Ultimate 15-Day Italy and Austria September Itinerary: Art, History, and Alpine Beauty

Day 1: Ancient Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè

Enjoy a classic Roman espresso and fresh cornetti to start your day with authentic local flavors.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Colosseum Tour

Explore Rome’s iconic symbol of antiquity with a skip-the-line guided tour highlighting gladiator history.
EUR18, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Wander through ancient ruins that formed the heart of Rome’s political and social life.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Sample traditional Roman dishes like cacio e pepe in a charming, local trattoria.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Discover one of the world’s greatest art collections and Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes.
EUR30, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Dine with a direct view of the illuminated Colosseum, enjoying contemporary Italian cuisine.
EUR70, 2h0m
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Day 2: Renaissance Florence

Florence, Italy on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Treat yourself to delicious pastries and cappuccino in Florence’s historical square.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Titian, and Leonardo da Vinci in this world-famous gallery.
EUR20, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Experience hearty Tuscan food in a lively eatery frequented by locals.
EUR22, 1h0m

2:00pm

Florence Cathedral & Baptistery

Climb the dome for panoramic city views or admire the stunning interior architecture.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno Stroll

Explore artisan shops and enjoy views on the historic bridge and adjacent neighborhoods.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Relish refined Tuscan cuisine in an intimate setting decorated with original memorabilia.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 3: Venice Canals

Venice, Italy on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start with famous Venetian pastries and espresso in this beloved local bakery.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

St. Mark's Basilica

Explore the magnificent Byzantine-style cathedral with its glittering mosaics early to avoid crowds.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30am

Doge's Palace

Tour this gothic palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs overlooking Venice’s canals.
EUR25, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood delicacies at this intimate Venetian favorite.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s canals aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic 30-minute journey.
EUR80, 0h45m

3:00pm

Rialto Market & Bridge

Browse the bustling market and admire views from Venice’s oldest bridge.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Savor authentic Venetian dishes like squid ink pasta in a cozy environment.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 4: Lake Garda and Verona

Lake Garda & Verona, Italy on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Venice

Grab a quick espresso and pastry at your hotel or close café before departure.
EUR6, 0h20m

9:30am

Travel to Lake Garda

Drive or take a train to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, famed for its stunning natural beauty.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30am

Sirmione Castle and Lakeside Stroll

Visit the medieval Scaliger Castle and walk along the lakeside promenade.
EUR6, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Fiasca

Relish lake fish and northern Italian dishes with lake views in Sirmione.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Travel to Verona

Short train ride to Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Verona Arena & Juliet’s Balcony

Tour the Roman amphitheater and visit the famed balcony from Shakespeare's play.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Le Vecete

Traditional Veronese cuisine in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Exploring Lake Garda & Trento

Lake Garda & Trento, Italy on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Gelateria Mamma Mia

Delicious espresso and pastries with lake views.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Boat tour of Lake Garda

Take a scenic boat ride visiting charming lakeside towns like Limone sul Garda and Malcesine.
EUR25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Al Gondoliere

Enjoy fresh lake fish and Italian classics on the waterfront in Malcesine.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Trento

Train to Trento, known for its Renaissance architecture and Alpine setting.
EUR15, 1h30m

3:30pm

Trento City Tour

Visit the Buonconsiglio Castle and the historic Piazza Duomo.
EUR6, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Il Cappello

Enjoy traditional Trentino dishes paired with fine local wines.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 6: Salzburg Arrival and Culture

Salzburg, Austria on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Light breakfast before travel.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Salzburg

Train or drive to Salzburg, Austria, heart of classical music and baroque architecture.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Fingerlos

Enjoy authentic Austrian coffee and light lunch specialties.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit

Enjoy panoramic views and a tour of one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses.
EUR16, 2h0m

4:30pm

Mozart's Birthplace Museum

Explore the early home and exhibits of Salzburg’s famed composer.
EUR12, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Dine in Europe’s oldest restaurant known for superb Austrian cuisine and atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 7: Hallstatt Day Trip

Hallstatt, Austria on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Enjoy delicious Viennese coffee and pastries before setting off for Hallstatt.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Hallstatt

Catch a train and ferry to this picturesque lakeside village, famous for salt mines and scenic vistas.
EUR25, 3h0m

11:30am

Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour

Explore the world’s oldest salt mine with guided tours and underground slides.
EUR22, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine with views overlooking the lake.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake Hallstatt Walk & Museum

Stroll the lakeside and visit the Hallstatt Museum to learn about the town’s ancient history.
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Salzburg

Travel back to Salzburg for overnight stay.
EUR25, 3h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Gasthof Goldgasse

Cozy dinner serving Austrian favorites in Salzburg’s charming old town.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 8: Innsbruck Alpine Adventure

Innsbruck, Austria on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Sacher Innsbruck

Taste the famous Sachertorte and coffee to fuel your day.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Innsbruck

Morning train journey through scenic Alpine landscape to Innsbruck.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Golden Roof and Old Town

Explore medieval streets and see Innsbruck’s iconic Golden Roof balcony.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Weisses Rossl

Enjoy Tyrolean specialties like dumplings and venison dishes.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Nordkette Cable Car

Take the cable car from city center to mountain peak for spectacular views and hiking.
EUR38, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Die Wilderin

Savor modern Austrian dishes featuring local ingredients in an intimate setting.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 9: Travel to Vienna

Vienna, Austria on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local Innsbruck café

Light breakfast before departure to Vienna.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Vienna

Train journey through scenic Austrian countryside arriving in Vienna early afternoon.
EUR40, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Explore Vienna’s famous market sampling international and Austrian street food options.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Schönbrunn Palace Grounds

Visit the palace gardens and Gloriette to get a taste of imperial grandeur (palace tour can be tomorrow).
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Try Vienna’s famous boiled beef dish Tafelspitz in a renowned traditional restaurant.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 10: Vienna Museums and Palaces

Vienna, Austria on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Experience refined Viennese café culture with fine coffee and pastries.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:30am

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Tour the royal apartments and stroll the magnificent baroque gardens.
EUR22, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Demel

Enjoy classic Viennese cakes and light meals in this historic pastry shop.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Belvedere Palace and Museum

Visit the beautiful baroque palace housing famous artworks including Klimt’s The Kiss.
EUR18, 2h0m

5:00pm

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Explore the gothic cathedral and consider climbing the tower for city views.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Austrian flavors in a contemporary setting.
EUR120, 2h0m
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Day 11: Day Trip to Wachau Valley

Wachau Valley, Austria on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast prior to day trip departure.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Wachau Valley

Bus or car ride to picturesque Danube valley renowned for vineyards and castles.
EUR25, 1h30m

10:00am

Dürnstein Castle Ruins

Hike up to castle ruins overlooking the Danube River valley.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Winzerhof Heuriger

Sample local wine and Austrian specialties at a traditional vineyard tavern.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Melk Abbey Visit

Tour the stunning baroque abbey famous for its library and frescoes.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Vienna

Travel back to Vienna for evening at leisure.
EUR25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Enjoy the original Wiener schnitzel in a classic Viennese setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 12: Graz Historic City Center

Graz, Austria on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Kaiserfeld

Start with coffee and pastries in Graz’s vibrant historic district.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Graz

Short train ride from Vienna to Austria’s second-largest city.
EUR30, 2h15m

11:30am

Schlossberg and Clock Tower

Climb or use elevator to enjoy panoramic views from the iconic clock tower atop Schlossberg hill.
EUR5, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Der Steirer

Taste Styrian specialties in a cozy restaurant with warm ambiance.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Graz Old Town & Kunsthaus Museum

Wander UNESCO-listed streets and visit the contemporary art museum with its striking architecture.
EUR12, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Aiola Upstairs

Enjoy creative Austrian cuisine with breathtaking rooftop views of Graz.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 13: Klagenfurt Lakeside Leisure

Klagenfurt, Austria on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast before traveling to Klagenfurt.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Klagenfurt

Take a scenic train or drive to Klagenfurt, near Austria’s beautiful Wörthersee lake.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Lake Wörthersee Walk and Boat Tour

Stroll lakeside promenade and enjoy an optional boat tour of Wörthersee lake.
EUR18, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Seespitz

Fresh fish and local specialties with views of the lake.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Minimundus Park Visit

Explore this miniature park displaying famous buildings from around the world.
EUR14, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Old Town Klagenfurt

Wander quaint streets with colorful facades and historical sites like Neuer Platz square.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pontoon

Coastal dining serving fresh seafood and local produce right on the lakefront.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 14: Dolomites Visit: Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on September 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before journey to the Dolomites.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Drive or take a scenic bus ride into the Dolomite mountain resort town in northern Italy.
EUR40, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Lago Scin

Dine with mountain lake views, enjoying alpine-inspired Italian dishes.
EUR35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lago di Misurina Walk

Leisurely walk around a scenic alpine lake with incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Faloria Cable Car

Ascend to panoramic viewpoints and enjoy short hikes or relaxation at the summit café.
EUR30, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Tivoli

Traditional Ladin cuisine offering regional delicacies in a warm alpine atmosphere.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 15: Return and Leisure Day

Return to Rome or Vienna on September 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

A relaxed morning breakfast before departure day.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Rome or Vienna

Choose your preferred city for return, Rome or Vienna, with a train or flight from Cortina area.
EUR80, 4h0m

2:00pm

Leisure afternoon and shopping

Use free time for last-minute sightseeing, shopping or visiting a favorite café.
Variable, 3h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner - Your choice

Enjoy a special dinner highlighting your favorite Italian or Austrian dishes from the trip.
EUR50, 2h0m
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