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9-Day Scenic European Journey from San Diego to Ålesund, Calais, and Vienna

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Arrive and Explore Ålesund

Ålesund, Norway on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Lyspunktet

Enjoy a hearty Norwegian breakfast with freshly baked pastries and rich coffee at this cozy café, perfect to start your first day in Ålesund.
NOK150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ålesund Viewpoint (Aksla)

Climb the 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint for panoramic views of the city, fjords, and surrounding mountains, a must-see for first-time visitors.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Ålesund Art Nouveau Architecture

Stroll through Ålesund's city center to admire the distinct Art Nouveau buildings that define this charming coastal town.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at XL Diner

Savor local seafood delights in a casual setting, known for fresh fish dishes and traditional Norwegian flavors.
NOK250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Ålesund Museum

Learn about the city's history, especially the 1904 fire and subsequent rebuilding in the Art Nouveau style.
NOK100, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Brosundet Canal

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic canal, taking in the waterfront ambiance and local shops.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Sjøbua

Dine on premium Norwegian seafood with views over the harbor, serving fresh, sustainable fare in an elegant setting.
NOK500, 2h0m
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Day 2: Fjord Cruise & Hiking

Ålesund, Norway on September 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast included in your lodging to fuel up for an active day.
Included in accommodation, 1h0m

9:00am

Geirangerfjord Day Cruise

Take a full-day fjord cruise to Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning waterfalls and dramatic cliffs; the cruise typically lasts 6-7 hours.
NOK1200, 7h0m

4:00pm

Return and Rest

After returning to Ålesund, relax at your hotel or local café to unwind from the day's adventure.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at XL Diner or similar casual spot

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring local delicacies such as reindeer or cod in a relaxed atmosphere.
NOK300, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Calais and Explore

Calais, France on September 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Flight to Paris

Have an early breakfast before taking a morning flight from Ålesund to Paris Charles de Gaulle (approx. 3+ hours including connection time).
Included or NOK200, 1h0m

11:00am

Train from Paris to Calais

Catch a direct train from Paris Gare du Nord to Calais (approx. 1h45min).
EUR25, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Channel Restaurant

Taste traditional French cuisine, including fresh seafood, near the port with excellent views.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Calais Lace Museum (Musée des Dentelles et Broderies)

Discover Calais's rich heritage of lace-making, exploring exhibits showcasing exquisite textiles and history.
EUR6, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Calais Town Center and Town Hall

Walk around the picturesque town center and admire the impressive Art Deco Town Hall.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at L'Écailler

Enjoy classic French seafood dishes at a highly rated local eatery, famed for freshness and quality.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 4: Travel to Vienna

Vienna, Austria on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Have a quick breakfast before heading out for your travel day.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:00am

Train or Flight to Vienna

Travel from Calais to Vienna via train (multiple connections, approx. 8-9 hours) or flight from Paris with connections; flight is faster and recommended.
EUR100-150, 5h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Vienna hotel

Check into your hotel and take some time to rest after travel.
Included, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Ringstrasse and Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral

Explore the historic Ringstrasse Boulevard and visit the iconic Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral at the city center.
Free/St. Stephen’s Cathedral Tower EUR5, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Try the famous Wiener Schnitzel at this renowned Viennese restaurant, a must-visit for authentic local cuisine.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Vienna Culture Day

Vienna, Austria on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Start your day with a Viennese coffeehouse experience, enjoying coffee and pastries at this historic café.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Hofburg Palace and Museums

Explore the former imperial palace including the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and the Vienna Boys' Choir exhibits.
EUR20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Browse and sample diverse local and international foods at Vienna’s famous open-air market.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Belvedere Palace

Tour the beautiful Baroque palace and gardens, viewing masterpieces by Gustav Klimt including 'The Kiss'.
EUR18, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Stadtpark

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this central city park, famed for its statues and lush greenery.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Savor traditional Viennese cuisine, specializing in Tafelspitz (boiled beef), in a historic setting.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 6: Travel back to San Diego

Vienna, Austria on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final morning meal in Vienna to prepare for the journey home.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Departure to Vienna Airport

Travel to Vienna International Airport for your flight back to San Diego with connecting flights through major hubs such as Frankfurt or London.
EUR40, 1h0m
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