We are really excited about our first trip to Europe starting Sept 18th. All the basic logistical preparations have been done and I want to thank inputs from all Fodorites for sharing. I have few questions where I need inputs from all of you or if you can point to the thread where it has been already discussed.

- Paris: We are spending 3 days in Paris. What are the must-see sights and how should we plan our three days?
- Switzerland - We have planned 4 days in Bernese Oberland area with base at Interlaken. Again need help plan the days
- Rome in 2 days & Venice in 1 day

I know our trip to Italy is hurried but that is all I can take off from work and we did not want to miss these two cities.

Thanks in advance to all of you!

I would put more time in for Italy, less for Switzerland.

In Paris, the most obvious sites: the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louis Vuitton... maybe take a day trip to Versaille.

Oh, not to forget Notre Dame!

Hi ash,

Look up each city under "Destinations".

Looking forward to your trip report.

In Paris, see the usual but please allow time to sit in a sidewalk cafe and people watch. With a nice glass of wine! In Venice, St. Marks is a must, but watch out for the pigeons. We did the Doge's Palace/Bridge of Sighs, enjoyed that a lot but it takes a couple of hours. Our gondola ride was fun, think it lasted about 30 minutes. Have fun!

With 3 days in Paris I would stay in the city and skip Versailles this time.

Regarding museums, perhaps choose between the Louvre and the Orsay (depending on which art periods interest you more). You could fit in both if you're in Paris on a day when the Louvre is open late- it is also less crowded in the evening. Look up the official website for the opening times...it was Wed and Fri nights at one time, not sure if this has changed.

Notre Dame is a "must", and offers nice views of the city.

Also spend time just walking- the Marais, the Latin Quarter, the Islands. Paris is a walking city and you can't go wrong just setting out whereever your feet may take you.

You may want to buy a 2 or 4 day Paris Museum pass, which will allow you to bypass the ticket line-ups at the Louvre, Orsay, and other museums, which helps to save time:

www.parismuseumpass.com

I haven't been to Venice but with only 1 day I would spend my time walking and wondering about to experience the atmosphere of the city, rather than inside museums or touring major sights. Lots of people spend weeks in Venice only wondering and walking about.

I also haven't been to Rome, but with two days I would probably visit the Palatine, the Roman Forum, and the Coliseum; I'd probably also do some sort of self-guided walk that incorporated the Patheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Campio Fiori. Again I'd want to spend most of my time outdoors instead of museum line ups.

Here is some info I copied for myself from other threads about avoiding the line up for the coliseum:

...If you are going to the Coliseum and the Forum, I recommend hitting the Forum first, and then getting the combo. ticket for the Coliseum and Palatine hill, at the Palatine hill entrance, which is right next to the Forum. There is no line there, and you will be able to bypass the HUGE line outside the Coliseum. You can also bypass the long line by accepting one of the tours you will be offered right outside the Coliseum....

Your itinerary is very packed, but late September is such a nice time of year. In the cities, try not to stress about cramming in lots of sightseeing. Instead focus on walking around to explore the urban landscape and soak up the atmosphere. No doubt you'll fall in love with at least one of the cities on your itinerary and will start making plans to return as soon as you can