After clearing customs at Frankfurt Airport, catch a direct train or a private transfer toward Cologne, enjoying scenic Rhine views along the way; if time allows, stop at Rüdesheim am Rhein for a quick stroll along the Drosselgasse and a coffee overlooking the river. Arrive in Cologne by mid/late morning and drop bags at your hotel before exploring Cologne Cathedral's exterior and the nearby Heumarkt square, followed by a relaxing riverside walk along the Rhine Promenade to orient yourself to the city.
After dropping your bags, wander through the charming lanes of the Old Town (Altstadt) to discover artisanal shops and cozy cafés, then pause for a late lunch and local Kölsch at Brauhaus Sion or a similar traditional brewery. Spend the remainder of the afternoon visiting the riverfront Hohenzollern Bridge for its love-locks and panoramic views, then pop into the contemporary galleries and shops around Belgisches Viertel as you transition into evening plans.
As dusk settles, wander to Brauerei Früh am Dom for a relaxed dinner of hearty Rhenish specialties and a glass of Kölsch at the communal bar, then stroll to Alter Markt where the historic square lights up and street musicians often play. Finish the night with a peaceful riverside drink at Rheinauhafen-its modern waterfront sculptures and illuminated crane houses make for a contemporary contrast to the old town and a gentle introduction to Cologne by night.
Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at Café Rico, then stroll to the leafy Flora und Botanischer Garten to enjoy seasonal blooms and a peaceful greenhouse visit before the city fully wakes. From there, cross to the Museum Ludwig to see modern art highlights (including pop-art and Picasso works) and grab an early light lunch at the museum café, setting you up for a mid-day train or drive toward Munich with fresh energy and a cultured send-off from Cologne.
Spend the afternoon wandering the atmospheric lanes of Ehrenfeld, popping into independent boutiques and street-art murals before pausing for a light meal at the lively Veedelsbäckerei or a craft-beer tasting at Päffgen am Dom's sister pub in the neighborhood. Mid-afternoon, visit the striking industrial-chic Cologne Triangle observation deck for panoramic Rhine and cathedral views, then collect your luggage and head to Köln Hauptbahnhof for the scenic high-speed rail to Munich (or pick up your rental and begin the drive), timing a relaxed early-evening arrival in Bavaria.
Before your departure to Munich, enjoy a relaxed pre-journey evening by sampling regional wines and small plates at Vinum - Weinbar Köln tucked near the Rhine, followed by a short stroll through the atmospheric Groß St. Martin quarter to soak up medieval facades lit at night. If time permits, cap the night with a scenic sunset view and a coffee or pastry on the terrace of Kaisermühlenpark (a calm riverside green space) before collecting luggage and heading to Köln Hauptbahnhof or your rental pickup point for the onward trip to Bavaria.
Start the day with a traditional Bavarian breakfast at Viktualienmarkt, sampling fresh pretzels and Weisswurst from a market stall before wandering the nearby stalls for local cheeses and honey. From there, stroll to the elegant Asamkirche to admire its baroque interior, then head to Hofgarten for a peaceful morning walk and coffee on a bench while watching locals practice tai chi and musicians set up for the day.
After a morning in Viktualienmarkt and Hofgarten, spend the afternoon exploring the grand arcades of Kaufingerstraße and the historic market stalls at Viktualienmarkt's nearby side streets before stepping into the striking neo-Renaissance Neues Rathaus to watch the Glockenspiel performance from Marienplatz and climb its tower for city panoramas. Later, take a short tram ride to the creative Gärtnerplatz neighborhood to browse boutique shops and enjoy an early Bavarian dinner at a cozy tavern-then collect your luggage and head toward the train station or rental pickup for the scenic transfer toward the Alps, timing your departure to arrive in the alpine foothills by evening.
As twilight falls, enjoy a convivial Bavarian biergarten atmosphere at Augustiner-Keller, where long wooden tables, hearty roast pork and a Maß of lager set the tone for alpine-bound plans; linger outdoors if the weather holds to watch locals and travelers trade stories. After dinner, take a short tram to the lively Glockenbachviertel for cocktail bars and late-night pâtisserie treats, then collect your luggage and head to the Hauptbahnhof or your rental for the scenic drive toward the alpine foothills, arriving refreshed and ready for tomorrow's mountain adventures.
Depart Munich after breakfast and enjoy a scenic train or drive through alpine foothills, stopping at Scharnitz for a brisk riverside walk along the Isar to stretch legs and admire mountain views. Continue into Tyrol and arrive in Innsbruck by late morning to ride the Nordkette Cable Car from Hungerburg for sweeping city-and-alps panoramas, then wander the compact medieval lanes around Maria-Theresien-Straße to sample Tyrolean pastries at a local café.
After descending from the Nordkette, explore Innsbruck's riverside charm with a leisurely walk along the Innpromenade before crossing to the leafy Hofburggarten for a quiet pause among statues and winter-bare trees. Then head to the historic Markthalle Innsbruck to sample Tyrolean cured meats, alpine cheeses and a warming bowl of goulash, followed by a visit to the atmospheric Stiftskeller for an early evening snack and local schnapps as the light softens over the mountains.
As twilight deepens, settle into a cozy Tyrolean evening at Die Wilderin, a farm-to-table restaurant near the old town known for seasonal mountain fare and an intimate atmosphere. After dinner, take a gentle starlit stroll across the preserved medieval Marktplatz to enjoy live street music or pop into Burggrabbn for a nightcap on their heated terrace with views of the illuminated river and surrounding peaks.
Leave Innsbruck after an early breakfast and follow the scenic Brenner route, pausing at Brenner Pass for crisp mountain air and quick photos; continue to Bolzano and drop bags before wandering the charming arcades of Piazza Walther where a café terrace is perfect for a cappuccino and people-watching. From there, head to the nearby Museion for contemporary art or stroll to Ritten (Renon) via the funicular to ride the historic cable car through forested slopes and catch wide Dolomite vistas-an ideal gentle intro to the mountains and a smooth progression from Tyrol into South Tyrol's alpine landscapes.
Drive east from Bolzano into the Dolomites and stop in the picturesque village of Ortisei in Val Gardena to stroll its timbered pedestrian main street, browse local woodcarving shops and sample a mountain picnic at Parc Prödl with panoramic peaks as your backdrop. Continue a short scenic loop to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) for a gentle winter walk or chairlift ride to sweeping plateaus and, time permitting, warm up with an alpine apple strudel and hot chocolate at the cozy Berghütte overlooking the valley.
As twilight falls, savor a relaxed Tyrolean-meets-Italian dinner at Ristorante Laurin courtyard in Bolzano, followed by a short stroll to the illuminated arcades of Via dei Portici for window-shopping and gelato. If you prefer a quieter alpine night, drive up the nearby Salurner Klause viewpoint to watch the valley lights emerge, then warm up with a mulled wine at the rustic Malga Zannes refuge before returning to Bolzano for the night.
Head east from Bolzano early to the high plateau of Carezza Lake (Lago di Carezza) for a brisk lakeside loop with jewel-toned reflections and mountain views, then continue up the winding road to Passo Costalunga (Karerpass) for panoramic photos of the jagged Latemar range. From there, take a short, invigorating hike on the well-marked trail to Roda di Vael's lower viewpoints (or a gentler walk around nearby alpine meadows), finishing at a rustic rifugio-such as Rifugio Paolina-for a warming barley soup and strudel before descending back toward Bolzano for your afternoon Dolomites explorations.
Drive northeast into Val di Fassa and pause at Pordoi Pass to ride the cable car up for sweeping panoramas of Sella and Marmolada, then follow a short ridge walk to the viewpoint near Piz Boè for dramatic photo ops. Descend toward the charming village of Canazei to warm up with a Ladin lunch of canederli and speck, then continue to the peaceful alpine lake Lago di Fedaia for a gentle lakeside stroll and late-afternoon light on the glaciers.
As the light softens, drive toward the honey-colored hamlet of San Giacomo (St. Jakob) for a gentle village stroll and panoramic views of the Odle peaks framed by traditional wooden farmhouses, followed by a warming meal at the family-run Osteria Plazores featuring local polenta and speck. After dinner, pause at the peaceful hilltop chapel of Santa Croce for sunset hues over the valley, then return to Bolzano via the scenic Val di Funes route with a short roadside stop for star-gazing and a nightcap at a cozy alpine guesthouse.
Leave Bolzano after a relaxed mountain breakfast and wind through the Val d'Adige toward the Veneto, stopping at Castel Beseno for a brisk climb of the medieval ramparts and panoramic valley views before continuing south; the castle's audio-visual exhibits are a great quick history primer en route to the lagoon. Mid-morning, detour to the riverside town of Chioggia for a stroll along its colorful canals and a seafood tasting of fresh baccalà at Trattoria da Remigio, then press on to Venice to check into your accommodation and drop bags ahead of an evening canal walk.
Drive south from Bolzano and pause in the lacquered village of Bassano del Grappa to stroll its timber Ponte Vecchio (Ponte degli Alpini) and sample a grappa tasting at Distilleria Poli before continuing toward the lagoon. Arrive in Venice mid-afternoon to check into your hotel, then take a gentle vaporetto ride to Dorsoduro to browse the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (or its sculpture gardens) and enjoy a spritz at Campo Santa Margherita as the light mellows across the canals.
After checking in and freshening up, wander from your hotel toward Piazza San Marco to admire the square as the evening light softens, then slip into Caffè Florian for an elegant aperitivo and live piano music. Follow that with a twilight gondola glide through the quieter back canals near Campo San Barnaba, finishing with cicchetti and a glass of Prosecco at the convivial Osteria al Squero beside the historic gondola workshop for an intimate Venetian nightcap.
Start your morning with a peaceful passeggiata through Castello to the serene Arsenale waterfront, then pop into Sant'Elena park for a coffee and expansive lagoon views away from the busiest crowds. Continue with a visit to the atmospheric Scuola Grande di San Giorgio for gilded interiors and art, followed by a vaporetto ride to Giudecca to explore its quiet waterfront promenade and sample a freshly made veneziana at a neighborhood pasticceria.
After a leisurely morning, cross to San Polo to explore the bustling Rialto Market, tasting fresh cicchetti at Cantina Do Spade and sampling local olives and seafood at the stalls; then wander the tight lanes to discover artisan glass and mask shops around Campo San Giacomo di Rialto. In the late afternoon, board vaporetto line 1 toward Isola di San Michele for a reflective stroll among cypress-lined paths and historic tombs, finishing with an aperitivo on the quayside of Zattere as the sun slants across the Giudecca Canal.
As twilight deepens, wander to Campo Santa Maria Formosa to enjoy its lively evening atmosphere and watch locals dine al fresco, then duck into the atmospheric cloistered bar of Osteria da Fiore for refined Venetian small plates and an expertly paired wine. After dinner, take a short vaporetto hop to Zattere al Ponte Longo for a slow riverside promenade with views toward the Giudecca sunset, finishing the night with a nightcap at the intimate canal-side cocktail bar Terrazza Danieli where the lights of the lagoon shimmer across the water.
Depart Venice after an early vaporetto or drive and detour inland to the walled town of Ferrara for a stroll or bike ride along its wide Renaissance ramparts and a coffee in Piazza Trento e Trieste before touring the imposing Castello Estense. Continue south with a pause in Bologna to wander the medieval arcades of Via dell'Indipendenza, sample fresh tagliatelle al ragù at a historic osteria, and visit the leaning Due Torri for quick panoramic city views before resuming your rail or road journey toward Rome.
Mid-afternoon, detour to the elegant hill town of Modena to visit the atmospheric Piazza Grande and the UNESCO-listed Modena Cathedral, then warm up with a tasting of traditional aceto balsamico at a family-run acetaia just outside town. Continue south toward Rome with a pause in Orvieto to ride the dramatic funicular up from the railway station, stroll the cliff-top Piazza del Duomo and sip an Umbrian espresso on a terrace while watching the valley light shift before resuming your journey to the capital.
Arrive in Rome in the early evening and ease into the city with an aperitivo in the atmospheric Piazza del Popolo, watching locals gather beneath the twin churches, then walk down the tree-lined Via del Corso toward the historic center to feel the city's pulse. For dinner, seek out traditional Roman flavors at Trattoria Vecchia Roma (or a similar nearby osteria) for classic carbonara and cacio e pepe, then finish the night with a moonlit stroll to the softly illuminated Pantheon and a gelato on Piazza Navona while street artists and fountains lend a romantic close to your travel day.
Begin with an early stroll through Piazza Venezia, then visit the layered ruins of Palatine Hill where you can admire imperial gardens and sweeping views over the Forum before the crowds arrive; linger at a nearby café for an espresso and cornetto. Continue downhill to explore the evocative arches of Trajan's Market and the lesser-known but atmospheric Largo di Torre Argentina cat sanctuary-perfect spots for history, photography and a gentle introduction to Rome's ancient cityscape as you prepare for a full day of iconic sites.
After a morning among the Palatine and Trajan's Market, wander down to Piazza di Spagna to climb the famous Spanish Steps and browse the designer boutiques along Via Condotti, then pause for a late-lunch of supplì and a glass of Frascati at the lively Caffè Greco or a nearby trattoria. In the late afternoon, head to the imposing exterior of Castel Sant'Angelo and stroll the fortified promenade on the Ponte Sant'Angelo, enjoying river views and the sculpted angels before ending with an aperitivo at a rooftop terrace on Via Giulia as the warm Roman light softens over the Tiber.
As dusk falls, wander the atmospheric lanes of Monti to discover craft gelaterie and intimate wine bars, then settle for dinner at Trattoria Monti (or a nearby osteria) to savor classic Roman stews and a local Frascati or Cesanese by the carafe. Afterward, take a guided after-hours visit or twilight walk around the warmly lit exterior of the Colosseum from Piazza del Colosseo, then finish with a nightcap on the terrace of Terrazza delle Milizie for sweeping views of the ancient monuments under starlight.
Rise early and head to Piazza Risorgimento to grab a quick espresso and bypass-crowds breakfast before your pre-booked guided entry to the Vatican Museums; glide through the Gallery of Maps and linger in the Raphael Rooms, finishing with the breathtaking reveal of Sistine Chapel under a quiet morning light. After the museums, stroll across the square to enter St. Peter's Basilica to climb the dome for sweeping city views, then descend to explore the papal grottoes and pause at a nearby cafè on Via della Conciliazione for a final cappuccino before collecting luggage and making your transfer toward Rome Fiumicino or the airport train for your connection to Frankfurt.
After the Vatican morning, wander through the elegant streets toward Via dei Coronari for antique shops and a leisurely lunch at Antico Caffè del Moro, then continue to the atmospheric Piazza Farnese to admire the Farnese Palace façade and sip a late espresso on the square. Spend the remainder of the afternoon visiting the tranquil Basilica di San Paolo alle Tre Fontane with its reflective gardens and the nearby Ospedale di San Gallicano historic cloister (a quiet contrast to the Vatican), before collecting your luggage and making your transfer to Fiumicino with time to spare for airport formalities.
After collecting your bags, enjoy a relaxed final Roman evening with an aperitivo in Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, then stroll the nearby lanes to admire the baroque façade of Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi and its Caravaggio masterpieces from the exterior before dinner. Cap the night with a farewell meal of Roman-Jewish specialties at Nonna Betta in the Jewish Ghetto and a short moonlit walk along the Tiber Island promenade, then make your timed transfer to Fiumicino with a last espresso at the station or airport café.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Frankfurt Airport (arrival/immigration) | Free |
| Train: Frankfurt Airport → Cologne (DB ICE, standard advance fare) | €39 |
| Private transfer: Frankfurt Airport → Cologne (per person, shared shuttle estimate) | €70 |
| Rüdesheim am Rhein - stroll / coffee | €6 |
| Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) exterior / visit | Free |
| Heumarkt (square) - visit | Free |
| Rhine Promenade - riverside walk | Free |
| Old Town (Altstadt) Cologne - wandering / shops | Free |
| Lunch & Kölsch at Brauhaus Sion (typical main + beer) | €20 |
| Hohenzollern Bridge - visit / photos | Free |
| Belgisches Viertel - galleries & shopping | Free |
| Brauerei Früh am Dom - dinner (main + beer) | €25 |
| Alter Markt - evening square visit | Free |
| Rheinauhafen - riverside drink (1 drink) | €8 |
| Café Rico - breakfast (per person) | €8 |
| Flora und Botanischer Garten - entry | Free |
| Museum Ludwig - adult ticket | €14 |
| Veedelsbäckerei - light meal / coffee | €6 |
| Päffgen am Dom's sister pub - craft beer tasting (flight / 2 beers) | €10 |
| Cologne Triangle observation deck - entry | €3 |
| Vinum - Weinbar Köln - wine & small plates | €18 |
| Groß St. Martin quarter - evening stroll | Free |
| Kaisermühlenpark - terrace coffee / pastry | €5 |
| Train: Cologne → Munich (DB ICE, standard advance fare) | €59 |
| Café at Viktualienmarkt - Bavarian breakfast (pretzel + weisswurst) | €9 |
| Asamkirche - visit | Free |
| Hofgarten - walk / coffee | Free |
| Neues Rathaus (Marienplatz) Glockenspiel view (tower entry) | €3 |
| Gärtnerplatz - neighborhood browsing / early dinner | €20 |
| Augustiner-Keller - biergarten meal (main + beer) | €20 |
| Viktualienmarkt stalls shopping (cheese/honey) | €10 |
| Munich tram / short ride ticket | €3 |
| Drive / train Munich → Innsbruck (regional train fare) | €30 |
| Scharnitz riverside walk | Free |
| Nordkette Cable Car (Hungerburg → Seegrube / top) | €29 |
| Maria-Theresien-Straße - strolling / pastry | €5 |
| Innpromenade / Hofburggarten - walk | Free |
| Markthalle Innsbruck - tasting (small) | €8 |
| Stiftskeller Innsbruck - snack + schnapps (small) | €12 |
| Die Wilderin - dinner (main + drink) | €35 |
| Burggrabbn - nightcap (1 drink) | €8 |
| Drive: Innsbruck → Bolzano (fuel / tolls per person, rental) | €25 |
| Piazza Walther (Bolzano) - coffee terrace | €4 |
| Museion (contemporary art) - adult ticket | €8 |
| Ritten (Renon) funicular & cable car (roundtrip) | €13 |
| Ortisei (Val Gardena) - browsing / woodcarving shopping | Free |
| Parc Prödl picnic items (per person) | €8 |
| Alpe di Siusi chairlift / rifugio hot drink & strudel | €12 |
| Ristorante Laurin (Bolzano) - dinner (main + wine) | €35 |
| Via dei Portici - window-shopping / gelato | €4 |
| Salurner Klause viewpoint / Malga Zannes mulled wine | €6 |
| Carezza Lake (Lago di Carezza) - lakeside loop | Free |
| Passo Costalunga (Karerpass) - photos / short walk | Free |
| Rifugio Paolina - soup & snack | €10 |
| Pordoi Pass cable car (roundtrip) | €25 |
| Ladin lunch in Canazei (canederli + drink) | €15 |
| Lago di Fedaia - lakeside stroll | Free |
| San Giacomo (St. Jakob) - village stroll | Free |
| Osteria Plazores - dinner (main + wine) | €25 |
| Santa Croce chapel (sunset stop) | Free |
| Val di Funes roadside stop / stargazing | Free |
| Castel Beseno - entry & tower (approx.) | €6 |
| Chioggia - stroll / seafood tasting (baccalà) | €18 |
| Bassano del Grappa - Ponte Vecchio visit & grappa tasting (sample) | €10 |
| Peggy Guggenheim Collection - adult ticket | €15 |
| Campo Santa Margherita - spritz & light snack | €8 |
| Caffè Florian (St. Mark's) - aperitivo (per person) | €25 |
| Gondola ride (shared / short route, per person) | €40 |
| Osteria al Squero - cicchetti & Prosecco | €20 |
| Arsenale / Castello area - stroll | Free |
| Scuola Grande di San Giorgio (visit) | €10 |
| Giudecca vaporetto & promenade - visit | Free |
| Rialto Market - tasting cicchetti (Cantina Do Spade) | €12 |
| Isola di San Michele - vaporetto + stroll | €8 |
| Zattere aperitivo | €8 |
| Campo Santa Maria Formosa - evening visit | Free |
| Osteria da Fiore - dinner (refined small plates) | €50 |
| Terrazza Danieli - nightcap (drink) | €20 |
| Ferrara - detour stroll / bike rental (hour) | €6 |
| Castello Estense - entry | €8 |
| Bologna - lunch (tagliatelle al ragù) | €15 |
| Due Torri - quick panoramic visit (entry to Asinelli tower) | €5 |
| Modena - Piazza Grande / Modena Cathedral visit | Free |
| Acetaia balsamic tasting (family-run) - sample | €15 |
| Orvieto funicular (roundtrip) | €1.30 |
| Orvieto Piazza del Duomo - visit / coffee | €4 |
| Piazza del Popolo (Rome) - aperitivo | €10 |
| Trattoria Vecchia Roma - dinner (main + wine) | €28 |
| Pantheon exterior & gelato (Piazza Navona) | €6 |
| Palatine Hill entry (combined with Roman Forum/Colosseum) | €18 |
| Trajan's Market - visit (included in archaeological ticket) | Free |
| Largo di Torre Argentina - visit / cat sanctuary | Free |
| Piazza di Spagna / Spanish Steps - visit | Free |
| Caffè Greco - late lunch (supplì + drink) | €18 |
| Castel Sant'Angelo exterior stroll | Free |
| Rooftop aperitivo on Via Giulia (terrace drink) | €12 |
| Trattoria Monti - dinner (main + wine) | €30 |
| Twilight Colosseum exterior guided walk (optional paid tour) | €25 |
| Terrazza delle Milizie - nightcap (drink) | €12 |
| Vatican Museums - pre-booked guided entry (skip-the-line average) | €30 |
| St. Peter's Basilica dome climb (tickets per person) | €10 |
| Via dei Coronari / Antico Caffè del Moro - lunch | €18 |
| Piazza Farnese - visit / espresso | €3 |
| Basilica di San Paolo alle Tre Fontane - visit | Free |
| Transfer: Rome → Fiumicino Airport (train or taxi per person) | €14 |
| Nonna Betta (Jewish Ghetto) - dinner (Roman-Jewish specialties) | €30 |
| Final espresso at station/airport café | €2 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €1,123.30 |