14-Day Switzerland, Austria & Italy Itinerary: Alpine Lakes to Imperial Cities
Embark on a 14-day journey through the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. This itinerary takes you from the serene shores of Lake Como to the majestic Swiss Alps, and then through the historic cities of Salzburg and Vienna.
- 1Varenna
- 2Lucerne
- 3Salzburg
- 4Vienna
Day 1: Arrive Varenna
Begin your Italian adventure in Varenna, a charming lakeside town on Lake Como. After arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport and transferring to Varenna-Esino train station, settle in and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along Riva Grande.
Highlights
- Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), then take a train to Milano Centrale and connect to Varenna-Esino.
- The journey from Malpensa to Varenna-Esino typically takes 2 hours 13 minutes to 3 hours.
- Walk from Varenna-Esino train station to the town center (10-20 minutes) or take a short taxi ride.
Day 2: Explore Varenna's Villas and Gardens
Dedicate your day to Varenna's elegant villas and botanical wonders, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Lake Como.
Highlights
- Visit Villa Monastero, a historic lakeside villa with terraced botanical gardens and panoramic lake views.
- Explore the Casa Museo di Villa Monastero, presenting period interiors and collections within the villa.
- Wander through the Giardini di Villa Cipressi, known for its cypresses, exotic plants, and elegant viewpoints.
Day 3: Varenna's Medieval Charm and Lakeside Promenade
Discover Varenna's historical heights and enjoy a relaxing walk along its famous lakeside promenade.
Highlights
- Hike up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval tower offering sweeping views over Lake Como and falconry events.
- Stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a famous suspended lakeside promenade with photogenic views of Varenna's colorful houses.
- Enjoy the picturesque old harbor area of Riva Grande, perfect for atmosphere and sunset views.
Day 4: Scenic Train to Lucerne
Enjoy a picturesque train journey from Italy to Switzerland, arriving in Lucerne to explore its iconic Chapel Bridge and historic Old Town.
Highlights
- Depart from Varenna-Esino train station for Lucerne. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours 37 minutes, with tickets starting from €45.
- Upon arrival at Luzern Bhf, explore the iconic 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its interior paintings.
- Wander through Lucerne's preserved Old Town, including the Weinmarkt square with its frescoed buildings.
Day 5: Lucerne's Transport Museum and Lakeside Views
Dive into Swiss innovation at the Museum of Transport and enjoy the elegant lakeside promenades of Lucerne.
Highlights
- Spend time at the Swiss Museum of Transport, featuring trains, planes, cars, and interactive exhibits.
- Stroll along the Nationalquai, an elegant lakefront promenade offering stunning mountain views.
- Enjoy the Rathausquai, a car-free riverside promenade ideal for walking between Old Town sights.
Day 6: Lucerne's Artistic and Historic Landmarks
Discover Lucerne's poignant Lion Monument, impressive art collection, and vibrant historic squares.
Highlights
- Visit the moving Lion Monument, commemorating Swiss Guards, described by Mark Twain as the world's saddest stone.
- Explore the Sammlung Rosengart, a collection featuring works by Pablo Picasso.
- Wander through the Weinmarkt, a historic square lined with frescoed buildings and fountains.
Day 7: Lucerne's Modern Art and Riverside Charm
Experience Lucerne's contemporary art scene and enjoy leisurely walks along its picturesque riverside.
Highlights
- Discover the Kunstmuseum Luzern, a Jean Nouvel-designed art museum showcasing modern and contemporary works.
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rathausquai, a car-free riverside promenade with shops and historic facades.
- Take in the views of the Water Tower, a defining medieval landmark beside Chapel Bridge.
Day 8: Train Journey to Salzburg
Embark on a scenic train journey across Switzerland and Austria, arriving in Salzburg to begin exploring its historic Old Town.
Highlights
- Depart from Luzern Bhf for Salzburg Hbf. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours 11 minutes, with tickets starting from €42.
- Arrive in Salzburg and settle into the city known for its baroque architecture.
- Enjoy an evening walk through Salzburg's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 9: Salzburg's Fortress, Cathedral, and Historic Lane
Immerse yourself in Salzburg's rich history, from its imposing hilltop fortress to its grand cathedral and famous shopping street.
Highlights
- Ascend to Hohensalzburg Fortress, a baroque hilltop fortress offering panoramic city views and museums.
- Visit Salzburg Cathedral, a major baroque monument with a grand dome and rich interior.
- Stroll along Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous old shopping lane with wrought-iron guild signs and historic houses.
Day 10: Day Trip to Picturesque Hallstatt
Take a captivating day trip to Hallstatt, a stunning lakeside village, and experience its unique charm and breathtaking views.
Highlights
- Depart from Salzburg Hbf by train to Hallstatt Bahnhof (earliest 00:13).
- Experience the Hallstatt Skywalk Welterbeblick for sweeping lake and village panoramas.
- Explore Marktplatz Hallstatt, the traditional village square with historic houses and return to Salzburg from Hallstatt Bahnhof (latest 23:33).
Day 11: Train to Imperial Vienna
Travel by train to Vienna, Austria's imperial capital, and begin your exploration with its historic Innere Stadt and magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Highlights
- Depart from Salzburg Hbf for Wien Hauptbahnhof. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours 22 minutes, with tickets starting from €20.
- Upon arrival, explore the Innere Stadt, Vienna's UNESCO-listed historic center.
- Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, the city's spiritual symbol with its distinctive patterned roof.
Day 12: Vienna's Imperial Palaces
Delve into Vienna's imperial past by visiting two of its most iconic palaces, Schönbrunn and Hofburg.
Highlights
- Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial summer residence with grand Baroque rooms and extensive gardens.
- Discover the Hofburg, the former Habsburg winter residence, housing ceremonial apartments and courtyards.
- Walk along the Ringstrasse, a circular boulevard lined with palaces, museums, and grand public buildings.
Day 13: Vienna's Art and Culture Hubs
Immerse yourself in Vienna's vibrant art scene, from world-class museums to a dynamic cultural district.
Highlights
- Visit the Belvedere Museum, home to Klimt's "The Kiss" and outstanding Austrian art.
- Explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a world-class art museum strong in Old Masters and Egyptian antiquities.
- Wander through the MuseumsQuartier, a large cultural district with museums, courtyards, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Day 14: Depart Vienna
Enjoy a final morning in Vienna before heading to Vienna International Airport for your departure.
Highlights
- Spend your morning revisiting a favorite spot or enjoying a Viennese coffeehouse experience.
- Travel to Vienna International Airport (VIE) for your onward journey.
- Alternatively, consider Bratislava Airport (BTS) or Graz Airport (GRZ) with bus or train connections to Vienna.
