nytraveler

Zurich is primarily a business city - limited tourist attractions and VERY expensive. Really do Switz in winter only for winter sports - and it doesn't sound like that is what you want.

Can you explain specifically why you want to visit Zurich - perhaps friends or??? Otherwise it makes no sense in winter.

MandyWang

Primarily reason of visiting Zurich is because of sight seeing, such as Rhine River and Mt. Pilatus etc..

IMDonehere

Zurich is a sleep clinic. And with that amount of time I would also exclude Milano.

Kathie

I agree... I'd cut both Zurich and Milan, then you'll have time to see and do some things in these places. And your decision to fly London to Rome and work your way back makes more sense.

Jean

Mt. Pilatus is near Lucerne, not Zurich. The Pilatus cogwheel railway doesn't operate in December.

If you wanted to see Rhine Falls, that's an hour north of Zurich.

Jean

Sorry, posted too soon. I wanted to add that Lucerne is an hour south of Zurich. For your stated reasons, there's no point in going to Zurich itself.

pariswat

I too agree, cut Zurich and Milano, then you have a nice trip and can even take one - two daytrips.
(Versailles, Caracala thermals ...).

annhig

Mandy - first of all welcome to Fodors.

I know that some of the replies above may seem a little harsh but they are based on years and years of experience - and a desire by all of these disparate [and in some cases desperate] strangers for you to have a good time.

you've made a good start by taking their advice and cutting down your itinerary. Now I agree is the time to cut it down a bit more. I know that 3 weeks seems loads of time but it isn't really. and you will see a lot more if you stay longer in a few places, than shorter times in a lot. you are not going to run out of things to do in any of the 4 cities that you would be left with - if you spend 5 nights in each that is really only 4 days - hardly long enough to scratch the surface!

Flying from London to Rome, then travelling to Paris via Venice would make a fantastic trip.

janisj

>>Flying from London to Rome, then travelling to Paris via Venice would make a fantastic trip.<<

That is a dream itinerary . . .

suze

I also would still trim your list a bit further and cut at least Milan and probably Zurich myself. If you want to keep Switzerland I think the Geneva area would fit in better.

London - 5
Rome - 5
Venice - 3
Geneva/Lac Leman - 3
Paris - 5

that's a beautiful 21 day trip!

michele_d

What suze has outlined is a wonderful itinerary. We just want you to avoid what many first-timers (and most of us) have done by trying to cram too much in too little time. These five locations could keep you occupied for literally months, but you will get a good feel for them with the outlined days.

By allowing extra time in each city you are not racing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction ticking off items on your list. You have time to get up early and enjoy places before the crowds arrive. Relax a bit in the middle of the day without rushing around.

In Venice, visit the Rialto market early and then roam about aimlessly and get lost. You will find the most wonderful little alleys and shops this way, far away from the crowds. Just take time to walk around Paris with no real destination in mind. Stop on the bridges and listen to the musicians. Have a picnic in one of the lovely parks in London or Paris. Sit in a square in Rome and enjoy a gelato.

Part of the fun of traveling is just 'being' somewhere...not really doing anything but soaking up the atmosphere.

You will have a fantastic time. Happy planning!!!