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

Day 1: Imperial Vienna

Vienna, Austria on August 25, 2025

12:00pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Vienna Airport and take a pre-booked taxi to your hotel in Innere Stadt or Neubau for a comfortable 3-night stay.

INCLUDED, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hofburg Palace

Explore the former imperial palace complex of the Habsburgs with its museums and the Spanish Riding School, giving historical insight into Austria's royalty.

EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Tian Bistro am Spittelberg

Enjoy a refined vegetarian dinner at Tian Bistro am Spittelberg, known for creative Austrian cuisine with a modern twist in a cozy ambiance.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 2: Vienna Palaces & Sights

Vienna, Austria on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Central

Savor a classic Viennese breakfast with pastries and coffee at the historic Café Central, a hub of Austro-Hungarian culture.

EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Tour the opulent summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa, famous for its Gardens and the Great Gallery. Tickets should be booked online in advance to avoid queues.

EUR22, 3h

2:00pm

Ringstrasse Tram Ride and St. Stephen's Cathedral

Take the Ringstrasse tram to view Vienna’s grand historic buildings then visit the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a cultural highlight.

EUR5, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Wolf

Taste traditional Austrian dishes like Käsespätzle in a friendly local eatery with excellent ambience.

EUR25, 1.5h

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Day 3: Vienna Cultural Day

Vienna, Austria on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sperl

Relax with a hearty breakfast in this traditional Viennese coffee house with old-world charm.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Belvedere Palace and Gardens

Explore the stunning Baroque architecture and the art collection including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss.

EUR16, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Enjoy a wide selection of international and Austrian street food at this vibrant market.

EUR20, 1.5h

2:00pm

Free time to explore museums or relax

Optional visits to Kunsthistorisches Museum or relax at Stadtpark to prepare for next day travels.

EUR18 if museum, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Steirereck im Stadtpark

Experience fine dining with innovative Austrian cuisine in a beautiful park setting.

EUR70, 2h

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Day 4: Salzburg Arrival

Salzburg, Austria on August 28, 2025

9:30am

Train to Salzburg

Board a mid-morning ÖBB Railjet train from Vienna Wien Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg. Journey time is approximately 2h 22m.

EUR30, 2h22m

12:00pm

Check-in to Hotel & Lunch

Settle into your accommodation near the Mirabell Gardens and enjoy local cuisine for lunch nearby.

EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Mirabell Gardens and Old Town

Stroll through the beautifully symmetrical Mirabell Gardens then visit the UNESCO-listed Salzburg Old Town with its baroque architecture.

Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Zwettler’s

Dine on Austrian favorites in a traditional, welcoming atmosphere close to your hotel.

EUR30, 1.5h

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Day 5: Salzburg Fortress Views

Salzburg, Austria on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Begin your day with coffee and pastries at Salzburg’s oldest café, dating back to 1705.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress

Ride the historic funicular railway to the medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city and Alps. The funicular is accessible and cuts out a tough uphill walk.

EUR16, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Enjoy a meal at one of Europe's oldest restaurants, famed for its historical ambiance and local cuisine.

EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

Visit the house where Mozart was born to learn about his early life and musical genius.

EUR12, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum Zirkelwirt

Savor hearty Austrian dishes in this cozy and rustic tavern atmosphere.

EUR25, 1.5h

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Day 6: Hallstatt Day Trip

Salzburg, Austria on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in your Salzburg hotel before your day trip.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Private Car Tour to Hallstatt

Travel comfortably in a private car to the picturesque lakeside village of Hallstatt, avoiding complex public transport. The tour includes time to explore the village and its iconic salt mines.

EUR90, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner Back in Salzburg

Return to Salzburg and enjoy a relaxing dinner at the Hotel & Villa Auersperg restaurant or a similar mid-range option.

EUR30, 1.5h

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Day 7: Scenic Travel to Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out from Salzburg and preparing for a scenic train journey to Switzerland.

INCLUDED, 1h

8:00am

Train from Salzburg to Interlaken

Embark on a beautiful 8-hour train journey through the Austrian and Swiss Alps to Interlaken, passing remarkable landscapes.

INCLUDED with Swiss Travel Pass from next day, 8h

4:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Check into your Interlaken hotel and rest after your long travel day before dinner.

INCLUDED, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Taste Swiss specialties in a warm, traditional setting near your hotel.

CHF40, 1.5h

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Day 8: Lake Brienz Cruise

Interlaken, Switzerland on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel preparing for a day outdoors.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:30am

Lake Brienz Boat Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing and fully seated boat cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. The Swiss Travel Pass covers this activity completely.

INCLUDED, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Brienzerburli

Dine lakeside with fresh Swiss fare and stunning views.

CHF30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Interlaken

Walk around the charming town center, visit Höhematte Park with mountain views and visit local shops.

Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bebbis Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes such as rösti in a cozy atmosphere.

CHF35, 1.5h

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Day 9: Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls

Interlaken, Switzerland on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for your day trip to Lauterbrunnen Valley.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Train Trip to Lauterbrunnen

Take a short 20-minute train ride to the valley known for its dramatic waterfalls and stunning scenery.

INCLUDED, 20m

9:30am

Walk to Waterfalls

Enjoy flat and accessible walks to iconic waterfalls like Staubbach and Trümmelbach which surprise with their power and scenic vistas.

CHF12 entry to Trümmelbach Falls, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Staubbach Restaurant

Eat lunch with views of waterfalls in this comfortable setting.

CHF30, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Travel back to Interlaken to relax or explore evening options.

INCLUDED, 20m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Goldener Anker

Sample Swiss and international cuisine in a welcoming environment by the river.

CHF35, 1.5h

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Day 10: Zermatt & Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for your scenic journey to car-free Zermatt.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Train to Zermatt

Take the 2h 15m train trip from Interlaken to Zermatt, passing through beautiful Alpine landscapes.

INCLUDED, 2h15m

11:30am

Check-in at Zermatt Hotel

Settle into your accommodation with convenient shuttle service around the village.

INCLUDED, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Try traditional Valais dishes like raclette in a cozy alpine setting.

CHF40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll this car-free village with shops, chocolate stores, and Matterhorn museum.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Omnia

Experience fine dining with panoramic views and gourmet dishes.

CHF70, 2h

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Day 11: Gornergrat Panoramas

Zermatt, Switzerland on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day early with breakfast in preparation for a mountain excursion.

INCLUDED, 1h

8:30am

Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway

Take the cogwheel train to 3,089m for iconic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. The journey is seated and accessible, lasting about 30 minutes each way.

CHF50, 5h (includes summit time)

2:00pm

Lunch at Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Have lunch with spectacular alpine views at the summit hotel.

CHF40, 1.5h

5:30pm

Return and Relax

Descend back to Zermatt and rest before dinner.

INCLUDED, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Enjoy local game and cheese specialities in a cozy alpine tavern atmosphere.

CHF45, 1.5h

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Day 12: Travel to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Have breakfast and check out for travel to Lucerne.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Train to Lucerne

Travel from Zermatt to Lucerne by train with scenic route taking about 3h 15m.

INCLUDED, 3h15m

12:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Lunch

Check in near the train station. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café serving Swiss classics.

CHF30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Walk Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Discover the historic wooden Chapel Bridge and the charming medieval Old Town with shops and cafes.

Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Dine on authentic Lucerne specialties in this popular historic tavern.

CHF40, 1.5h

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Day 13: Lucerne Culture & Sights

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a good breakfast to prepare for sightseeing.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Visit Lion Monument and Glacier Garden

See the poignant Lion Monument and explore the nearby Glacier Garden, showcasing natural history and optics exhibits.

CHF20 combined, 2h

11:30am

Museum of Transport (Optional)

An interactive and engaging museum about Swiss transport including trains, automobiles, and aviation.

CHF32, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Rathaus Brauerei

Enjoy lunch and sample local brews in a lively brewery setting.

CHF35, 1h

3:00pm

Free afternoon - explore promenade or rest

Relax by the lake or visit local cafés and shops in Lucerne's waterfront.

Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Experience refined Swiss and international cuisine overlooking the Reuss River.

CHF60, 2h

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Day 14: Lake Lucerne or Mount Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for an active day with breakfast at your hotel.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:30am

Boat Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy a comfortable lakeside cruise with beautiful alpine scenery.

INCLUDED, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Stadtkeller

Taste regional Swiss specialties with lively folklore entertainment.

CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Excursion to Mount Pilatus

Take the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus or the gondola down, known for spectacular panoramic views. Accessible and has seating.

CHF75, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Grottino 1313

Enjoy Italian cuisine in a unique grotto-style setting in central Lucerne.

CHF40, 1.5h

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Day 15: Travel to Florence via Milan

Florence, Italy on September 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy one last breakfast in Lucerne and check out for your travel to Italy.

INCLUDED, 1h

8:00am

Train from Lucerne to Milan

Board a direct EuroCity train to Milan in a comfortable 3.5-hour journey.

EUR50, 3h30m

11:45am

Train from Milan to Florence

Take a high-speed train from Milan to Florence, lasting 2 hours.

EUR30, 2h

2:00pm

Check in Florence Hotel & Lunch

Check into your hotel near Santa Maria Novella station and enjoy a Tuscan lunch at a nearby trattoria.

EUR35, 1.5h

4:00pm

Leisurely walk around Florence center

Familiarize yourself with the Renaissance city by walking around Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Enjoy classic Tuscan dishes like ribollita or pasta with porcini mushrooms in a lively setting.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 16: Florence Art & Culture

Florence, Italy on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of cultural visits.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Accademia Gallery – Visit Michelangelo’s David

See the iconic statue of David and other Renaissance masterpieces, with tickets booked in advance for extra convenience.

EUR20, 2h

11:30am

Uffizi Gallery

Explore world-famous Renaissance artworks by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and more. Pre-booked tickets are essential.

EUR25, 3h

3:30pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Taste a variety of Tuscan specialties with fresh market ingredients in a lively setting.

EUR25, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax or visit Florence Cathedral

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its impressive dome and façade, or relax at a nearby café.

EUR18, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy traditional Florentine cuisine in a warm, intimate atmosphere.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 17: Pisa Half-Day Trip

Florence & Pisa, Italy on September 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before your half-day trip to Pisa.

INCLUDED, 1h

8:30am

Train to Pisa

Take a one-hour regional train ride from Florence to Pisa.

EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa

Walk around the Piazza dei Miracoli to see the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Cathedral. A private tour adds deeper insight and convenience.

EUR25 for tower climb (optional), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch in Pisa

Enjoy Tuscan cuisine at a local trattoria before returning to Florence.

EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Train back to Florence

Return by train to Florence for a relaxing late afternoon.

EUR10, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Relish delicious Italian dishes in a romantic and historic setting.

EUR50, 1.5h

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Day 18: Travel to Rome & Evening Walk

Rome, Italy on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Have breakfast and check out to catch your train to Rome.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Train to Rome

Take a high-speed train from Florence to Rome for about 1h 40m.

EUR35, 1h40m

11:00am

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel near the Pantheon or Prati district and rest.

INCLUDED, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Enjoy some of the best Roman-style thin crust pizza in a bustling eatery.

EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Walk to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring these iconic Roman landmarks in the cooler late afternoon.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

Savor classic Roman pasta dishes like carbonara in a local favorite eatery with handmade pasta.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 19: Rome Historic Sights

Rome, Italy on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast preparing for a day of sightseeing.

INCLUDED, 1h

9:00am

Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Visit the Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved monuments, followed by exploring Piazza Navona, famous for its fountains and piazza life.

Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch near Piazza Navona

Stop at a nearby trattoria for classic Roman dishes like suppli and artichokes alla Romana.

EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Rome Golf Cart Tour

Enjoy a mobility-friendly golf cart tour around central Rome’s major spots with informative guides, ideal for long walking avoidance.

EUR60, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Dine on traditional Roman cuisine in a cozy atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 20: Colosseum & Roman Forum

Rome, Italy on September 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

An early breakfast to prepare for a full day of history and exploration.

INCLUDED, 1h

8:30am

Guided Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Join a guided tour with priority access to the Colosseum and explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Elevators are available for accessibility.

EUR40, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Aroma Restaurant

Dine with a view of the Colosseum, enjoying refined Italian dishes.

EUR60, 1.5h

2:00pm

Leisurely Afternoon

Relax or visit nearby Capitoline Museums for more Roman art and history (optional).

EUR15, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hostaria Romana

Savor Roman pasta dishes in a lively and welcoming atmosphere favored by locals.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 21: Vatican City Tour

Rome, Italy on September 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before your visit to Vatican City’s top sites.

INCLUDED, 1h

8:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Tour the Vatican Museums’ extensive art collections culminating in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Pre-book tickets months in advance to avoid long waits.

EUR30, 3h