25 days in Europe Itinerary

Geneva brings the world to one small city with a huge expat population and the highest number of international organizations in any one city.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Chateau de Chillon and Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to The Geneva Water Fountain and Vieille-Ville de Montreux. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Geneva: Lavaux Vinorama (in Rivaz) and Corniche Lavaux Vineyards (in Montreux). There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Notre Dame Basilica, see the interesting displays at Musee Ariana, and wander the streets of Vieux-Carouge.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Geneva travel route site.

If you are flying in from France, the closest major aiports are Geneva Cointrin International Airport, Bern Belp Airport and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport. In December, daily temperatures in Geneva can reach 6°C, while at night they dip to 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) so you can drive to Freiburg im Breisgau.

In the heart of a major wine-producing region, Freiburg im Breisgau serves as the primary entry point for tours into the scenic Black Forest mountain range.

On the 21st (Thu), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Freiburger Münster, contemplate the long history of Historisches Kaufhaus, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Narrengilde Geisterwölfe St. Peter e.V., then explore the world behind art at Augustiner Museum, and finally get a sense of history and politics at New Town Hall. On the 22nd (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the historical opulence of Rotteln Castle, then step into the grandiose world of Burg Badenweiler, then don't miss a visit to Roemische Badruine, and finally step into the grandiose world of Schloßberg mit Ruine Flochberg.

To find reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Freiburg im Breisgau journey builder site.

Traveling by car from Geneva to Freiburg im Breisgau takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of flight and train. In December, daytime highs in Freiburg im Breisgau are 8°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) early enough to go by car to Strasbourg.

Strasbourg is famous for its beautiful historical center, the Grande Île, which was the first city center classified entirely as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg and La Grand-Rue. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Vieille Ville de Turckheim and Eglise Saint-Thomas. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Strasbourg: Eglise des Dominicains (in Colmar), Vin d'Alsace HORCHER (in Mittelwihr) and Chateau de Kaysersberg (in Kaysersberg). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, take a stroll through La Petite France, and step into the grandiose world of Chateau du Haut-Barr.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Strasbourg trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Freiburg im Breisgau to Strasbourg takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 7°C in December, and nighttime lows around 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Salzburg.

Surrounded by mountain ranges and boasting a well-preserved city center, Salzburg melds culture and history.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Wed): examine the collection at Haus der Natur, make a trip to Stiegl-Brauwelt, and then examine the collection at Red Bull Hangar-7. Here are some ideas for day two: don't miss a visit to DomQuartier Salzburg, explore the galleries of Fortress Hohensalzburg Castle, then view the masterpieces at Residenzgalerie Salzburg, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Salzburg Cathedral.

For traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Salzburg trip planner.

Do a combination of flight and train from Strasbourg to Salzburg in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, shuttle, and flight; or take a train. In December, daily temperatures in Salzburg can reach 6°C, while at night they dip to -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) early enough to drive to Ljubljana.

Sitting astride the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana is marked with picturesque bridges and a marketplace, designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of St. Nicholas, then visit Ljubljana Old Town, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the historical opulence of Bled Castle, then contemplate the waterfront views at Ljubljanica River, and then test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Ljubljana travel route app.

Traveling by car from Salzburg to Ljubljana takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 5°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) so you can drive to Budapest.

You might consider the city of Budapest, divided by the Danube River into two distinctive cities--Buda and Pest--to be essentially one large World Heritage Site.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Buda Castle and Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar). Get a sense of the local culture at Fisherman's Bastion and St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Matthias Church, take in the spiritual surroundings of Dohány Street Synagogue, examine the collection at House of Terror Museum, and admire the landmark architecture of Hungarian Parliament Building.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Budapest trip maker website.

Traveling by car from Ljubljana to Budapest takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Budapest can reach 5°C, while at night they dip to -1°C. You'll set off for Prague on the 4th (Thu).

Prague lures millions of tourists each year with its World Heritage-listed medieval city center--a labyrinth of narrow lanes, bridges, cathedrals, and palaces overlooked by a thousand-year-old castle.

Staromestske namesti and Prague Astronomical Clock will appeal to history buffs. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace. There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Vitus Cathedral, snap pictures at Charles Bridge, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Our Lady before Tyn, and wander the streets of Lesser Town.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Prague online tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Budapest to Prague takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or fly. In January, plan for daily highs up to 2°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Montpellier.

"Montpellier is a modern, compact, and fast-growing city about 10 km (6 mi) inland from the Mediterranean coast with an active, youthful vibe.

Explore hidden gems such as Cathedrale St-Just and Paroisse Saint Nazaire. Do some cultural sightseeing at Amphitheatre (les Arenes) and Palais des Papes. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Montpellier: Chateau de Tarascon (in Tarascon), Pont d'Avignon (in Avignon) and Maison Noilly Prat (in Marseillan). There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert, catch a live event at Arenes de Nimes, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedrale St-Pierre, and appreciate the extensive heritage of La Couvertoirade.

To see traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Montpellier route planner.

You can fly from Prague to Montpellier in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In January, Montpellier is a bit warmer than Prague - with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to drive back home.