🍽️🏔️ 12:30 – 14:00 — Lunch at Harder Kulm’s panoramic restaurant (lake views). 🚶 14:30 – 16:00 — Descent and stroll through Interlaken (shopping streets, chocolateries). ☕ 16:00 — Coffee or hot chocolate at Funky Chocolate Club. 🚂 17:30 — Return to the hotel, relax or spa if desired. 🍽️ 20:00 — Dinner at Victoria-Jungfrau Spa & Terrace Restaurant.
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What to see and do in Bilbao for a week?
Hi there, Can you share your experiences about Bilbao with us? We're planning to go during the last week of April, with our main goal being to visit the Guggenheim Museum. Despite our research, we're not sure if a week is too long or what there really is to see and do in Bilbao. Should we rent a car to explore the surrounding areas? For San Sebastián, it seems there are pretty convenient buses. Would a day trip there and back be doable? Any advice would be welcome regarding the itinerary, local transportation, hotels, and how long to stay. Thanks in advance! Maevita
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Climbing Vesuvius from Herculaneum: Do I need to book?
Hi there, I’d like to climb to the top of Vesuvius by taking the bus from Herculaneum. I’ve figured out how to get there, but what I can’t quite work out is whether I *have* to book on their website or if I can just show up without a reservation. Thanks!
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