Spain · France · Switzerland

What to see & do

• Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral next door
• Prado Museum (Velázquez, Goya) — book a timed entry
• Retiro Park: Crystal Palace and rowboats on the lake
• Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel for tapas
• Gran Vía at sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop
• Chocolate con churros at San Ginés
• Temple of Debod at sunset

Day trips & along the way

• Toledo — medieval hilltop city, 33 min by fast train
• Segovia — Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale Alcázar, 30 min by fast train

Local tips

• Royal Palace of Madrid — Buy tickets online in advance. Check if the Royal Collections Gallery is open and consider a guided tour to learn more about the palace's history.
• Prado Museum — Book tickets online in advance. Free entry is available in the evening; focus on a few key galleries to avoid museum fatigue.
• Retiro Park — Rent a rowboat on the lake or visit the Palacio de Cristal for free art exhibitions. It is a great place for a relaxing afternoon.
• Plaza Mayor — Try the classic bocadillo de calamares from a nearby bar. The square is most lively around midday and early evening.

What to see & do

• Walk the La Concha promenade and swim at Ondarreta
• Funicular up Monte Igueldo for the classic bay view
• Pintxos crawl in the Parte Vieja (old town)
• Monte Urgull walk and the Paseo Nuevo
• San Telmo Museum and La Bretxa market
• Peine del Viento sculptures at sunset

Day trips & along the way

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz — harbor town in France, 30–40 min
• Biarritz — elegant surf resort and lighthouse
• Hondarribia — walled Basque fishing town, 30 min

Local tips

• Parte Vieja (Old Town) — Best explored on foot in the early morning before the crowds arrive. It serves as the perfect starting point for a classic pintxos crawl in the evening.
• Monte Urgull — A moderate climb of about 30 minutes is required; pack water and wear good shoes. The summit provides the best photo opportunity of the entire coastline.
• San Telmo Museum — Admission is free on Tuesdays. Check ahead for scheduled English-language guided tours to get the most out of the extensive exhibits.
• Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium — Walk around the exterior for excellent modern architecture views. The building hosts the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival every September.

What to see & do

• Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror (magical at dusk)
• Stroll Rue Sainte-Catherine and the Golden Triangle
• Cité du Vin wine museum (fun even for non-drinkers)
• Grosse Cloche bell gate and the cathedral
• Dinner in the Saint-Pierre quarter

Day trips & along the way

• Next morning: Saint-Émilion — medieval wine village on the way to the Dordogne (lunch + underground church)

Local tips

• Place de la Bourse — Best visited in the evening when the buildings are illuminated; the Water Mirror is a favourite photo spot.
• Bordeaux Cathedral — Don't miss the adjacent Tour Pey-Berland for panoramic views over the city; check opening times before your visit.
• Grosse Cloche — Located in the old town, this bell tower is best seen as part of a walking tour of Bordeaux's medieval streets.
• Musée d'Aquitaine — Allow at least two hours; the museum also covers Bordeaux's colonial and maritime history.

What to see & do

• Sarlat old town — one of France's best-preserved medieval towns
• Canoe the Dordogne from Domme past La Roque-Gageac to Beynac
• Château de Beynac and Castelnaud castles
• Hanging gardens of Marqueyssac (candlelit evenings in summer)
• Sarlat Saturday market (Wednesday too) — truffles, walnuts, foie gras

Day trips & along the way

• On the drive out: Rocamadour — village stacked on a cliff (go before 10 am)
• Domme — clifftop bastide with river views

Local tips

• Sarlat Old Town (Centre Historique) — Visit early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the crowds. The famous Sarlat Theatre Festival takes place here every July and August, transforming the squares into open-air stages. Follow the official 'Sarlat à la Carte' walking tour marked by brass nails in the ground.
• Sarlat Saturday Market (Marché de Sarlat) — Arrive before 9:00 AM to get the best selection and to see the stalls set up. On Wednesdays, a smaller but excellent market is held in the covered market hall (Marché Couvert). Don't miss tasting a slice of the traditional pear tart ('pastis') from a local baker.
• Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos (Sarlat Cathedral) — Check the opening hours, as it is still an active place of worship. The adjacent Cloître de l'Ancien Évêché (former bishops' palace) now houses the town hall and offers a tranquil courtyard perfect for a quiet break.
• Maison de La Boétie (House of Étienne de La Boétie) — The audio-visual presentation inside is bilingual (French/English) and offers fascinating insight into the intellectual history of the region. It is a smaller attraction, so an hour is usually sufficient.

What to see & do

• Walk the double ramparts of La Cité
• Château Comtal (count's castle) tour
• Basilica of Saint-Nazaire stained glass
• Dinner inside the walls, then a night walk around the lit ramparts
• Optional: Canal du Midi stroll in the lower town

Day trips & along the way

• On the way to Provence: Pont du Gard — 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, swim in the river

Local tips

• The Cité de Carcassonne — Allow at least half a day to walk the full perimeter of the ramparts and explore the inner streets. Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to experience the atmosphere without the heavy midday crowds.
• Château Comtal (Count's Castle) — A separate ticket is required for the castle and the wall walk. This is a must-do for history buffs, as it provides a unique elevated perspective of the fortress's intricate defensive systems.
• Bastide Saint-Louis (Lower Town) — Cross the Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) on foot to walk from the Cité to the Bastide. The main square is an ideal spot for people-watching, enjoying a coffee, and sampling daily regional produce at the market stalls.
• Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus — Entry to the basilica is free, making it a fantastic and accessible stop. Take a moment to look closely at the vibrant, intricate stained glass, which is considered among the finest in the south of France.

What to see & do

• Palace of the Popes and the famous Pont d'Avignon
• Luberon loop: Gordes, Sénanque Abbey (lavender), Roussillon's red Ochre Trail
• Sault plateau — the best place for lavender still in bloom in late July
• Sunday Jul 25: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market and canals
• Les Baux-de-Provence and the Carrières des Lumières light show
• Go early — afternoons hit 35°C (95°F)

Day trips & along the way

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine village
• Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (Wednesday market)

Local tips

• Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) — Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the vast chambers, chapels, and art collections. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon during summer to avoid the heaviest crowds and heat.
• Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon) — Climb the tower on the bridge for panoramic views of the Rhône River and the city. The entrance ticket often includes an audio guide that explains the bridge's fascinating history and construction.
• Festival d'Avignon (Avignon Theater Festival) — Book tickets well in advance, as the 'In' (official) program sells out quickly. For spontaneous inspiration, attend the 'Off' program, which features over 1,000 fringe shows across the city streets.
• Les Halles d'Avignon (Avignon Covered Market) — Open in the mornings only (typically until 1:00 PM). Visit on a Saturday when the market is at its busiest and includes a wider selection of street food stalls. Don't miss the amazing tapenade and fresh goat cheese.

What to see & do

• Vieux Lyon cobbled lanes and the secret traboules (passageways)
• Funicular up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière for the city view
• Roman theatres of Fourvière
• Dinner at a traditional bouchon (Lyonnaise bistro)
• Riverside walk along the Saône at night

Local tips

• Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) — Explore the secret galleries (traboules) that pass through buildings to connect the streets. It is best explored on foot in the early morning to avoid crowds.
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière — Combine the visit with the archaeological gardens just behind it. Take the funicular railway from Vieux Lyon to reach it easily.
• Roman Theatres of Fourvière — During the summer, the theatres host the Nuits de Fourvière festival with live music and performances under the stars. Admission to the ruins themselves is free.
• Traboules of La Croix-Rousse — Pick up a free map of accessible traboules from the local tourist office. Respect residents' privacy as these are still active residential areas.

What to see & do

• Old town canals and the Palais de l'Isle
• Lake cruise or rent a pedal boat
• Swim at the Plage des Marquisats
• Bike the lakeside path toward Talloires
• Gelato on the Pont des Amours

Local tips

• Palais de l'Île — The interior is compact, so visit right at opening time (9:00 AM) to avoid queues. Climb the upper floors for excellent views of the old town and the canal.
• Château d'Annecy — The panoramic terrace offers the best postcard-view of the red rooftops and Lake Annecy. Allow about 1.5 hours to explore the exhibits.
• Vieille Ville (Old Town) — Take a free wander through the passageways. Look out for the historic 'Pont de l'Île' bridge and pop into the tiny local galleries. Best enjoyed in the early evening when day-trippers leave.
• Lake Annecy (Lac d'Annecy) — Rent a bicycle from the tourist office and ride towards Talloires for a stunning scenic loop. In summer, the water is a comfortable 22-25°C, so bring your swimsuit. Public beaches like Plage des Marquisats are free.

What to see & do

• Aiguille du Midi cable car (first car ~6:10 am, book ahead)
• Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace glacier
• Lac Blanc hike via Flégère (2–4 hrs, start early)
• Chamonix town centre, Alpine Museum, Maison Carrier

Day trips & along the way

• Leaving: Mont-Blanc Express scenic train through the mountains into Switzerland

Local tips

• Aiguille du Midi — Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially in summer. Bring warm clothing and sunglasses regardless of the season, and allocate at least 3 hours for the full experience.
• Mer de Glace and Montenvers Railway — The glacier is receding, so the number of steps down to the ice cave changes every year and can be physically demanding. Check the lift and cave opening times before you go, as they vary by season.
• The Alpine Museum (Musée Alpin) — A perfect indoor activity for a rainy day. The museum is easily walkable from the town center and offers an excellent audio guide in English.
• Church of Saint-Michel — Check the opening hours printed on the door, as it often closes for lunch or private ceremonies. The intricate interior and hand-carved altar are well worth a quick visit.

What to see & do

• Männlichen cable car + Royal Walk, then hike to Kleine Scheidegg
• Lauterbrunnen: Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain
• Mürren and the Schilthorn (Piz Gloria, James Bond)
• Jungfraujoch 'Top of Europe' — only on a clear morning (pricey)
• Aug 1 evening: National Day celebration and fireworks

Day trips & along the way

• Grindelwald First Cliff Walk
• Lake Brienz / Iseltwald

Local tips

• Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe — Book tickets online in advance for time slots. Dress warmly even in summer and be aware of potential altitude sickness. The journey itself is a stunning alpine experience.
• Eiger Trail — Sturdy boots are recommended. The trail is narrow in places and can be closed during heavy weather. Allow 2-3 hours for the descent.
• Wengen Protestant Church — Usually open to the public for quiet reflection. Attend a Sunday service or a local organ recital for a genuine cultural experience.
• Old Village Chalets and Center — Wander off the main street to find hidden fountains and gardens. The village is car-free, so walking is the primary mode of transport.

What to see & do

• Gornergrat railway — the classic Matterhorn view (50% off with pass)
• 5-Lakes Walk and Riffelsee reflection
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise — only on a clear day
• Hinterdorf old chalets and the Matterhorn Museum
• Lunch at a mountain restaurant (Findeln hamlets)

Local tips

• Matterhorn — Best views from Gornergrat, Sunnegga, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Do not attempt to climb without professional guides.
• Gornergrat — The Gornergrat railway is one of Switzerland's oldest cog railways. Visit early for clear views and fewer crowds.
• Gornergrat Railway — Take the train to Gornergrat and consider hiking down to Riffelberg or Zermatt.
• Hinterdorf (Old Village) — Free to wander. Best in early morning or evening when the light is warm and the streets are quiet.

What to see & do

• Glacier Express from Zermatt — full scenic day (reserve seats)
• Bernina Express day trip to Tirano (Italy) and back
• Morteratsch Glacier walk
• Muottas Muragl or Diavolezza lifts (free with hotel stay)
• Lake walk in Sils or St. Moritz

Local tips

• Chesa Planta Museum — Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary by season. Guided tours in English are often available upon request and greatly enhance the experience.
• San Niculò Protestant Church — The church is generally open to visitors during daylight hours. Approach it from the quiet lanes of the village to best appreciate its historic setting and striking tower.
• Morteratsch Glacier — Easily reachable via the Rhaetian Railway to Morteratsch station followed by a flat 30-40 minute walk to the glacier snout. Hiking further up to the Panorama Trail offers extraordinary views. Wear sturdy boots.
• Val Roseg — Horse-drawn carriage rides from the Hotel Roseg are a distinctly local experience. The valley is perfect for families and gentle hikers, but be prepared for a change in weather, as it can be cooler than in Pontresina.

What to see & do

• Old town: Grossmünster, Fraumünster (Chagall windows), Lindenhof
• Bahnhofstrasse shopping and Sprüngli chocolates
• Lake Zurich boat ride
• Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Day trips & along the way

• Optional: Rhine Falls, 30 min away

Local tips

• Grossmünster Church — Climb the Karlsturm tower for panoramic views of the Old Town. Admission to the church is free, but the tower climb has a small fee.
• Fraumünster Church — The Chagall windows are best viewed in the late afternoon when direct sunlight illuminates the vibrant colors. Check opening hours as the church closes during services.
• Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) — Combine a visit with a stroll in the adjacent Platzspitz park. The museum offers free Wi-Fi and a superb on-site café.
• Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) — Take a boat cruise with the Lake Zurich Shipping Company (ZSG) to see the city and countryside from the water. In summer, the lake is excellent for a refreshing swim at designated spots.