How to Plan Your First Europe Trip from India

It is important to consider the best time to visit Europe since seasons vary extensively across its regions and offer very different experiences. So, your departure time for a Europe trip decides how your overall trip will feel.

Based on your budget and duration, you can either choose to focus on a single destination or combine multiple destinations together for a comprehensive Europe trip. First-timers often prefer visiting classic destinations like London, Paris, and Switzerland.

A 7 to 8-day trip is ideal for a focused introduction to Europe. You can cover two major regions, such as Paris and Switzerland, without constantly changing hotels.

For 9 to 11 days, you can add Italy, Rome, Florence, and Venice alongside Switzerland, depending on the route. If you’re on your Europe honeymoon tour, this duration works perfectly.

If you wish to enjoy an extensive vacation involving multi-country itineraries with additional cities and regional experiences, you can book a 15-day package.

Indian travellers need a short-stay Schengen visa to visit 29 European countries such as France, Switzerland and Italy. Apply at least 2 to 3 months before departure at your nearest VFS Global centre. To apply for the visa, you must submit a completed visa application, passport-sized photographs, your Europe trip itinerary, confirmed accommodation, round-trip flight reservations, travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 or INR 33 lakhs approx. coverage), and proof of sufficient financial means. 

Check the current requirements of the relevant Schengen country's consulate or visa application centre, as documentation requirements can vary.

Europe is much easier to enjoy with a clear itinerary. Instead of trying to visit six or seven countries in a week, select destinations that are geographically connected. For first-time Indian travellers, the most efficient route is the one covering France, Switzerland and Italy tour.

Thrillophilia’s Golden Trio of Switzerland, France & Italy package, covering Rome, Florence, Venice and Zurich, runs for 9 days and 8 nights, with accommodation, breakfast, and transfer. This can be your ideal package if you’re looking for a long holiday or are on a  Europe family tour that covers the European highlights. 

Getting between European cities is an important part of holiday planning. Trains and other public transport can be extremely useful, but first-time travellers may find multiple stations, routes, and connections confusing. It is important to identify whether you must book individual tickets or opt for the Eurail Pass for a smooth transfer between the cities.

Thrillophilia’s destination experts create itineraries that combine different transfer arrangements according to the destination.

For instance, our Best of Switzerland & Italy | Roman Streets to Snowy Alps itinerary uses a Swiss Pass for travel within Switzerland, private transport in Italy and a EuroRail Pass for intercountry transfers. 

Sightseeing should balance iconic landmarks with enough free time to experience each destination. Leaving some time free allows you to walk around neighbourhoods, explore local markets or simply enjoy the destination without rushing to the next activity.

Thrillophilia's Europe packages currently range from approximately INR 1.35 lakh to INR 3.90 lakh per person for itineraries of around 7 to 15 days.

However, the package price is not the final amount you will spend. Depending on the itinerary, international flights, visa charges, travel insurance, personal expenses, and meals not mentioned in the inclusions may be excluded.

As per Thrillophilia’s internal data team, here is a rough estimate of daily expenses in Europe based on different budget ranges. However, if you’re on a Europe group tour, these costs go down as the expenses are shared. 

For a budget trip to Europe, you can expect to spend:

For a mid-range Europe trip, your expenses may include:

For a premium Europe trip, you can expect higher spending on accommodation, dining and transportation: