2 Weeks by Road & Rail: France, Italy & Switzerland

Every hotel and guesthouse on your itinerary has been chosen by our travel experts – based on guest ratings, comfort, and personal experience. We work with local businesses we trust, and we only recommend places we’d happily stay ourselves.

When you book, you’ll choose between two accommodation options:

Comfort Plus – Standard rooms in good quality, comfortable 3-star hotels.

Superior – Standard rooms in 4-star hotels, combined with superior rooms in premium 3-star hotels.

One thing worth knowing: room sizes follow European standards, which tend to run smaller than North American equivalents. A double bed often means two singles pushed together, twin rooms have two separate beds, and single rooms are typically compact. Nothing that gets in the way of a good night’s sleep – just useful to know before you arrive.

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch. We’re happy to talk through other options and tailor things to suit you.

Due to the historic nature of buildings and sustainability regulations you might find that not all hotels have in-room air conditioning. You’ll notice this in Switzerland, Germany and even Italy, among other destinations. That said, most hotels do offer fans to help you stay cool during warmer periods.

On a self-drive tour, we hand you the keys to a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary – then let you get on with it. You’re the driver and the tour guide. The road trip playlist is entirely your call.

Before you set off, your personal travel consultant will have pre-booked everything that matters: rental car, accommodation, and any planned activities listed in your itinerary.

Everything else is yours to shape. The highlights we’ve suggested along the way are Nordic Visitor favourites – places we think you’ll love. But if something catches your eye, or a village looks worth a detour, stop. That’s the whole point.

On arrival, you’ll receive your full itinerary, a hand-annotated map, and our own Travel Guide – everything you need to feel confident from day one. And if you ever need us, our 24/7 helpline is just a call away throughout your trip.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

The TGV from Paris to Avignon is one of the great French train journeys. It takes just under 3 hours, and drops you right into the heart of Provence.

And better yet, it’s included in your itinerary. Your travel pack will contain your ticket, along with instructions on which station to use (usually Paris Gare de Lyon) and where to go when you arrive.

To begin the Swiss leg of your trip, you'll travel from Avignon to Geneva via 2 high speed trains. The first train carries you north through lush farmland to the French city of Lyon, where you'll change to the second train to cross the border. The snow-capped Alps frame your view as you arrive in the vibrant city of Geneva.

We’ll book you a first-class train ticket, included in the price of the tour.  Expect a comfortable seat, outlets for charging, free Wi-Fi, and storage for your suitcases. Keep your passport to hand for crossing the border – it's not always needed, but there might be spot checks.

Good to know: sometimes the route differs slightly, with the occasional direct train or connections that change in other cities. Your personal travel consultant will book the journey that fits in best with your plans, and keep you informed of all the details.

To drive in both France and Switzerland, you'll need to be at least 21, and have held your license for a minimum of one year. It's also common for a small extra fee to apply for any drivers under the age of 25.

We’ll let you know the specifics when we confirm your booking. Got questions before then? Just get in touch.

Whether you need an international driving permit will depend on which country your licence is from.

You’ll need an international driving permit if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script. That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official government websites before your trip.

Additionally, if you are visiting from a country outside the EU or EEA, the Austrian government requires all drivers to have an international driving permit. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia. If you have a driving licence from the UK, you do not need an international driving permit.

France has a lower drink-drive limit than some countries. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5g/litre (compared to 0.8g/litre in the UK, for example). For drivers with less than two years’ experience, it’s lower still, at 0.2g/litre.

Our practical advice: if you’re driving the next day, be sensible the evening before. France’s wine is genuinely excellent, and there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy it. Just not at the wheel.

Yes. Every route is yours to shape.

We’ve planned each day to balance driving time with exploring time. You’ll get all our recommendations – the scenic roads, the stops worth making, the views that deserve a pause.

Then it’s up to you. Visit them all, pick your favourites, or take a detour somewhere else entirely. This is your trip.

Yes, with ease. The borders between France, Monaco and Italy are open and driving into either from Nice is a straightforward, scenic trip along the coast. Both of these countries make for perfect day trips while you’re staying on the Côte d’Azur.

You will need to leave your car in Täsch, the last town accessible by car before Zermatt. From there, you’ll take the shuttle train to Zermatt, which is included in your package.

The train journey lasts 12 minutes. When you're leaving Zermatt, collect your car by taking the same train back to Täsch whenever you’re ready.

The short answer is very easy!

Most countries in Europe are either part of the European Union, the Schengen Area, or both. These are diplomatic agreements that mean visitors to one country can easily cross the border into another.

Chances are you won’t need to pass through any border control after the initial airport inspection in your arrival country. That said, you’ll still need to keep your passport handy, as there may be some spot-checks over borders.

Do I need to pay tolls on my self-drive route?

Short answer: yes, most likely. But here’s a few more details.

France, Italy, Switzerland, and Monaco all have tolled road networks, and your route will probably include at least some of them.

France and Italy have extensive motorway networks (called autoroutes and autostrade respectively) where you’ll pay per stretch of road you use. In Italy, pick up a ticket at the entry gate and pay at the exit. In France, you may pay either before entering or at the end of a section. Don’t worry, it’ll be clearly signed.

Both countries accept cash and card at most booths. Some lanes are card-only, so it’s worth having one handy regardless.

Switzerland and Austria work differently: instead of per-road tolls, you buy a vignette (a motorway sticker) to use the main highway networks.

If you collect your rental in Switzerland or Austria, the vignette comes already attached to the windscreen. You’re good to go. If you’re starting from another country, you’ll need to buy a vignette and fix it to your car before you cross the border. (You’ll find them at service stations close to the border – they’re easy to spot.)

Monaco doesn’t have toll roads, but it’s a small principality, so you’ll typically be entering via France and the same French motorway tolls apply on your approach.

How much should I budget? Toll costs vary significantly depending on your route and how much motorway driving is involved. As a rough guide, a week-long self-drive through southern France might run around €50–80 in tolls. Italy tends to be comparable.

Can I use a toll tag? Italy’s Telepass system is widely used by locals, but as a visitor paying by card is the simplest option. If you’re renting a car, ask your rental company whether the vehicle has a toll device installed (sometimes there are associated fees).

Yes – all three countries have restrictions worth knowing about before you arrive, such as Low Emission Zones (LEZs).

In France, these are called Zones à Faibles Émissions (ZFE). Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, and Strasbourg are among those with active restrictions, and the rules are expanding. Your rental car will need to display a Crit’Air vignette. It’s a colour-coded sticker indicating its emissions category.

Italy’s equivalent is the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). A restricted traffic zone found in the historic centres of many cities, including Florence, Rome, and Bologna. These are enforced by cameras, and fines are issued automatically to vehicles that enter without a permit.

Switzerland has relatively few LEZ restrictions compared to France and Italy, but speed limits are strictly enforced throughout. Average-speed cameras are common. Swiss traffic law also requires headlights on at all times, winter tyres in snow conditions, and – importantly – a motorway vignette for driving on Swiss motorways.

If your itinerary includes any cities with LEZ, or if you need a Swiss vignette, we’ll flag this for you and make sure you’re prepared.

It varies. But the general principle is the same everywhere: park on the edge and walk in.

In France, it mostly depends on the city. In smaller towns and villages, parking is usually easy to find and often free outside the centre. In larger cities – Paris, Lyon, Nice, Marseille – it’s more of a challenge. And city-centre parking can be expensive.

Italian cities can be strict about parking. Where you can park, where you can drive – it’s all clearly regulated. It’s a good idea to look up parking options online before you drive into a new city. Almost always, you’ll need to pay and display a ticket in your car.

Parking in Switzerland is, as you may expect, well-organised and clearly signed. White-line spaces are usually free. Blue-line spaces have time limits. Multi-storey car parks are well-maintained and straightforward. Zurich and Geneva have good public transport, so leaving the car at the hotel and using trams or trains is often the easiest option for a day in the city.

Absolutely. During the booking steps, you'll see the option to add extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip.

If you're looking to stay longer somewhere in the middle of your itinerary, get in touch. Your travel consultant will be happy to help.

Some are, some aren’t. Each tour page lists what’s included in the package.

Some attractions come pre-booked. Others are recommendations – you decide if you’d like to visit. You might also see options to add as extras during booking. It’s your adventure, so choose what intrigues you most.

Absolutely. Many of your itinerary days are flexible, allowing you to add optional activities. These could be cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and other things that make your trip richer. Of course, sometimes, most of your day could be spent travelling or exploring something specific, meaning there may not be time for extra experiences in every case.

You’ll be able to customise your trip by adding extra activities in the booking steps. Pick what speaks to you. Leave out what doesn’t.

Lavender season in Provence runs roughly from late June to early August, peaking around mid-July. The fields of the Luberon are at their most spectacular – and most photographed – during this window.

If your trip falls within these dates, you’re in for something truly memorable. Exact bloom times vary slightly year on year depending on conditions, but a mid-July visit is usually the safest bet for full colour.

Yes, for popular sites, you should pre-book tickets in advance. This way you can make sure you see the spots on your travel wish-list but also secure the ideal times for you. Your travel consultant will let you know the attractions where this is highly recommended. 

More widely than you might expect – though it varies.

In France, English is spoken reliably in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, particularly in Paris and the South. In smaller villages and local markets, a few words of French go a long way. Bonjour, merci, s’il vous plait. People will genuinely appreciate the effort.

It’s similar in Italy. English is widely spoken in the main tourist cities and resorts, less so in rural areas. Grazie, per favore, il conto (the bill) will be received warmly.  

Switzerland is probably the easiest of the three. With four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), the Swiss are used to switching between languages. English is widely spoken across the country – in hotels, restaurants, and most everyday interactions.

Southern France and Italy are reliably hot and sunny in summer – temperatures in Provence, the Riviera, and across most of Italy regularly climb above 30°C (86°F) in July and August.

Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the cooler parts of the day: mornings and early evenings are when these places are at their best.

Northern Italy (the lakes, the mountains) and Switzerland are noticeably cooler – particularly at altitude. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common in mountain areas during summer. It’s worth packing a light waterproof layer even if it feels unlikely when you leave.

Swiss summers are beautiful: warm, green, and dramatic.

In general, June is a wonderful month to travel across all 3 countries – warm but not overwhelming, and slightly less crowded than July and August. If your trip falls in peak summer, early starts will serve you well.

France takes food seriously, which generally works in your favour. Restaurants are usually willing to accommodate dietary requests. Vegetarian options are widely available, and gluten-free awareness has grown significantly in recent years.

Vegans may find it more of a patchwork: easy in cities and larger towns, patchier in rural areas. Severe allergies are worth communicating clearly, and restaurant staff will generally take them seriously.

It helps to have a short written note in French explaining your requirements. We’re happy to help you put one together before you travel.

Light, breathable clothing for summer days, with a layer or two for cooler evenings. Particularly if you’re heading inland or into higher ground.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential: cobblestones, old town streets, and vineyard paths all demand something more than sandals. Beyond that, pack a power adaptor (France uses the standard European two-pin plug), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small day bag.

If you’re planning to visit churches or cathedrals, a scarf or light wrap can be useful for covering shoulders. You’ll want swimwear for those Riviera beaches. And a small amount of euros in cash is handy for markets, small cafés, and the occasional toll booth.

Meal costs vary across the three countries, so it’s worth planning for them separately.

For France and Italy, as a rough guide, budget around €50–80 per person per day for meals if you’re eating out for lunch and dinner. A bistro or trattoria lunch typically costs €15–25 and dinner €25–50 depending on the restaurant. Markets, boulangeries, and delis are great for affordable, excellent lunches on the move.

Switzerland is noticeably more expensive. A sit-down lunch typically costs CHF 20–35 (approximately €21–37); dinner CHF 40–70 (€44–77) or more. Supermarkets (Migros and Coop are everywhere) are a practical option for picnic lunches.

For petrol, France and Italy are broadly similar: around €1.70–1.90 per litre (prices fluctuate). Again, Switzerland is higher – typically CHF 1.80–2.10 per litre (around €1.90–2.20). Supermarket stations are usually the cheapest option.

All countries you visit on this tour use the euro, so there’s no need to change currency if you’re crossing borders. Card payments are widely accepted everywhere, though smaller towns, markets, and rural cafés may prefer cash.

It’s worth keeping €50–100 in small notes handy for small purchases and incidentals. ATMs are easy to find in all three countries too.

In mainland Europe, tipping is not mandatory, but welcomed. It is usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill.

There are limited laundry facilities in the countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the larger cities and towns. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, please let your travel consultant know at the time of booking. They'll see what they can do to accommodate you. 

Yes! We offer tours in and around many enchanting cities in Central Europe. That means you might be able to begin or end your adventure in a different location than the ones listed on this tour.

If you have another destination in mind, please get in touch with one of our travel consultants who will be happy to help you plan the perfect trip.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

You’ll be spending time in a few different regions on your tour. All of these are part of the Schengen area, which is a zone of free movement. The European countries that are part of Schengen are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you are visiting from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or another EU state, you won’t need a visa for short-term travel (less than 90 days) to a Schengen area country.

Visiting from another country? Please look up the official websites of the Nordic Visitor destinations you’ll be visiting. On them you’ll find the complete lists of countries whose nationals require visas to enter. You’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa via the country where you will be spending the most time.

Good to know: Liechtenstein does not issue visas. If you enter via Switzerland, you’ll see there is no border control. The same visa requirements apply between both countries.

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in Europe, and for at least 6 months after your departure date. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

When you book this tour, we’ll ask for a 10% deposit to secure your spot. Then you’ve got plenty of time – the rest is due 30 days before you arrive.

Here’s a tip: if you pay a 20% deposit instead, we’ll include our cancellation protection at no extra cost. It's there to give you breathing room if your plans need to change.

Booking last minute? If it’s less than 30 days until your trip, we’ll need the full payment upfront.

Want to know more? Check out our payment and cancellation terms or just get in touch – we’re here to help.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

We’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents – including your itinerary, service vouchers, and any relevant guides – around 3-4 weeks before your departure date.

If your trip is less than a month away when you book, we’ll get everything to you as quickly as we can. If anything needs clarifying when you receive them, we’re here.

Then, upon your arrival in France, you’ll receive a welcome pack with hard copies of your itinerary, accommodation and tour vouchers, our exclusive France Travel Guide and more.

That depends on how and where you’re arriving. If you’re flying into Paris or Nice, your travel pack will include clear instructions on how to get to your first hotel. Most guests make their way by train or taxi. We can also arrange a private transfer if you’d prefer a smooth start.

Check-in is usually between 2–4 PM. If you’re landing early and want to head straight there, it’s worth asking about an early check-in. There’s an additional fee, and it’s not always possible, but we’ll do our best. Either way, the hotel can hold your luggage while you wait. Head to a local bakery for your first croissant before check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in euros (EUR) – that’s the currency in France.

If you’ve been browsing in another currency, the prices you’ve seen are based on the daily exchange rate. They’ll give you a good sense of cost, but the final charge will be in EUR, so the exact amount in your currency may vary a little depending on when you pay.

Not sure what to expect? Your bank or card provider can give you the most up-to-date conversion rate.