10-Day Scenic Journey Through Austria and Switzerland: Culture, Nature, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Vienna Exploration

Vienna, Austria on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Central

Begin your day with a traditional Viennese breakfast at the iconic Café Central, known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious pastries.

EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence, featuring beautiful gardens and opulent rooms. Open from 8:30AM to 5:30PM.

EUR22, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Enjoy diverse culinary delights at Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous open-air market with numerous food stalls offering Austrian and international flavours.

EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

St. Stephen’s Cathedral and City Centre Walk

Explore the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and stroll through Vienna’s historic city centre to admire architecture and charming streets.

Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Belvedere Palace

Discover art masterpieces including Gustav Klimt’s 'The Kiss' at the Belvedere Palace. The palace is open until 6:00PM.

EUR16, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Figlmüller

Savour the famous Wiener schnitzel at Figlmüller, a renowned traditional Viennese restaurant near the city centre.

EUR30, 1.5 hours

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Day 2: Salzburg Sightseeing

Salzburg, Austria on April 16, 2025

7:30AM

Train to Salzburg

Take an early train from Vienna to Salzburg, a scenic 2.5-hour journey through the Austrian countryside.

EUR45, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Enjoy a light breakfast at Café Tomaselli, Salzburg’s oldest coffee house with delightful cakes and coffees.

EUR12, 1 hour

11:30AM

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Visit the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress offering panoramic views of Salzburg; open from 9:30AM to 5:00PM.

EUR16, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Dine in one of Europe’s oldest restaurants, serving traditional Austrian dishes in a historic setting.

EUR30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

Explore the museum dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, showcasing his life and works. It closes at 5:30PM.

EUR12, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gasthof Goldgasse

Experience a cozy dinner with local Austrian cuisine in Salzburg’s Old Town.

EUR25, 1.5 hours

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Day 3: Lucerne Arrival and Exploration

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Train from Salzburg to Lucerne

Travel by train to Lucerne, Switzerland with a transfer in Zurich, total duration around 5 hours.

CHF60, 5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Relish traditional Swiss dishes at this local eatery, known for its warm atmosphere and authentic flavours.

CHF25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Walk along Lucerne’s famous wooden Chapel Bridge and explore the charming Old Town with its historic buildings and murals.

Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport

An extensive museum focusing on all forms of transport and mobility, open until 5:00PM on weekdays.

CHF32, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Stadtkeller Swiss Folklore Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Swiss Alpine atmosphere with folklore music and dishes like fondue or raclette.

CHF40, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Interlaken

Short train journey from Lucerne to Interlaken, about 2 hours, passing scenic views of lakes and mountains.

CHF30, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Café Oberland

Start with a hearty breakfast in Interlaken’s central café, specializing in Swiss and European breakfast classics.

CHF18, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Harder Kulm

Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for breathtaking views over Interlaken and surrounding alpine scenery. Open daily 9:00AM to 7:00PM.

CHF38, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Laterne

Dine on traditional Swiss dishes in a cozy setting in Interlaken’s town centre.

CHF25, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley

Short train ride to Lauterbrunnen to explore stunning waterfalls and alpine landscapes on foot; the valley is open year-round.

Train CHF8, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner back in Interlaken at Husi Bierhaus

Enjoy hearty food with Swiss beers in a laid-back atmosphere in Interlaken.

CHF35, 1.5 hours

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Day 5: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Zermatt

Travel from Interlaken to Zermatt by scenic train ride approximately 2.5 hours. No cars allowed in Zermatt.

CHF40, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Biner

Enjoy fresh Swiss baked goods and coffee at Biner, a local favourite bakery in Zermatt.

CHF15, 45 minutes

12:00PM

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for spectacular views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps. Open 8:00AM to 7:00PM.

CHF95, 3 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Taste traditional Valais dishes like raclette and dried meats in a charming mountain restaurant.

CHF30, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening walk in Zermatt village

Stroll around Zermatt’s picturesque pedestrian village, enjoying mountain village charm and shops.

Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Omnia

Dine in style at The Omnia, offering modern cuisine with stunning mountain views.

CHF60, 2 hours

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Day 6: Zurich City Highlights

Zurich, Switzerland on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Zurich

Travel from Zermatt to Zurich by train, approximately 3.5 hours.

CHF50, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss fare in a historic armory building in Zurich’s city centre.

CHF28, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Walk through Zurich’s Old Town with its narrow streets, historical buildings, and shops.

Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore one of Switzerland's premier art museums featuring classic and contemporary works. Open 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

CHF23, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hiltl

Dine at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, Hiltl, offering diverse and delicious cuisine.

CHF35, 1.5 hours

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Day 7: Day Trip to Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Zurich, Switzerland on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Rhine Falls

Take a train to Schaffhausen and then a short bus ride to Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall.

CHF20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Rhine Falls

Enjoy the spectacular views and boat trips close to the waterfall. Opens from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.

CHF7, 2 hours

11:30AM

Train to Stein am Rhein

Short train ride to the picturesque medieval town of Stein am Rhein known for its beautifully painted houses.

CHF10, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Gasthof Hirschen

Enjoy traditional Swiss-German cuisine in the historic centre of Stein am Rhein.

CHF25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Stein am Rhein

Stroll through this well-preserved medieval town, visiting local shops and the town museum.

Museum CHF8, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Zurich

Travel back to Zurich by train to relax for the evening.

CHF20, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant

End your day with authentic Swiss fondue in Zurich’s Old Town.

CHF40, 1.5 hours

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Day 8: Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Train to Lucerne

Return to Lucerne from Zurich, approximately 1 hour by train.

CHF25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Bar Restaurant Rathaus Brauerei

Enjoy breakfast and locally brewed beer at this brewery and restaurant near the lake.

CHF18, 1 hour

9:45AM

Boat Trip on Lake Lucerne

Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, enjoying stunning mountain views. Boat operates from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

CHF30, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Mount Pilatus Cable Car

From Alpnachstad, take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Pilatus or cable car from Kriens. Open 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

CHF75, 3 hours

3:30PM

Return to Lucerne

Descend and return by boat or train to Lucerne for a relaxed afternoon.

Included, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine by the riverside with modern Swiss cuisine and beautiful views of the Old Town Bridges.

CHF50, 2 hours

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Day 9: Bern and Emmental Highlights

Bern, Switzerland on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Train to Bern

Travel from Lucerne to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, around 1 hour by train.

CHF30, 1 hour

8:45AM

Breakfast at Café Fédéral

Enjoy a classic Swiss breakfast in this café located in Bern’s historic center.

CHF18, 1 hour

9:45AM

Explore Bern Old Town

Walk through Bern’s UNESCO-listed medieval center, visit the Zytglogge clock tower and Bear Park.

Free, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Kornhauskeller

Lunch in a stunning cellar setting serving traditional and modern Swiss cuisine.

CHF30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Emmental Cheese Dairy

Short trip to Emmental to visit a cheese dairy and learn about the famous Emmental cheese making process. Confirm opening times (usually until 4:30PM).

CHF20, 2 hours