Austria, Switzerland, North Italy: 15-Day Itinerary
Wednesday, May 15: Vienna, Austria
Start your trip in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria. In the morning, visit the historic Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning gardens and opulent interiors. In the afternoon, explore the city center and admire the magnificent architecture of St. Stephen's Cathedral. In the evening, enjoy a classical music concert at one of Vienna's famous concert halls.
Schönbrunn Palace: €20, 3 hours
St. Stephen's Cathedral: Free, 2 hours
Classical Music Concert: €50, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Central, a historic cafe serving traditional Viennese pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Figlmüller, a famous Viennese restaurant known for its schnitzel. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For dinner, visit Plachutta, a classic Austrian restaurant specializing in traditional Viennese cuisine, including delicious Tafelspitz. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
Thursday, May 16: Salzburg, Austria
Head to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, which is known for its charming old town and stunning alpine scenery. In the morning, take a guided tour of Mozart's birthplace and learn about the life of this musical genius. In the afternoon, explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, stroll along Getreidegasse, a famous shopping street lined with beautiful old buildings.
Mozart's Birthplace: €11, 2 hours
Hohensalzburg Fortress: €15, 3 hours
Getreidegasse: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
A charming breakfast spot in Salzburg is Café Tomaselli, serving delicious pastries and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Stiftskeller St. Peter, located in the oldest restaurant in Central Europe. Enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine in a historic setting. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
For dinner, head to Ikarus at Hangar-7, a unique restaurant located at Salzburg Airport. It offers a monthly changing menu created by renowned international guest chefs. Average cost for a meal is about €80 per person.
Friday, May 17: Lucerne, Switzerland
Travel to Lucerne, a picturesque city surrounded by mountains and located on the shores of Lake Lucerne. In the morning, take a leisurely walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of Switzerland's most photographed landmarks. In the afternoon, visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, where you can learn about the country's transportation history. In the evening, take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and enjoy the scenic views.
Chapel Bridge: Free, 1 hour
Swiss Museum of Transport: CHF 30, 3 hours
Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise: CHF 50, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast in Lucerne, head to Mill'Feuille, a charming bakery known for its delicious pastries and freshly baked bread. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 10-15 euros per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch option, try Restaurant Stern, which offers traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 20-30 euros per person.
For dinner, indulge in a culinary experience at Old Swiss House, a historic restaurant known for its exquisite Swiss cuisine and elegant ambiance. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 50-70 euros per person.
Saturday, May 18: Interlaken, Switzerland
Head to Interlaken, a charming town nestled between two beautiful alpine lakes. In the morning, take a cable car up to Harder Kulm and enjoy panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, go hiking in the nearby Jungfrau region or try adventurous activities like paragliding or canyoning. In the evening, relax and explore the town's cozy restaurants and shops.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café de la Poste, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. A meal here costs about €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Bären, a charming eatery offering traditional Swiss cuisine. Try their famous cheese fondue or raclette. Expect to spend around €20 per person for a meal.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Restaurant Schuh, a cozy establishment serving mouthwatering Swiss and international dishes. Indulge in their specialty, the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, priced at approximately €25 per person.
Sunday, May 19: Zurich, Switzerland
Visit Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and a global center for banking and finance. In the morning, explore the old town and visit Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style Protestant church with panoramic views from its towers. In the afternoon, wander around Lake Zurich and enjoy the lively atmosphere. In the evening, indulge in Swiss cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Grossmünster: Free, 2 hours
Lake Zurich: Free, 2 hours
Dinner at a Swiss Restaurant: CHF 50, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Odeon, a historic café in Zurich known for its elegant atmosphere and traditional Swiss pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 15-20 Swiss Francs per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Zeughauskeller, a renowned restaurant in Zurich offering hearty Swiss dishes such as bratwurst and Rösti. Average cost for a meal is about 25-30 Swiss Francs per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Restaurant Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. Sample their wide range of flavorful vegetarian and vegan dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 30-40 Swiss Francs per person.
Monday, May 20: Innsbruck, Austria
Travel to Innsbruck, a charming city nestled in the Austrian Alps. In the morning, visit the famous Golden Roof, an ornate balcony that was built for Emperor Maximilian I. In the afternoon, take a cable car up to the Nordkette mountain range and enjoy breathtaking views of Innsbruck and the surrounding peaks. In the evening, explore the vibrant Maria-Theresien-Strasse, a pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants.
Golden Roof: €5, 1 hour
Nordkette Cable Car: €36, 3 hours
Maria-Theresien-Strasse: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Café Munding: Enjoy a delicious Austrian breakfast at Café Munding, known for its freshly baked pastries and traditional coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10-15 euros per person.
Gasthaus Anich: For lunch, dine at Gasthaus Anich, a cozy tavern serving hearty Austrian cuisine. Don't miss their famous schnitzel and homemade dumplings. Average cost for a meal is about 15-20 euros per person.
Ristorante Sapori: Indulge in a delightful Italian dinner at Ristorante Sapori, offering a variety of authentic pastas, pizzas, and seafood dishes. With its warm ambiance and attentive service, it's the perfect place to savor North Italian flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 20-30 euros per person.
Tuesday, May 21: Venice, Italy
Begin your Italian adventure in the enchanting city of Venice. In the morning, take a gondola ride along the city's picturesque canals and explore the famous St. Mark's Square. In the afternoon, visit the Doge's Palace, a stunning Gothic palace that served as the residence of the Doge of Venice. In the evening, wander through the narrow streets of Venice and experience the local atmosphere.
Gondola Ride: €80, 2 hours
Doge's Palace: €20, 2 hours
Exploring Venice: Free, 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Caffè Florian, a historic café in St. Mark's Square known for its elegant interiors and delicious pastries. Enjoy a delightful breakfast here with an average cost of about €15 per person.
For lunch, head to Osteria al Bacareto, a cozy restaurant near the Rialto Bridge. Indulge in traditional Venetian dishes like sarde in saor and polpette. Expect to spend around €20 per person for a satisfying meal.
In the evening, treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner at Antiche Carampane. This classic Venetian trattoria is famous for its fresh seafood and warm hospitality. With an average cost of €40 per person, you can savor exquisite dishes like risotto with scallops or black ink cuttlefish pasta.
Wednesday, May 22: Florence, Italy
Travel to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. In the morning, visit the iconic Duomo di Firenze and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to a vast collection of Renaissance art. In the evening, stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops.
Duomo di Firenze: €20, 2 hours
Uffizi Gallery: €20, 3 hours
Ponte Vecchio: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, try La Ménagère, a trendy cafe known for its stylish interior and delicious pastries. The average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Trattoria Anita, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Tuscan dishes like homemade pasta and grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in fine dining at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, a renowned restaurant offering a menu of exquisite Tuscan cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Thursday, May 23: Pisa, Italy
Take a day trip to Pisa and marvel at the famous Leaning Tower. In the morning, visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Climb the tower if you're feeling adventurous. In the afternoon, wander through the picturesque streets of Pisa and enjoy the local cuisine. In the evening, return to Florence.
Piazza dei Miracoli: €15, 2 hours
Exploring Pisa: Free, 2 hours
Local Cuisine: €30, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at the charming Cafe Pasticceria Salza, where you can indulge in delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in their cozy outdoor seating area. Average cost for a meal is about 8 EUR per person.
For lunch, head to Osteria i Santi, a traditional Italian trattoria serving authentic Tuscan dishes. Try their homemade pasta with the finest local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 15 EUR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Ristorante La Grotta. Located in a historic cave, this restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere and a menu featuring exquisite Tuscan cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 35 EUR per person.
Friday, May 24: Cinque Terre, Italy
Explore the breathtaking coastal region of Cinque Terre, known for its colorful fishing villages and scenic hiking trails. In the morning, take a train to Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages, and relax on the beautiful beach. In the afternoon, hike along the coastal path, enjoying stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. In the evening, savor fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants.
Train to Cinque Terre: €15, 2 hours
Beach in Monterosso al Mare: Free, 2 hours
Hiking in Cinque Terre: Free, duration varies
Restaurants
A cozy café on the streets of Monterosso al Mare, serving freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about €10 per person.
An authentic trattoria offering traditional Ligurian dishes, such as pesto pasta and focaccia. Average cost for a lunch meal is about €15 per person.
A seaside restaurant with a romantic atmosphere, specializing in seafood and offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. Average cost for a dinner meal is about €30 per person.
Saturday, May 25: Milan, Italy
Visit Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. In the morning, explore the magnificent Milan Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. In the afternoon, visit the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning shopping arcade. In the evening, enjoy an opera performance at the historic La Scala opera house.
Milan Cathedral: Free, 2 hours
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Free, 2 hours
Opera at La Scala: €100, 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Panificio Luini, known for their famous panzerotti pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €5 per person.
For lunch, head to Trattoria Milanese and indulge in traditional Milanese dishes like osso buco and risotto. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Ristorante Da Giacomo and savor their mouth-watering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Sunday, May 26: Lake Como, Italy
Escape to the picturesque Lake Como, known for its stunning scenery and luxurious villas. In the morning, take a ferry ride to the charming village of Bellagio and explore its narrow streets and beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, relax by the lake, go for a swim, or take a boat tour. In the evening, savor delicious Italian cuisine at a lakeside restaurant.
Ferry to Bellagio: €15, 2 hours
Exploring Bellagio: Free, 2 hours
Lake Como Activities: Prices vary, duration varies
Restaurants
A charming breakfast spot in Bellagio is Cafe Rossi, known for its freshly baked pastries and delicious cappuccinos. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Trattoria San Giacomo, a family-run restaurant offering traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 20 euros per person.
Indulge in a romantic dinner at Ristorante La Punta, located on a charming peninsula overlooking Lake Como. Enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine paired with a fine selection of wines. Average cost for a meal is about 50 euros per person.
Monday, May 27: Verona, Italy
Visit the romantic city of Verona, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In the morning, explore the UNESCO-listed historic center and visit Juliet's House. In the afternoon, see the impressive Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Italian dinner in one of the local trattorias.
Juliet's House: €6, 2 hours
Verona Arena: €10, 2 hours
Dinner in Verona: €40, 2 hours
Restaurants
Caffè Filippini: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this charming café located near Piazza delle Erbe. Try their freshly brewed Italian coffee and indulge in a variety of pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
Ristorante Greppia: Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at this traditional Italian restaurant, known for its homemade pasta and local specialties. Don't miss the risotto or the tiramisu for dessert. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
Trattoria al Pompiere: Experience an authentic Italian dinner at this rustic restaurant, just a short walk from the Verona Arena. Sample their mouthwatering pizzas and choose from a wide selection of regional wines. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
Tuesday, May 28: Venice, Italy
End your trip with a return to Venice. Spend the day exploring the city's hidden alleys and charming neighborhoods. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum located in an 18th-century palace. Enjoy a final gondola ride and soak in the romantic atmosphere of Venice.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: €15, 2 hours
Final Gondola Ride: €80, 1 hour
Exploring Venice: Free, 4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Caffè Florian, located in St. Mark's Square. Enjoy their selection of pastries and traditional Italian coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For lunch, dine at Osteria Alle Testiere, a cozy seafood restaurant known for their fresh catch of the day. Try the spaghetti alle vongole or grilled fish of your choice. Average cost for a meal is about €30-40 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Osteria La Zucca, a vegetarian restaurant serving creative dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. Don't miss their famous pumpkin flan. Average cost for a meal is about €25-35 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Austria, Switzerland, and North Italy, don't miss out on some hidden gems and local favorites. In Austria, visit Hallstatt, a charming village nestled between mountains and a beautiful lake. In Switzerland, explore the charming town of Zermatt, located at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. In Italy, discover the medieval town of Siena, known for its historic center and the famous Palio horse race. These off the beaten path attractions will provide unique experiences and insights into the local culture.