12-Day European Vacation: Switzerland, Austria, and Germany Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Exploration

Zurich, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Sprüngli

Enjoy traditional Swiss pastries and coffee at this iconic cafe located on Bahnhofstrasse, open from 8am for a perfect start.
CHF20, 1h

10:30am

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Zurich's charming historic district with its narrow alleys, medieval buildings, and landmarks like Grossmünster church, guided tours start at 10am and last 2 hours.
CHF25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Savor hearty Swiss fare such as sausages and rösti at this traditional restaurant housed in a historic armory building, open for lunch from 11:30am to 3pm.
CHF30, 1h

3:00pm

Boat ride on Lake Zurich

Relax on a scenic 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich that offers beautiful views of the city and Alps, cruises operate until early evening.
CHF22, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Experience Swiss fine dining with classic dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes in a historic art-filled setting, open until 11pm.
CHF60, 1.5h
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Day 2: Lucerne and Mountain Views

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Train to Lucerne

Catch a morning train from Zurich to Lucerne, a scenic 1 hour ride, departures from Zurich HB regularly from early morning.
CHF25, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Mill’Feuille

Enjoy fresh bread and coffee by the Reuss river, open from 7am, perfect to fuel up before exploring.
CHF18, 45m

10:00am

Chapel Bridge and Old Town Walk

Visit the famous 14th-century covered wooden bridge and wander Lucerne’s medieval old town, attractions open all day.
Free, 1.5h

11:45am

Mount Pilatus Excursion

Take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus, open 8am to 7pm in summer; enjoy panoramic Alpine views.
CHF72, 4h

4:00pm

Return to Lucerne and Relax

Stroll or sit by Lake Lucerne after descending mountain, enjoy local ice cream or snacks, area open all day.
CHF10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Dine on traditional Swiss dishes like Luzerner Chügelipastete in a cozy, authentic tavern, open until 10pm.
CHF40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Bern and Travel to Innsbruck

Bern, Switzerland and Innsbruck, Austria on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Train to Bern

Take an early train from Lucerne to Bern in just under 1.5 hours, trains start early morning.
CHF30, 1h30m

9:15am

Breakfast at Adrianos Bar & Cafe

Enjoy Bernese breakfast specialties near the Zytglogge clock tower, open from 7am.
CHF18, 1h

10:30am

Bern Old Town Exploration

Discover UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval old town, the Bear Park, and the Zytglogge astronomical clock, all accessible day round.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kornhauskeller

Feast on Swiss and international dishes in a stunning vaulted cellar setting, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
CHF35, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Innsbruck

Depart by train from Bern to Innsbruck, Austria, approximately 4.5 hours with one change, enjoy scenic Alpine views.
EUR60, 4h30m

7:00pm

Dinner in Innsbruck at Die Wilderin

Enjoy modern Tyrolean cuisine focused on local ingredients, restaurant open till 10pm.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 4: Innsbruck and Alpine Sights

Innsbruck, Austria on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Munding

Start your day with traditional pastries and coffee at Innsbruck’s oldest café, open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Golden Roof and Old Town

Explore Innsbruck’s landmark Golden Roof and charming medieval streets, open all day free to explore.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Nordkette Cable Car Ride

Take the Hungerburg funicular and cable car to Seegrube and Hafelekar for spectacular views of the Alps, operating hours 8am to 6:30pm.
EUR38, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Seegrube Restaurant

Enjoy Tyrolean specialties with panoramic mountain views at the cable car summit restaurant, open 11am to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h

4:00pm

Ambras Castle Visit

Tour the Renaissance castle and its beautiful gardens, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Stiftskeller

Taste Austrian classic dishes in a historic setting near the Old Town, open till 10pm.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 5: Salzburg Cultural Day

Salzburg, Austria on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Train to Salzburg

Early morning train from Innsbruck to Salzburg, about 2 hours, trains depart frequently.
EUR25, 2h

9:45am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Start your day at Austria’s oldest coffee house, famous for pastries, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

10:45am

Hohensalzburg Fortress Tour

Visit one of Europe’s largest medieval castles with stunning city views, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR16, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Dine in one of Europe’s oldest restaurants offering Austrian cuisine in a historic abbey setting, open 11am to 9pm.
EUR40, 1h

2:30pm

Mozart’s Birthplace Museum

Explore the life of Mozart in the house he was born in, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR12, 1h

4:00pm

Mirabell Gardens Walk

Relax in beautifully designed Baroque gardens featuring statues, fountains, and views of the fortress, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Augustiner Bräustuben

Enjoy hearty Austrian beer hall atmosphere with local specialties, open until midnight.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Travel to Munich and City Intro

Munich, Germany on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Train to Munich

Depart Salzburg for Munich by train, a fast 1.5 hour journey with connections, trains start early.
EUR25, 1h30m

9:45am

Breakfast at Café Frischhut

Try traditional German pastries like Schmalznudel in this popular bakery, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h

11:00am

Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus

Explore Munich’s central square and watch the Glockenspiel show at 11am, open all day for public access.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Sample Bavarian delicacies at food stalls in this lively farmers' market open daily till early evening.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Residenz Munich

Tour Bavaria’s former royal palace, open 9am to 6pm with rich history and architecture.
EUR13, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Englischer Garten

Walk or bike through one of the world’s largest urban parks, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Experience traditional Bavarian beer hall with live music and classic dishes, open until midnight.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 7: Munich Museums and Palaces

Munich, Germany on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rischart Café

Enjoy fresh breads and coffee at this well-known Munich bakery chain, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Deutsches Museum

Visit the world’s largest science and technology museum, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR14, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Paulaner am Nockherberg

Enjoy classic Bavarian cuisine and beer in a traditional brewery setting, open noon to 10pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Nymphenburg Palace

Tour the stunning Baroque palace and gardens, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR11, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping at Maximilianstrasse

Stroll Munich’s luxury shopping avenue featuring designer boutiques and cafes, open through evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Schneider Bräuhaus München

Sample traditional Bavarian beer and hearty food in vibrant brewery atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 8: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip

Near Munich, Germany on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Train and Bus to Neuschwanstein Castle

Early start by train and bus to visit the famous fairy-tale castle near Füssen, approx 2 hours one way.
EUR40, 2h

9:30am

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

Join a guided tour inside the iconic 19th-century castle, tours run regularly from 9am to 4:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein

Dine with views of the castle area, offering Bavarian specialties, open till 4pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Hike to Marienbrücke Bridge

Take a short walk to the famous bridge overlooking the castle and the Pöllat Gorge for stunning photos.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Munich

Return by bus and train to Munich for evening rest.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tantris

Optional fine dining experience of modern German cuisine in a Michelin-starred setting, reservation recommended, open till 11pm.
EUR90, 2h
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Day 9: Travel to Berlin and City Stroll

Berlin, Germany on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Train to Berlin

Morning high-speed train from Munich to Berlin, approx 4 hours, trains start early morning.
EUR80, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Markthalle Neun

Eat at a vibrant indoor food market serving international options, open 12pm to 8pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz

Walk around Berlin’s iconic 18th-century gate symbolizing unity, public area open all day.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Reichstag Building Tour

Visit the German Parliament’s impressive glass dome, advance registration required, open 8am to midnight.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Holocaust Memorial Visit

Explore the haunting Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe near Brandenburg Gate, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zur letzten Instanz

Dine in Berlin’s oldest restaurant serving authentic German dishes, open till 11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 10: Berlin Museums and Culture

Berlin, Germany on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Anna Blume

Enjoy creative breakfast and florals in a charming café in Prenzlauer Berg, open from 9am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Museum Island Tour

Visit Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, and Neues Museum, open 10am to 6pm, cultural treasures including antiquities and art.
EUR19, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hackescher Markt

Sample various cuisines in a lively square with many cafes and restaurants, open all day.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Berlin Cathedral Visit

Tour this impressive baroque cathedral on Museum Island, open 9am to 8pm.
EUR10, 1h

4:00pm

Walk Along East Side Gallery

Stroll this open-air gallery of murals painted on the Berlin Wall, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Clärchens Ballhaus

Experience traditional German food and dancing in a historic ballroom, open till midnight.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 11: Potsdam Day Trip

Potsdam, Germany on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Train to Potsdam

Short 40-minute train ride from Berlin central station to Potsdam, trains start early.
EUR7, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Guam

Relax with coffee and light breakfast near Sanssouci Park, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Sanssouci Palace Tour

Tour Frederick the Great’s Rococo summer palace and beautiful gardens, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Die Kaffeetante

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and cakes near the park, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dutch Quarter

Walk the charming historic brick houses and boutique shops, open all day.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Berlin and free time

Afternoon at leisure back in Berlin for shopping or rest.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Tim Raue

Celebrate your trip with exquisite contemporary German-Asian fusion cuisine at Michelin-starred venue, open till 11pm.
EUR100, 2h
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Day 12: Departure Day

Berlin, Germany on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before check-out, typically served from 7am.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

Visit Kurfürstendamm or local markets for any last souvenirs, stores open from 10am.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Departure to Airport

Allow sufficient travel time to Berlin Brandenburg Airport for your flight home.
Taxi EUR40, 1h
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