Efficient 9-Day Autumn Journey from San Diego to Aalesund, Calais, and Vienna

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Aalesund, Norway on September 23, 2025

9:00am

Arrival in Aalesund

Arrive at Aalesund Airport and check into your hotel. Settle in and prepare for your adventure in this scenic coastal town known for its Art Nouveau architecture.
N/A, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Kremmeriet

Enjoy a hearty Scandinavian breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries and strong coffee, perfect to start your day.
NOK150, 1h

11:30am

Visit Aalesund Jugendstilsenter (Art Nouveau Centre)

Discover the town’s unique Art Nouveau architecture and history through interactive exhibits and guided tours. Open hours: 10:00am-4:00pm.
NOK120, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at XL Diner

Enjoy fresh seafood specialities typical of the region in a cozy atmosphere close to the harbor.
NOK200, 1h

3:30pm

Mount Aksla Viewpoint hike

Climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla summit for unforgettable panoramic views of Aalesund, surrounding islands, and fjords.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Apotekergata No. 5

Savor refined Norwegian cuisine in a charming historic building, focusing on local ingredients.
NOK350, 1h30m

Day 2: Nature and Culture

Aalesund, Norway on September 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bro Bakery

Start the day with artisan breads and pastries made fresh daily, accompanied by premium coffee.
NOK120, 1h

9:30am

Atlantic Sea Park visit

Explore one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums to see marine life from the Norwegian sea. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
NOK200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sjobua Fiskerestaurant

Relish traditional fish dishes such as fresh cod and shellfish overlooking the harbor.
NOK250, 1h

2:00pm

Boat tour of the nearby fjords

Enjoy a scenic fjord cruise highlighting the dramatic landscapes and wildlife around Aalesund. Tours typically last 3 hours.
NOK450, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Maki Restaurant

Experience modern flavors blended with traditional Norwegian ingredients in an elegant setting.
NOK350, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel and Commemoration

Calais, France on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Aalesund to Calais via connecting airport

Travel from Aalesund to Calais, allowing for transfers; expect arrival late morning or early afternoon.
EUR150, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Brasserie du Port

Enjoy French seafood and classic dishes by the harbor as you rest from your journey.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Villers Station Cemetery

Pay respects at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery preserving the memory of fallen soldiers. Open day throughout hours with quiet reflection.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Calais Town Center

Discover local shops, La Halle Market, and historical sites in the city center.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Aux Delices de la Lys

Dine on traditional French cuisine with a focus on regional specialties.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Vienna

Vienna, Austria on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hôtel Meurice Calais

Enjoy a classic French breakfast at your hotel before your travel day.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Travel Calais to Vienna by flight

Take a connecting flight route to reach Vienna efficiently, expected travel 4-6 hours including transfers.
EUR200, 5h

3:30pm

Check into hotel and rest

After arrival, settle into your accommodation in central Vienna.
N/A, 1h

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Stadtpark

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Vienna’s green oasis featuring statues of famous composers.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Try Vienna’s iconic schnitzel in a historic and classic Viennese setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 5: Culture and History

Vienna, Austria on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Experience classic Viennese coffeehouse culture with pastries and coffee in a historic venue. Open 7:30am-10:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the magnificent baroque summer residence of the Habsburgs with expansive gardens and the Maze. Palace open 8:30am-5:30pm.
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

Enjoy a relaxed meal with traditional Austrian fare in the MuseumsQuartier, surrounded by art and culture.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Belvedere Palace

Explore the beautiful baroque palace and its art collections including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at a Viennese café

Unwind with coffee and cake at Demel, a renowned historic patisserie and chocolaterie.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Steirereck

For an upscale experience, enjoy modern Austrian cuisine at this two Michelin-star restaurant within Stadtpark.
EUR120, 2h

Day 6: Vienna Highlights

Vienna, Austria on September 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sperl

Start your day in a classic coffee house with Viennese pastries and coffee.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Hofburg Palace

Tour the former imperial palace complex including the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and the Spanish Riding School. Open 9:00am-5:30pm.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl

Enjoy cozy Austrian dishes like goulash and dumplings in a traditional setting.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Museum Quartier

Discover contemporary art and culture at multiple museums such as the Leopold Museum and MUMOK. Open 10:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15-20, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along the Danube Canal

Relax with riverside views and vibrant street art as you wind down your day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Try the famous Tafelspitz, boiled beef in broth, in a refined traditional Viennese restaurant.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 7: Return travel

San Diego, USA on September 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your Vienna hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your journey home.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Vienna International Airport

Head to the airport for your return flight to San Diego.
EUR40, 1h

1:00pm

Depart Vienna for San Diego

Board your long-haul flight back to San Diego.
N/A, Approx 13h

Day 8: In Transit

In Flight on September 30, 2025

N/A

Overnight Flight

Continue your flight crossing time zones heading westward back to San Diego.
N/A, Full day

Day 9: Arrival

San Diego, USA on October 1, 2025

Afternoon

Arrival in San Diego

Arrive back home, concluding your enriching European journey.
N/A, N/A