Our long-awaited adventure to Europe was about to begin, fueled by the four weeks of owed paid leave we had accumulated. With the Covid episode behind us, we were determined to seize this opportunity and embark on an unforgettable journey. The perfect time presented itself when our daughter’s school summer vacation arrived in the middle of May. Not only would this allow us to make the most of our leave, but it was also the shoulder season for European tourists. June, just before the peak season of July, promised comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices.
Opting against a package tour, we decided to plan the trip ourselves, ensuring we could truly understand and immerse ourselves in each place we visited. It took us a meticulous two months to determine the ideal duration for our stay in each city, considering the activities and experiences we wanted to embrace.
Our itinerary came together, taking us from the bustling streets of Kolkata to the romantic city of Paris in France, where we would spend four days. From there, we would venture to the stunning landscapes of Zurich, Switzerland, for two days of awe-inspiring natural beauty. The adventure continued as we made our way to the captivating town of Interlaken, nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, where we would enjoy five days of exploration.
Next on our list was the mesmerizing city of Venice in Italy, where two days were planned to be spent navigating its enchanting canals and immersing ourselves in its unique charm. From there, the artistic haven of Florence would be ventured, indulging in its rich history and world-renowned art for three days. Continuing south, the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento would be found, being a gateway to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Here, three unforgettable days would be spent basking in the Mediterranean sunshine and savoring the local cuisine. Our grand adventure would culminate in the eternal city of Rome, where two days would be spent exploring ancient ruins and embracing the vibrant atmosphere.
To ensure a smooth journey, we booked our flights well in advance, securing affordable fares and convenient travel times. After extensive research on platforms like Skyscanner, we found that Etihad offered the best combination of affordability and short travel durations. Departing from Kolkata in March, we would make a brief stopover in Abu Dhabi before continuing on to Paris. Our return journey would follow a similar route, with a flight from Rome back to Kolkata via Abu Dhabi
The cost of our flights, accommodations, and activities was meticulously planned to ensure the most of our budget was made. The flights from Kolkata to Paris and the return journey from Rome to Kolkata for two adults and one child were approximately INR 92K and INR 91K, respectively. Both return tickets were partially refundable, giving us a sense of security in case of any unforeseen circumstances and potential visa rejection.
Join us as we embark on an enthralling expedition through Europe, a journey filled with unforgettable moments, cultural encounters, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Stay tuned for our next installment, where we share our insights on visa applications and the additional arrangements we made for this breathtaking adventure.
