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AI-Livingstone
30 Nov 2025
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Alps, Prague & Beach Escape

Alps, Prague & Beach Escape — 15-Day Overview

This 15-day itinerary combines high-alpine hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland, an immersive city stay in Prague with nearby historical day trips, and a relaxing Mediterranean beach escape. Begin with a 4-night hut-to-hut trek in the Swiss Alps, using bases such as Saas-Fee, Zermatt, or Verbier to access classic trails, glaciers, and panoramic ridgelines. After descending, travel to the Bernese Oberland (Kandersteg) or Lake Geneva for a brief transition and lakeside scenery before heading east to the Czech Republic.

Spend four nights in Prague to explore its monumental castle complex, atmospheric Charles Bridge, and vibrant squares. Use Prague as a hub for day trips to Kutná Hora, Karlovy Vary, and Český Krumlov to experience medieval towns, spa culture, and unique historical sites. Finally, conclude with five days on the French Riviera (Nice, Antibes or Cannes) for beaches, coastal walks, and easy island or coastal day trips—alternatively consider Montenegro’s Budva/Sveti Stefan for a different Adriatic flavor. This plan balances active mountain days, cultural immersion, and restful seaside time, with flexible transport links and plenty of scenic highlights.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Zermatt (Gornergrat and Matterhorn area)

    World-famous views of the Matterhorn, offering iconic alpine photography and stunning panoramas from viewpoints like Gornergrat. Zermatt is car-free, with excellent lift and train infrastructure that makes access to high-altitude trails, glaciers, and scenic ridge routes easy. The village combines traditional Swiss alpine charm with high-quality mountain services (guides, huts, cable cars), making it an ideal base for both day hikes and multi-day hut-to-hut itineraries.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Verbier (Alpine hiking access, trailheads for hut-to-hut routes)

    A high-altitude gateway with extensive trail networks and access to the Mont Blanc and Grand Combin regions, Verbier provides varied terrain from gentle alpine meadows to challenging ridgelines. It has strong outdoor infrastructure—marked trails, mountain transport, and mountain guides—plus lively village amenities for rest and recovery after hikes. Verbier’s location in the French-speaking Valais allows convenient links to neighboring valleys and hut systems for multi-day traverses.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Saas-Fee (start/finish for hut-to-hut hikes in Valais)

    Nestled beneath several 4,000m peaks, Saas-Fee is a glacier village with reliable high-altitude access for multi-day hiking routes and hut networks across the Valais. Its compact, pedestrianized center and high-elevation lifts shorten approach times to remote huts, enabling efficient hut-to-hut stages. The dramatic glacier scenery, well-maintained trails, and availability of alpine services (equipment rental, guides, transport) make Saas-Fee a practical and scenic start or finish point for hut-to-hut trekking.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Kandersteg (hiking access to the Lötschental and hut networks)

    Kandersteg is a classic Swiss mountain village with direct access to well-marked trails and an extensive network of alpine huts, making it an excellent staging point for multi-day hikes and traverses like routes into the Lötschental. The Oeschinensee nearby provides dramatic lake-and-peaks scenery, and the valley’s relatively gentle approach trails suit both experienced trekker and mixed-ability groups. Good public-transport links simplify logistics for starting or finishing hut-to-hut legs, and local services (gear rental, mountain guides) support safe, enjoyable alpine travel.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Prague Castle

    Prague Castle is one of Europe’s largest and most historically significant castle complexes, offering layers of architecture from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque, plus panoramic views over the city. Visiting the castle provides a deep dive into Czech history—St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane are highlights—while the expansive grounds and state rooms showcase art, relics, and royal heritage, making it essential for history and architecture enthusiasts.
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    Charles Bridge (Karlův most)

    Charles Bridge is Prague’s iconic medieval stone bridge lined with Baroque statues, connecting the Old Town and Prague Castle districts and offering one of the city’s most atmospheric walks. Its central location, historic ambiance, street artists and musicians, and excellent vantage points for city and river photography make it a must-visit. Crossing the bridge at sunrise or late evening reduces crowds and enhances the sense of stepping into Prague’s layered past.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)

    The square is Prague’s historic heart, featuring the Astronomical Clock, Gothic Týn Church, and a mix of medieval and baroque architecture. It’s a lively cultural hub with markets, street performers, and cafés, making it ideal for soaking up the city’s atmosphere, people-watching, and accessing numerous nearby museums and walking tours.
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    Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)

    A central boulevard and commercial spine of Prague, Wenceslas Square blends modern life with history—lined by shops, bars, and grand buildings and anchored by the National Museum. It’s also a symbolic site for Czech national events and demonstrations, offering easy access to transport, nightlife, and cultural institutions.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Kutná Hora (day trip from Prague — historical town & Sedlec Ossuary)

    Kutná Hora is a UNESCO-listed medieval mining town renowned for its well-preserved historic center and the Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel decorated with human bone artistry. The town’s Gothic St. Barbara’s Church, medieval streets, and silver-mining heritage provide a compelling, distinctive contrast to Prague and make for an accessible, memorable day trip.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Karlovy Vary (day trip from Prague — spa city)

    Karlovy Vary is a historic spa town famed for its thermal springs, elegant colonnades, and grand 19th-century architecture. Visitors can sample mineral waters at ornate hot springs, stroll the riverside promenades, and experience wellness traditions (spa treatments and hot baths). The town’s film festival, glassmaking workshops (Moser glass), and scenic hilltop viewpoints add cultural variety to a relaxing day trip.
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  • Trip Point Pin11

    Český Krumlov (overnight/day trip — historic town)

    Český Krumlov is a beautifully preserved medieval town on a bend of the Vltava River, with a compact historic center, a dramatic castle complex, and narrow cobblestone streets. Its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, castle tower views, and riverside ambiance make it ideal for photography, leisurely exploration, and experiencing provincial Czech history. Staying overnight lets you enjoy quieter early-morning and evening atmospheres after day-trippers depart.
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  • Trip Point Pin12

    Nice (French Riviera beach base)

    Nice combines pleasant Mediterranean beaches and a lively Promenade des Anglais with an attractive old town (Vieux Nice) full of markets, cafes, and Provençal flavor. It’s a convenient base for exploring the Côte d’Azur—day trips to Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes are easy—and offers a mix of beach relaxation, seaside promenades, museums (e.g., Matisse), and vibrant dining focused on regional cuisine.
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  • Trip Point Pin13

    Antibes (beaches and coastal walks)

    Antibes offers sandy and pebbly beaches, a charming old town, and scenic coastal paths like the Cap d’Antibes walk that combine easy seaside relaxation with dramatic Mediterranean views. The historic ramparts, the Provençal market (Marché Provençal), and the Picasso Museum add cultural depth, while quieter beaches and sheltered coves make it a good spot for swimming and family-friendly days by the sea.
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  • Trip Point Pin14

    Cannes (beach promenade and islands access)

    Cannes is famous for its palm-lined Promenade de la Croisette, upscale beaches, and festival-glamour atmosphere. It’s also a convenient gateway to the Lérins Islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat), which offer tranquil beaches, historic forts and monasteries, and easy boat excursions—making Cannes a mix of seaside leisure, people-watching, and short island escapes.
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  • Trip Point Pin15

    Sveti Stefan / Budva area (Montenegro beaches alternative)

    The Budva region and the islet resort of Sveti Stefan provide a more affordable Adriatic-beach alternative with dramatic coastal scenery, historic old towns, and clear water. Budva’s medieval citadel and lively waterfront offer nightlife and dining, while nearby Sveti Stefan (viewable and accessible by arrangement) and nearby beaches like Jaz deliver picturesque swimming spots and a distinctive coastal character compared with Western European resorts.
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  • Trip Point Pin16

    Lake Geneva shoreline (beach-style promenades, e.g., Montreux)

    The Lake Geneva shoreline combines gentle waterfront promenades and small public beaches with dramatic Alpine backdrops, offering relaxed seaside-style days without leaving a continental itinerary. Montreux and similar towns feature elegant lakeside promenades, flower-filled parks, and promenades perfect for walking, cycling, or soaking up views of the water and mountains. Cultural attractions—such as Montreux’s music festivals, lakeside castles (Chillon), and vineyard terraces of Lavaux (a UNESCO site) nearby—add scenic variety and day-trip options, making the lake an easy, picturesque complement to alpine hiking and city sightseeing.
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Restaurants

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    La Table d’Emile (Nice)

    5

    La Table d’Emile (Nice)

    Celebrated for its refined Provençal cuisine that highlights local produce and seafood; a great stop for tasting Riviera flavors in a stylish yet approachable setting.
    5
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    Le Chabichou (Courchevel area — near Verbier/Zermatt access)

    4.5

    Le Chabichou (Courchevel area — near Verbier/Zermatt access)

    A longstanding alpine fine-dining institution known for inventive French cuisine and exceptional service—ideal for a special meal after hut-to-hut hiking stages (noting seasonal openings).
    4.5
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    Café Savoy (Prague)

    4.3
    $$$$

    Café Savoy (Prague)

    A classic Prague cafe-restaurant blending Austro-Hungarian charm with modern Czech dishes and excellent bakery offerings—perfect for breakfast or a relaxed dinner near the city center.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    U Malířů (Prague)

    4.7
    $$$$

    U Malířů (Prague)

    Historic, atmospheric restaurant in Mala Strana serving traditional Czech cuisine with artistic interiors and an authentic old-town dining experience—good for a memorable evening after sightseeing.
    4.7
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    Konoba Stari Mlin (Budva area, Montenegro)

    4

    Konoba Stari Mlin (Budva area, Montenegro)

    A highly regarded coastal tavern offering fresh Adriatic seafood and Montenegrin specialties in a rustic, seaside setting—recommended if you choose the Budva/Sveti Stefan beach alternative.
    4
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Hotels

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    Hotel Zermatt (Backstage Hotel)

    4.6

    Hotel Zermatt (Backstage Hotel)

    Comfortable alpine hotel in Zermatt offering easy access to Gornergrat and Matterhorn lifts; convenient for starting/ending hut-to-hut hikes with luggage transfer options and mountain-view rooms.
    4.6
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    The Lodge Verbier (Hotel Montpelier or similar high-end chalet hotel)

    4.9

    The Lodge Verbier (Hotel Montpelier or similar high-end chalet hotel)

    Charming mountain-style hotel in Verbier with strong outdoor support services, proximity to trailheads and lifts, and a cozy après-hike atmosphere ideal for multi-day hiking logistics.
    4.9
    Picture for The Lodge Verbier (Hotel Montpelier or similar high-end chalet hotel)
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    Alpen Resort Hotel Saas-Fee (e.g., Hotel Allalin)

    4.5

    Alpen Resort Hotel Saas-Fee (e.g., Hotel Allalin)

    Central, pedestrian-friendly hotel in Saas-Fee with quick access to high-elevation lifts and hut transport; practical for starting or finishing Valais hut-to-hut routes with reliable alpine services.
    4.5
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    Hotel Kings Court, Prague

    4.6

    Hotel Kings Court, Prague

    Well-located luxury hotel near Old Town Square and Charles Bridge offering historic ambiance and easy access to Prague Castle and major squares—great base for city exploration and day trips.
    4.6
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    Hotel Negresco (Nice)

    4.6

    Hotel Negresco (Nice)

    Iconic Belle Époque hotel on the Promenade des Anglais providing beachfront access, historic character, and convenient links for Côte d’Azur day trips to Antibes and Cannes.
    4.6
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Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    If you prefer a single base and doing individual hikes from there and back, I recommend staying in either Grindelwald or Zermatt, there are plenty of nice hikes to fill 3-4 su...

    Recommendations for a 3-4 day hiking trip in Switzerland?

    If you prefer a single base and doing individual hikes from there and back, I recommend staying in either Grindelwald or Zermatt, there are plenty of nice hikes to fill 3-4 su...

    /r/askswitzerland
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  • Reddit Icon

    You can find huts from the swiss alpine club here: https://www.sac-cas.ch/en/huts-and-tours/sac-route-portal/?type=hut In my opinion you should avoid the typical tourist desti...

    Switzerland itinerary and hiking help, suggestions, any insights appreciated! Still worth it in May?

    You can find huts from the swiss alpine club here: https://www.sac-cas.ch/en/huts-and-tours/sac-route-portal/?type=hut In my opinion you should avoid the typical tourist desti...

    /r/askswitzerland
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  • Reddit Icon

    It was centered around long day hikes, rather than hut to hut. The longest day hike we did was the edelweissweg, which was about 13 miles. On your list Augsmatterhorn was the ...

    Advice for a 56 Day Hiking Trip in Switzerland One Region or Multiple Hikes?

    It was centered around long day hikes, rather than hut to hut. The longest day hike we did was the edelweissweg, which was about 13 miles. On your list Augsmatterhorn was the ...

    /r/hiking
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  • Reddit Icon

    I had initially thought of trying ... to see Hotel Aescher! Such a trip would be 5-6 days hiking in the BO, then 3 days hiking in Zermatt, then going to Appenzell for two days...

    Hut to Hut hiking in the Bernese Oberland - itinerary review and feedback

    I had initially thought of trying ... to see Hotel Aescher! Such a trip would be 5-6 days hiking in the BO, then 3 days hiking in Zermatt, then going to Appenzell for two days...

    /r/askswitzerland
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hello everyone! I'm in the process of organizing a Switzerland hut-to-hut hiking trip for a group of 10 people this July. Our group is relatively

    Trying to Plan a Hut-to-Hut Hike in Switzerland

    Hello everyone! I'm in the process of organizing a Switzerland hut-to-hut hiking trip for a group of 10 people this July. Our group is relatively

    /r/hiking
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hikers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is spectacular.

    Most beautiful hut-to-hut hikes in Europe?

    Hikers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt is spectacular.

    /r/hiking
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  • Reddit Icon

    2.4M subscribers in the hiking community. The hikers' subreddit.

    Can anyone share advise on how to book a multi day hut-hut hike abroad?

    2.4M subscribers in the hiking community. The hikers' subreddit.

    /r/hiking
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  • Reddit Icon

    Im planning a trip to Switzerland in June this year and looking to do around 5 days of hut-to-hut hiking. We will travel in and out of Zurich with a

    Hut to Hut Options in June

    Im planning a trip to Switzerland in June this year and looking to do around 5 days of hut-to-hut hiking. We will travel in and out of Zurich with a

    /r/askswitzerland
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Spend a night in the hut, then return via the bridge over the Aletsch gorge and Riederfurka to Riederalp or Bettmeralp. You can also do Belalp-Oberaletschhtte-Belalp in one da...

    What is your personal top 3 hikes/natural spots in Switzerland?

    Spend a night in the hut, then return via the bridge over the Aletsch gorge and Riederfurka to Riederalp or Bettmeralp. You can also do Belalp-Oberaletschhtte-Belalp in one da...

    /r/askswitzerland
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Best is to use SAC huts (Swiss Alpine Club) for accommodation. Much less to carry on your side and it's fun.

    What are good 2-3 day hikes in Switzerland

    Best is to use SAC huts (Swiss Alpine Club) for accommodation. Much less to carry on your side and it's fun.

    /r/askswitzerland
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Uplifting, whimsical folk-pop that fits the joy of setting off on an adventure and long daytime hikes.
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    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Atmospheric, reflective indie-folk—great for alpine panoramas and quiet moments on a ridge or at a mountain hut.
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    Billy Joel - Vienna

    Billy Joel - Vienna

    A thoughtful, slightly wistful track that matches wandering historic streets and soaking in European cityscapes.
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    The Sandpipers - La Mer (Beyond The Sea)

    The Sandpipers - La Mer (Beyond The Sea)

    Classic, breezy tune evoking seaside strolls and the relaxed glamour of the Riviera coast.
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    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Energetic indie-rock with a soaring chorus suitable for trail sections and panoramic summit views.
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    Spandau Ballet - Through the Barricades - Remastered

    Spandau Ballet - Through the Barricades - Remastered

    A melodic, emotive rock ballad that pairs well with historic city walks and contemplative sightseeing.
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    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Bright, upbeat indie-pop perfect for triumphant moments after a long hike and for celebratory evenings.
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    Joe Dassin - Les Champs-Elysées

    Joe Dassin - Les Champs-Elysées

    Cheerful French classic that complements café stops, market wandering, and Riviera promenades.
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    Sigur Rós - Sæglópur

    Sigur Rós - Sæglópur

    Epic, cinematic post-rock/folk with strong Icelandic textures—great for dramatic alpine glacier views and long approach trails.
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  • Music Icon

    Sidney Samson - Riverside (Let's Go!) (feat. Wizard Sleeve) - Radio Edit

    Sidney Samson - Riverside (Let's Go!) (feat. Wizard Sleeve) - Radio Edit

    Laid-back electronic/folk blend with a travel-friendly groove, ideal for train rides between regions or relaxing by the water.
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