The Grand Alpine & Italian Tour: A 21-Day Comfort and Culture Journey through Austria, Switzerland, and Italy

Day 1: Imperial Vienna

Vienna, Austria on August 25, 2025

10:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Vienna Airport (VIE) and take a pre-booked taxi to your hotel in Innere Stadt or Neubau for a comfortable 3-night stay.
EUR0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tian Bistro am Spittelberg

Enjoy a vegetarian lunch in this cozy bistro featuring refined Austrian cuisine in a charming setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Hofburg Palace

Visit the former imperial palace with its impressive Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum, booking tickets online to skip lines.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

St. Stephen's Cathedral Visit

Discover Vienna's iconic Gothic cathedral at the city center; climb the tower for panoramic views if feeling energetic.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Savor classic Viennese dishes, known especially for excellent Tafelspitz, in a traditional atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Vienna Exploration

Vienna, Austria on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy an elegant breakfast in this historic Viennese café famous for pastries and classic ambiance.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Tour the magnificent summer residence of the Habsburgs. Pre-book tickets online to explore the palace and gardens without delay.
EUR22, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Das Eduard

Stop by for a light and healthy lunch featuring local and seasonal ingredients in Neubau district.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Ringstrasse Tram Tour

Take the historic tram circling Vienna's Ringstrasse boulevard, seeing major landmarks comfortably from your seat.
EUR8, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Belvedere Palace

Explore the Baroque palace complex and its art collections, including Klimt’s famous 'The Kiss'.
EUR16, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Dine in one of Vienna’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, focusing on innovative Austrian cuisine. Reservations are essential.
EUR90, 2h
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Day 3: Vienna - Museums & Cathedral

Vienna, Austria on August 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sperl

Start your day with an authentic Viennese breakfast in this charming traditional café.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

MuseumsQuartier Visit

Spend the morning exploring contemporary art at the Leopold Museum and MUMOK museums. Open daily 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

Enjoy local Austrian dishes with a tranquil garden setting within MuseumsQuartier.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Stephansdom Tower Ascent

Complete your visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral with an ascent of its South Tower for city views. Closes at 5pm.
EUR6, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Stadtpark

Enjoy an easy stroll through Vienna’s Stadtpark to see the famous Johann Strauss monument.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Relish traditional Viennese cuisine with a cozy and friendly atmosphere.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Salzburg Arrival

Salzburg, Austria on August 28, 2025

9:00am

Train from Vienna to Salzburg

Board a mid-morning ÖBB Railjet train for a scenic 2h 22m journey to Salzburg. Enjoy comfortable seating and onboard amenities.
EUR30, 2h22m

12:00pm

Check into Hotel & Lunch near Mirabell Gardens

Settle into your centrally located hotel, then enjoy lunch at Sternbräu with traditional Austrian fare and a lively atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Mirabell Gardens

Stroll through these beautifully maintained Baroque gardens, famed for their floral patterns and sculptures.
EUR0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Salzburg Old Town

Walk through Salzburg’s historic old town, including Getreidegasse street and Mozart’s birthplace.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Dine at one of Europe’s oldest restaurants, offering refined Austrian cuisine in a historic setting.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Salzburg Highlights

Salzburg, Austria on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Enjoy a classic Austrian breakfast at Salzburg’s oldest coffee house with a welcoming ambiance.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Take the funicular up to the fortress offering panoramic views of Salzburg and visit its museums. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Goldgasse

Taste authentic Austrian dishes in a cozy atmosphere very close to the fortress.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Salzburg Cathedral

Explore this beautiful Baroque cathedral in the heart of the old town.
EUR0, 1h

3:30pm

Mozart’s Residence

Visit the museum and former home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to learn about his life and works.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bärenwirt

Dine on traditional Austrian fare with hearty options in a lively setting.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Hallstatt Day Trip

Salzburg, Austria / Hallstatt, Austria on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Private Car Tour to Hallstatt

Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour private car ride to the stunning lakeside village of Hallstatt, avoiding the hassle of public transport.
EUR90, 1.5h

10:00am

Explore Hallstatt

Discover the charming village, visit the Hallstatt Museum, and stroll along the lake shore.
EUR10, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Taste local specialties such as freshwater fish in this cozy lakeside inn.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Salt Mine Tour (optional)

Consider a guided tour inside the ancient salt mines with spectacular views; check seasonal availability.
EUR16, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Salzburg

Relax on the scenic drive back to Salzburg by private car.
EUR0, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Dine casually at Bürgerbräu Salzburg offering comfort food and local brews to end your day.
EUR25, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 31, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Salzburg

Begin your long, scenic train journey (~8h) from Salzburg to Interlaken. Use the Swiss Travel Pass starting day 7 for segments in Switzerland.
EUR65, 8h

3:30pm

Check-in and Relax

Arrive at hotel in Interlaken, rest and freshen up after your travel day.
EUR0, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Walk Along Aare River

Explore the beautiful riverside promenade for a relaxed introduction to Interlaken’s nature.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Enjoy Swiss specialties like Rösti and fondue in traditional cozy surroundings.
CHF40, 2h
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Day 8: Lake Brienz Cruise

Interlaken, Switzerland on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before a day on the lake.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Boat Cruise on Lake Brienz

Take a relaxing boat cruise on turquoise Lake Brienz. Full Swiss Travel Pass coverage enables a seamless experience with superb views.
Included, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Brienz Lakeside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh local fish and Swiss fare with lake views in the village of Brienz.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Giessbach Falls

Short trip to see the impressive Giessbach Falls cascading into Lake Brienz; accessible by funicular.
CHF5, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Interlaken & Dinner

Relax at Restaurant Laterne with hearty Swiss classics in a comfortable setting.
CHF40, 2h
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Day 9: Lauterbrunnen Day

Interlaken / Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a good breakfast to prepare for a day of scenic beauty.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Travel a short and scenic 20-minute journey to Lauterbrunnen Valley, famed for its waterfalls and Alpine charm.
Included, 30m

9:30am

Waterfall Walk

Take an easy, flat walk from the Lauterbrunnen station to see the Staubbach and Trümmelbach waterfalls. The area is stroller and mobility-friendly.
CHF12 for Trümmelbach Falls, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Staubbach

Enjoy lakeside dining with traditional Swiss specialties and valley views.
CHF30, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Interlaken

Relax on the train ride back to Interlaken for a restful afternoon or explore local shops.
Included, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ox Restaurant & Grill

Dine on high-quality grill selections and local produce in a modern setting.
CHF45, 2h
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Day 10: Zermatt Arrival

Zermatt, Switzerland on September 3, 2025

9:00am

Train from Interlaken to Zermatt

Enjoy a scenic 2h 15m train journey to the car-free village of Zermatt, gateway to the iconic Matterhorn.
CHF50, 2h15m

12:00pm

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check in at your Zermatt hotel with a free electric shuttle and have lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube for Swiss mountain specialties.
CHF30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Walk the quaint pedestrian streets, browse local shops, and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks.
CHF0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Little Kitchen

A cozy spot offering alpine-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
CHF40, 2h
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Day 11: Matterhorn Views

Zermatt, Switzerland on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh hotel breakfast to prepare for your day at altitude.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Gornergrat Railway

Take the cogwheel train up to 3,089m for breathtaking, iconic panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alps. Opens at 8:00am.
CHF95, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Eat at the highest hotel restaurant in the area with stunning mountain views.
CHF35, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Zermatt Village

Relax and wander village shops or visit the Matterhorn Museum.
CHF15 for museum, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum See

Savor traditional Swiss dishes in a rustic setting just outside the village.
CHF45, 2h
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Day 12: Travel to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 5, 2025

9:00am

Train from Zermatt to Lucerne

Journey through stunning Alpine landscapes on a ~3h 15m train ride to lakeside Lucerne.
Included, 3h15m

12:30pm

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check in near the train station for convenience, then enjoy lunch at Wirtshaus Taube, known for Swiss specialties.
CHF30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Old Town and Chapel Bridge

Walk Lucerne’s historic old town streets and cross the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge.
CHF0, 2h

5:00pm

Lion Monument Visit

See the moving sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards lost in the French Revolution.
CHF0, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine on refined Swiss and international cuisine alongside the Reuss River.
CHF50, 2h
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Day 13: Lucerne Old Town

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hotel breakfast before exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Visit Switzerland’s most popular museum showcasing historic and modern transport. Opens 10am-5pm.
CHF32, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a historic guild house by the river.
CHF35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll the Lakeside Promenade

Relax with a peaceful walk along scenic Lake Lucerne.
CHF0, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee and Cake at Café Schober

Taste delicious Swiss pastries in a historic café located in old town alleys.
CHF15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Grottino 1313

Try family-style Italian and Swiss inspired dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
CHF45, 2h
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Day 14: Mount Pilatus or Boat Cruise

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

An early inner-city breakfast to prepare for your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Boat Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Relax on a scenic 1.5-hour cruise offering spectacular mountain views with your Swiss Pass included.
Included, 1.5h

11:00am

Mount Pilatus Excursion

Take a boat to Alpnachstad and then ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up Pilatus (2,132m) for stunning panoramas. Open 9am-5pm; check weather.
CHF72, 4h

3:00pm

Return to Lucerne and Free Time

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon shopping or visiting local cafés.
CHF0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schiff

Meals featuring fresh fish and regional Swiss dishes by the river.
CHF45, 2h
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Day 15: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Train from Lucerne to Milan

Board a 3.5h comfortable EuroCity train to Milan for onward connection to Florence.
EUR45, 3h30m

11:30am

Train Milan to Florence

Switch to a high-speed train, arriving in Florence after about 2 hours.
EUR30, 2h

1:30pm

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into a hotel near Santa Maria Novella station. Enjoy lunch at Trattoria ZaZa, known for Tuscan classics.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk Florence Historic Center

Visit Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria to admire architecture and outdoor sculptures.
EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Giostra

Experience authentic Tuscan dishes in a romantic, rustic setting.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 16: Florence Arts

Florence, Italy on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near Hotel

Begin with a quick espresso and pastry at a nearby café.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David and Renaissance art. Tickets must be booked months in advance to avoid long queues.
EUR20, 2h

11:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Witness masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Use pre-booked timed entry tickets.
EUR25, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio

Enjoy world-famous sandwiches with fresh ingredients in a lively ambience.
EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Boboli Gardens

Enjoy peaceful walks in expansive Renaissance gardens behind Pitti Palace.
EUR10, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Dine on traditional Florentine cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 17: Pisa Half-Day

Florence / Pisa, Italy on September 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast for your excursion.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Pisa

Take a 1-hour regional train to Pisa for your half-day trip.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Explore Piazza dei Miracoli

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral, and Baptistery. Consider a private tour for easier navigation and comfort.
EUR18 (tower ticket), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria di Culegna

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in a charming setting near the Piazza.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Florence

Take the train back, arriving by mid-afternoon for free time or rest.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Marione

Savor classic Tuscan flavors including ribollita in a lively trattoria.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 18: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on September 11, 2025

8:00am

High-Speed Train to Rome

Enjoy a comfortable 1h 40m train ride to Rome’s Termini station.
EUR30, 1h40m

10:00am

Hotel Check-in and Brunch

Check in near the Pantheon or Prati district and enjoy a mid-morning meal at Roscioli, known for Roman specialties.
EUR35, 1h30m

12:30pm

Visit Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Leisurely explore two of Rome’s most iconic landmarks; best visited in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Armando al Pantheon

Dine on classic Roman cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients near the Pantheon.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 19: Rome Antiquity

Rome, Italy on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with an Italian-style breakfast on site.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Pantheon Visit

Visit Rome’s ancient temple turned church, free admission and open from 9am-7pm.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Piazza Navona

Walk through this lively square lined with Baroque fountains and street artists.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cul de Sac

Enjoy a vast wine list and Italian small plates near Piazza Navona.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Rome Golf Cart Tour

Explore hidden gems and major sights on a mobility-friendly golf cart tour. Book in advance.
EUR60, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Carbonara

Relish classic Roman pasta dishes like Carbonara and Amatriciana in Trastevere area.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 20: Colosseum & Forum

Rome, Italy on September 13, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast

Eat early to catch your guided tour; many hotels offer quick breakfast options.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Guided Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour

Explore these emblematic ancient sites with an elevator-accessible guide; tickets must be pre-booked months ahead to avoid queues.
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Aroma Restaurant

Enjoy exquisite dining with a Colosseum view, perfect for a special meal.
EUR80, 1h30m

2:00pm

Free afternoon

Relax or explore Rome at your own pace. Consider a walk along the Tiber or visit local markets.
EUR0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Conclude your day with authentic Roman cuisine in Trastevere district.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 21: Vatican & Departure Prep

Rome, Italy on September 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a busy morning.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica

Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. All tickets must be booked well in advance for early entry and to avoid crowds.
EUR30, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Enjoy world-renowned gourmet pizza by the slice near Vatican City.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon Free Time

Relax or do last-minute souvenir shopping near your hotel.
EUR0, 4h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Celebrate your trip with a fine vegetarian and vegan-friendly dinner at this art-filled restaurant.
EUR55, 2h
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Day 22: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on September 15, 2025

7:30am

Final Roman Breakfast

Enjoy a last Italian breakfast at a café near your hotel.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Taxi to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Take a pre-booked taxi for your international return flight from FCO airport.
EUR50, 1h
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