14 Days. 3 Cities. Zero Chill: A European Adventure in My 20s

Destiny has a strange sense of humour. The year I had meticulously planned a Japan trip turned into a year where I impulsively boarded a flight to Europe instead. All because my friend and I refused to let circumstances win.

 

The Trip That Wasn’t Meant to Be

For months, Japan had been the dream: Mt. Fuji, the autumn foliage, the red and golden trails awaiting us, something I had always imagined walking through someday. But no matter how much we planned and prepared, something or the other kept falling apart. It almost felt like the universe was whispering, “Not Japan. Not now.”

And then, quietly, another door opened.

My maternal uncle, who lives in Vevey, Switzerland - a quaint little town nestled on Lake Geneva near the Swiss-French border - extended an invitation. No pressure, no expectations, just a warm welcome if we ever wished to visit and heal away from the maddening city life. At first, it felt like a backup plan. Because who switches from Japan to Europe out of the blue.

Little did I know this “backup” would turn into one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life.

 

Visa Chaos

Taking up my uncle’s invitation, we applied for a Schengen visa in early September. Simple, right? Absolutely not. What followed was a month of endless documentation, declarations, sleepless nights, rushed VFS appointments between work hours, and daily doubts about whether this trip was even meant to happen.

Important lesson: If you’re visiting family in Europe, always show hotel bookings — even temporary ones. Our mistake was showing my uncle’s house as our base. Despite proof of employment and approved leaves, authorities assumed we had no intention of returning. A visa that should’ve cost ₹12–13k ended up costing ₹21k.

And then when the visas finally arrived, we packed in a blur. Just passports, an 8-day Swiss Flexi Pass, luggage and vibes.

 

Day 1: Vevey - Crisp Air, Sparkling Lakes & A Quiet Start

Our journey began from Delhi to Geneva with a layover at Zurich - a place that welcomed us with winds colder than the North Pole (I was in a denim jacket, so the joke was on me).
The moment our plane touched down in Geneva, I breathed in the crisp Swiss air like it was the first proper breath I’d taken in months.

Vevey welcomed us with sunlight dancing on the lake like pearls — a stark contrast to the rain-laden Zurich skies. My uncle and aunt greeted us with so much warmth, and after settling in and making ourselves at home, we took up his suggestion to walk towards Lake Geneva, barely 10 minutes from his house.

But instead, jet lag was ignored, logic was abandoned. We wandered through vineyard paths and quiet neighbourhoods, taking an hour until we finally reached water so blue it felt unreal. The giant fork rising from the lake became our first “oh wow, this is actually happening” moment.

Day 2: Jungfrau – A Mini Adventure to the Top of Europe

And so, our adventure began. We booked our Jungfrau tickets the night before and set out early—two girls on a mission. Our daily routine quickly became amusingly consistent: leave home by 8 AM, return by 11:30 PM.

The journey: Vevey → Visp → Spiez → Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald Terminal → Eiger Express Gondola → Jungfrau Railway.

We missed trains, relied on wrong screenshots, sprinted through platforms, laughed through the madness - and somehow still made it to Jungfrau. And then we were there. Stepping out, the Top of Europe felt like stepping inside a snow globe. A thick blanket of snow, warm sunlight, and the surreal feeling of living our own Crash Landing on You moment (K-drama fans, assemble!) welcomed us.

The cold? Who even noticed? My cheeks were flushed, my nose as red as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but I had no complaints because the view was too magical, the snow too perfect, and the moment too alive to care. 

Descending through Lauterbrunnen, we devoured home-cooked meals packed by my aunt, treating ourselves to views of the Staubbach Waterfalls. We came home with sore feet but full hearts, holding memories that would last a lifetime.

 

Day 3: Cruising to Iseltwald – CLOY Pier Dreams

Our Swiss Travel Pass became our golden ticket to everything - including a serene cruise to Iseltwald, home to the now-iconic Crash Landing on You pier. Funniest part? Even though the pier is literally just a wooden deck on a lake, you have to pay CHF 5 to walk on it — a crowd-control strategy by the Swiss government, all thanks to the K-drama frenzy. 

The lake shimmered in shades of blue, the skies were brilliantly clear, and the view felt like a reward for every struggle we’d faced to make this trip happen.

Later, we strolled through Interlaken, clicked pictures with the Yash Chopra statue (The Bollywood buff in me was happy), and warmed our hands around a cup of decadent hot chocolate from a place called Giovanni - serving comfort in a cup- as church bells echoed softly in the background.

 

Day 4: Our Very Own Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Adventure at the Lindt Home of Chocolate

A day meant for stunning views of Rhine Falls turned into a day where we drowned ourselves in chocolate - quite literally. I had dreamt of visiting the Lindt Home of Chocolate for as long as I can remember, but the night before, their website showed “Sold out till 20th October.”
Bizarre. How does a chocolate factory tour sell out for two straight weeks?

The next morning, we stepped out with no destination in mind and casually checked the portal again — and like magic, tickets were available. That’s when we learned the trick: new slots open every morning and vanish by evening, and it’s cheaper to buy tickets at the venue (no platform fee).

The Lindt factory welcomed us with the history of chocolate — how it became Switzerland’s identity, the origins of brands like Nestlé, Cailler, and Milka — followed by an immersive experience where we tasted velvety, smooth, shiny, decadent chocolates. It was a full sensory overload, giving us serious Charlie and the Chocolate Factory energy.

If there’s a heaven for chocoholics, this is it.

 

Day 5: Zermatt – The Majestic Matterhorn

With the previous day’s impromptu adventure behind us, we woke up craving something calmer - and Zermatt didn’t just deliver; it swept us straight into a living postcard. Zermatt felt like stepping into a snow-kissed fairytale. The moment we arrived, the world grew even quieter. No cars - just tiny electric vehicles humming softly through a cozy town lined with wooden chalets. Church bells chimed in the distance, echoing through clean alpine air as rows of charming shops opened their doors.

And then, rising above it all - the Matterhorn. The legendary peak that once graced every Toblerone chocolate bar stood before us in its full glory. We spent the day wandering at our own pace - admiring the Matterhorn from every angle, exploring the Matterhorn Museum, and losing ourselves in the serenity of a town where time seemed to slow down.

Day 6: Rhine Falls & Lucerne

After the dreamlike stillness of Zermatt, we were ready to turn the energy back up. The next morning promised a completely different kind of spectacle - one shaped not by mountains, but by the raw, thunderous power of water. This was the day we finally visited the Rhine Falls. Under a bright blue sky, the roar of the falls grew louder with every step, almost like the ground was tearing apart. Water crashed down with a force, while sunlight filtered through the mist, forming a perfectly arched rainbow – absolutely breathtaking.

We hiked up to the castle overlooking the falls, each step rewarding us with better views than the last. Watching the Rhine below was one of those moments where words fall short. A short trekking trail (CHF 5) brought us thrillingly close - powerful, dramatic, yet completely safe. From there, we took a train to Lucerne, home to the iconic Chapel Bridge. As evening settled in, the lake shimmered with city lights, cafés glowed against the cold, and the city wrapped up our day with just the right mix of charm and energy - young, cozy, and full of possibility.

Day 7: Bern & La Gruyère

Sunday arrived with the promise of an even quieter Switzerland, and my uncle offered to take us on a day trip to Bern. The capital greeted us the way only a European winter city can - bone-cracking cold winds and hazy skies.

Bern’s Old Town felt like stepping back in time - cobbled streets and clock towers that looked straight out of a storybook. Most of the city was closed - a classic Swiss Sunday - but that only made the silence richer, the charm deeper and we were blessed to have witnessed the sky melt into dark orange and yellow once the skies cleared a bit. Later, in La Gruyère, the mood shifted to slow travel at its finest. We wandered into an ancient church so peaceful it felt untouched by time. It was a day that moved gently - no rush, no noise, just beauty layered in history, food, and quiet moments.

Day 8: Milan – Lost, Exhausted & Laughing Through It All

After days of Swiss scenery and stillness, we decided to shake things up with a quick escape to Milan - just one night, no plans, no itinerary, only the thrill of stepping into a city I had dreamt about for years. As we boarded the bus, all we could talk about was how to guard our passports and avoid any hiccups as we did not have any friends or family waiting in the city for us - this was supposed to be a proper start to our European backpacking adventure. Little did we know the chaos had already packed its bags and was coming with us.

We reached Lampugnano station after 4.5 hours approximately, exhausted but still excited, only to realize we had no clue how to get to our hotel. It was barely 10 minutes away by road, but with no sense of direction, it felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. Just when we began to panic, a kind French-Pakistani couple from our bus appeared like absolute angels. They guided us, put us onto a bus, and assured us not having a ticket was “completely normal in Milan.” But our over-cautious brains just couldn’t let that sink in. So, naturally, we got off - at the wrong stop.

What followed was a full-blown backpacking adventure: a 40-minute walk, dragging our luggage across unfamiliar streets — some silent enough to hear our own footsteps, others crowded with people we weren’t sure we wanted to cross paths with. But we kept going until, finally, breathless and relieved, we reached our hotel. My basic Italian skills surprisingly helped - and for a moment, I felt like the main character in a comedy.

The best part? We learnt from our hotel receptionist that a tram station was right outside our hotel. My friend and I were thrilled - our very first tram ride awaited. A new thing we learned in Milan: train tickets and tram/bus cards are available at tobacco shops, valid across all transport modes, costing just €7.50 each for 24 hours.

After freshening up, we had lunch near the Duomo - Pesto Ravioli, fries, and Aperols with zero guilt. By evening, all the stress melted away. Wandering through the city centre, admiring the grandeur of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and savouring gelatos and coffees, we let Milan’s fashion-soaked energy enchant us. And then came our own “Sara Perche’ Ti Amo” moment -singing, dancing, laughing in the middle of the city before calling it a day.

Day 9: Milan – Tram Rides, Duomo, and Little Souvenirs

We woke up with sore feet, slightly stiff muscles, but ready to explore the city in whatever way possible. First stop: the Duomo. Stepping inside, I was struck by the soaring arches, intricate stained glass, and the kind of quiet grandeur that makes you forget to breathe. From there, we wandered into the museums tucked inside the cathedral, marveling at centuries of art, history, and craftsmanship. Every corner felt like a postcard, every statue whispered a story.

Next came the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II—a feast for the eyes. Shimmering glass ceilings, elegant boutiques, and high-end luxury brand stores made it impossible not to get swept up in the city’s energy. We even stopped to shop for little souvenirs: books, fridge magnets, and souvenirs from the art galleries. By the afternoon, our day felt like a perfect blend of culture, and tiny joys. Full, happy, and just a little tired, we made our way back to Switzerland, carrying with us not just keepsakes but memories of a city that had challenged, charmed, and delighted us in equal measure.

Day 10: Bonjour Paris – First Hostel Experience

After coming back to Vevey for a quick packing session, we headed to Paris and it did not come cheap. A round-trip train ticket for one? ₹40,000.

Forty. Thousand. Rupees.

Just to sit for a few hours and stare at fields and tunnels. At that price, I was convinced the train should at least come with a free croissant and a man playing the violin in the aisle, which sadly did not happen. But the moment we stepped into the city, the excitement hit - the “omg we’re actually in PARIS” excitement. Only… Paris hit back differently.

The city was beautiful, yes - the architecture, the river, the art, the little cafés — all worthy. But the crowds? Chaotic. Loud. Pushy. Creepy.

For my friend, Paris looked like the Paris of her dreams… just overcrowded with people who didn’t care she was fulfilling a lifelong dream. We checked into an all-girls hostel — my first one ever — and to my shock, it felt cozier and safer than some hotels I’ve stayed in. And then, in true desi-traveller fashion, our first meal in Paris? Saravana Bhavan. Right opposite our hostel. Two vegetarians eating dosa in the middle of Paris — it felt like a warm hug from home.

Evening came with the one thing my friend had dreamt about since childhood: Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle. And it did sparkle — exactly the way you see in movies. For a few seconds, she and I forgot everything: the crowds, the noise, the cost of the train ticket.

 

Day 11: Paris on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

After our first night in Paris, we woke up determined to have a heart-warming, touristy day. No panic, no plot twists.
Just us, the city, and the iconic places we’d grown up hearing about. And for me, there was one place I had been dreaming of since forever — the one place that could erase every ounce of stress Paris had thrown at us:

Opera Garnier.
My dream. My obsession — because I’ve been a Phantom of the Opera fan for as long as I can remember.

Walking up to the real Opera Garnier felt like stepping into a fantasy I’d replayed in my head a thousand times. We bought our tickets on the spot — one of those impulsive travel decisions — and then came the best twist: the staff assumed we were students and offered a €5 discount. We corrected them… and they still insisted we keep the discount.
So yes, we walked in like we belonged there.

And then… the hallway. THE hallway.

I just stood there, absolutely spellbound, feeling like Christine being led into a world she didn’t know she needed. The entire opera house looked carved out of a dream. And visiting during the 150th anniversary celebrations made it feel even more surreal — like I had walked into a once-in-a-lifetime moment crafted just for me. In the very building that inspired The Phantom of the Opera. Goosebumps. Actual goosebumps.

After forcing ourselves to leave (emphasis on forcing), we hopped onto the TOOT Hop-On Hop-Off bus and looped through the rest of Paris —

The Louvre welcoming us with grey skies,
Notre Dame standing proud through its restoration,
and the Eiffel Tower once again, this time from a calmer distance.

Eventually hunger won, and we headed to a tiny Chinese restaurant where the bowl they served was bigger than my face — a warm pool of broth, noodles, and comfort. Exactly what I needed after a cold Parisian day.

 

Day 12: Shopping Day — And the Kindness We Didn’t Expect

Our last morning in Paris finally felt… Parisian. The smell of warm pain au chocolat and a strong coffee in hand, scarves swaying in tiny boutiques, soft music boxes in old shops and cobblestone streets that made us slow down without asking. For a brief moment, we got a small, sweet taste of the Paris we had imagined and little did we know Paris had saved its softest moment for last.

During checkout, the morning-shift receptionist — who had somehow become our accidental Paris friend — quietly slipped us two water bottles worth €6–7 each.
For free.In Paris.Where no one gives free water. Ever. She even argued with her manager just so we could take them. (PS: Europeans LOVE tap water. They swear by it. So bottled water is pure luxury.) In a city that felt overwhelming and unfamiliar, her kindness was the warmest thing we experienced. And just like that, our Paris chapter closed with a little human touch.

Then it was back to Switzerland. Back to calmness. Back to mountains, lakes, and the version of us that felt safe.

 

Day 13: Montreux – Jazz, Freddie Mercury & A Very Swiss Diwali

The night we returned from Paris, we were invited to a Diwali party — warm lights, familiar faces, desi food, and laughter echoing through the cold Swiss air. Someone suggested, almost dramatically,
“Go to Gstaad tomorrow! It’s stunning!” And honestly, in that moment, it sounded perfect.

But the next morning? Zero Energy. Our bodies said no, our legs said no, and even our brains had logged out. So we did what any exhausted traveller would do: we ditched Gstaad and chose Montreux instead — a decision that turned out to be its own kind of perfect.

Montreux felt like stepping into a soft jazz dream. We walked through town as if wandering through a hall of fame but outdoors — statues of legends standing proud by the lake. Ella Fitzgerald. Freddy Mercury.  Icons who shaped the music industry, suddenly right there in bronze and brilliance.

Then we walked toward the lake - calm, glistening, blue like glass - and spent time just sitting by the water as swans floated past us like they owned the place. Later that evening, we came home for a cozy cheese fondue Diwali celebration — the most Swiss-Desi crossover to ever exist. But in true Swiss fashion, our celebration got too loud and we ended up with a 300 CHF noise fine.

A Diwali to remember, indeed.

Day 14: Alimentarium & Goodbye Switzerland — The Last Blue Evening

Before we knew it, it was our last day and all we were thinking was how did these 2 weeks pass by?! We spent the morning at the Alimentarium, Nestlé’s food museum and drifted through exhibits, laughed at random food trivia, and soaked in the calmness that we had been craving for days.

Then we walked along the lake one last time. The water was still. The air felt cleaner.Even the mountains looked like they were slowing down just to let us memorize them. And as evening settled, the mountains turned that deep, dreamy shade of blue I had fallen in love with since day one. It felt like Switzerland was dimming the lights just for us.

Soon, we were rolling our suitcases into Geneva Airport — tired, fulfilled, and just a little heartbroken.There’s a kind of ache that only the end of a good journey can give you. And I felt every bit of it.

Epilogue – What This Trip Taught Me

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that weren’t even meant to happen. Japan didn’t work out, but Europe handed me:

• sparkling lakes
• snow-capped mountains that looked unreal
• missed trains that turned into memories
• two girls learning to survive on intuition, courage, and Google Maps
• and a version of myself who finally believes in the beauty of last-minute miracles

Maybe destiny doesn’t work in mysterious ways — maybe it works in perfectly timed ones.