15-Day Austria and Italy Grand Tour from Vienna to Rome with Scenic Stops and Cultural Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Vienna Old Town

Vienna, Austria on September 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy traditional Viennese pastries and coffee at this historic café famous for its literary and artistic clientele.

EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Explore Vienna Old Town and St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Stroll through Vienna’s Old Town visiting the iconic Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a must-see landmark rich in history and architecture.

Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl

Savour authentic Austrian cuisine with Wiener Schnitzel in this cozy local eatery close to the cathedral.

EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Leisure time & relax

Rest or enjoy a gentle walk in Stadtpark to acclimatize after your flight.

Free, 1h

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Kärntner Straße

Explore Vienna’s famous shopping street lined with lively cafés and beautiful architecture, perfect for sunset strolls.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Dine on traditionally prepared Tafelspitz, a Viennese boiled beef specialty in a historic setting.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 2: Palaces & River Walk

Vienna, Austria on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Demel

Indulge in exquisite Viennese cakes and coffee in this famous historic pastry shop.

EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the palace and its magnificent gardens, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Palace opens 8:30am–5:30pm.

EUR22, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

Enjoy a quiet lunch with Austrian dishes inside the MuseumsQuartier hidden courtyard.

EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Belvedere Museum

Explore Austrian art including Klimt’s 'The Kiss' in the beautiful Belvedere palace museums, open 10am–6pm.

EUR17, 2h

6:00pm

Evening walk along Danube River

Relax on a scenic stroll along the Danube promenade, ideal for sunset views and riverside cafes.

Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Motto am Fluss

Enjoy trendy dining with views directly over the Danube Canal serving modern Austrian cuisine.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 3: Vienna to Salzburg

Vienna to Salzburg, Austria on September 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before departure to Salzburg.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Salzburg

Take a direct train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg (approx 2h 30min).

EUR50, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Dine at one of Europe’s oldest restaurants near Salzburg Cathedral offering traditional Austrian fare.

EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Visit the stunning Baroque Mirabell Palace and its beautifully landscaped gardens.

EUR12, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Mozart’s Birthplace

Tour the former home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart showcasing memorabilia, tickets needed, open 9am–5pm.

EUR12, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Die Weisse

Enjoy hearty Austrian dishes and local craft beers at Salzburg’s historic brewpub.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 4: Salzburg Day Trip

Salzburg, Austria on September 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Bazar

Start your day with coffee and pastries overlooking the Salzach river.

EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Hallstatt or Sound of Music Tour

Choose a scenic 1-hour drive to Hallstatt to see the lake village or join a Sound of Music guided tour including the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Hallstatt is best explored in the morning; tours run from 8am to 6pm.

EUR70 (Hallstatt by transport) / EUR50 (Sound of Music Tour), 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at Barenwirt

Taste traditional Styrian dishes and local wines in a cozy setting back in Salzburg.

EUR30, 1.5h

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Day 5: Salzburg to Zell am See

Salzburg to Zell am See, Austria on September 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on scenic drive.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive via Lake Fuschl or Grossglockner route

Take a beautiful scenic drive from Salzburg to Zell am See via either the picturesque Lake Fuschl or the iconic Grossglockner High Alpine Road for stunning mountain views.

EUR35 (Grossglockner toll), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Seehotel Bellevue

Lunch with lake views offering fresh fish and Austrian specialties.

EUR35, 1.5h

2:30pm

Relax by Zell am See lake

Spend your afternoon unwinding by the pristine Lake Zell taking in tranquil alpine scenery.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kupferkessel

Savour Tyrolean specialties in a traditional alpine atmosphere.

EUR30, 1.5h

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Day 6: Hiking & Adventure

Zell am See, Austria on September 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Kaiser

Start with hearty breakfast and excellent coffee in the town centre.

EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Hike to Schmittenhöhe or Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge

Choose the panoramic mountain hike up Schmittenhöhe or explore the breathtaking Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge nearby. Hiking routes open daylight hours, approx 8am–6pm.

Lift ticket approx EUR14 (if needed), 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Pinzgauer Stuben

Taste traditional mountain cuisine with local ingredients.

EUR28, 1h

3:00pm

Optional adventure activities

Try paragliding, mountain biking or boat rental on the lake for adventure seekers.

Varies EUR30–100, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof Adonis

Relax with Austrian comfort food in a rustic setting.

EUR30, 1.5h

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Day 7: To Dolomites Italy

Zell am See, Austria to Dolomites, Italy on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before crossing the border.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Cross border via Brenner Pass

Drive south through the Austrian Alps crossing into Italy via Brenner Pass, stopping at Plansee or Innsbruck for scenic breaks.

EUR20 tolls and fuel approx, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch in Innsbruck at Ottoburg

Enjoy Tyrolean dishes with a view of the Golden Roof in Innsbruck old town.

EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Arrive and check-in in Ortisei, Val Gardena

Settle into your Dolomites base town ready for three days of alpine exploration.

Varies, Rest of day

4:00pm

Light hike or cable car to Seceda

Take a cable car ride in the afternoon to Seceda for panoramic views and an easy hike, open typically from 9am–5pm.

EUR35 round trip, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tubladel

Enjoy Ladin specialties and mountain cuisine in a friendly local restaurant.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 8: Dolomites Exploration

Dolomites, Italy on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with an energizing breakfast before hikes.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive Passo Gardena and Lago di Braies

Explore one of the most scenic routes, visiting the turquoise Lago di Braies lake and enjoying short hikes around Passo Gardena.

Free, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Rifugio Lago di Braies

Lunch with lake views at the mountain hut offering local dishes.

EUR25, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Ortisei for leisure or spa time

Relax at hotel spa or wander around the charming alpine village.

Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mauriz Keller

Enjoy sophisticated Italian and Tyrolean fusion cuisine in Ortisei.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 9: Dolomites Hiking

Dolomites, Italy on September 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a day of hiking.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Take a moderately challenging full-day hike around the iconic Tre Cime peaks offering spectacular rock formations and vistas. Start early to complete before dusk; trails open all day.

Free, 7h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Rest after your hike and freshen up.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed meal with local wines and specialties after a long day.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 10: To Venice

Venice, Italy on September 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Dolomite breakfast.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Venice

Travel from Dolomites to Venice (approx 3h drive).

Tolls and fuel approx EUR30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Dine on fresh Venetian seafood in a classic trattoria near Rialto Market.

EUR40, 1.5h

2:30pm

Explore canals & Doge’s Palace

Walk through St. Mark’s Square and tour the Doge’s Palace (open 9am–7pm, last entry 6pm).

EUR25, 3h

6:00pm

Gondola Ride at Sunset

Experience Venice from its iconic canals with a sunset gondola ride (30 minutes).

EUR80, 0.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy exquisite Venetian dishes in this intimate and popular osteria.

EUR50, 1.5h

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Day 11: Florence Arrival

Florence, Italy on September 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a light Italian breakfast.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Florence by train or car

Travel from Venice to Florence by train (approx 2h) or drive.

EUR50, 2h

11:00am

Visit Florence Duomo

Explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, climb the dome for panoramic views (open 10am–5pm).

EUR20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan fare in a lively local spot popular for its hearty pastas.

EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Tour the world-class art museum featuring Renaissance masterpieces (open 8:15am–6:30pm, closed Mondays).

EUR30, 2h

5:30pm

Stroll Ponte Vecchio

Walk along the historic bridge lined with jewelry shops and sunset views over the Arno River.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

End the day with refined Tuscan dishes in a cozy romantic restaurant.

EUR45, 1.5h

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Day 12: Tuscany Day Trip

Florence, Italy on September 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for your Tuscan countryside day trip.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Chianti or San Gimignano

Explore charming Tuscan towns and vineyards. Join a guided wine tasting tour in Chianti or visit the medieval towers of San Gimignano. Tours typically run 9am–6pm.

EUR90, 8h