Scenic Road Trip from Portorož to Amsterdam: A Late May Itinerary for Couples

Day 1: Departure and Trieste Stop

Portorož, Slovenia to Trieste, Italy on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Del Mar, Portorož

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast by the sea at Cafe Del Mar, known for its fresh pastries and excellent coffee.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Trieste

Take a scenic 45-minute drive to Trieste, crossing the Slovenian-Italian border and enjoying the coastal views.
EUR0, 45m

11:00am

Visit Piazza Unità d'Italia

Explore Europe’s largest sea-facing square, surrounded by grand architecture and cafes. It's a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Buffet da Pepi

Enjoy traditional Triestine cuisine, especially their famous pork sandwich, in this casual and beloved local eatery.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Venice

Embark on a 2-hour drive to Venice, preparing for a romantic afternoon in the iconic city.
EUR0, 2h

4:15pm

Stroll and Gondola Ride

Arrive in Venice and take a gentle walk around St Mark’s Square before enjoying a classic 30-minute gondola ride along the canals.
EUR80, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Alle Corone

Dine in style with Venetian delicacies in an intimate setting close to St Mark’s Square, perfect for couples.
EUR60, 2h

Day 2: Venice and Milan

Venice to Milan, Italy on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start your day with freshly baked croissants and excellent coffee at one of Venice’s top pastries spots.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Doge's Palace

Explore this historic palace with its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history of Venetian governance. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Drive to Milan

Travel approximately 2.5 hours northwest to Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.
EUR0, 2.5h

3:00pm

Check into hotel and rest

Arrive and take some time to refresh for the evening.
EUR0, 1h

4:00pm

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Tour the magnificent Milan Cathedral and optionally climb to the rooftop for panoramic city views. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 1.5h

6:00pm

Aperitivo at Nottingham Forest

Enjoy Milan’s famous aperitivo culture with inventive cocktails in a chic setting.
EUR20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Relish traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese in a romantic setting in the Brera district.
EUR50, 2h

Day 3: Milan to Lucerne

Milan, Italy to Lucerne, Switzerland on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini, Milan

Enjoy fresh Italian breads and coffee at this well-regarded bakery before departing.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Lugano

Travel 1.5 hours north to Lugano, Switzerland, nestled by Lake Lugano.
CHF0, 1.5h

11:00am

Walk the Lugano lakeside promenade

Enjoy a relaxing stroll or boat ride on Lake Lugano. Boat tours operate 9am-6pm.
CHF15, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Grotto Morchino

Dine on traditional Ticino specialties in a rustic grotto setting.
CHF35, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Lucerne

Continue your journey with a 2-hour drive to Lucerne, a charming Swiss town.
CHF0, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Explore the iconic wooden bridge and picturesque streets of Lucerne’s medieval centre.
CHF0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Enjoy authentic Swiss dishes such as Swiss cheese fondue or rosti in a cosy atmosphere.
CHF50, 2h

Day 4: Lucerne to Munich

Lucerne, Switzerland to Munich, Germany on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Heini Cafe, Lucerne

Savour Swiss pastries and rich coffee in this popular local cafe before departure.
CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Munich

Journey about 4 hours north-east to the vibrant city of Munich, Germany.
EUR0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Taste a variety of fresh Bavarian foods and snacks at this famous outdoor market in central Munich.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Marienplatz & Glockenspiel

Admire the historic central square and catch the famous Glockenspiel show at 3pm, open all day with free access.
EUR0, 1.5h

4:00pm

Tour Nymphenburg Palace

Explore the arts and gardens of this baroque palace, open 9am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Experience traditional Bavarian cuisine and live music in Munich’s iconic beer hall.
EUR40, 2h

Day 5: Munich to Amsterdam

Munich, Germany to Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Frischhut

Enjoy fresh pastries such as Schmalznudel and strong coffee to fuel your last drive.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Amsterdam

Start the final leg: approximately 7-8 hours drive north-west to Amsterdam, crossing into the Netherlands.
EUR0, 7.5h

4:30pm

Check into hotel and refresh

Arrive in Amsterdam, check into your hotel and relax after the long drive.
EUR0, 1h

6:00pm

Evening Canal Cruise

Experience a romantic evening canal cruise to see Amsterdam’s illuminated historic bridges and canal houses. Cruises run until 9pm.
EUR25, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at De Silveren Spiegel

Enjoy Dutch haute cuisine in an intimate 17th-century setting, perfect for couples.
EUR70, 2h