Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12-Day Central Europe & Italy Loop: Munich → Salzburg → Vienna → Venice → Florence → Cinque Terre → Lake Como → Rome

Viewed by 138 travelers

Day 1: Munich intro

Munich, Germany on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Frischhut

Traditional Bavarian pastries (Schmalznudel, Rohrnudel) and strong coffee to fuel a morning of sightseeing; the cafe typically opens early (around 7:00am).
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Marienplatz & New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

See the central square, watch the Glockenspiel (typically at 11:00am) and admire the Gothic town hall façade — a good orientation stop in the pedestrian core.
EUR0, 1h

11:00am

Deutsches Museum

One of the world’s largest science & technology museums with hands-on exhibits; ideal for 1–3 hours depending on interest. Open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm (check current hours).
EUR14, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Outdoor food market with Bavarian specialties and fresh local produce — great for sausages, pretzels and a quick beer; many stalls operate through midday.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

English Garden & Eisbach surfers

Relax or stroll through one of Europe’s largest urban parks and watch the famous surfers on the Eisbach wave; park is open all day.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Iconic beer hall serving hearty Bavarian food and beer in a lively atmosphere; open long hours (often until late evening).
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Salzburg day

Salzburg, Austria on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Train Munich → Salzburg

Early regional or EuroCity train from Munich to Salzburg (about 1h30m); arrive in time for a full day exploring Salzburg’s compact Old Town.
EUR40, 1h30m

9:30am

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Ride or walk up to the medieval fortress for panoramic views and well-preserved rooms; typically open around 9:00–17:00 (seasonal variations).
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

Mozart’s Birthplace (Getreidegasse)

Small museum in the house where Mozart was born; essential for music fans and located in the lively shopping street (generally open from morning to late afternoon).
EUR12, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Historic dining spot (one of Europe’s oldest restaurants) offering refined Austrian dishes; great for a relaxed midday meal (check opening hours and reserve if possible).
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Famous baroque gardens and palace façade featured in 'The Sound of Music'; gardens open during daylight hours and perfect for an afternoon stroll and photos.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Augustiner Bräustuben

Traditional beer hall in a former monastery brewery with classic Austrian dishes and a convivial atmosphere; usually open evenings.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: To Vienna

Vienna, Austria on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Train Salzburg → Vienna

Morning rail to Vienna (approx. 2h30m by Railjet) arriving with a full afternoon to explore Austria’s capital.
EUR40, 2h30m

9:30am

Coffee at Café Central

Historic coffeehouse that’s perfect for a Viennese breakfast and people-watching; opens early and is centrally located near key sights.
EUR10, 30m

10:00am

Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum

Explore the imperial apartments, Sisi Museum and the treasury to understand Habsburg history; museums typically open around 9:00–17:30 (check exact hours).
EUR18, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Eclectic market with international stalls and small restaurants — excellent for a casual lunch and sampling local tastes (market hours vary but many vendors are midday).
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Belvedere Palace & Gallery

Baroque palace houses major Austrian art collections including Klimt’s The Kiss; museum hours typically 10:00–18:00.
EUR16, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Steirereck (optional)

Top-tier contemporary Austrian restaurant in Stadtpark; reservations recommended and price is premium — book well in advance.
EUR80, 2h

Day 4: Vienna highlights

Vienna, Austria on September 4, 2025

8:30am

Schönbrunn Palace (Grand Tour)

Visit the magnificent imperial summer residence and either tour the state rooms or wander the palace gardens; palace and grounds open early to late afternoon (Grand Tour timed entry recommended).
EUR25, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Gloriette (Schönbrunn grounds)

Light lunch or coffee with views over the palace gardens — the Gloriette café opens mid-morning through afternoon.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel

Historic amusement park with a scenic ride on the Riesenrad (Ferris wheel) for classic city views; the wheel and park operate long hours, often into the evening.
EUR12, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Famous for huge Wiener schnitzel (near the city centre); ideal for a hearty dinner after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 5: To Venice

Venice, Italy on September 5, 2025

6:00am

Train Vienna → Venice

Early high-speed/EuroCity train into northern Italy (journey around 6–7 hours depending on connections); aim to arrive by early afternoon for sightseeing.
EUR50, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Alla Madonna (Rialto area)

Classic Venetian seafood trattoria steps from the Rialto Market; lively, informal and ideal for a first Venetian meal (open midday).
EUR28, 1h

2:30pm

St. Mark’s Square & St. Mark’s Basilica

Iconic square and basilica — basilica visits are partly free but access to certain areas and the museum may have small fees; generally open mid-morning to late afternoon (hours can vary).
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Historic seat of Venetian power with opulent rooms, prison and Bridge of Sighs views; open most days (busy in high season).
EUR25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Gondola ride

Short private gondola ride through quiet canals to experience Venice’s waterways; rides run all day but negotiate price and route in advance (typically early evening is atmospheric).
EUR85, 30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Small, acclaimed seafood restaurant near the castello area — book ahead as seating is limited; open evening service.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 6: Venice → Florence

Florence, Italy on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Morning canal walk & Rialto Market

Enjoy Venice in the quieter morning hours and visit the bustling Rialto fish and produce market (markets are busiest early).
EUR0, 1h

9:30am

Train Venice → Florence

High-speed train takes about 2 hours; arrive midday in Florence for an afternoon of Renaissance art and architecture.
EUR30, 2h

10:30am

Coffee and check-in at Caffè Gilli

Historic Florentine café in the heart of the city — perfect for a midday espresso and quick snack while settling in.
EUR8, 30m

11:00am

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) & Dome climb

Visit the Baptistery, Cathedral and optionally climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic city views — sites open throughout the day (book dome tickets in advance).
EUR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Indoor food market with many stalls and casual dining options showcasing Tuscan cuisine; open from late morning through evening.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Uffizi Gallery

World-class collection of Renaissance masterpieces — timed entry recommended; usually open 8:15am–6:50pm (verify current hours and book ahead).
EUR20, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Reliable local spot for Tuscan specialties near the market; lively evening atmosphere and hearty portions.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Florence deep-dive

Florence, Italy on September 7, 2025

9:00am

Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David)

See Michelangelo’s David and other important works; openings often start around 8:15am — book timed tickets to avoid queues.
EUR16, 1h

11:00am

Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno craft shops

Walk the historic bridge and explore artisan workshops on the Oltrarno side for jewelry, leather and bespoke souvenirs; streets are open to stroll all day.
EUR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Burrasca

Casual trattoria favored for authentic Tuscan dishes and pasta; midday service is typical.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace grounds

Expansive Renaissance gardens offering views over Florence and peaceful walks among sculptures and groves; gardens open daytime hours (often until late afternoon).
EUR10, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Charming, romantic restaurant serving refined Tuscan cuisine — reserve ahead for an evening meal.
EUR50, 2h

Day 8: Cinque Terre arrival

Cinque Terre (Monterosso), Italy on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Train Florence → La Spezia / Monterosso

Regional or intercity trains connect Florence with La Spezia (approx 2–2.5 hours) and onward local trains to Monterosso al Mare; arrive late morning to early afternoon.
EUR25, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in & lunch at Ristorante Miky (Monterosso)

Well-regarded seafood restaurant in Monterosso serving Ligurian specialties; open for lunch services, check seasonal hours.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Hike Monterosso → Vernazza (Sentiero Azzurro)

Classic coastal trail between villages with spectacular sea views; trails are typically open daylight hours but may have seasonal closures — always verify trail status before hiking.
EUR7, 2h

4:00pm

Boat hop between villages

Ferry service links the Cinque Terre villages (usually seasonal day hours approx 9:00–18:00) and offers a relaxing way to view the coastline from the water.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Belvedere (Vernazza)

Dinner with sea views and Ligurian specialty dishes; good to reserve during high season and check opening times.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 9: To Lake Como

Como, Italy (Lake Como) on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Train Cinque Terre → Lake Como (via La Spezia & Milan)

Longer travel day with regional and high-speed connections; expect ~4–5 hours depending on connections — aim for an early departure to maximize afternoon time at the lake.
EUR40, 5h

2:30pm

Funicular to Brunate

Short funicular ride from Como town up to Brunate for panoramic views of the lake and Alps; funicular typically runs daytime hours.
EUR6, 1h

4:00pm

Como lakeside promenade & Como Cathedral

Leisurely stroll along the lakeside and a visit to the Gothic-Romanesque cathedral (Duomo di Como), open during daytime hours.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Sociale (Como)

Well-established restaurant in central Como offering regional Italian dishes and a welcoming atmosphere; open evening service.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 10: Lake Como day

Lake Como, Italy on September 10, 2025

9:30am

Ferry to Bellagio & Villa Melzi

Scenic ferry ride (regular services run from morning to evening) to Bellagio; stroll the lakeside and visit the Villa Melzi gardens for classic lakeside scenery.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo (Bellagio)

Traditional Italian trattoria in the heart of Bellagio offering local specialties; good base for exploring the town’s lanes and viewpoints.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Villa del Balbianello

Famed villa with terraced gardens used in films (booked guided visits recommended); usually open mid-morning through late afternoon — verify opening times before visiting.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Terrazza (Bellagio area)

Dinner with panoramic views over the lake — perfect final evening on the lakeshore (check restaurant hours and reserve a table for sunset).
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 11: To Rome

Rome, Italy on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Train Lake Como → Rome (via Milan)

High-speed train from Como / Milan to Rome (approx 3.5–4 hours from Milan); depart in the morning to arrive in Rome early afternoon.
EUR55, 4h

2:00pm

Coffee at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Historic Roman espresso bar near Piazza Navona — classic spot to recharge after arrival and check-in.
EUR4, 15m

3:00pm

Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Marvel at the Pantheon’s dome and explore the lively Piazza Navona with its fountains and baroque architecture; both are public spaces with daytime opening hours (Pantheon may charge a small fee for entry).
EUR5, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner in Trastevere (Da Enzo al 29)

Walk across to Trastevere for a rustic Roman meal in one of the neighborhood’s top trattorie; booking recommended in high season (open evening service).
EUR35, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening stroll to Trevi Fountain

Night visit to the illuminated Trevi Fountain — fewer crowds in the later evening and a magical way to end the day.
EUR0, 30m

Day 12: Rome finale

Rome, Italy on September 12, 2025

8:30am

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Start early at the Colosseum (timed entry recommended) and explore the adjacent Forum and Palatine for a full slice of ancient Rome; sites generally open from morning to early evening (first morning slots are best to avoid heat and crowds).
EUR16, 2h

11:30am

Lunch near the Forum (Taverna Romana)

Classic Roman cooking close to archaeological sites — perfect for midday rest before Vatican visits; check opening hours for lunch service.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Book a timed entry to the Vatican Museums to see Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel — museums typically open 9:00am–6:00pm with last entries earlier in the afternoon, so pre-booking is essential.
EUR17, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma (view of Colosseum)

A memorable final dinner overlooking the Colosseum (reserve well in advance) for a special end to the trip; typically open for dinner service in the evening.
EUR90, 2h
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version