First Trip to Europe | Classic Summer Route: France and Italy Combo

Just returned from Europe a week ago, and I must share this efficient and classic route with you all: a 10-day trip covering France 🇫🇷 and Italy 🇮🇹. Perfect for first-time travelers to Europe! 🗺️ Itinerary: Paris → Versailles → Lyon → Milan → Florence → Rome ✔ No backtracking! All cities are connected by direct high-speed trains. ✔ Perfectly sequenced cities save tons of time and energy. 💡 Must-visit Highlights: 🇫🇷 Paris + Versailles (Day 1–3) Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre Hill for free exploration. Versailles Palace Gardens are lush and picturesque in summer—ideal for photos and relaxation. 🇫🇷 Lyon (Day 4) France's "Gastronomy Capital"! Discover Michelin-starred restaurants and local market delicacies. Explore the old town's murals, historical sites, and Bouchon restaurants—great for strolling and dining. 🇮🇹 Milan (Day 5) Sunset views from the Milan Cathedral rooftop are breathtaking—visit at dusk! Shop at the Galleria and book tickets for "The Last Supper" painting (reserve at least a month in advance). 🇮🇹 Florence + Pisa (Day 6–7) Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral (highly recommend booking in advance). Take a 30-minute train ride to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower—easy and not tiring. 🇮🇹 Rome + Vatican City (Day 8–10) Visit the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. Art lovers will adore Vatican City—opt for guided tours and skip-the-line tickets. 🚆 Transportation Tips: In France, take TGV high-speed trains—Paris to Lyon in just 2 hours. In Italy, use Italo or Frecciarossa trains—they're fast and comfortable. For cross-border travel, consider the Paris → Milan night train or budget airline EasyJet (don’t forget to purchase checked luggage!). 🏨 Accommodation Tips: Paris: Stay in the 3rd or 6th arrondissement for convenient shopping and transport. In Italian cities, choose hotels within 10 minutes of train stations for easy luggage handling. Opt for hotels with breakfast included—it’s more convenient, especially since Italian breakfasts can be quite basic 😅. 🎒 Packing List: Sunglasses / Portable fan / Sun-protective clothing are must-haves for the summer heat 🔥. European plug adapter (Type C) and power bank. Ladies, bring a scarf—churches and religious sites require covered shoulders.