France 12 Nights 13 Days Backpacker Edition Itinerary

Europe trip packages from India range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per person for land-only packages, depending on duration, destinations, and travel style. Budget trips covering 1–3 countries for 7–9 days start at ₹1.5L per person. Flights (₹50,000–₹80,000 per person) are typically additional.

10–12 days is the ideal duration for most Indian travellers visiting Europe for the first time. This allows you to comfortably cover 2–3 countries like France, Switzerland, and Italy without feeling rushed. 7-day trips work for 1–2 country-focused itineraries; 15 days is recommended for 4–5 countries.

Yes, a 7-day Europe trip works well if you focus on 1–2 countries, like France and Switzerland, or an Italy highlights route. For a more relaxed experience covering 2–3 countries, 10–12 days is recommended.

Yes. Indian citizens require a Schengen Tourist Visa to visit 29 European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and Portugal. Apply at least 6–8 weeks in advance. The visa costs €90 (~₹8,000–₹10,000) and allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Most Europe packages from India include France, Switzerland, and Italy as the core combination. Extended itineraries add the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Spain, Greece, Portugal, or the Czech Republic. We also offer Central and Eastern Europe packages covering Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and more.

The best time is April–May and September–October (shoulder season), pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and prices 20–30% lower than peak summer. June–August is ideal for beach destinations and families, but comes with higher costs. December–February suits ski lovers and Christmas market enthusiasts.

The most popular first-time Europe itinerary for Indian travellers combines France, Switzerland, and Italy over 10–12 days. This route delivers iconic landmarks, scenic alpine landscapes, culture, food, and memorable train journeys in one trip.

Yes, ₹2 lakh per person is sufficient for a well-planned 7–10 day Europe trip covering 1–3 countries during the shoulder season, using mid-range hotels and shared transfers. International flights (₹50,000–₹80,000) are typically additional to this budget.

Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Croatia offer the lowest costs in Europe — 30–50% cheaper than Switzerland, France, or the UK for hotels, food, and transport. Prague and Lisbon are particularly good-value destinations.

No. The UK is not part of the Schengen zone. You need a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa to visit England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. This visa costs approximately ₹10,000–₹12,000 and takes 3–8 weeks to process.

ETIAS is a pre-travel online authorisation for visitors from countries that travel visa-free to Europe (like the US and UK). Since Indian citizens require a full Schengen visa, ETIAS does not currently apply to Indian passport holders travelling on a Schengen visa. Always verify at the official EU travel portal before travel.

The Eurail Pass allows unlimited train travel across 33 European countries for a set number of days. It's cost-effective for itineraries covering 3+ countries or 10+ days of train travel, with passes starting from approximately €185 for a 4-day pass. Pickyourtrail can help assess whether a Eurail Pass suits your specific itinerary.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa application. It must cover a minimum of €30,000 for medical expenses and be valid across all Schengen countries for your entire trip duration. We provide travel insurance guidance as part of our Europe packages.

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational and replaces passport stamping for non-EU nationals. On your first entry into the Schengen zone, you'll have your fingerprints and photograph collected at the border. This is a one-time process per Schengen visit and is separate from the visa process. Allow extra time at border control on your first entry.