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

8-Day, 7-Night Fast-Paced Tour: Paris → Switzerland (Lucerne) → Milan & Lake Como → Vienna

Viewed by 62 travelers

Day 1: Paris Highlights

Paris, France on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Du Pain et des Idées

Classic Parisian bakery famous for croissants and pain au chocolat; quick, excellent start before sightseeing. Opens ~7:00; expect to spend 30–45 minutes.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Eiffel Tower (view & optional summit)

Iconic Paris landmark — go early to avoid long lines and take in views from the second floor or summit; best photo ops and orientation to the city. Open ~9:30–23:45 (varies by season).
EUR28, 1h30m

12:15pm

Seine River Cruise — Bateaux Mouches

Relaxing 1-hour cruise that provides views of Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay and riverside landmarks; good low-effort orientation of Paris. Typical departures 10:00–22:00.
EUR18, 1h0m

1:45pm

Lunch — Café de Flore

Historic Saint-Germain café serving classic French dishes and a lively atmosphere; good people-watching and a Parisian lunch experience. Kitchen typically open midday.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Louvre (short highlights visit)

See main highlights (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo) — plan a focused 2-hour visit because the Louvre is huge; open 9:00–18:00 (closed Tuesdays).
EUR17, 2h0m

6:00pm

Walk: Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame exterior

Stroll around the cathedral area and along the Seine for evening ambiance and photos; exterior and surrounding area are open 24/7 but interior access/hours vary.
EUR0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Popular bistro known for steak-frites with signature sauce — casual and reliably delicious; open evenings ~12:00–23:00.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 2: Paris → Lucerne

Paris, France → Lucerne, Switzerland on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — local patisserie near your hotel

Grab a quick croissant and coffee to fuel the travel morning; most bakeries open ~7:00–8:00.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:30am

Depart Paris by TGV Lyria to Basel

High-speed rail Paris Gare de Lyon → Basel SBB takes ~3h00; comfortable and scenic. Book in advance for best fares; typical departures from morning into afternoon.
EUR60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Transfer Basel → Lucerne (InterCity train)

Fast Swiss intercity connection Basel SBB → Lucerne ~1h; trains run frequently. Arrive mid-afternoon to settle in.
CHF30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk Lucerne Old Town & Chapel Bridge

Picturesque medieval bridge and painted facades — easy, scenic wandering to absorb Lucerne's charm; sites are open publicly year-round.
CHF0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Lake Lucerne short boat cruise (optional)

A 60–90 minute steamer gives great views of mountains and city; seasonal schedules vary (usually daytime to early evening).
CHF25, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner — Wirtshaus Galliker (traditional Swiss)

Cozy local tavern serving rösti and Swiss specialties — good for relaxed first evening in Switzerland; typically open evenings from ~18:00.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 3: Lucerne + Mt. Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or Heini Konditorei

Swiss pastries and strong coffee; many cafes open 7:00 onwards.
CHF10, 0h30m

8:30am

Golden Round (Boat + Cogwheel or Cable car to Mt. Pilatus)

Take the steamer on Lake Lucerne then the world's steepest cogwheel railway (seasonal: cogwheel runs May–Nov) or gondola from Kriens; spectacular alpine views and short hikes. Check current cableway/cogwheel operating hours (approx 08:30–17:00).
CHF72, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Pilatus Kulm or mountain restaurant

Rustic alpine fare with panoramic views; convenient and saves return travel time. Mountain restaurant hours usually midday to mid-afternoon.
CHF30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Lucerne — stroll lakeside & visit Richard Wagner Museum (optional)

Relaxed afternoon — lakeside promenade is free; Wagner Museum open typically 10:00–17:00 (check seasonal hours).
CHF12, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Rathaus Brauerei (local beers, Swiss cuisine)

Casual brewery-restaurant in Old Town, ideal for sampling Swiss beer and local dishes. Open evenings ~18:00–22:00.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 4: Lucerne → Milan

Lucerne, Switzerland → Milan, Italy on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or Café Schober

Final Swiss coffee and pastry before departure. Cafés open ~7:00–8:00.
CHF10, 0h30m

9:00am

Train Lucerne → Milan (via Gotthard Base Tunnel)

Direct intercity trains take ~3h15–3h40 with scenic stretches; comfortable option to reach Milan midday. Book tickets in advance.
EUR45, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Luini (panzerotti) or nearby café

Quick and delicious Milanese street-food option near the Duomo, perfect for a fast midday bite upon arrival.
EUR10, 0h45m

2:00pm

Duomo di Milano + Rooftop

Visit the cathedral interior and rooftop terraces for sweeping city views; Duomo opening hours usually 9:00–19:00 (rooftop may close earlier).
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & Piazza della Scala

Historic shopping arcade and La Scala theatre square — quick stroll for architecture and shopping window browsing; open public spaces 24/7.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Ristorante Nabucco (Brera district)

Classic Milanese risotto or ossobuco in the atmospheric Brera neighborhood; restaurants typically open 19:00–23:00.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 5: Milan & Lake Como

Milan → Lake Como, Italy on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast & depart for Lake Como (train to Como Lago)

Regional train Milan Centrale → Como Lago ~40–60 minutes; early start maximizes time at the lake. Trains run frequently from early morning.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Como town: funicular to Brunate & lakeside walk

Ride the funicular (Como–Brunate) for panoramic views, then stroll the lakeside promenade and pier; funicular typically 7:00–22:00 (times vary).
EUR6, 1h30m

11:30am

Ferry to Bellagio (scenic crossing)

Scenic ferry ride across the lake to Bellagio (30–60 min depending on service); excellent viewpoints and charming village streets. Ferries run throughout the day; check timetable.
EUR15, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch — Trattoria in Bellagio

Fresh lake fish or seasonal pasta; lakeside dining with views. Most restaurants open 12:00–15:00 for lunch.
EUR30, 1h15m

3:30pm

Return to Milan (train)

Head back to Milan in late afternoon to avoid evening crowds; arrive early evening for dinner.
EUR10, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Eataly or local osteria

Casual dinner sampling Italian small plates, regional wines, or wood-fired pizzas; many venues open until ~22:30.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Fly to Vienna

Milan, Italy → Vienna, Austria on September 6, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast & transfer to Milan airport

Breakfast near hotel or grab-and-go; allow ample time for airport transfer and check-in for short flight to Vienna.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight Milan → Vienna

Direct flight ~1h25; book early morning flight to maximize Vienna time. Baggage and transfers can add time—arrive at Vienna airport ~10:45–11:15 local time depending on flight.
EUR80, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Figlmüller (famous for schnitzel, near Stephansplatz)

Try Vienna's famed Wiener schnitzel near central Stephansplatz; the restaurant opens midday and is popular (expect queue if you arrive late).
EUR28, 1h0m

1:30pm

St. Stephen's Cathedral & Graben

Central Gothic cathedral — climb towers or visit the nave; surrounding pedestrian streets are great for a first walk. Cathedral open generally 6:00–22:00; towers have separate hours.
EUR6, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hofburg Palace (Imperial Apartments & Sisi Museum)

Core of Habsburg imperial history with furnished apartments and exhibitions; open typically 9:00–17:30 (check current schedule).
EUR17, 1h45m

6:00pm

Evening concert (optional) or walk in the MuseumsQuartier

Vienna is famous for classical music — book a 2-hour concert in advance (Mozart/Strauß programs common) or enjoy the vibrant MuseumsQuartier open into the evening.
EUR45, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Plachutta (Tafelspitz specialty)

Traditional Viennese boiled beef (Tafelspitz) in a classic setting; reservations recommended. Open evenings ~18:00–22:30.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 7: Vienna Full Day

Vienna, Austria on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Café Central or local Konditorei

Historic coffeehouse experience with pastries and Viennese coffee; cafés typically open by 8:00 or earlier on weekends.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:30am

Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens

Baroque summer palace with opulent rooms and expansive gardens; palace tours and gardens open ~8:30–17:30 (varies seasonally). Allow 2–3 hours for palace + gardens.
EUR22, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Naschmarkt (food market)

Eclectic stalls with Austrian and international foods — great for sampling small plates and fresh produce; market busiest midday, stalls vary in hours but many open 10:00–18:00.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Belvedere Palace (Art: Klimt's 'The Kiss')

Baroque palace complex housing an excellent Austrian art collection including Klimt; typically open 10:00–18:00 (check times for special exhibitions).
EUR18, 1h30m

6:30pm

Danube Dinner Cruise (optional) or traditional Heuriger visit

Choose a relaxed riverside dinner cruise for city views or visit a Heuriger (wine tavern) in Grinzing for local wine and live music; check seasonal operating hours (~evening services).
EUR45, 2h0m

9:30pm

Dessert — Sacher Torte at Hotel Sacher

End your last evening with the classic Viennese Sachertorte and coffee at the elegant Hotel Sacher (open evenings).
EUR12, 0h45m

Day 8: Departure Day

Vienna, Austria on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & pack

Final coffee and pastry; confirm Airport transfer or train to the airport. Most cafés open 7:00–8:00.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Optional quick visit — Prater Ferris Wheel (if flight is late)

Iconic Viennese landmark for a final quick photo and view; wheel typically operates from morning until late evening (seasonal hours).
EUR12, 0h45m

11:00am

Transfer to Vienna International Airport

Allow 1–1.5 hours for transfer and check-in depending on traffic and airport procedures; arrive 2 hours before short-haul flights.
EUR4, 1h30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version