One of my most exhilarating adventures to date was a three-week whirlwind tour throughout Western Europe during a rare July heat wave. Despite the sticky, sweltering conditions, the trip was incredibly fulfilling and packed with unforgettable experiences.
I flew in and out of Paris for this journey, choosing it as a convenient “home base” for exploring northern Italy, Austria, and Germany. This strategic decision allowed me to dive deep into each destination without straying too far from my starting and ending point.
Day 1-3: Paris
Kicking off my stay in Paris, I took the RER train into the city near my hotel. Although it wasn’t my first visit to Paris or CDG airport, it was my first time using public transportation to get into the city. I quickly learned that Paris’ transit system is relatively easy to navigate, thanks to the incredibly helpful Citymapper app. This app is a lifesaver, showing everything from walking times between platforms to the optimal exits and entrances, making public transit a breeze in most major cities.
TIPS FOR GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY:
The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) offers a fast and reliable train transfer to central Paris. The RER trains on Line B run at least every 15 minutes, alternating between fast and slow trains. All trains stop at key stations in central Paris, making it easy to reach your destination.
I took the train to the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame stop, which was just a short walk from my hotel, Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain, located in the Latin Quarter. This area is bustling with things to see and do. From the historic Saint-Michel Neighborhood to the Musée National du Moyen Age (Cluny Museum), every corner offers a glimpse into Parisian history and culture.
While there, I also visited the Sorbonne, one of Europe’s oldest universities, and the nearby Chapelle Sainte-Ursule. The Latin Quarter is also home to the vibrant Rue Mouffetard District, where you can explore the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Paris Mosque, and the Roman-era Arènes de Lutece. Of course, no visit would be complete without seeing iconic landmarks like the Pantheon, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Tuileries Gardens.
A highlight of my Paris stay was a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Although my return train was canceled due to the heat wave causing track issues, it was worth every step to see the grandeur of Versailles.
I wish I could say I dined on fine Parisian cuisine, but I mostly ordered in to catch up on sleep and adjust to the jet lag between museum visits. Despite the exhaustion, the first leg of my journey was magical.
Day 3-5: Milan
Traveling from Paris to Milan proved to be one of the busiest days of my trip. I encountered a hiccup with my online ticket, which required a QR code scanner not available at the early hour I was traveling.
I was exhausted, but met an awesome group of American exchange students who were in law school in Florence, Italy, as well as a sweet couple with their little baby. We spent the ride talking about life and laughing with new friends.
After missing my train and a few detours, I finally made it to Milan, where the city’s transport workers were on strike. Despite the challenges, the welcome I received at the NH Milano Touring hotel made it all worthwhile. Upgraded to a penthouse suite with a view of the Duomo and treated to luxurious comfort, it was a perfect respite after a hectic travel day.
Milan’s city center is a treasure trove of attractions. Using city bikes and scooters, I explored landmarks like the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforzesco Castle. The freedom of biking around the city was exhilarating and gave me a fresh perspective on urban travel. Meeting up with my friend Kelsey, who I know from our time in the Navy, added to the fun, and we spent our days soaking in the sights and sounds of Milan.
Top sites in Milan I would recommend:
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Sforzesco Castle
- Monumental Cemetery
- Basilica di Saint Ambrogio
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore
- Galleria Vittorio
- Naviglio Canal District
- and of course, the Duomo di Milano (bonus tip: book tickets in advance to tour the rooftop at sunset)
Day 5-7: Verona and Venice
Kelsey and I took a very hot and overcrowded 1 hour train from Milan Centrale Train Station into Verona for $15 each, where we then took a bus into the city to our loft. Always plan ahead for travel and be prepared to not have a seat during the busy season. Unfortunately, our loft was advertised with air conditioning and a washing machine, but both were broken upon arrival. We were incredibly uncomfortable inside our loft due to the heat wave, but still managed to enjoy the sites of the city and even took a day trip to Venice!
A day trip to Venice was equally memorable, albeit incredibly hot and crowded. Navigating the narrow alleys and canals to reach Piazza San Marco, we soaked in the city’s unique atmosphere. While Venice is stunning, I recommend a brief visit due to its limited attractions and high tourist density.
Day 7-8: Trento
Next, we took a train to Trento, a picturesque town where we rode a cable car to Sardagna, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Trento’s quaint charm and stunning vistas made it a delightful stop on our journey.
Day 8-9: Bolzano
The next morning, we another short train ride into Bolzano where we stayed at the Sir Thomas Bed&More.
Bolzano is small, but was one of my favorite stops through Northern Italy; lots of shopping and beautiful mountain views. I recommend taking the cable car into nearby villages for views of the Dolomites in the distance!
Day 9-10: Innsbruck
In Innsbruck, Austria, we stayed at the conveniently located Meininger Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum. A ride on the Nordkette Cable Car to the lookout point was a must-do, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Day 11-15: Munich
We were both eager to move onto the next stop on the list, Munich, Germany…but first we had to make it there. We took a FlixBus that was initially delayed over 3 hours and unfortunately had to sit outside of a gas station on top of our suitcases (the designated bus stop) during the continued heat wave–not a great start to the journey. We made it to Munich and spent the next few days enjoying the incredible Asian cuisine selections, as well as frequenting an Irish pub near our hostel. Munich was not as appealing to me for architecture, I found myself continuously comparing it with other cities such as Paris and Milan in terms of aesthetic buildings and art. Munich did not “wow” me in that category, but this is definitely a hot spot for foodies!
Day 15-16: Nuremberg
After an expensive stay in Munich (even with lodging at a hostel), we were ready to set out to smaller towns in Germany. We took a 2hr train into Nuremberg, where we stayed at Hotel Am Josephsplatz. I had the best thai iced tea of my life and otherwise we spent the day wandering around the city on scooters. We visited sites such as St. Lorenz Church, Weibgerbergasse Street, Hauptmarkt, Fleischbrucke Bridge, and the Imperial Castle.
Day 16-18: Heidelberg
Next up was our last stop in Germany: Heidelberg, a dreamy fairytale of a town. We stayed at Lotte The Backpackers Hostel, which was located about a mile from the train station. Heidelberg is pretty small and you can see everything in a day, so we took our time.
Day 18-20: Paris and Mauregard
Ah, the homestretch! We took a 3.5hr train to Paris and stayed within the city for one night so Kelsey could experience the sites for the first time, followed by a night in a nearby commune called Mauregard that is right by the airport for easy access, considering the airport is about a 45min-1hr ride away from the city.
Kelsey flew back home to North Carolina the following morning and I unfortunately got stuck for two more days in the airport due to flight cancellations (another side effect of summer travel). Overall, I wouldn’t trade the journey of this three week trip through Europe. If you’re considering European travel during the summer season, just be prepared for higher prices, high temperatures, and higher stress due to the surplus of tourists.
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