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 Vieille-Ville de Montreux. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre and Vieux-Carouge. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Geneva: Corniche Lavaux Vineyards (in Montreux) and Lavaux Vinorama (in Rivaz). There's still lots to do: admire the local landmark of The Geneva Water Fountain, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Notre Dame Basilica, and see the interesting displays at Musee des Suisses Dans Le Monde.

For more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, use the Geneva travel itinerary planner.

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, daytime highs in Geneva are 6°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Thu) to allow time to 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 catch the train 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. Strasbourg is one of the nine largest cities in France with nearly half a million inhabitants in the metropolitan area crossing the river to the German city of Kehl, on the eastern bank of the Rhine River.

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

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 train from Freiburg im Breisgau to Strasbourg takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; 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, 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 5.5 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 Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar) and Liberty Statue. Get a sense of the local culture at Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika), contemplate the long history of Heroes' Square, explore the historical opulence of Buda Castle, and take an in-depth tour of Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

To find photos, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Budapest trip maker tool.

You can drive from Ljubljana to Budapest in 4.5 hours. Other options are to 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 will leave 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 St. Vitus Cathedral will appeal to history buffs. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Prague Castle and Infant Jesus of Prague. And it doesn't end there: get great views at Prague Astronomical Clock, snap pictures at Charles Bridge, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of Our Lady before Tyn, and contemplate the long history of Lobkowicz Palace.

To see traveler tips, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read Prague journey maker tool.

Traveling by flight from Budapest to Prague takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Expect a daytime high around 2°C in January, and nighttime lows around -3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight 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 Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. Do some cultural sightseeing at Amphitheatre (les Arenes) and Eglise St-Trophime. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Montpellier: Chateau de Tarascon (in Tarascon), Paroisse Saint Nazaire (in Beziers) and Avignon (Pont d'Avignon & Palais des Papes). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedrale St. Pierre, step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Peyrelade, see where the action happens at Arenes de Nimes, and do a tasting at Maison Noilly Prat.

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 7.5 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.