We finally booked the tickets for
our Europe trip and went for our dream vacation for 16 days! And its our 7th
wedding anniversary trip! :) Honestly, planning a long trip can be a daunting
task. There is just too much information available via online platforms. But
one question that comes up frequently was “How do we put this all together?
Tell us where and how to start.” And our next question was, “How much does it
cost to travel to six countries in Europe?” With all these information and
readings that we’ve gathered for our trip, we would like to help our readers as
much as we can and that’s why we are posting our six countries (UK (London),
France (Paris), Switzerland, Austria, Germany & Netherlands) 16D15N travel
itinerary on budget here.
Honestly, for this trip we spent around MYR9XXX/person (including return flight tickets and accommodation). All the trains and accommodation booking were pre-booked 3-4 months in advance. Our budget wasn’t very impressive, so this trip definitely belongs to the “budget travelers”.
Before we book the flight tickets, we’ve decided that the best starting point would be London (UK) since the flight tickets from Penang → Singapore → London was quite reasonable for both of us. For independent travelers who don’t like to use local travel agents, and prefer to plan your own itinerary like us, this post is for you.
Day 1: 23 March 2018 (Friday) ● LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
Penang (PEN - Penang Intl) → Singapore (SIN - Changi) via Silk Air SQ5345 Singapore (SIN - Changi) → London (LHR - Heathrow) via Singapore Airlines SQ318
PM: Arrive London Heathrow Airport
PM: Take uber to YHA London St Pancras - Hostel, London and check-in
PM: Take bus 10/390 to Soho and dinner at Burger & Lobster Bistro
Day 2: 24 March 2018 (Saturday) ● LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
AM: Breakfast at YHA London St Pancras - Hostel, London
AM: Take underground from King Cross St Pancras (Northern line towards Morden)→Westminster (Circle line towards Edgware Road) via Monument and walk to Westminster Abbey
AM: Walk to Big Ben and stop by London Telephone Booth along the way
AM: Walk to Buckingham Palace for Changing of the Guard Ceremony (from Big Ben 16-20 mins walk and pass by St James Park)
AM: Victoria Memorial
PM:Walk from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square (15 mins walk)
PM: Stop by Admiralty Arch for photo taking
PM: Take underground from Charing Cross -Trafalgar Square (Northern line towards Morden) to Waterloo underground station
PM: Lunch at Giraffe World Kitchen, Southbank for London Fish & Chips
PM: Coca-Cola London Eye and watch view of Big Ben & House of Parliament from CJD Memorial PlaquePM: Walk back towards Coca-Cola London Eye to Borough Market (along the way to London and Tower Bridge) – must try Fish!Kitchen London fish & chips
PM: London Bridge (walk to Tower Bridge 13-15mins walk)
PM: Tower Bridge & Tower of London
Day 3: 25 March 2018 (Sunday) ● LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) / PARIS (FRANCE)
AM: Breakfast at YHA London St Pancras - Hostel, London
AM: Take underground from King Cross St Pancras (Northern line) → St. Paul's (Central
line) (via Bank)
AM: Walk along St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul’s Churchyard and Cannon Street
AM: Kings Cross Station London, Platform 9 ¾ Harry Potter Shop
AM: Check-out from YHA London St Pancras and depart from St. Pancras International Railway Station to Paris Gare Du Nord (11.31am-14.47pm)
** Note: To arrive 45mins before departure for custom clearance
PM: Arrive Paris Gare Du Nord and check-in Sylvain Et Dalila’s Home (Airbnb)
PM: Take Metro Line 6 from Sèvres Lecourbe → St-Michel Notre Dame (direction towards Porte de Clignancourt. Connection via Gare Montparnasse Metro Line 4
PM: Notre-Dame de Paris and dinner nearby
PM: The Louvre and Paris city night view via Uber
Day 4: 26 March 2018 (Monday) ● PARIS (FRANCE)
AM: Breakfast at Sylvain Et Dalila Home
AM: Take Metro Line 6 from Sèvres Lecourbe → Trocadero (direction towards Charles de Gaulle Etoile)
AM: Photoshoot at Trocadero with Airbnb Photographer Richard
AM: Stroll around Pont d’léna and Quai Branly for Eiffel Tower view and lunch
PM: Walk to Bir-Hakeim station (near to Champs De Mars) for Line 6 metro to
Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Walk to Arc de Triomphe
PM: Shopping along Av. Des Champs-Elysées
PM: Walk to Jardin des Tuileries
PM: Walk to Carrousel Arc de Triomphe and Musée du Louvre
PM: Groceries shopping at Franprix afternoon tea (escargot) at Le Louchebem (French Restaurant) around Rue Berger area (10-15 mins walking from Musée du Louvre)
PM: Take Metro Line 1 from Palais Royal Musée du Louvre (towards La Dèfense) to Bir-Hakeim (Champs De Mars). Interchange at Charles de Gaulle Etoile for Line 6
PM: Dinner at Iolanda (pizza restaurant) and walk to Champs De Mars (5-10 minutes’ walk) for classic picture of Eiffel Tower for night view of Eiffel Tower
Day 5: 27 March 2018 (Tuesday) ● PARIS (FRANCE) / INTERLAKEN (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at Sylvain Et Dalila’s home and depart to Paris Orly Airport via Uber
AM: Depart from Paris Orly Airport to Geneve, Switzerland (approx. 1 hour 5 minutes)
AM: Arrive Geneva Airport, Switzerland
PM: Depart from Geneve Airport to Spiez Schiffstation – Interchange at Bern Station (approx. 2hr 52 minutes)
PM: Stop at Spiez Schiffstation for Lake Thun Boat Cruise (for approx. 1 hour) (direction from Spiez to Thun)
PM: Arrive Thun Bahnhof. Depart from Thun Bahnhof to Interlaken West Railway Station (approx. 45 minutes)
PM: Arrive Interlaken West Railway Station
PM: Check-in Hirschen, Hauptstrasse 11, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
PM: Wander around Town Centre (main street and the streets north of the main street leading to the river) + Dinner + Shop at Migros
**Note: Some hotels provide a free pass to use the local bus service
Day 6: 28 March 2018 (Wednesday) ● INTERLAKEN / GRINDELWALD (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at Hirschen
AM: Check-out from Hirschen, Hauptstrasse 11, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland to Interlaken Ost Station
AM: Interlaken Ost Station --- (by train) --->Lauterbrunnen --- (by cable car) --- > Grütschalp --- (by train) ---> Mürren --- (walk to Mürren (Schilthornbahn) to take cable car) approx. 5-8 minutes --- > Brig and Schilthorn
AM: Explore Schilthorn Piz Gloria View, Bond World, 007 Walk of Fame, IGL007, Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk
PM: Schilthorn → Mürren (by cable car). Explore Mürren, picture perfect villages in the Swiss Alps along the way to catch a train (approx. 5-8 minutes’ walk).
PM: Mürren --- (by train)---> Grütschalp --- (by cable car)---> Lauterbrunnen
PM: Collect luggages and take train to Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen ---(by train) ---> Zweilütschinen <direction towards Interlaken Ost> --- (by train) ---> Gridelwald – train duration approx. 42 minutes
PM: Arrive Gridelwald Railway Station and walk to Jungfrau Lodge, Swiss Mountain Hotel
PM: Walk to Dorfstrasse shooping area, shop at Coop Supermarkt Grindelwald and Dinner at Tea n Take Away (pizzas)
PM: Explore the villages in Gridelwald by local bus 121
**Note: Some hotels provide a free pass to use the local bus service
**Note: You may drop / store your baggage(s) at Lauterbrunnen / Mürren stations (on your way up to Grütschalp. It’s FREE of charge
**Note: The cable car leaves Mürren for Brig and Schilthorn every half hour
Day 7: 29 March 2018 (Thursday) ● GRINDELWALD / LUCERNE (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at Jungfrau Lodge
AM: Depart from Grindelwald Railway Station to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
**Note: the Jungfrau Travel Pass can be purchased at any train / railway station. Please take note that the Jungfrau Travel Pass is a separate pass from the Swiss Travel Pass. You can purchase the Jungfrau Travel Pass with a discounted rate of 25% with the Swiss Travel Pass AM: Board the train from Gridelwald Railway Station --- (by train) ---> Kleine Scheidegg --- (by train, Jungfraubahn) ---> Jungfraujoch. Train duration approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Honestly, for this trip we spent around MYR9XXX/person (including return flight tickets and accommodation). All the trains and accommodation booking were pre-booked 3-4 months in advance. Our budget wasn’t very impressive, so this trip definitely belongs to the “budget travelers”.
Before we book the flight tickets, we’ve decided that the best starting point would be London (UK) since the flight tickets from Penang → Singapore → London was quite reasonable for both of us. For independent travelers who don’t like to use local travel agents, and prefer to plan your own itinerary like us, this post is for you.
Day 1: 23 March 2018 (Friday) ● LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
Penang (PEN - Penang Intl) → Singapore (SIN - Changi) via Silk Air SQ5345 Singapore (SIN - Changi) → London (LHR - Heathrow) via Singapore Airlines SQ318
PM: Arrive London Heathrow Airport
PM: Take uber to YHA London St Pancras - Hostel, London and check-in
PM: Take bus 10/390 to Soho and dinner at Burger & Lobster Bistro
Day 2: 24 March 2018 (Saturday) ● LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
AM: Breakfast at YHA London St Pancras - Hostel, London
AM: Take underground from King Cross St Pancras (Northern line towards Morden)→Westminster (Circle line towards Edgware Road) via Monument and walk to Westminster Abbey
AM: Walk to Big Ben and stop by London Telephone Booth along the way
AM: Walk to Buckingham Palace for Changing of the Guard Ceremony (from Big Ben 16-20 mins walk and pass by St James Park)
AM: Victoria Memorial
PM:Walk from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square (15 mins walk)
PM: Stop by Admiralty Arch for photo taking
PM: Take underground from Charing Cross -Trafalgar Square (Northern line towards Morden) to Waterloo underground station
PM: Lunch at Giraffe World Kitchen, Southbank for London Fish & Chips
PM: Coca-Cola London Eye and watch view of Big Ben & House of Parliament from CJD Memorial PlaquePM: Walk back towards Coca-Cola London Eye to Borough Market (along the way to London and Tower Bridge) – must try Fish!Kitchen London fish & chips
PM: London Bridge (walk to Tower Bridge 13-15mins walk)
PM: Tower Bridge & Tower of London
Day 3: 25 March 2018 (Sunday) ● LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) / PARIS (FRANCE)
AM: Breakfast at YHA London St Pancras - Hostel, London
AM: Take underground from King Cross St Pancras (Northern line) → St. Paul's (Central
line) (via Bank)
AM: Walk along St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul’s Churchyard and Cannon Street
AM: Kings Cross Station London, Platform 9 ¾ Harry Potter Shop
AM: Check-out from YHA London St Pancras and depart from St. Pancras International Railway Station to Paris Gare Du Nord (11.31am-14.47pm)
** Note: To arrive 45mins before departure for custom clearance
PM: Arrive Paris Gare Du Nord and check-in Sylvain Et Dalila’s Home (Airbnb)
PM: Take Metro Line 6 from Sèvres Lecourbe → St-Michel Notre Dame (direction towards Porte de Clignancourt. Connection via Gare Montparnasse Metro Line 4
PM: Notre-Dame de Paris and dinner nearby
PM: The Louvre and Paris city night view via Uber
Day 4: 26 March 2018 (Monday) ● PARIS (FRANCE)
AM: Breakfast at Sylvain Et Dalila Home
AM: Take Metro Line 6 from Sèvres Lecourbe → Trocadero (direction towards Charles de Gaulle Etoile)
AM: Photoshoot at Trocadero with Airbnb Photographer Richard
AM: Stroll around Pont d’léna and Quai Branly for Eiffel Tower view and lunch
PM: Walk to Bir-Hakeim station (near to Champs De Mars) for Line 6 metro to
Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Walk to Arc de Triomphe
PM: Shopping along Av. Des Champs-Elysées
PM: Walk to Jardin des Tuileries
PM: Walk to Carrousel Arc de Triomphe and Musée du Louvre
PM: Groceries shopping at Franprix afternoon tea (escargot) at Le Louchebem (French Restaurant) around Rue Berger area (10-15 mins walking from Musée du Louvre)
PM: Take Metro Line 1 from Palais Royal Musée du Louvre (towards La Dèfense) to Bir-Hakeim (Champs De Mars). Interchange at Charles de Gaulle Etoile for Line 6
PM: Dinner at Iolanda (pizza restaurant) and walk to Champs De Mars (5-10 minutes’ walk) for classic picture of Eiffel Tower for night view of Eiffel Tower
Day 5: 27 March 2018 (Tuesday) ● PARIS (FRANCE) / INTERLAKEN (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at Sylvain Et Dalila’s home and depart to Paris Orly Airport via Uber
AM: Depart from Paris Orly Airport to Geneve, Switzerland (approx. 1 hour 5 minutes)
AM: Arrive Geneva Airport, Switzerland
PM: Depart from Geneve Airport to Spiez Schiffstation – Interchange at Bern Station (approx. 2hr 52 minutes)
PM: Stop at Spiez Schiffstation for Lake Thun Boat Cruise (for approx. 1 hour) (direction from Spiez to Thun)
PM: Arrive Thun Bahnhof. Depart from Thun Bahnhof to Interlaken West Railway Station (approx. 45 minutes)
PM: Arrive Interlaken West Railway Station
PM: Check-in Hirschen, Hauptstrasse 11, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
PM: Wander around Town Centre (main street and the streets north of the main street leading to the river) + Dinner + Shop at Migros
**Note: Some hotels provide a free pass to use the local bus service
Day 6: 28 March 2018 (Wednesday) ● INTERLAKEN / GRINDELWALD (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at Hirschen
AM: Check-out from Hirschen, Hauptstrasse 11, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland to Interlaken Ost Station
AM: Interlaken Ost Station --- (by train) --->Lauterbrunnen --- (by cable car) --- > Grütschalp --- (by train) ---> Mürren --- (walk to Mürren (Schilthornbahn) to take cable car) approx. 5-8 minutes --- > Brig and Schilthorn
AM: Explore Schilthorn Piz Gloria View, Bond World, 007 Walk of Fame, IGL007, Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk
PM: Schilthorn → Mürren (by cable car). Explore Mürren, picture perfect villages in the Swiss Alps along the way to catch a train (approx. 5-8 minutes’ walk).
PM: Mürren --- (by train)---> Grütschalp --- (by cable car)---> Lauterbrunnen
PM: Collect luggages and take train to Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen ---(by train) ---> Zweilütschinen <direction towards Interlaken Ost> --- (by train) ---> Gridelwald – train duration approx. 42 minutes
PM: Arrive Gridelwald Railway Station and walk to Jungfrau Lodge, Swiss Mountain Hotel
PM: Walk to Dorfstrasse shooping area, shop at Coop Supermarkt Grindelwald and Dinner at Tea n Take Away (pizzas)
PM: Explore the villages in Gridelwald by local bus 121
**Note: Some hotels provide a free pass to use the local bus service
**Note: You may drop / store your baggage(s) at Lauterbrunnen / Mürren stations (on your way up to Grütschalp. It’s FREE of charge
**Note: The cable car leaves Mürren for Brig and Schilthorn every half hour
Day 7: 29 March 2018 (Thursday) ● GRINDELWALD / LUCERNE (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at Jungfrau Lodge
AM: Depart from Grindelwald Railway Station to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
**Note: the Jungfrau Travel Pass can be purchased at any train / railway station. Please take note that the Jungfrau Travel Pass is a separate pass from the Swiss Travel Pass. You can purchase the Jungfrau Travel Pass with a discounted rate of 25% with the Swiss Travel Pass AM: Board the train from Gridelwald Railway Station --- (by train) ---> Kleine Scheidegg --- (by train, Jungfraubahn) ---> Jungfraujoch. Train duration approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
AM: Arrive Jungfraujoch – Top of
Europe station hall. Always follow the “TOUR” symbol. Explore: Jungfrau
Panorama cinematic experience, Sphinx Terrace, Alpine Sensation hall, Ice
Palace, Glacier Plateau (view of Jungfrau and Aletsch Glacier)
PM: Board the train from
Jungfraujoch station hall --- (by train) ---> Kleine Scheidegg --- (by
train) ---> Gridelwald Railway Station
PM: Check-out from Jungfrau Lodge
PM: Depart to Lucerne from Gridelwald Railway Station --- (by train)---> Interlaken Ost ---(by train) ---> Bern ---(by train) ---> Lucerne (Train duration 2 hours 42 minutes)
PM: Groceries shopping and Dinner at Migros, Lucerne Hbf
PM: Take bus 4 from Lucerne Hbf to ibis budget Luzern City
Day 8: 30 March 2018 (Friday) ● LUCERNE / ZURICH (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at ibis budget Luzern City
AM: Stroll around old town. Visit: Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), Jesuit Church, Franciscan Church, Museggmauer & Türme (Town Walls and Towers), Spreuerbrücke, Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)
AM: Take bus 1 / 7 from Lucerne Hbf to Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)
AM: Take bus 4 from Lucerne Hbf to ibis budget Luzern City
AM: Check-out from ibis budget Luzern City. Take bus 4 to Lucerne Hbf
AM: Depart to Zürich Hbf from Lucerne Hbf (train duration 52 minutes)
PM: Arrive Zürich Hbf and check-in Hotel Bristol Zurich (5 mins walk from Zürich Hbf)
PM: Stroll along River Limmat. Visit: Lindenhof Square, St. Peter Evangelical Church, Schlüsselgasse shopping street , Münsterbrücke Bridge, Wasserkirche Church, Fraumünster Church
PM: Shop for souvenirs at Teddy's Souvenir Shop AG
PM: Stroll at Quaibrücke Bridge (Limmat)
PM: Dinner at Sternen Grill, Bellevuepl
PM: Enjoy shopping street – Bahnhofstrasse via tram
Day 9: 31 March 2018 (Saturday) ● ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) / SALZBURG
(AUSTRIA)
AM: Breakfast at Hotel Bristol Zurich and check-out
AM: Depart from Zurich to Salzburg Hbf (train journey approx. 6 hours)
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our train was delayed. And we departed from Zurich Hbf at 9:40am via Zurich → Bludenz (train); Bludenz → Otztal (bus); Otztal → Salzburg (train)
PM: Arrived Salzburg at 4:03pm
PM: Check-in Gasthof Auerhahn and refresh (Bahnhofstraße 15, Salzburg, Salzburg Stadt, Salzburg, Austria, 5020)
PM: Staatsbrücke Salzburg (bridge)
PM: Mozart’s Birthplace and Getreidegasse shopping street
PM: Residenz
PM: Franciscan Church Salzburg, Collegiate Church Salzburg and Salzburg Cathedral + Domplatz
PM: Dinner at Nordsee along Getreidegasse area
Day 10: 1 April 2018 (Sunday) ● SALZBURG AND HALLSTATT (AUSTRIA)
AM: Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg
AM: City Hall, Salzburg
AM: Getreidegasse shopping street, Salzburg
AM: Check-out from Gasthof Auerhahn
AM: Depart from Salzburg Hbf to Hallstatt Bahnhof (train journey approx. 2 hours 40mins) PM: Arrive Hallstatt Bahnhof. And board on ferry to Ferry Terminal Hallstatt Marktplatz PM: Check-in Gasthof Weisses Lamm, Dr. F. Mortonweg 166, 4830 Hallstatt
PM: Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt for Classic Village Viewpoint / Postcard Angle
PM: Evangelische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt
PM: Marktplatz
PM: Stroll around Seestraße
PM: Walk to Salt mine Hallstatt
Day 11: 2 April 2018 (Monday) ● MUNICH (GERMANY)
AM: Check-out Gasthof Weisses Lamm, Dr. F. Mortonweg 166, 4830 Hallstatt
AM: Depart from Hallstatt Lahn (Bus Terminal) to Salzburg Hbf via bus 543, 542 and 150 (journey approx. 2 hours, 10 minutes) AM: Depart from Salzburg Hbf to München Hbf (via Bayern ticket) (journey approx. 1 hour 52 minutes)
PM: Check-in Helvetia Hotel Munich City Center
PM: Stroll around Karlsplatz and Kaufingerstrasse / Burgersaalkirche / St Peter’s Church / Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) PM: Marienplatz / New Town Hall / Alter Peter (old Pete)
PM: Munich Residenz / Bayerische Staatskanzlei (State Government Office) / Dianatempel PM: Feldherrnhalle / Hofkapelle / Odeonsplatz
PM: Dinner at Asiahung at München Hbf
Day 12: 3 April 2018 (Tuesday) ● FÜSSEN AND MUNICH (GERMANY)
AM: Depart from München Hbf (via Bayern ticket) to Füssen (to Neuschwanstein Castle)
** Note: Interchange at Buchloe within 8 minutes. Allow approximately 2.5 hours to get to Neuschwanstein from München Hbf
AM: Arrive Füssen Bahnhof and take bus 78 / 73 in the direction of Schwangau and stop at Hohenschwangau / Alpseestraße (10minutes ride). Then hike up (40minutes) to
Neuschwanstein Castle PM: Neuschwanstein Castle and Marienbrücke (bridge)
PM: Take bus 78 / 73 to Füssen Bahnhof for train back to München Hbf
PM: Check-out from Jungfrau Lodge
PM: Depart to Lucerne from Gridelwald Railway Station --- (by train)---> Interlaken Ost ---(by train) ---> Bern ---(by train) ---> Lucerne (Train duration 2 hours 42 minutes)
PM: Groceries shopping and Dinner at Migros, Lucerne Hbf
PM: Take bus 4 from Lucerne Hbf to ibis budget Luzern City
Day 8: 30 March 2018 (Friday) ● LUCERNE / ZURICH (SWITZERLAND)
AM: Breakfast at ibis budget Luzern City
AM: Stroll around old town. Visit: Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), Jesuit Church, Franciscan Church, Museggmauer & Türme (Town Walls and Towers), Spreuerbrücke, Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)
AM: Take bus 1 / 7 from Lucerne Hbf to Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)
AM: Take bus 4 from Lucerne Hbf to ibis budget Luzern City
AM: Check-out from ibis budget Luzern City. Take bus 4 to Lucerne Hbf
AM: Depart to Zürich Hbf from Lucerne Hbf (train duration 52 minutes)
PM: Arrive Zürich Hbf and check-in Hotel Bristol Zurich (5 mins walk from Zürich Hbf)
PM: Stroll along River Limmat. Visit: Lindenhof Square, St. Peter Evangelical Church, Schlüsselgasse shopping street , Münsterbrücke Bridge, Wasserkirche Church, Fraumünster Church
PM: Shop for souvenirs at Teddy's Souvenir Shop AG
PM: Stroll at Quaibrücke Bridge (Limmat)
PM: Dinner at Sternen Grill, Bellevuepl
PM: Enjoy shopping street – Bahnhofstrasse via tram
Day 9: 31 March 2018 (Saturday) ● ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) / SALZBURG
(AUSTRIA)
AM: Breakfast at Hotel Bristol Zurich and check-out
AM: Depart from Zurich to Salzburg Hbf (train journey approx. 6 hours)
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our train was delayed. And we departed from Zurich Hbf at 9:40am via Zurich → Bludenz (train); Bludenz → Otztal (bus); Otztal → Salzburg (train)
PM: Arrived Salzburg at 4:03pm
PM: Check-in Gasthof Auerhahn and refresh (Bahnhofstraße 15, Salzburg, Salzburg Stadt, Salzburg, Austria, 5020)
PM: Staatsbrücke Salzburg (bridge)
PM: Mozart’s Birthplace and Getreidegasse shopping street
PM: Residenz
PM: Franciscan Church Salzburg, Collegiate Church Salzburg and Salzburg Cathedral + Domplatz
PM: Dinner at Nordsee along Getreidegasse area
Day 10: 1 April 2018 (Sunday) ● SALZBURG AND HALLSTATT (AUSTRIA)
AM: Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg
AM: City Hall, Salzburg
AM: Getreidegasse shopping street, Salzburg
AM: Check-out from Gasthof Auerhahn
AM: Depart from Salzburg Hbf to Hallstatt Bahnhof (train journey approx. 2 hours 40mins) PM: Arrive Hallstatt Bahnhof. And board on ferry to Ferry Terminal Hallstatt Marktplatz PM: Check-in Gasthof Weisses Lamm, Dr. F. Mortonweg 166, 4830 Hallstatt
PM: Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt for Classic Village Viewpoint / Postcard Angle
PM: Evangelische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt
PM: Marktplatz
PM: Stroll around Seestraße
PM: Walk to Salt mine Hallstatt
Day 11: 2 April 2018 (Monday) ● MUNICH (GERMANY)
AM: Check-out Gasthof Weisses Lamm, Dr. F. Mortonweg 166, 4830 Hallstatt
AM: Depart from Hallstatt Lahn (Bus Terminal) to Salzburg Hbf via bus 543, 542 and 150 (journey approx. 2 hours, 10 minutes) AM: Depart from Salzburg Hbf to München Hbf (via Bayern ticket) (journey approx. 1 hour 52 minutes)
PM: Check-in Helvetia Hotel Munich City Center
PM: Stroll around Karlsplatz and Kaufingerstrasse / Burgersaalkirche / St Peter’s Church / Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) PM: Marienplatz / New Town Hall / Alter Peter (old Pete)
PM: Munich Residenz / Bayerische Staatskanzlei (State Government Office) / Dianatempel PM: Feldherrnhalle / Hofkapelle / Odeonsplatz
PM: Dinner at Asiahung at München Hbf
Day 12: 3 April 2018 (Tuesday) ● FÜSSEN AND MUNICH (GERMANY)
AM: Depart from München Hbf (via Bayern ticket) to Füssen (to Neuschwanstein Castle)
** Note: Interchange at Buchloe within 8 minutes. Allow approximately 2.5 hours to get to Neuschwanstein from München Hbf
AM: Arrive Füssen Bahnhof and take bus 78 / 73 in the direction of Schwangau and stop at Hohenschwangau / Alpseestraße (10minutes ride). Then hike up (40minutes) to
Neuschwanstein Castle PM: Neuschwanstein Castle and Marienbrücke (bridge)
PM: Take bus 78 / 73 to Füssen Bahnhof for train back to München Hbf
*Note: Please note that trains from
Füssen Bahnhof → München Hbf departs every hourly. Train from Füssen operates
from 11:05am till 22:36
Füssen
Bahnhof
|
Change
at:
|
München
Hbf
|
15:05
|
Kaufbeuren
|
17:10
|
16:04
|
direct
|
18:05
|
17:05
|
Buchloe
|
19:17
|
18:06
|
direct
|
20:05
|
PM: Stroll around Karlsplatz /
Kaufingerstrasse and Marienplatz
PM: Dinner at Asiahung and last minute shopping at München Hbf
PM: Depart from München Hbf to Amsterdam Centraale (mid-night DB train at 00:01 ) **Note: Interchange at Köln Hbf within 34 minutes at 05:12 (4 April). Train journey approx.: 9hr 28mins
Day 13: 4 April 2018 (Wednesday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Arrive Amsterdam Centraale at 09:28
AM: Stroll around Amsterdam Centraale Station for morning break & Amsterdam GVB public transport travel tickets and Tourist Information Centre
AM: Take bus 347 towards Uithoorn to Amstelveen (Shanti’s house)
PM: Unpack and refresh, take bus to Amsterdam Centraale
PM: Stroll around the canals, Dam and Jordaan neighbourhood
PM: Red Light District, sex shops and bars
PM: Shopping and Photo at Damrak, near Rederij Plas
PM: Dinner at home
Day 14: 5 April 2018 (Thursday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Take bus to Amsterdam Centraale Station
AM: Take Rnet-bus 391 to Zaandam Zaanse Schans at platform “E” at Amsterdam bus station IJzijde (facing Amsterdam Ferry Terminal). Bus fare approx. EUR11.50/return and journey is approx.45 minutes from Amsterdam Centraale
AM: Stroll aroundZaanse Schans traditional houses, windmills, warehouses and workshops, De Zaanse Schans Clog Workshop, Catharina Hoeve cheese farm, Henri Willig Kaas B.V. cheese farm and store
AM: Take Rnet-bus 391 back to Amsterdam Centraale
PM: Take the Keukenhof Gardens Tour from Get Your Guide counter at Tourist Information Centre (From Amsterdam: Keukenhof Entry Ticket and Transfers at EUR36/pax)
PM: To board the bus to Keukenhof, first take the free ferry from Central Station in the direction of "Buikslotermeer” to A'DAM Lookout (opposite Amsterdam Central Station) on the IJ. It is only a 3-minute ferry ride to the opposite side, from where it's a 1-minute walk to the A'DAM Lookout. Our bus departs at 14:00. Direct bus journey is approx. 55 minutes. PM: Depart from Keukenhof Gardens at 18:00
PM: Arrive A'DAM Lookout and take ferry ride back to Amsterdam Centraale
PM: Dinner at Pancakes Amsterdam and stroll around canals and Red Light District
For more info for our trip to Zaandam Zaanse Schans: http://www.bus391.nl/
For more info for our trip to Keukenhof Gardens: https://www.getyourguide.com/
Day 15: 6 April 2018 (Friday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Take train from Amsterdam Centrale to Steenwijk (train journey is approx. 1hr 40mins). Then take bus 70 (tickets can be bought from the bus driver towards direction: Zwartsluis) and stop at Hylkemaweg (bus journey is approx. 10 minutes). Bus will stop you at the opposite street, cross the road and it’s just 2 minutes’ walk to where the boats dock. Be sure to get on a boat!
AM: Hop on Giethoorn self-drive electric engine steering wheel boat (approx. 1 hour boat rental at EUR22.50)
PM: Stroll around Giethoorn village
PM: Depart from Giethoorn village → Steenwijk (by bus 70) → Amsterdam Centrale (by train)
PM: Take tram B5 to Rijksmuseum from Amsterdam Centrale. Take photo in front of “I AMSTERDAM” classic sign
PM: Shopping at Hard Rock Café and Max Euweplein
PM: Stroll around Leidseplein Square / Leidseplein Theater
PM: Dinner at Wok to Walk, Leidsestraat 96
PM: Groceries shopping (stroopwafel) at Albert Heijn Koningsplein
PM: Manneken Pis Fries (Voted Number 1 in Holland) at Damrak
PM: Final shopping at Damrak, near Rederij Plas
Day 16: 7 April 2018 (Saturday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Breakfast at home
AM: Depart from Amstelveen (Shanti’s house) to Schiphol Airport for flight Amsterdam (AMS - Schiphol Airport) → Singapore (SIN - Changi) via Singapore Airlines SQ323
Singapore (SIN - Changi) → Penang (PEN - Penang Intl) via Silk Air SQ5346
As for shopping, all the shops along the Getreidegasse shopping street, were shut at 5pm for early closing, so there was nothing to break the spell. We stopped for fish and baked rice at Nordsee. The dish was delicious and the restaurant was incredibly authentic.
TRAIN:
TRAIN: Zürich HB →Salzburg Hbf
Dep: 08:40 Arr: 14:03 (Train journey: 5 hours +)
Note: Interchange at Innsbruck Hbf within 6 minutes
Fares: EUR32/person
Booking site: https://www.oebb.at/en/
PLAN YOUR TRIP - Useful Apps to download on your smart phones / tablets before your
trip:
Connecting train / tram / bus in Austria and selected regions
ÖBB (Real time information for your travel with connection info, book all transport with
this app, online ticketing
Download: http://www.oebb.at/en/angebote-ermaessigungen/oebb-app
Austria (Salzburg & Hallstatt)
Sbg Verkehr “Salzburg Traffic” (Real time travel planner for all public transport in
Salzburg with area map, stop sequence
Download: https://salzburg-verkehr.at/?lang=en
PM: Dinner at Asiahung and last minute shopping at München Hbf
PM: Depart from München Hbf to Amsterdam Centraale (mid-night DB train at 00:01 ) **Note: Interchange at Köln Hbf within 34 minutes at 05:12 (4 April). Train journey approx.: 9hr 28mins
Day 13: 4 April 2018 (Wednesday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Arrive Amsterdam Centraale at 09:28
AM: Stroll around Amsterdam Centraale Station for morning break & Amsterdam GVB public transport travel tickets and Tourist Information Centre
AM: Take bus 347 towards Uithoorn to Amstelveen (Shanti’s house)
PM: Unpack and refresh, take bus to Amsterdam Centraale
PM: Stroll around the canals, Dam and Jordaan neighbourhood
PM: Red Light District, sex shops and bars
PM: Shopping and Photo at Damrak, near Rederij Plas
PM: Dinner at home
Day 14: 5 April 2018 (Thursday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Take bus to Amsterdam Centraale Station
AM: Take Rnet-bus 391 to Zaandam Zaanse Schans at platform “E” at Amsterdam bus station IJzijde (facing Amsterdam Ferry Terminal). Bus fare approx. EUR11.50/return and journey is approx.45 minutes from Amsterdam Centraale
AM: Stroll aroundZaanse Schans traditional houses, windmills, warehouses and workshops, De Zaanse Schans Clog Workshop, Catharina Hoeve cheese farm, Henri Willig Kaas B.V. cheese farm and store
AM: Take Rnet-bus 391 back to Amsterdam Centraale
PM: Take the Keukenhof Gardens Tour from Get Your Guide counter at Tourist Information Centre (From Amsterdam: Keukenhof Entry Ticket and Transfers at EUR36/pax)
PM: To board the bus to Keukenhof, first take the free ferry from Central Station in the direction of "Buikslotermeer” to A'DAM Lookout (opposite Amsterdam Central Station) on the IJ. It is only a 3-minute ferry ride to the opposite side, from where it's a 1-minute walk to the A'DAM Lookout. Our bus departs at 14:00. Direct bus journey is approx. 55 minutes. PM: Depart from Keukenhof Gardens at 18:00
PM: Arrive A'DAM Lookout and take ferry ride back to Amsterdam Centraale
PM: Dinner at Pancakes Amsterdam and stroll around canals and Red Light District
For more info for our trip to Zaandam Zaanse Schans: http://www.bus391.nl/
For more info for our trip to Keukenhof Gardens: https://www.getyourguide.com/
Day 15: 6 April 2018 (Friday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Take train from Amsterdam Centrale to Steenwijk (train journey is approx. 1hr 40mins). Then take bus 70 (tickets can be bought from the bus driver towards direction: Zwartsluis) and stop at Hylkemaweg (bus journey is approx. 10 minutes). Bus will stop you at the opposite street, cross the road and it’s just 2 minutes’ walk to where the boats dock. Be sure to get on a boat!
AM: Hop on Giethoorn self-drive electric engine steering wheel boat (approx. 1 hour boat rental at EUR22.50)
PM: Stroll around Giethoorn village
PM: Depart from Giethoorn village → Steenwijk (by bus 70) → Amsterdam Centrale (by train)
PM: Take tram B5 to Rijksmuseum from Amsterdam Centrale. Take photo in front of “I AMSTERDAM” classic sign
PM: Shopping at Hard Rock Café and Max Euweplein
PM: Stroll around Leidseplein Square / Leidseplein Theater
PM: Dinner at Wok to Walk, Leidsestraat 96
PM: Groceries shopping (stroopwafel) at Albert Heijn Koningsplein
PM: Manneken Pis Fries (Voted Number 1 in Holland) at Damrak
PM: Final shopping at Damrak, near Rederij Plas
Day 16: 7 April 2018 (Saturday) ● AMSTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
AM: Breakfast at home
AM: Depart from Amstelveen (Shanti’s house) to Schiphol Airport for flight Amsterdam (AMS - Schiphol Airport) → Singapore (SIN - Changi) via Singapore Airlines SQ323
Singapore (SIN - Changi) → Penang (PEN - Penang Intl) via Silk Air SQ5346
 |
| Buildings and structures in Salzburg |
 |
| View of Salzburg along along the banks of the calm Salzach River |
 |
| Salzburg is rich in buildings from the Gothic period onwards |
The
fourth destination of our Europe trip was Austria (Salzburg and Hallstatt).
After all the
overwhelming beauty of Europe’s “little heart” – London, Paris and Swiss, we set out for
Salzburg – the home of the great musical genius Mozart. The most anticipated destination in
Austria was definitely Hallstatt, the fairy tale village. But then, we chose to stop in Salzburg
because it was quite close to Hallstatt, and I’ve also heard and read a lot about this place
prior to my trip. Thanks to the Salzburg travel guide clip produced by Expedia, I must admit
that Salzburg is indeed one of the most beautiful hidden charms in Europe and a charming
old town to visit.
So, our journey from Zurich HB to Salzburg Hbf took us about 5 hours+ on the train and
was supposed to change once at Innsbruck Hbf. Early tickets reservations are highly
recommended in order to save travel cost.
And so, we checked out from the hotel early and arrived Zurich HB almost 30minutes earlier
before our departure time. Early morning came the bad news that the train that we’re
supposed to board the train to Salzburg at 08:40am has been rescheduled and reroute.
We waited for almost more than an hour at the platform and finally decided to seek the
guidance of the service counter for information about our train schedule, in case we might
missed the train. We were told that the OBB train that we’re supposed to board has been
rescheduled / reroute due to some construction work at the railway.
And so, the officer at the counter rearranged our train’s route as below:
overwhelming beauty of Europe’s “little heart” – London, Paris and Swiss, we set out for
Salzburg – the home of the great musical genius Mozart. The most anticipated destination in
Austria was definitely Hallstatt, the fairy tale village. But then, we chose to stop in Salzburg
because it was quite close to Hallstatt, and I’ve also heard and read a lot about this place
prior to my trip. Thanks to the Salzburg travel guide clip produced by Expedia, I must admit
that Salzburg is indeed one of the most beautiful hidden charms in Europe and a charming
old town to visit.
So, our journey from Zurich HB to Salzburg Hbf took us about 5 hours+ on the train and
was supposed to change once at Innsbruck Hbf. Early tickets reservations are highly
recommended in order to save travel cost.
And so, we checked out from the hotel early and arrived Zurich HB almost 30minutes earlier
before our departure time. Early morning came the bad news that the train that we’re
supposed to board the train to Salzburg at 08:40am has been rescheduled and reroute.
We waited for almost more than an hour at the platform and finally decided to seek the
guidance of the service counter for information about our train schedule, in case we might
missed the train. We were told that the OBB train that we’re supposed to board has been
rescheduled / reroute due to some construction work at the railway.
And so, the officer at the counter rearranged our train’s route as below:
- Zurich HB to Bludenz (09:40 am → 12:02pm) via ÖBB Train (2hrs 12mins)
- Bludenz to Otztal (12:15pm → 13:35pm) via bus (1hr 20mins)
- Otztal to Salzburg (13:48pm → 16:03pm) via ÖBB Train (2hrs 15mins)
 |
| The Domplatz (Cathedral Square) is just right in front of the Salzburg Cathedral |
 |
| The Domplatz (Cathedral Square) is just right in front of the Salzburg Cathedral |
 |
| The Domplatz (Cathedral Square) is just right in front of the Salzburg Cathedral |
 |
| Was amazed by this beautiful piece of architecture |
Arriving at Salzburg, we checked
into Gasthof Auerhahn and decided to explore the centre. We made our way to the
town via public buses, which were easily accessible at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof.
 |
| Salzburg Cathedral is renowned for its harmonious Baroque architecture |
 |
| One for the album |
 |
| The Salzburg Cathedral is the most significant building in the city of Salzburg. The tower holds the famous glockenspiel. |
The main attractions not to be missed in Salzburg (if you have limited
time like us) – Staatsbrücke Salzburg (bridge), Mozart’s Birthplace,
Getreidegasse shopping street, Residenz , Franciscan Church Salzburg,
Collegiate Church Salzburg and Salzburg Cathedral + Domplatz which are all
nearby.
 |
| Mozart Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace) |
 |
| Us posing in front of Mozart Geburtshaus (Mozart's Birthplace) |
 |
| Salzburg is all about Mozart |
 |
| Salzburg is all about Mozart |
Salzburg is not only where the
mythical Mozart lived his short life, but also the heart of Austrian theatrical
art, one of Europe’s oldest preserved ancient cities. The first stop was
definitely Mozart’s house, where he was born and grew up on a small street in
the center of the old town. The exterior of the house is painted gold and has
the words Mozart Geburtshaus.
 |
| Girl tourist standing on the banks of the Salzach River |
 |
| Scenic view of Salzburg along along the banks of the calm Salzach River |
The old town is a must-see, but you
have lots of squares, churches, and statues to make you feel small when you’re
standing in the middle. We always spent some quiet moment during the afternoon,
walking along the banks of the Salzach River.
 |
| Plenty to see at Getreidegasse |
 |
| Getreidegasse is the main shopping street in Salzburg, Austria |
 |
| Restaurant display at Nordsee |
 |
| Fish baked rice from Nordsee |
 |
| The main shopping street in Salzburg |
 |
| Most stores closed as early as 7.00pm |
As for shopping, all the shops along the Getreidegasse shopping street, were shut at 5pm for early closing, so there was nothing to break the spell. We stopped for fish and baked rice at Nordsee. The dish was delicious and the restaurant was incredibly authentic.
 |
| Mirabell Palace and Gardens - The Jewel of Salzburg |
 |
| Mirabell Palace and Gardens - The Jewel of Salzburg |
 |
| Mirabell gardens with a statue |
The
following day, before we depart for Hallstatt, we took the public bus out to
the main town to see the filming locations of The Sound of Music in the beautiful
Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where many famous scenes were filmed.
 |
| Architecture in Salzburg |
 |
| We felt calm in this city |
The streets of Salzburg are tiny. We
felt the “calm” of this city. We will definitely come back!
ACCOMODATION:
ACCOMODATION:
SALZBURG (AUSTRIA)
Gasthof Auerhahn
Bahnhofstraße 15, Salzburg, Salzburg Stadt, Salzburg, Austria, 5020
Tel: +43662451052
Room type: Double Room, 1 Double Bed
Room price: RM 232.84/ 1 night for 2 adults including taxes and service fee
Booking site: Traveloka.com
Nearest Station: Salzburg Hbf, Bus 23
Gasthof Auerhahn
Bahnhofstraße 15, Salzburg, Salzburg Stadt, Salzburg, Austria, 5020
Tel: +43662451052
Room type: Double Room, 1 Double Bed
Room price: RM 232.84/ 1 night for 2 adults including taxes and service fee
Booking site: Traveloka.com
Nearest Station: Salzburg Hbf, Bus 23
 |
| Salzburg Hbf |
 |
| We took the ÖBB train to Hallstatt |
TRAIN: Zürich HB →Salzburg Hbf
Dep: 08:40 Arr: 14:03 (Train journey: 5 hours +)
Note: Interchange at Innsbruck Hbf within 6 minutes
Fares: EUR32/person
Booking site: https://www.oebb.at/en/
PLAN YOUR TRIP - Useful Apps to download on your smart phones / tablets before your
trip:
Connecting train / tram / bus in Austria and selected regions
ÖBB (Real time information for your travel with connection info, book all transport with
this app, online ticketing
Download: http://www.oebb.at/en/angebote-ermaessigungen/oebb-app
Austria (Salzburg & Hallstatt)
Sbg Verkehr “Salzburg Traffic” (Real time travel planner for all public transport in
Salzburg with area map, stop sequence
Download: https://salzburg-verkehr.at/?lang=en
 |
| Bus arrival time at the bus station. Public transport is the best way to get around the city in Salzburg |
Note: All entrance / transportation fees and accommodation
rates/charges listed on this post are based on our (chengywong.blogspot.com)
travel dates (2018) and therefore subject to change(s).
©chengywong.blogspot.com is not responsible for content on external web
sites.
“If
you think adventure is dangerous try routine. It is lethal.” – Paulo Coelho
Welcome
to Small World! This blog is not a travel agency, but rather a personal site
which allows us to share our past travel experiences in a straightforward and
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all. xoxo Both Chengy & Camel are passionate travelers who enjoys speaking
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fullness of life. Feel free to contact them if you need any travel advice,
guidance or tips or if you have any burning questions with regards to your
upcoming trip(s)/ journey
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Be inspired but more importantly be inspiring –
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