17 days in Grindelwald & South of France Itinerary

As one of the country's oldest ski resorts, Grindewald serves as a prime example of a cozy Swiss ski town.

Change things up with a short trip to Via Ferrata in Murren (about 56 minutes away). There's much more to do: explore the striking landscape at Aletsch Glacier, hit the slopes at Grindelwald-First, get to know the fascinating history of Kleine Scheidegg, and take in the awesome beauty at Maennlichen.

To see photos, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Grindelwald trip website.

Sydney, Australia to Grindelwald is an approximately 27-hour combination of flight and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Sydney to Grindelwald is minus 9 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Carcassonne Center.

On the 10th (Tue), take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne, step into the grandiose world of Chateau Comtal, then pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, then steep yourself in history at Cathar Castles, and finally step into the grandiose world of Chateau et Remparts de la Cite de Carcassonne.

To find ratings, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Carcassonne Center tour itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Grindelwald to Carcassonne Center takes 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. In September in Carcassonne Center, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Avignon.

An ancient town center surrounded by medieval ramparts, Avignon is a major city of Provence and a Mediterranean city in the Vaucluse department on the left bank of the Rhône River.

On the 11th (Wed), take an in-depth tour of Musee Calvet, then explore the world behind art at Carrieres des Lumieres, then snap pictures at Pont d'Avignon, and finally explore the historical opulence of Palais des Papes. Keep things going the next day: catch a live event at Arenes de Nimes, then explore the ancient world of Roman Theatre of Orange, and then indulge your taste buds at Travel in Provence.

To see ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Avignon trip website.

Traveling by car from Carcassonne Center to Avignon takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September in Avignon, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 16°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Marseille.

The 2013 European "Capital of Culture," Marseille is the largest port city on the breezy Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in France.

On the 13th (Fri), take in the dramatic natural features at Calanques, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence. Keep things going the next day: wander the streets of Cours Mirabeau, then see the interesting displays at Musee Granet, and then take a memorable drive along Route des Cretes.

To find where to stay and more tourist information, use the Marseille trip planner.

Getting from Avignon to Marseille by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in September, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Saint-Raphael.

Saint-Raphael vacations have so much more to offer than an indulgent splurge on a beach.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sun): make a trip to Site de Malpasset and then make a trip to Massif de l'Esterel. On the 16th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, then stroll through Plage de la Baumette, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Calanque de Maubois.

To find more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Saint-Raphael route site.

Drive from Marseille to Saint-Raphael in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in September, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Nice.

Well-known for the beautiful views of its famous Promenade des Anglais waterfront, Nice is an ethnically-diverse coastal port city on the French Riviera and the fifth most populated city in France.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Nice: Cannes (Vieux Port & Lérins Islands). Spend the 18th (Wed) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Marineland. There's much more to do: stop by Vieille Ville, don't miss a visit to Place Massena, get great views at Colline du Chateau overlook, and explore the different monuments and memorials at Cimetiere du Chateau.

To see ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Nice trip website.

You can drive from Saint-Raphael to Nice in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Saint-Raphael in September, expect a bit warmer with lows of 21°C in Nice. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 21st (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.