After settling into your accommodation, walk into the Altstadt and make Marienplatz your first stop. The square is at its best in the softer afternoon light, when you can take in the Gothic Neues Rathaus, watch the city move around the fountain, and get your bearings without trying to fit in too much. Allow around 45 minutes; if you arrive before about 5 pm, check whether the Rathaus tourist information office is useful for maps and local transport advice. From Munich Hauptbahnhof, it is only one S-Bahn stop to Marienplatz, or roughly a 15-minute walk.
Continue a few minutes south to Viktualienmarkt, where the stalls are ideal for an unhurried first taste of Bavaria—look for local cheeses, sausages, bread, seasonal fruit and a small beer or non-alcoholic drink. Most stalls generally wind down by early evening, so aim to arrive by around 4:30–5 pm; opening days and individual stall hours vary, particularly on Sundays and public holidays. After browsing, walk across to St. Peter’s Church. The church interior is worth a quick look, but the main reason to visit is the tower climb: the viewpoint involves many steps and can feel tight near the top, yet the panorama over the rooftops toward the Alps is superb on a clear day. Allow about an hour and check the church’s current tower hours before setting out, as they can change seasonally; entry is typically a few euros.
Finish at Hofbräuhaus München, only a short walk from the church. Its historic rooms are lively and touristy, but it is still a fun first-night introduction to Munich, especially if you sit in the large beer hall rather than expecting a quiet restaurant. Reserve a table if possible, or arrive before the busiest dinner period around 6 pm; allow roughly two hours and budget about €25–40 per person for a traditional meal and drinks. Try roast pork, sausages or a vegetarian Bavarian dish, and remember that beer is served in large Maß glasses. Afterwards, stroll back through the illuminated Altstadt rather than adding another attraction—this keeps the first evening relaxed after your journey.
Start at Munich Residenz when it opens—typically around 9:00 in October—and allow roughly two hours for the palace apartments, Antiquarium, and treasury. The former Wittelsbach residence is best taken slowly rather than rushed; the lavish rooms feel especially atmospheric on a cool autumn morning. Standard admission is usually around €10–15, with separate or combined tickets for the treasury and theatre depending on the current arrangement. From the Residenz, walk south through the Altstadt to Dallmayr Delicatessen in about 10 minutes.
Take your midday break at Dallmayr Delicatessen, one of Munich’s classic food halls, where the ground-floor café is convenient for coffee, cakes, sandwiches, or a light plate. Allow about an hour and expect roughly €10–25 per person. It is a polished stop rather than a long restaurant lunch, so it works well before continuing west toward Maxvorstadt. Walk from there to the Kunstareal in approximately 20 minutes, or take the U-Bahn from Marienplatz toward Karlsplatz and continue on foot if you would rather save your legs.
Spend the afternoon in the Kunstareal, Munich’s museum quarter. Choose one major collection in depth and add a second smaller visit if your energy allows: the Alte Pinakothek is the key choice for European old masters, while Museum Brandhorst offers a much more modern contrast. Allow around three hours, checking the museums’ 2027 schedules before travelling because weekly closing days and special exhibitions can affect opening hours. Combined or individual tickets commonly fall in the €5–15 range, and many Munich museums offer reduced-price Sunday admission, though the exact policy should be confirmed closer to the trip.
Finish at Augustiner-Keller, an easy walk from the museum quarter, for a relaxed Munich dinner. In October, the beer garden may still be pleasant in daylight but should not be relied on for the evening, so head inside if temperatures drop. Order a traditional Bavarian plate—such as roast pork, schnitzel, or sausages—with an Augustiner beer; budget around €25–40 per person. The restaurant is popular, so arrive around 17:30–18:00 for the best chance of a comfortable table, or reserve ahead for a later dinner.
Start at Nymphenburg Palace when it opens—usually around 9:00 in October—and allow about two hours for the royal apartments, ceremonial rooms, and carriage museum. Take the tram from central Munich toward Schloss Nymphenburg; the journey is roughly 20–25 minutes, and the palace stop leaves you directly by the entrance. October is a particularly good time to see the grounds, with autumn colour and fewer tour groups. Palace admission is typically around €11–15, with the park itself free to explore. Leave time for a slow walk along the central canal rather than trying to cover every path.
Walk or take a short local bus ride to Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg for the middle of the day. The greenhouses are the main reason to visit in cooler weather, especially the tropical, palm, and Mediterranean collections, while the outdoor grounds should still have plenty of seasonal colour. Allow around 90 minutes. Check the garden’s current October opening hours before setting out—closing is often in the late afternoon—and expect admission of roughly €5–7. For lunch, the garden café is convenient; alternatively, walk back toward Neuhausen for a more substantial meal around Rotkreuzplatz.
After lunch, take the U-Bahn or tram toward Universität and enter the Englischer Garten from the southern end. Spend a couple of unhurried hours following the paths north through the park, stopping first at the Eisbachwelle to watch surfers in the fast-moving channel. From there, wander past the Monopteros and along the quieter paths toward the northern park, where the crowds thin out. The walk to Aumeister is around 45–60 minutes depending on your route; if you prefer to save your legs, use public transport to Studentenstadt and walk the final stretch. The Eisbachwelle is powerful and fenced—watch from the pavement rather than approaching the water.
Finish at Aumeister, a relaxed beer garden and restaurant in the wooded northern part of the park. In October, outdoor seating depends on the weather, but the indoor rooms make it a dependable dinner stop; confirm evening opening hours because seasonal schedules can change. Allow about 1½ hours and budget €20–35 per person for a main meal and drinks. Order a local beer with something hearty such as roast pork, sausages, or a vegetarian Bavarian dish. From Aumeister, buses connect back toward central Munich, though a taxi is often simplest after dinner; allow 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Collect the rental car in Munich as early as possible—around 7:30–8:00 is ideal—and allow three to four hours of driving to Innsbruck, not counting your stop in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Take the route towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then continue over the Fern Pass; October can bring frost, fog, or an early dusting of snow, so check conditions before leaving and make sure the rental agreement permits travel into Austria. You will need an Austrian motorway vignette if you use vignette roads; ask the rental company whether it is already supplied. Leave luggage in the locked boot and use marked car parks rather than roadside pull-offs.
Late morning, break the drive at Partnachklamm, one of the best short walks in the Bavarian Alps. Park near the Olympiahaus in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then walk roughly 25–30 minutes to the gorge entrance and allow about 1½ hours overall. The path follows the narrow Partnach Gorge, with water rushing below and rock walls rising overhead; sturdy shoes and a waterproof layer are worthwhile, as spray can make the walkway slippery. Check the official opening status before setting out—autumn weather can cause temporary closures—and have a quick lunch in town or at the nearby Partnachalm if open.
Continue to Innsbruck, check in, and leave the car at your accommodation or a central garage such as Altstadtgarage. Walk into the Old Town for Goldenes Dachl, the famous gilded balcony on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. Allow around 45 minutes to admire the square and, if open, visit the small museum inside; this is an easy first introduction to Innsbruck and its Habsburg history. From nearby Congress station, take the Nordkette cable car up through Hungerburg to Seegrube, allowing roughly 2½ hours return. The views over the Inn Valley are superb in clear weather, but check the live operating status and wind conditions before paying—cloud can completely obscure the panorama. Cable-car tickets generally cost about €45–55 return per adult, depending on the section travelled.
Return to the Old Town for dinner at Stiftskeller Innsbruck, a historic cellar restaurant near Hofgarten. Book ahead for an evening table and try Tyrolean dishes such as käsespätzle, gröstl, or a seasonal game plate; budget roughly €25–45 per person before drinks. After dinner, take a relaxed walk through Hofgasse and the quieter lanes around Domplatz, then turn in early—the next mountain drive is best started around 7:30–8:00.
Leave Innsbruck around 7:30 AM, allowing 4.5–5.5 hours of driving time before stops. Follow the A13 over the Brenner Pass, then continue through Val di Fassa toward Canazei. You’ll need an Austrian motorway vignette and Italian motorway tolls; confirm that your rental agreement allows cross-border travel. October weather can change quickly, so check pass conditions before setting out and keep the tank comfortably above half-full. The route is scenic rather than fast, with plenty of temptation to stop at viewpoints, so arriving in Canazei around lunchtime is a realistic target.
Have lunch in the village—Rifugio Piz Seteur is a good mountain-style option if open, while La Stua de Maco offers hearty local dishes closer to town—then spend an hour walking the compact centre. Look for views towards the Sassolungo and Marmolada ranges, and allow a little extra time for photographs. Mountain businesses often reduce their hours between seasons in October, so check opening times that morning; budget approximately €15–30 per person for lunch.
Continue towards Passo Falzarego, one of the finest drives of the day. The road climbs through increasingly dramatic Dolomite scenery, but take it slowly: shade, fallen leaves and early snow can make bends slippery, and daylight is limited by late afternoon. At the pass, use the signed parking areas for viewpoints and spend about an hour taking in the surrounding peaks. If conditions are clear and the access road is open, continue a short distance to Cinque Torri for an easy, roughly 1.5-hour walk among the distinctive rock towers. The chairlift may be closed for the season, so plan on driving to the trailhead and only start the walk if you have adequate daylight, warm layers and proper footwear. From there, descend to Cortina d’Ampezzo, roughly 25–35 minutes away, and check in before dinner.
For a relaxed evening, walk into central Cortina d’Ampezzo and eat at Birreria Hacker-Pschorr Cortina, where substantial Tyrolean-Italian dishes and local beer suit the mountain setting; allow €25–40 per person. Parking in the centre is limited and some spaces are regulated, so leave the car at your accommodation if possible. After dinner, take a gentle stroll along Corso Italia, but keep the evening short—the early start and mountain drive make this a day for clear weather, good views and an early night.
Leave Cortina d’Ampezzo around 8:00 AM, following the mountain road over Passo Falzarego toward Arabba and then across Passo Gardena. Allow 3.5–4.5 hours of actual driving, with extra time for viewpoints and the possibility of slow traffic or autumn road works. October weather can change quickly at altitude, so check the pass conditions before leaving and confirm that Passo Gardena is open; keep the tank comfortably full, as petrol stations are sparse in the higher valleys. At Passo Gardena, stop for roughly 45 minutes to stretch your legs and take in the enormous limestone walls of the Sella Group. Even a short walk from the parking area gives you excellent views, but bring a warm layer and proper shoes—the pass is often much colder and windier than Cortina.
Continue through Val Gardena to Ortisei, where the atmosphere shifts from high mountain pass to polished South Tyrolean village. Park in one of the signed central garages rather than trying to find a street space, then spend about 90 minutes wandering the pedestrian centre around St. Ulrich Parish Church and the lanes lined with carved-wood shops. For lunch, Tubladel is a good choice for regional dishes in a cosy setting; allow approximately €20–35 per person. If you prefer something quicker, look for a bakery serving warm Schüttelbrot, dumplings, or apple strudel before continuing toward Bolzano.
After arriving in Bolzano, leave the car at your accommodation or in a central garage—driving through the historic centre is restricted by ZTL cameras. Walk to the Renon cable car near Piazza Walther and ride up to Soprabolzano for broad views across the Adige Valley and the surrounding peaks. Allow around two hours including the ride and a relaxed viewpoint walk; the cable car normally runs frequently, but check the timetable and last descent before setting off. A return ticket is typically around €15–20, depending on the current fare. Back in town, continue to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology on Via Museo. Give yourself about 90 minutes for the museum and Ötzi, whose preserved details are best appreciated without rushing. Check the museum’s exact October hours and reserve a timed entry if available; admission is generally around €13–15.
Finish in Bolzano Old Town with dinner at Vögele, a historic tavern on Via Goethe known for hearty South Tyrolean cooking. Expect roughly €30–50 per person with drinks, and consider booking ahead because the traditional rooms fill quickly. Try local specialities such as canederli, speck, or venison, then take an unhurried walk through the arcades around Via dei Portici and Piazza delle Erbe. The old town is compact, so you can leave the car parked and return easily on foot.
Leave Bolzano around 7:30 AM for Merano, allowing roughly 40 minutes by car. In October, choose the lower A22 route rather than committing to a Stelvio-area crossing: mountain passes can close suddenly with snow or ice. In Merano, stretch your legs along the Passer Promenade and Kurhaus area, then stop for coffee and a pastry at Café Wandelhalle. Allow about an hour; parking is easiest in the central Thermenparkhaus, a short walk from the river. From Merano, continue south via the A22 and A4 toward Riva del Garda, allowing around two hours depending on traffic and tolls.
Arrive in Riva del Garda around lunchtime and park near Spiaggia Sabbioni or the lakeside centre. Take a relaxed walk along the waterfront towards the harbour, where the sheer cliffs above the northern end of Lake Garda give the town its distinctive Alpine feel. For lunch, Leon d’Oro is a dependable central choice for lake fish, pasta and local dishes; expect about €20–35 per person. Keep this stop to roughly 90 minutes, then follow the western shore roads towards Tremezzina. The final approach is scenic but narrow in places, so allow extra time and avoid rushing through the tunnels.
Reach Villa Carlotta in the late afternoon, ideally by about 4:00 PM, and allow 90 minutes for the villa and gardens. October is an excellent time to visit: the crowds have thinned and the gardens still offer autumn colour, though confirm the seasonal closing time before setting out—hours can shorten after the summer season. Parking is limited, so use the signed visitor spaces and cross carefully to the entrance. Afterward, continue along the western shore to Como, allowing around an hour to an hour and a half. If you are dropping the car tonight, check the rental company’s exact return point carefully: Como’s centre has restricted-traffic zones, and entering a ZTL can result in an automatic fine.
Once parked or checked in, walk through Como’s historic centre to Como Cathedral. Allow about 45 minutes to admire the Gothic façade, Renaissance interior and the lively square outside; opening hours for visitors can vary around services, so treat this as an exterior visit if the doors are closed. Finish at Il Pomodorino, a relaxed pizzeria near the centre, for pizza, pasta or a simple salad—budget around €25–40 per person. Reserve if possible, particularly for an early dinner around 7:00 PM, and keep the evening unhurried after the long driving day.
Leave the rental car in one of Como’s signed car parks near the lake—Autosilo Valduce is a practical option—and walk down to the Como ferry pier. Aim for a morning sailing, checking the October timetable with Navigazione Laghi the day before, as services are less frequent outside summer. The crossing to Bellagio takes roughly 1–1½ hours depending on the boat and is the best way to appreciate how the three branches of the lake meet beneath the mountains; a one-way ticket is usually around €10–15. Once ashore, follow the waterfront toward the village centre, taking time on the Bellagio lakeside promenade for the classic views towards Varenna and the wooded slopes of the lake. The ferry terminal area is busy when boats arrive, so wander a little beyond the main landing before choosing a coffee stop.
Walk uphill through Bellagio’s stone lanes to Villa Melzi Gardens, around 15–20 minutes from the ferry pier. The gardens are generally open seasonally, but October hours can be reduced or weather-dependent; allow about 1½ hours and check the official site before setting out. The lakeside path, mature trees and sculptures are particularly lovely in autumn, with benches where you can pause rather than treating it as a quick visit. For lunch, pick up something informal in the village—Panificio Alimentari Rossi is useful for focaccia, sandwiches and pastries—then continue on foot towards Pescallo, a quieter hamlet reached by a signed downhill lane from Bellagio. Allow about an hour for the round trip: the small harbour and less-polished shoreline offer a welcome contrast to the central lanes, though wear shoes with a decent grip on the steep cobbles.
Return to the centre in time for dinner at Ristorante Bilacus, tucked among Bellagio’s old-town lanes. Book ahead, particularly for an October Friday, and expect to spend roughly €35–60 per person for regional dishes such as lake fish, handmade pasta and seasonal northern Italian specialities. Bellagio is wonderfully quiet after the last ferries have gone, so keep the evening to a gentle post-dinner stroll rather than trying to add another attraction. Before turning in, confirm with your accommodation exactly where the car is parked and whether the next morning’s taxi or transfer can reach it; central Bellagio has restricted lanes and limited spaces, and you will want an easy departure.
Leave Bellagio around 8:00 AM for Lecco, allowing roughly 45 minutes by taxi or private transfer on the lakeside road. Arrange the car the evening before through your accommodation; the route is winding, and an early departure avoids the worst traffic. In Lecco, spend about 45 minutes around Basilica of San Nicolò, whose square and lakeside promenade make an easy place to stretch your legs. If it is open, a quick look inside is worthwhile; otherwise, enjoy the views towards the surrounding mountains before continuing to Lecco station for the Trenord train to Milano Centrale. The train usually takes around an hour, with tickets commonly costing about €6–10.
From Milano Centrale, take the M3 metro to Montenapoleone or walk for about 20 minutes towards Brera, where you can spend the early afternoon browsing small galleries, design shops, and quiet lanes such as Via Fiori Chiari and Via Madonnina. For lunch, walk south towards Luini, just behind Piazza del Duomo, and order a panzerotto—usually €5–10 per person. It is a takeaway counter rather than a sit-down meal, so expect a short queue and eat it while wandering. Continue to Duomo di Milano for the main visit; reserve a timed ticket in advance, particularly for the rooftop terraces, and allow about 2½ hours. The cathedral and rooftop access have separate security procedures, and comfortable shoes are useful for the stairs even when a lift ticket is available.
After Duomo di Milano, allow time to collect luggage or check in, then continue onward from Milan on 16 October. If you are leaving by air, allow at least 60–90 minutes to reach Malpensa by train or transfer, and longer in weekend traffic; Linate is much closer and generally takes around 25–40 minutes by taxi depending on the central-Milan traffic. For a train departure, Milano Centrale is best reached by metro or taxi, but leave a generous buffer for finding the correct platform and handling luggage.