17-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through Austria and Switzerland

Day 1: Vienna Arrival and Exploration

Vienna, Austria on April 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy a traditional Viennese breakfast at Café Central, famous for its historic ambiance and delicious pastries.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, and explore its beautiful gardens (open 8:30am to 5:30pm).
EUR22, 2h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Sample diverse local and international cuisines at Vienna’s famous Naschmarkt, ideal for a casual and flavorful lunch.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Tour the Historic Center

Walk through Vienna’s historic center to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the State Opera House.
Free, except for specific sites, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Enjoy traditional Viennese cuisine, especially their renowned Tafelspitz, an Austrian boiled beef specialty.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vienna Museums and Culture

Vienna, Austria on April 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Demel

Start your day with Viennese coffee and pastries at Demel, a royal bakery and café.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum

Explore one of the world’s finest art museums housing works by masters like Vermeer and Bruegel (open 10:00am to 6:00pm).
EUR18, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl

Enjoy classic Austrian dishes in a cozy atmosphere, near the museum quarter.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Belvedere Palace

Walk through the Belvedere Palace complex to see baroque architecture and Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, The Kiss.
EUR16, 2h

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Café Sperl

Relax with Viennese coffee and cake in this traditional coffee house (open daily 7:30am-11:00pm).
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Experience upscale Austrian cuisine at this acclaimed two Michelin star restaurant located in Stadtpark.
EUR110, 2h
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Day 3: Vienna to Salzburg Travel and Exploration

Salzburg, Austria on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Hawelka

Enjoy a classic Viennese start with a coffee and pastry at this historic café.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Train to Salzburg

Take a scenic train ride from Vienna to Salzburg, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
EUR60, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Dine at one of Europe’s oldest restaurants, offering traditional Austrian dishes in a historic setting.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Explore the largest medieval fortress in Central Europe, with panoramic views of Salzburg (open 9:30am to 5:00pm).
EUR16, 2h

4:00pm

Walk the Mirabell Gardens

Stroll through the beautifully landscaped Mirabell Gardens, famous for its baroque design and floral displays.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof Goldgasse

Savor modern Austrian cuisine in the charming Old Town setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Salzburg to Innsbruck Scenic Travel

Innsbruck, Austria on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Have a well-loved breakfast in an iconic Salzburg café dating back to 1703.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Travel Train to Innsbruck

Enjoy a roughly 2-hour train ride from Salzburg to Innsbruck through alpine scenery.
EUR35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ottoburg

Delight in Tyrolean specialties in Innsbruck’s historic Old Town.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Golden Roof and Old Town

Explore Innsbruck’s famed Golden Roof, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Take Nordkette Cable Car

Ride up from Innsbruck to Seegrube for spectacular city and mountain views (operating 9:00am to 4:30pm).
EUR38, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Die Wilderin

Experience fresh and local modern Tyrolean cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Innsbruck to Lucerne Travel and Sightseeing

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Munding

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee in Innsbruck’s oldest café.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Train from Innsbruck to Lucerne

Travel through picturesque alpine landscapes on a 4.5-hour train journey to Lucerne.
CHF70, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Taste authentic Swiss home-style meals in Lucerne's old town.
CHF30, 1h

2:45pm

Visit Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Stroll the historic wooden Chapel Bridge and water tower, iconic symbols of Lucerne.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore the Lion Monument

See the famous Lion of Lucerne carving commemorating Swiss Guards (open 24/7).
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rathaus Brauerei

Dine on Swiss specialties along the Reuss river with house-brewed beer.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus Excursion

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Balance Food Store & Café

Start healthy with organic coffee and fresh breakfast options.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Mt. Pilatus

Take the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (open 8:30am to 5:00pm) to the summit for stunning views.
CHF72, 5h

3:30pm

Return to Lucerne and rest

Relax and freshen up after the trip back via gondola and boat to Lucerne.
Included in day trip cost, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stern

Enjoy Swiss and international cuisine in a historic cellar setting.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lucerne to Interlaken via Brienz

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Heini Conditorei

Have freshly baked Swiss pastries and fine coffee to start your day.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Train to Brienz and Brienz Rothorn Railway

Travel 30 minutes by train to Brienz, then take the historic steam train Rothorn Bahn to Rothorn peak (operates seasonally, check schedule for April).
CHF56, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Rothorn

Dine on alpine specialties at the summit restaurant with panoramic views.
CHF30, 1h

2:30pm

Train to Interlaken

Travel from Brienz to Interlaken in 30 minutes with lake views along the route.
CHF10, 30m

3:15pm

Explore Interlaken Town

Walk through Höhematte Park and along the Aare River, soaking in mountain vistas.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Experience Swiss specialities in a traditional atmosphere near Interlaken West Station.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Jungfrau Region Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day.
Included with stay, 1h

8:00am

Day trip to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Journey by train from Interlaken Ost through Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, home to Europe’s highest railway station (open year-round 8:00am-4:00pm).
CHF150, 7h

4:00pm

Return to Interlaken & Rest

Relax back in town after a full day of alpine exploration.
Included in ticket, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Savor hearty Swiss fare and local beers in a casual setting.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Interlaken to Zermatt Travel

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries to start your travel day.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Train from Interlaken to Zermatt

Travel approx. 2h30m via Spiez and Visp to the car-free village of Zermatt.
CHF50, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Relish traditional Valais specialties such as raclette in a cozy alpine ambiance.
CHF35, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Matterhorn Museum

Discover the history of Zermatt and mountaineering legends through engaging exhibits (open 9:00am to 6:00pm).
CHF10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll through charming pedestrian streets with shops and cafés.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Experience hearty Swiss food and local wines in a mountain lodge atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Zermatt and Matterhorn Views

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café du Pont

Start the day with coffee and freshly baked goods in a local favorite spot.
CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Gornergrat Railway to Matterhorn Views

Ride the cog railway to Gornergrat for spectacular views of the Matterhorn and glaciers (opens 8:00am, last train varies).
CHF95, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Enjoy lunch atop Gornergrat with panoramic alpine views.
CHF40, 1h

2:30pm

Hiking or Relaxation

Opt for a scenic hike in the area or relax back in Zermatt village.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chez Vrony

Savor gourmet mountain cuisine with breathtaking views; reservation recommended.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 11: Zermatt to Zurich Transfer and City Walk

Zurich, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Fuchs

Meaningful start with freshly baked Swiss bread and coffee.
CHF12, 1h

9:00am

Train to Zurich

Approx. 3.5 hours train journey from Zermatt to Zurich.
CHF50, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss restaurant downtown with hearty dishes and historic atmosphere.
CHF30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander narrow medieval streets, visit Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Classic Swiss dining with historic art-filled interiors and excellent service.
CHF70, 1h30m
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Day 12: Zurich Culture and Lake Day

Zurich, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Treat yourself to renowned Swiss chocolates and pastries with coffee.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore one of Switzerland’s most important art museums, featuring Swiss and international artists (open 10:00am-6:00pm).
CHF23, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi

Try authentic Swiss fondue and raclette in a cozy Old Town venue.
CHF35, 1h

1:30pm

Boat Cruise on Lake Zurich

Enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour round trip cruise on Lake Zurich with great views of the city and Alps (daily departures).
CHF25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Bahnhofstrasse and Lindenhof

Shop on Zurich’s premier shopping street and relax at Lindenhof Park, overlooking the river.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Haus Hiltl

Experience the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant offering diverse and delicious dishes.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 13: Day trip to Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Zurich, Switzerland on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to start the full-day trip.
Included with stay, 1h

8:30am

Train to Rhine Falls

Travel approx. 1.5 hours to the Europe’s largest waterfall, enjoy viewing platforms and boat rides (the area open 8:00am-7:00pm).
CHF15 for entrance; CHF10 for boat, 3h

12:00pm

Train to Stein am Rhein

Short train ride to Stein am Rhein, known for its medieval houses with frescoed facades.
CHF10, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Hirschen

Enjoy Swiss-German cuisine in a traditional guesthouse setting.
CHF30, 1h

1:45pm

Explore Stein am Rhein Old Town

Wander streets to admire well-preserved medieval architecture and art.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Zurich

Relax on the train back to Zurich, approx. 1.5 hours.
Included, 1h30m

7:00pm

Light Dinner at Frau Gerold's Garten

Enjoy an informal garden atmosphere with street foods and drinks.
CHF30, 1h30m
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Day 14: Zurich Museums and Relaxation

Zurich, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Zähringer

Savor excellent coffee and Swiss baked goods to start the day.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Swiss National Museum

Learn about Swiss cultural history in a castle-like museum (open 10:00am-5:00pm).
CHF10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bistro des Arts

Casual bistro offering French-Swiss dishes near the museum quarter.
CHF30, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Lake Zurich Promenade

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk or boat ride, with options to sit in cafés along the lakeshore.
Free / optional drinks CHF10, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at LaSalle

Dine in a stylish modern restaurant offering seasonal cuisine in the Zurich West district.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 15: Zurich to Vienna Return

Vienna, Austria on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the journey back to Vienna.
Included with stay, 1h

8:00am

Flight/Train from Zurich to Vienna

Take a morning flight (approx 1h30m) or direct train (approx 8h) back to Vienna to conclude the loop.
EUR100 (flight) or EUR80 (train), 1h30m flight / 8h train

12:00pm

Lunch on arrival in Vienna

Light lunch at Vapiano or similar near central station for convenience and quick service.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Rest or optional shopping and sightseeing

Take the afternoon to rest or revisit favorite Vienna sights and shops on Kärntner Straße.
Varies, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Enjoy classic Viennese small plates and wines in a vibrant historic venue.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 16: Vienna Leisure and Departure

Vienna, Austria on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sacher

Try the original Sachertorte along with your morning coffee in this iconic café.
EUR20, 1h

10:00am

Visit Albertina Museum

Explore one of Vienna’s finest art collections including modern and classical works (open 10:00am-6:00pm).
EUR18, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Figlmüller

Try the famous Wiener Schnitzel at this traditional restaurant near the city center.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping or relaxing stroll

Explore local boutiques, or relax in Stadtpark enjoying its famous Johann Strauss statue.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner near hotel

Opt for a casual final dinner at your hotel or nearby café to pack and rest for departure.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 17: Departure Day

Vienna, Austria on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before checkout.
Included with stay, 30m

8:00am

Transport to Vienna Airport

Arrange transfer or public transport to Vienna International Airport for your departure.
EUR4.40 (CAT train) or EUR30 (taxi), 30-45m
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