60 days in Europe in early May to July – is it too full?

Is a 60-Day European Journey Too Ambitious? Exploring a Detailed Travel Itinerary from Early May to July

Planning an extended European adventure spanning nearly two months can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many captivating destinations across Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, and beyond, it’s essential to craft a realistic and enjoyable itinerary. Here, we analyze a comprehensive 58-day itinerary starting from Melbourne, highlighting the key components, travel logistics, and considerations to determine if such a journey is manageable or overly ambitious.

Overview of the 60-Day European Travel Plan

Departure and Arrival
– Departure from Melbourne Airport on May 9th around midday.
– Arrival in Athens early morning on May 10th.
This initial time zone adjustment sets the tone for the journey, allowing for rest and acclimation.

Greece (May 10–18)
– Athens (May 10–14): Four nights to recover and explore.
– Naxos (May 14–16): Ferry to the island (~5–6 hours).
– Santorini (May 16–18): Ferry (~2 hours).
– Flight to Rome on May 18 (~3–4 hours with a layover).

Italy (May 18–June 1)
– Rome (May 18–23): Five nights.
– Florence (May 23–27): Four nights, 1.5-hour train.
– Bologna (May 27–29): Two nights, 45-minute train.
– Venice (May 29–31): Two nights, 1.5-hour train.
– Milan (May 31–June 1): One night, 2.5-hour train — added as a break.
– Transfer to Switzerland via train (~3 hours).

Switzerland (June 1–8)
– Lucerne (June 1–4): Four nights.
– Interlaken (June 5–8): Three nights (~2-hour train).
Note: Considering extending time here but balancing budget constraints.

Germany (June 8–10, then June 18–22)
– Black Forest (June 8–10): Two nights (~3-hour train).
– Berlin (June 18–22): Four nights.
– Dresden (June 22–25): Three nights; plans include visiting Saxon Switzerland.

France & Netherlands (June 10–18)
– Lyon (June 10–14): Four nights.