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...
Do you know the Park4Night app? It's an app for finding parking spots for vans and motorhomes. Anywhere a motorhome can park, a car can too. 😉
For Lausanne, there’s a parking lot to the south, on Avenue de Rhodanie for CHF 8 for 24 hours. You can also see it on the app. Otherwise, I can give you the GPS coordinates for a free parking lot outside Lausanne. But you’d have to pay for the train, so not sure if it’s worth it.
For cities, Lucerne is also a really pretty town, and the area around Lake Lucerne is gorgeous.
Another city I love is Thun (Thoune in French). It’s also a beautiful region.
Parking prices are often expensive in cities because they want to encourage people to take public transport. In Switzerland, the public transport network is very good and usually reliable.
If you're staying in Rovray, I recommend visiting the small town of Estavayer-le-Lac, which is nearby. The ramparts and old town are worth a detour. It's small, so the visit won't take much of your time. You can also go down to the lakeside for a swim.
Murten is another town worth visiting. It's on your way when you're heading to Bern. Murten is small but pretty, with its ramparts, arcades, and city gates.
In Bern, I recommend visiting the Federal Palace. You need to book in advance and bring an ID. Bern is a very beautiful city!
From Zofingen, you can easily get to Solothurn (Solothurn in German). It's also a lovely town—I much prefer it to Biel.
I've always gone to Zurich by train, so I can't help you there. Why not contact the tourist office and ask them?
Everything is expensive in Switzerland:
Accommodation, restaurants, parking, gas, activities…
But it’s still a gorgeous country to visit—just need a solid budget 💰
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
I don’t have any specific tips on cheap parking, but if you're on a tight budget, I’d recommend saving on food costs by bringing as much as you can from France.
I live in Haute-Savoie, just 10 km from the Swiss border, and our Intermarché does massive business with Swiss shoppers who come over on weekends. EVERYTHING is more expensive in Switzerland—often two or three times the price. There’s no free water in cafés; it can cost as much as a beer. There’s no competition between restaurants in resorts, so prices are pretty much the same everywhere for most dishes... and they might even refuse you a table if you’re a couple and only a table for four is left. Switzerland is stunning, clean, and has an amazing train network... but it’s painfully expensive for French visitors—and not always the friendliest.
As a rule, we always bring a picnic for the first meal. You can also pack things like sausage, canned pâté, and other non-perishables. As for bread, I’ve seen cross-border workers leaving France in the morning with 10 baguettes and pastries to sell in Switzerland. Here, bakeries open at 5:30 AM to boost their sales.
If you want to visit Lausanne, consider doing it on a future trip from the French side of Lake Geneva—it’s still pricey, but less so than in Switzerland. That said, Bern is a much prettier city than Lausanne, and Fribourg is like a smaller version of Bern, built around a river.
The ideal way to visit Switzerland is by swapping your apartment or house. When it’s in a tourist spot in France, it’s easy to find a swap—Nice, for example. I think you have a place there, right?
One of my friends lives in Bandol by the sea. Every year, he swaps his house, and this year, he’s doing it with a Swiss couple who live near Lake Neuchâtel. Since there are several bedrooms, we’ve been invited. For Switzerland, we always bring as many groceries as possible. We prefer a mountain chalet—there, parking isn’t an issue at all.
Hi,
I often travel to Switzerland, about one weekend out of every three on average.
If walking a bit doesn’t bother you.
For Zurich, I always go to the same place: LetziPark, where the first 3 hours are free.
On concert/match days at the stadium, there’s a flat rate.
You exit, walk past the stadium, and head up the main street to the lake! It’s nice.
For Lausanne, the Velodrome parking lot at the top of the city is great, mainly because it’s FREE on Saturdays and Sundays—and it’s huge!
Lausanne is hilly, so you’d better like walking a bit.
There are buses, though... even if I’ve never taken them.
For Montreux, I like the Marché/Forum parking lot because it stays "affordable" for an afternoon in the city center.
I don’t know the price for a full day since I never stay longer than an afternoon.
I know you didn’t mention Basel, but for example, in that city, there’s a trick to avoid paying for parking even for a weekend...
You have to park at St-Jakob parking (it’s across from FC Basel’s stadium), and on match days, at the end of the game, the barriers stay open for nearly an hour—no need to pay, it’s free on match days.
Edit:
I see you’re talking about Bern—don’t hesitate to go a bit farther, about 30 minutes by car to Thun! Gorgeous...
Zurich and Lugano are my top 3 favorite cities, along with Zurich. Even though every Swiss town and village is stunning! !
The ideal way to visit Switzerland is by swapping your apartment or house. When it’s in a tourist spot in France, it’s easy to find a swap—Nice, for example. I think you have a place there, right?
One of my friends lives in Bandol by the sea. Every year, he swaps his house, and this year, he’s doing it with a Swiss couple who live near Lake Neuchâtel. Since there are several bedrooms, we’re invited. For Switzerland, we always bring as many groceries as possible. We prefer a mountain chalet—no parking issues there..
Hey, yeah, that’s exactly what I do! Otherwise, I wouldn’t go given the prices... 😅
We’ll limit eating out, of course. Plus, France isn’t exactly nearby for regular grocery runs.
I found these two places—originally, I wanted to be in the mountains, but I couldn’t find anything, so oh well!
Just wanted to thank everyone for the replies, and I’m noting all this down!
I hadn’t seen your accommodation spots. You’re not far from Lausanne or Fribourg. There’s also the fortified village of Gruyère, which is very popular (and has paid parking).
From Zofingen, which I don’t know, Lake Lucerne and Lucerne itself seem like must-sees... though I haven’t been there in ages, but I still plan to go back.
From Evian, I always take visitors who aren’t familiar with the mountains to Lauterbrunnen near Interlaken. From there, you can take little trains and cable cars up to high altitudes—it’s the Switzerland of postcards: cows in the alpine meadows, flower-covered chalets, glaciers, and supposedly eternal snow. But you’ve got to budget for the trains and cable cars.
Oh, Gruyère is a must for some cheese-loving mice 🐭🐀🐭!
It's definitely on the list!
Lausanne makes sense since we're not too far away.
Is Lake Lucerne (Lac des 4 Cantons) not close to Zofingen?
I checked—it's about an hour to Thun, which is fine, but then where do you park?
Honestly, I find it a bit annoying to have to take the car *and* another mode of transport just to visit a small town. It reminds me of my struggles in the Paris area 😅.
For big cities, okay, but when I see the hassle for Fribourg, which isn’t even that big… or Montreux!
This time, I’d love to alternate between cities and landscapes! It’s really the scenery that’s making me dream about Switzerland
I might have exaggerated the prices a bit, but the differences are really striking...
As for the more or less friendly welcome... I don’t lump everyone together, but I’ve been the victim of several scams in restaurants. For example: you order the cheapest water, pronouncing it correctly (I studied German for 7 years and really liked the language) and pointing to the name on the menu... I don’t check what they put on the table... when the bill arrives, I realize they served me some overpriced water that’s nowhere near the one I wanted on the menu!
I know you find the same scams in France... but don’t assume all Swiss people are honest. Now I’m much more cautious!
Not knowing Zofingen, I checked on ViaMichelin—by car, it's a good half-hour from Lucerne (or Luzern) and thus from Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee). And you'll have all the beautiful lake and high-mountain scenery you could want.
Someone suggested the Lauterbrunnen Valley—avoid it! It’s super touristy, and in summer and early autumn, the waterfalls there have very little water. Plus, you’ll find yourself surrounded by masses of Asian tourists in Interlaken. If you want to visit the Interlaken area, I can recommend better spots than Lauterbrunnen Valley. That said, it’s still quite a trek from where you’re staying.
In the mountains, if you enjoy hiking, you can easily spend amazing days without spending a cent.
For big cities, okay, but when I see the hassle for Fribourg, which isn’t even that big... Or Montreux!
I don’t get it—what’s the hassle?
You just pull into the first underground parking lot you see?
There’s no shortage of spots in Montreux (or Switzerland in general, really).
After that, yeah, if you’re looking for free parking, it’s trickier.
But it’s not the end of the world—15 CHF for the day...
I may have exaggerated the prices a bit, but the differences are really striking...
As for the more or less friendly welcome... I don’t lump everyone together, but I’ve been the victim of several scams in restaurants. Example: you order the cheapest water, pronouncing it correctly (I studied German for 7 years and really liked the language) and pointing to the name on the menu... I don’t check what they put on the table... when the bill arrives, I realize they served me some overpriced water that’s nowhere near the one I wanted on the menu!
I know you find the same scams in France... but don’t think all Swiss people are honest. Now I’m more cautious!
Good to know!
In that case, I’d make a scene, I think... Don’t push it!
Big cities are okay, but when I see the hassle for Fribourg, which isn't even that big... Or Montreux !
I don’t get it—what hassle?
You just pull into the first underground parking lot you see?
There’s no shortage of spaces in Montreux. (Or in Switzerland in general, really.)
That said, yeah, if you're looking for free parking, it’s trickier.
But it’s not exactly a fortune—15 CHF for the day...
Yeah, okay, that’s fair. I saw prices like 80 CHF a day in Bern, for example.
Honestly, I’d rather spend my money on something other than parking. I’m just looking for the best solutions if they exist—free isn’t the only goal!
I’d rather pay half as much and walk a bit, that’s all.
Big cities are fine, but when I see the hassle for Fribourg, which isn’t even that big... Or Montreux !
I don’t get it, what hassle?
You just pull into the first underground parking you see?
There’s no shortage of spaces in Montreux. (Or in Switzerland in general, really.)
That said, yeah, if you’re looking for free parking, it’s trickier.
But it’s not exactly a fortune—15 CHF for the day...
Yeah, fair enough. I saw prices like 80 CHF a day in Bern, for example.
Honestly, I’d rather spend money on something other than parking. I’m just looking for the best solutions if they exist—free isn’t the only goal.
I’d rather pay half as much and walk a bit, that’s all.
80 CHF?
I’d be surprised...
For Bern, I’ll admit I’ve never really explored it outside of football matches.
But a quick search turns up options like this:
Parking in Bern - Park with peace of mind
25-minute walk to the center. 19 CHF for 24 hours. (Didn’t check if there’s anything cheaper.)
That’s not many. You’ve gotta get up early or there won’t be any spots left! :(
Can a woman park in a space reserved for men? Do the Swiss police check? And on top of that, does she have to pay a fine...? ;)
That’s not many. You’ve gotta get up early or there won’t be any spots left! :(
Can a woman park in a space reserved for men? Do the Swiss police check? And if she gets a fine on top of that... ;)
There are no spaces just for men. Parking is for everyone, but some underground garages have women-only spaces. These spots are near the entrance (on foot) and the cashier. Some women feel unsafe at night and are reassured when they can park close to the entrance.
In this case, I’d make a huge scene, I think... Don’t push it!
You can find dishonest people anywhere, and who knows if it was really dishonesty or just a misunderstanding. In the situation described, making an immediate complaint would’ve probably solved the problem, but drinking the drink and then complaining afterward isn’t the smartest move.
Anyway, I hope you only meet decent people, but the Swiss aren’t any better or worse than people from other nationalities. Don’t generalize!
Small suggestion—if you're going from Lausanne to Montreux, I **highly** recommend taking the little road through the Lavaux vineyards. Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From Montreux, a (narrow) road goes up to the Jaman Pass parking lot. From up there, you’ve got an amazing view of Lake Geneva. It’s gorgeous at sunset. From the parking lot, you can hike up to Dent de Jaman on foot. The parking is free.
From Rovray, you can head to Creux du Van. This natural amphitheater is really pretty, and you can often spot ibexes. The parking is free too.
Little suggestion—if you're going from Lausanne to Montreux, I highly recommend taking the small road through the Lavaux vineyards. Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From Montreux, a (narrow) road goes up to the Jaman Pass parking lot. From up there, you’ve got an amazing view of Lake Geneva. It’s gorgeous at sunset. From the parking lot, you can hike up to Dent de Jaman on foot. The parking is free.
From Rovray, you can head to Creux du Van. This natural amphitheater is really pretty, and you can often spot ibexes. The parking is free too.
Yes, Lavaux is on the plan if the weather cooperates!
I’ll note Creux du Van—thanks! Same for the other nearby villages mentioned, they look super cute!
That works, but it's a minimum of 3 francs for the trip from a suburban station, 12 francs round-trip for two, plus whatever it costs to park near the chosen station. Might as well just park downtown...
While I'm at it, another thing: watch out for speed cameras that aren't announced in advance—we quickly got hit with a fine of 40 or 120 francs, which will weigh more on the budget than parking when we get back. Coyote/Waze-style devices and the like must be removed and not left in the vehicle (though it's unlikely they'll search your luggage), and similar apps on your smartphone must also be taken off...
It’s good, minimum 3 CHF for the trip from a suburban station, 12 CHF round trip for two + see how much to pay for parking near the chosen station. Might as well park in the city center...
It was 5 francs a day.
If there’s a parking lot at that price right in the center, I’d love to know about it.
Plus, it’s also to avoid driving in the city center. Driving downtown is a pain.
My husband had found this before they suggested the parking a bit farther away.
I jotted down the info shared here, but I haven’t checked everything yet, etc.
Another thing: I’ve been dealing with tendonitis in my ankle for months. Some days, it really hurts, so walking is more complicated.
Anyway, I was worried, but it’s better now—I managed to walk a lot during my recent trip to Copenhagen.
But it depends on the day...
So, choosing between a parking spot 20 minutes away on foot or a train that drops me in the city center will also depend on how my foot feels at the time 🤕
We're on vacation too. We spent a few days in Vienna and now we're in Slovenia. I can tell you that prices in Vienna and Slovenia (parking, museums, castles, etc.) are just as expensive as in Switzerland. In Slovenia, the cost of some parking spots is just outrageous. 🏴☠️
When Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia, there were few tourists even in summer, and parking wasn’t paid for. The cost of living was very low... When you crossed into Austria, you could really see the difference. These days, prices are pretty much the same in both countries.
We’re on vacation too. We spent a few days in Vienna and now we’re in Slovenia. I can tell you that prices in Vienna and Slovenia (parking, museums, castles, etc.) are as expensive as in Switzerland. In Slovenia, the price of some parking lots is just outrageous.🏴☠️
I’ve been to Vienna twice, but by plane!
I mostly found the cost of cultural sites high, but the rest was about average for Western Europe.
Tea salons are cheaper than in Paris.
Good to know for Slovenia 🤑
I bet it’s cheaper outside the main tourist spots (restaurants, etc.)
When Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia, there were few tourists even in summer, and parking wasn’t paid for. The cost of living was very low... When you crossed into Austria, you could see the difference. These days, prices are pretty much the same in both countries.
Everything’s going up everywhere—it’s crazy.
From what I’ve read, Croatia, which is very touristy, has become quite expensive too!
Anyway, I’m not looking for the cheapest option now. I was in Copenhagen recently and last year in Stockholm and Amsterdam 😅
It’s more for the locals that it gets complicated.
But I really don’t like those touristy areas in Croatia where locals can’t even go out because it’s so expensive. Dubrovnik looks pretty, but I’m not exactly motivated now...
But it's true that I don’t find the Croatian tourist zones where locals can hardly go out because it’s so expensive all that great.
Dubrovnik looks pretty, but I’m not exactly thrilled about it now...
I didn’t find Croatia extraordinary in terms of coastal landscapes (often damaged) or even architecture from the Yugoslav era... except for Dubrovnik (which stands out but may have suffered a bit from the war) and a few very peaceful islands still unknown to most tourists... but now, with those floating cities dumping thousands of tourists every day, I can’t even imagine... I’m not really into cities, but if I had to choose between Croatia and Serbia, in terms of atmosphere, tranquility, and interactions with locals, "no contest" for me. In Montenegro, there are beautiful hidden mountain landscapes inland and a few timeless villages for those who bother to look, but no extraordinary cities.
Visit to a mine (Slovenia), in the 2020 Lonely Planet guide the tour costs 10 € for an adult. Now, in 2025, you have to shell out 22 € for the same tour.
It’s pretty crazy, though.
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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
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,
and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May...
To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
I’ve found some great deals on flights to two destinations: Menorca in the Balearic Islands and Alghero in Sardinia.
The flights would take us from Bordeaux to Menorca on the evening of 9/07 and return to Bordeaux in the evening on 13/07.
Or to Alghero very early on 10/07 (departure at 6 AM) and return in the mid-afternoon on 13/07.
We love beautiful landscapes, the sea, snorkeling, walks (hiking), and the charm of villages.
We want to spend some quality time as a couple without our kids and mix discovery with relaxation.
I can’t make up my mind. The transport costs are roughly the same when you factor in parking for Sardinia since the early departure means no public transport from home.
We’ve never been to Menorca, Sardinia, or Italy at all. I’ve been to Majorca, though.
Menorca would be 4 nights and 4 days, while Alghero would be 3 nights and 2.5 days.
Also, what itinerary would you recommend for Alghero and Menorca?
Where to stay?
Thank you so much for your insightful traveler tips.
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
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!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
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.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
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
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days.
I’m just starting my research.
We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4.
I’m not finding a ton of info on the North.
Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section?
Thanks
