Bonjour, friends! Our bags are packed (well, almost!), and we’re hopping the Atlantic Ocean this afternoon for our European adventure! It’s a bit of planes, trains, and automobiles, and we’re making our way through Switzerland, Northern Italy, and ending with a few days in Paris!
Mr. Sugarplum and I have been to a few of the stops, but we can’t wait to share all of it with the kids. They’ve definitely been bitten by the same travel bug, and apart from Greece (Jackson’s senior trip five years ago), this will be their first venture through Europe.
We’re starting in Switzerland, with overnight stays in Vitznau (the Lucerne area), Wengen (near Grindelwald and Interlaken), Zermatt, and Ascona (the Lugano area). Then we’ll cross over to Italy with stays on Lake Como (a bucket list hotel that’s been high on my wish list for years!), followed by Manarola in Cinque Terre.
From there we’ll fly to Paris for a few nights before heading back home! Amazing, right?! We’re staying in a mix of hotels, both luxury and boutique, and quant AirBNBs, and after months (and months!) of research, I can’t wait to see them all in person!
We have a few excursions and hikes planned, but y’all always have the best tips and advice!! Have you been to any of these spots?! Please share your faves and must-dos, sees, and eats in the comments! We’ll have a rental car in Switzerland for more freedom to explore, so we have some flexibility.
I’ll be sharing it all on Instagram Stories, so follow me HERE for the fun. I’ll also tag where we’re staying, eating, etc, so you can save if you’re planning a similar trip.
As for packing, I shared my Travel Essentials HERE, along with many of the styles I’m packing HERE.
I’ve got some great posts planned for you here on the blog, too, so keep checking in for lots of Summer inspiration! Ciao, amores!
We LOVED Interlaken. Make sure to take the train to the Top of Europe! We went years ago in March so I’m not sure how the weather will be but the train ride up was amazing. Have the BEST time!!
Thank you so much, Jennifer, that’s a great suggestion!! xo, C
You have some great stops planned! In Zermatt check out chez Vrony for lunch with incredible Matterhorn views. You take the cable car up and then walk about 10 minutes to the restaurant. After lunch you can walk back down to town – it takes an hour or so but all downhill. It’s truly unique!
Thank you Rita, that’s a great suggestion!!! xo, C
Sounds like one of those grand prizes from a game show in the 70’s (80’s?) ha, ha.
Can’t wait for all the lovely details. Safe travels! : )
Thank you, Sandy!! xo, C
Have the best time Cassie! I’ve been to Lucerne, Lake Como and Paris. All so beautiful. Paris was so easy to get around with the Metro. The Musee D’Orsay was so incredible. The building itself was worth going into just to see the architecture. The bonus is the paintings and sculptures. I’m sure your kids will love it all. Enjoy your family time in Europe.
Thank you so much, Laura! xoxo, C
You are going to love all the places you’re going! I’ve been to Grindalwald, Interlaken, Zermatt, Lake Como (George Clooney has a home in Lake Como and Lake Como is only about 1.5 hours on the train to Milan if you want to see that too ) Also went to Cinque Terre, Paris. We lived in France as well. I would go back in a second! We also lived in Milan for a while. You can get on the train and be in Rome in less than an hour. To Venice a 2.5-3 hours. (Just in case you want to extend your stay..lol.. 😁)
Thank you Colleen!!! I wonder if I can convince Mr. SP to extend… ha! xoxo, C
Definitely see the Eifel Tower at night all lit up, the Musee D’Orsay and the Musee Rodin in Paris, ride the Metro and walk the streets stopping at small Cafe’s for lunch. Have a picnic on the grounds of the Eifel Tower. Lake Como is beautiful too, there’s a trail along the lake. Be sure to greet shop keepers in French when you enter, you’ll get much better service. In Italy be careful what you touch in shops and grocery stores, you’ll see signs that say Non Toccare meaning don’t touch just look! Otherwise, enjoy, wander, get lost and experience the food and the French culture. Check out a blog called Everyday Parisian for even more ideas.
Thank you for all of this, Helen!!!! xo, C
Hi
I had emailed you several suggestions
replying to your last email you sent to all of us.
Enjoy!
Hubby and I going to Switzerland , Paris and WWWI and WWII spots in Sept.
Thank you so much!! Have fun! xo, C
I lived in Lugano for a while so I know the areas you are mentioning quite well. I think you may be able to rent bikes in Ascona and bike down the valley through the CHF – trains. Morcote is a beautiful village as is Bellagio get there by taking a ferry. On Lake Como there is a small island that has a great little resturant. Bon Viaggio!
Oh boy, thank you for these suggestions!!! xoxo, C