We
finally booked the tickets for our Europe trip and went for our dream vacation
for 16 days! And it’s 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
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
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
*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
I’ve been dreaming
for so long to visit Hallstatt, had it on my list for quite some time and
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
Picture Perfect |
when
we decided to travel to Europe for more than 2 weeks, we decided to include
this
bucket list destination into our travel itinerary. And so, finally I caught my dream to
Hallstatt, Austria, one of the World UNESCO Heritage Site! And, just as I expected, I fell in
love!
Honestly, I first
knew about Hallstatt from my friends’ photos / shared posts on Facebook.
Hallstatt is all about nature by the way. For me, Hallstatt is a retreat to purify mind and
soul. But these days, this place is more of a tourist attraction spot, particularly those from
Asia.
Aside from being the most beautiful lake town and place in Austria, Hallstatt is more than
7,000 years old. Hallstatt, Austria is so charming and historical that it has been named a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hallstatt is charming regardless the season. We traveled to Hallstatt in April, in between
winter and beginning of spring. We arrived there in the afternoon and as soon as the ferry
boat docked at the tiny harbor in Hallstatt, we headed straight to Gasthof Weisses
Lamm for our hotel check-in. The distance to the hotel from the harbor is only 10mins by
foot. You may email the hotel to check on rooms’ availability.
My first question was: Is it worth visiting Hallstatt during winter and spring? Secondly, is it worth an overnight stay in Hallstatt? For me, it was definitely yes! We spent at least 2 days in Hallstatt to really see all of Hallstatt's pretty corners. Its worth to explore the town early in the morning, before the sun rise and after 5pm, as the town usually gets over run by tourists during afternoon. The best moment to take pictures of Hallstatt is in the morning, as it faces the Easy. Remember to put your alarm clock on!
Hallstatt
is quite small, so it was easy to walk through most of the town. We spent our
quiet
moment in Hallstatt (after all rush in London, Paris and Swiss), just the two of us relaxed by
the lake, fed the swans and admired the colorful houses stacked on the side of the snow
covered mountain, beautiful waterfall and the magical clear lake-houses. We also went for a
few hikes to get some amazing panoramic views.
THINGS
TO DO IN HALLSTATT IN ONE-DAY:
bucket list destination into our travel itinerary. And so, finally I caught my dream to
Hallstatt, Austria, one of the World UNESCO Heritage Site! And, just as I expected, I fell in
love!
Hallstatt - surrounded by snow clad mountains and a crystal clear lake |
A UNESCO heritage village |
Hallstatt is all about nature by the way. For me, Hallstatt is a retreat to purify mind and
soul. But these days, this place is more of a tourist attraction spot, particularly those from
Asia.
Aside from being the most beautiful lake town and place in Austria, Hallstatt is more than
7,000 years old. Hallstatt, Austria is so charming and historical that it has been named a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hallstatt is charming regardless the season. We traveled to Hallstatt in April, in between
winter and beginning of spring. We arrived there in the afternoon and as soon as the ferry
boat docked at the tiny harbor in Hallstatt, we headed straight to Gasthof Weisses
Lamm for our hotel check-in. The distance to the hotel from the harbor is only 10mins by
foot. You may email the hotel to check on rooms’ availability.
Gasthof Weisses Lamm |
Our private suite with spectacular lake view. Thanks to Mr Hubby |
The streets in Hallstatt are lined with fairy-tale like homes |
A typical souvenir shop in Hallstatt |
Hallstatt Marktplatz, the ancient flair of Hallstatt - You'll find souvenir shops, bars and restaurants here |
The houses in Hallstatt are extraordinary charming |
Hallstatt is truly picturesque and a blissful place. I can stay here forever |
Fairy tale photo of Hallstatt |
moment in Hallstatt (after all rush in London, Paris and Swiss), just the two of us relaxed by
the lake, fed the swans and admired the colorful houses stacked on the side of the snow
covered mountain, beautiful waterfall and the magical clear lake-houses. We also went for a
few hikes to get some amazing panoramic views.
Breath-taking mountain setting |
The street of Hallstatt with shop houses |
Finally at my dream destination |
Crystal clear lake |
Don't forget to watch the swans in the lake |
Residents of Hallstatt Lake |
Don't forget to watch the swans in the lake |
The houses built on mountain cliffs are just extraordinarily charming |
Almost every houses along the lake is photogenic |
The views are the reason people travel to Hallstatt in the first place |
- Explore the Market Square and Hallstatt Village - The best way to explore this village is by foot, simply because cars and bikes are not allowed in the village. Do explore the old wooden houses the moss-covered roofs and the stunning architecture of the entire village. The market square is located at the center of town and it is a nice place to enjoy your cup of tea/coffee, explore and pick up souvenirs too.
- Visit Hallstatt Evangelical Parish Church - The Church sits in the village centre and is one of the most recognised landmarks in Hallstatt. It was originally built as a house of prayer in the 17th century and rebuilt in the 18th century, as the church you see today.
- Visit the World’s Oldest Salt Mine – The Salt Mine is Hallstatt main tourist attraction, so you can consider going there. It’s not really nearby the lake but you have to take a funicular to go up there. From the salt mine, you can see the great view of Hallstatt from the mountain above. We arrived there quite late, and decided to forgo this.
- Visit Hallstatt Museum - You can also check out the heritage museum to learn more about the history of Hallstatt. Starting from the Stone Age and ending at present day you can learn all about the city's history, Salt Mines and cemeteries.
- Take Pictures at the Classic Village Viewpoint / Postcard Angle Point – The opposite direction of the Evangelic Church is the most popular photo point spot. It’s a- must!
- Meet the swans at Hallstatt Lake - There are so many swans around the lake in Hallstatt.
- Visit Bone House – If you have time, do visit the Bone House’ in St. Michael’s Chapel. The charnel house is filled with bones and human skulls. Too bad, we missed out this trip. Maybe someday in future!
- Rent a Boat around Lake Hallstatt - Rent a boat in Hallstatt and cruise around Lake Hallstatt Just sit on the boat and admire the village, mountains and swans views!
- Explore Hallstatt Skywalk - The viewing platform gives you a panoramic viewpoint of the entire village of Hallstatt. Every turn of Hallstatt has its own beauty!
- And finally enjoy the flower-decked houses built along the lake on mountain cliff.
Hallstatt - Postcard perfect view |
The picture speak for itself |
You just have to see if for yourself! |
Hallstatt - Different weather conditions at different points of the day |
Hallstatt - Different weather conditions at different points of the day |
Hallstatt is truly picturesque and charming |
Hallstatt - Different weather conditions at different points of the day |
Hallstatt - With its misty view of the alps |
Hallstatt - Different weather conditions at different points of the day |
Hallstatt - Austria beautiful little village |
Feel the wind on your skin and just unwind - Hallstatt air |
One for our album |
The experience was definitely worth it |
Come here and breath the fresh mountain air |
Hallstatt, Austria is
easy to visit on one-day or even a day trip from Salzburg. We left Salzburg in
the morning, and follow the following route. At first glance, it may look
complicated, but actually it’s very easy and most importantly, its cost saving
for budget travelers like us.
We booked our train tickets in advance via OEBB website. For our return trip, we took the earliest departure bus back to Salzburg (fares are relatively cheaper than trains due to our last minute booking. (Note: Return travel is best done by train only via Attnang-Puchheim, as the train arrival and bus departure times are not well timed. On the whole, trains are a better option for traveling to Hallstatt
From Salzburg to Hallstatt via trains and ferry: Salzburg Hbf → Attnang-Puchheim Bahnhof (by train) → Hallstatt Bahnhof (by train) → Hallstatt Port (by ferry). Total fares: EUR14/person for one way ticket (inclusive ferry ticket)
P/S: Note that the station is located on the other side of the Hallstatt Lake, so you have to take a ferry to reach the village. Nevertheless, arriving by train and taking the ferry gives you the fantastic opportunity to admire Hallstatt from afar and capture some incredible shots of the village including surrounding landscape!
From Hallstatt to Salzburg via buses: Hallstatt Lahn (Bus
Terminal) → Hallstatt Gosaumühle (via bus 543 for 8mins) →
Bad Ischl Bahnhof (via bus 542 for 27mins) → Salzburg Hbf (via
regional bus 150 for 1 hour 33mins)
We very much enjoyed
the time we spent wandering the village streets. We were so lucky to have such
a beautiful weather because it made our experience even more memorable. Visiting this stunning UNESCO Heritage mountain-side village was completely
worth it. It’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been to!! It was
dream come true. Thanks to Mr Hubby again for realizing one of my dream.
Hallstatt is a very beautiful little village in Austria. Hopefully this post has convinced you to visit Hallstatt soon.
Personal Quote: While blogging about this trip to Hallstatt, I still can't believe that I managed to catch my dream to Hallstatt, or was it just a dream? I will never stop believing in my dreams because many of them have already come true. And I will remember this moment forever.
WHERE TO STAY IN HALLSTATT:
We booked our train tickets in advance via OEBB website. For our return trip, we took the earliest departure bus back to Salzburg (fares are relatively cheaper than trains due to our last minute booking. (Note: Return travel is best done by train only via Attnang-Puchheim, as the train arrival and bus departure times are not well timed. On the whole, trains are a better option for traveling to Hallstatt
From Salzburg to Hallstatt via trains and ferry: Salzburg Hbf → Attnang-Puchheim Bahnhof (by train) → Hallstatt Bahnhof (by train) → Hallstatt Port (by ferry). Total fares: EUR14/person for one way ticket (inclusive ferry ticket)
P/S: Note that the station is located on the other side of the Hallstatt Lake, so you have to take a ferry to reach the village. Nevertheless, arriving by train and taking the ferry gives you the fantastic opportunity to admire Hallstatt from afar and capture some incredible shots of the village including surrounding landscape!
Hallstatt is accessible by boat |
Hallstatt is accessible by boat |
Bus arrival schedule at Hallstatt Lahn |
The stop at Hallstatt Gosaumuhle |
View from the bus to Salzburg |
Village view from the bus to Salzburg |
You just have to see if for yourself! |
Picture perfect |
Personal Quote: While blogging about this trip to Hallstatt, I still can't believe that I managed to catch my dream to Hallstatt, or was it just a dream? I will never stop believing in my dreams because many of them have already come true. And I will remember this moment forever.
WHERE TO STAY IN HALLSTATT:
There are several
hotels and guest houses in Hallstatt as well. We booked Gasthof Weisses
Lamm, Dr. F. Mortonweg 166, 4830 Hallstatt for one night. Staying
overnight gave us the chance to enjoy the village in the morning and roam
around before the place got overrun by the daytrip tourists. If the hotels in Hallstatt are fully booked, you can also look for accommodation at Obertraun, directly opposite Hallstatt, just across the lake. But, if you choose
rather not to stay in Hallstatt, you can stay in Salzburg and take a day trip
to Hallstatt. There are some tours in Salzburg that offer a day tour to
Hallstatt.
Gasthof Weisses Lamm
TRAIN:
Salzburg Hbf →Hallstatt Bahnhof Gasthof Weisses Lamm
Address: Dr. F.
Mortonweg 166, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
Fax. 06134 / 831149
E-Mail: office@weisses-lamm.at
P/S: The room was clean, location was good. However, the service wasn’t very pleasant.
TRAIN:
Fax. 06134 / 831149
E-Mail: office@weisses-lamm.at
P/S: The room was clean, location was good. However, the service wasn’t very pleasant.
TRAIN:
Dep: 10:12 Arr:
12:47pm (Train journey: 2 hours 30 minutes)
Fares: EUR9/person
Note: Interchange at Attnang-Puchheim Bahnhof within 13 minutes
Booking site: https://www.oebb.at/en/
FERRY: Hallstatt Bahnhof →Hallstatt Markt
Fares: EUR5/person for return tickets via ferry
BUS: Hallstatt Lahn (Bus Terminal) →Salzburg Hbf
Fares: EUR9/person
Note: Interchange at Attnang-Puchheim Bahnhof within 13 minutes
Booking site: https://www.oebb.at/en/
FERRY: Hallstatt Bahnhof →Hallstatt Markt
Fares: EUR5/person for return tickets via ferry
BUS: Hallstatt Lahn (Bus Terminal) →Salzburg Hbf
- Hallstatt Lahn (Bus Terminal) → Hallstatt Gosaumühle (via bus 543 for 8mins) / Fare EUR4.80/2 persons
- Hallstatt Gosaumühle → Bad Ischl Bahnhof (via bus 542 for 27mins) / Fare EUR8.80/2 persons
- Bad Ischl Bahnhof → Salzburg Hbf (via regional bus 150 for 1 hour 33mins) / Fare EUR21.40/2 persons
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
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.
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
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.
“Our
happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing
while in pursuit of something else” — Lawrence Block
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 far-reaching way. We often
made great use of other peoples travel blogs and sites every time we plan for
our travel itinerary as they often contained most updated information and
invaluable resources from their past travel experiences. We hope that you will
find every piece of information & images contained within our blog handy
and useful. Thank you very much for reading our post(s). If you find this blog
worth a read, please feel free to leave a comment/testimonial or click
"Like/Share" if you love reading them all. xoxo Both Chengy &
Camel are passionate travelers who enjoys speaking to young keen travelers
about the freedom to get cultured and to taste the 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
- Be inspired but more importantly be
inspiring –
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