Brussels & Zurich 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Brussels

Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) from Dulles (WAS).

Proceed through immigration and customs, then take a train or taxi to your hotel in the city center. Check in and settle into your accommodation.

The airport is well-connected to the city center by train. Purchase tickets at the station.

Explore Grand Place

Wander through the magnificent Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its opulent guildhalls, the stunning Town Hall, and the King's House. Absorb the incredible atmosphere and architecture.

Consider visiting at dusk to see the buildings beautifully illuminated.

Dinner in Brussels

Enjoy a traditional Belgian dinner.

Look for a restaurant offering mussels, frites, or carbonnade flamande.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Immerse yourselves in art at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, home to a vast collection spanning from Old Masters to modern art.

You can choose to focus on a specific period or artist.

Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and opening hours. Booking tickets online is recommended.

Belgian Waffle & Chocolate Tasting

Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles, either Liège or Brussels style, and sample some exquisite Belgian chocolates from one of the many renowned chocolatiers.

Many shops offer samples. Don't be afraid to try different varieties!

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Stroll through one of Europe's oldest shopping arcades, a beautifully glass-roofed gallery filled with boutique shops, cafes, and theaters. Admire the elegant 19th-century architecture.

A perfect spot for window shopping and taking photos.

See Manneken Pis

Visit Brussels' famous small bronze statue, Manneken Pis.

It's often dressed in various costumes depending on the occasion.

Dinner & Leisure

Enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner, perhaps trying another local specialty or revisiting a favorite spot.

Visit the Atomium

Travel to see the iconic Atomium, a landmark structure built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. You can admire it from the outside and take some great photos.

Easily accessible by metro from the city center. Allow travel time.

Lunch Near Atomium

Grab a quick lunch near the Atomium before heading back to the city center.

Train to London

Travel by high-speed train from Brussels-Midi to London St Pancras International.

This journey is approximately 2 hours, crossing beneath the English Channel.

Remember to account for the time difference (-1 hour from CET to GMT) upon arrival in London. Also, there will be passport control for UK entry.

Check into London Hotel

Arrive in London, make your way to your chosen hotel for your layover, and check in.

Dinner in London

Enjoy dinner in London, preparing for your overnight train journey tomorrow.

Iconic London Landmarks (Exterior)

Take a morning walk to see some of London's famous exterior landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

A walk along the Thames provides great views.

Focus on exterior views and photos given the limited time.

Lunch in London

Enjoy a quick and casual lunch in London before preparing for your long journey.

Overnight Train to Zurich

Head to the train station (likely London St Pancras or a connecting station) for your overnight train journey to Zurich.

Settle into your sleeper cabin for a comfortable night's travel.

Confirm train station and departure times. Pack essentials for the overnight journey in a smaller bag. You'll arrive in Zurich in the morning.

Arrive in Zurich

Arrive at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) in the morning after your overnight train.

Head to your hotel to drop off your luggage and freshen up.

Zurich's main station is very central and well-connected to public transport.

Stroll Along Lake Zurich

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade of Lake Zurich (Zürichsee).

Take in the scenic views of the lake, city, and distant Alps.

Perfect for fresh air and beautiful photo opportunities.

Lakeside Lunch

Have lunch at a cafe or restaurant near Lake Zurich, enjoying the views.

Lake Zurich Boat Trip

Take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Zurich.

Various routes are available, offering different perspectives of the city and surrounding areas.

Short round trips are available, perfect for enjoying the scenery without committing too much time.

Old Town Introduction

Begin exploring Zurich's charming Old Town (Altstadt), characterized by its narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings, and historical squares.

Get a feel for the area for deeper exploration tomorrow.

Dinner in Zurich

Enjoy dinner in Zurich, perhaps trying some local Swiss-German cuisine.

Arrive in Vienna

Arrive by overnight train from Zurich at Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station).

Trains from Zurich typically arrive in the early morning. Head to your hotel to drop off luggage.

Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Check into your hotel, drop off luggage, and freshen up before starting your day.

Historic Center Exploration

Begin your exploration of the Historic Center of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marveling at its Baroque castles and grand buildings.

This area is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Visit Austria's most prominent national symbol, known for its tiled roof and South Tower.

You can enter the main church or opt for a tower climb for city views.

Entrance to the main cathedral is free, but climbing the South Tower or visiting the catacombs requires a ticket. TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190454-d191365-Reviews-St_Stephen_s_Cathedral-Vienna.html?m=66827

Dinner in Stephansplatz

Enjoy a traditional Viennese dinner in one of the many restaurants around Stephansplatz, the bustling heart of Vienna.

Try Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz, local specialties.

The Hofburg Palace

Explore the former imperial palace, once the center of the Habsburg empire.

Visit the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection.

Book tickets in advance to save time. It's a large complex, so pace yourselves. TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190454-d191377-Reviews-The_Hofburg-Vienna.html?m=66827

Lunch near MuseumsQuartier

Enjoy lunch at a cafe or restaurant near the MuseumsQuartier, offering a variety of dining options.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Discover one of the world's foremost fine arts museums, housed in a magnificent building across from the Hofburg.

Home to works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and more.

The museum is very large, so consider focusing on a specific collection or two. Google Places: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kunsthistorisches+Museum+Wien,+Maria-Theresien-Platz,+Wien

MuseumsQuartier Stroll

Take a relaxed stroll through the MuseumsQuartier, one of the world's largest cultural complexes, featuring courtyards, cafes, and modern art installations.

A great place for people-watching and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Google Places: https://www.google.com/maps/place/MuseumsQuartier+Wien,+Vienna

Dinner on Mariahilfer Straße

Explore Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna's longest shopping street, and find a restaurant for dinner.

Travel to Schönbrunn Palace

Take the U-Bahn (U4 line, green) from the city center directly to Schönbrunn Palace.

The journey is scenic and efficient.

Purchase a 24-hour pass for easy travel on Vienna's excellent public transport. TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190454-d9707088-Reviews-Vienna_U_Bahn-Vienna.html?m=66827

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Explore the opulent summer residence of the Habsburg emperors.

Tour the state rooms and private apartments, gaining insight into imperial life.

Book your tickets online in advance, especially for specific time slots, to avoid long queues. TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190454-d194165-Reviews-Schonbrunn_Palace-Vienna.html?m=66827

Schönbrunn Gardens

Wander through the vast and beautiful Baroque gardens of Schönbrunn, including the Gloriette, Neptune Fountain, and the Roman Ruin. The views from the Gloriette are stunning.

The gardens are free to enter. The Gloriette observation deck sometimes has a small fee.

Lunch at Schönbrunn

Have lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants located within the Schönbrunn complex or nearby.

Stadtpark & Johann Strauss Monument

Return to the city center and enjoy a relaxing walk through Stadtpark, admiring its famous Johann Strauss monument (the 'Golden Strauss').

A beautiful green oasis perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Google Places: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stadtpark,+Parkring+1,+Wien

Dinner in Leopoldstadt

Dine in the vibrant Leopoldstadt district, known for its diverse culinary scene, especially near the Prater amusement park.

Albertina Museum

Visit the Albertina, a world-class art museum housed in a former imperial palace.

It boasts one of the most important print rooms in the world and impressive modern art exhibitions.

Check their current exhibitions, as they often have engaging rotating displays. Google Places: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Albertina,+Albertinaplatz+1,+Wien

Lunch in the City Center

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a traditional Viennese restaurant or a cozy cafe in the heart of the city.

Time Travel Vienna

Embark on a mysterious 50-minute journey into Vienna's history in a 1200m² monastery.

This interactive experience uses 5D effects and animatronics to bring history to life, perfect for a 14-year-old!

A fun and engaging way to learn about Vienna's past. TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190454-d3316866-Reviews-Time_Travel_Vienna-Vienna.html?m=66827

Viennese Coffee House

Indulge in the iconic Viennese coffee house culture.

Enjoy a traditional coffee (like a Melange) and a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

These are historic institutions; Café Central offers grand architecture, while Demel is famous for its cakes and confectionery.

Optional: Classical Concert or Opera

Consider attending an evening classical concert or opera performance.

Vienna is the city of music, and this can be a magical experience.

Check schedules and book tickets well in advance. There are many options from formal opera to more casual classical concerts.

St. Charles's Church

Visit the impressive St.

Charles's Church (Karlskirche), a magnificent Baroque church known for its stunning dome and frescoes.

You can take an elevator up to the dome for a closer look at the frescoes and panoramic views. Google Places: https://www.google.com/maps/place/St.+Charles's+Church,+Karlsplatz+10,+Wien

Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping in Vienna.

Look for local crafts, Mozart chocolates, or unique Austrian gifts.

Farewell Viennese Lunch

Savor a final delicious Viennese lunch, perhaps revisiting a favorite dish or trying something new.

Relax & Pack at Hotel

Head back to your hotel to relax, organize your purchases, and pack your bags for your flight home tomorrow.

Early Dinner

Enjoy an early dinner to ensure you have ample time to prepare for your international flight the following day.

Classic Viennese Breakfast

Enjoy a final authentic Viennese breakfast at a traditional coffee house.

Savor coffee, pastries, and the unique atmosphere. This is a perfect way to experience Viennese coffee culture one last time.

Many coffee houses open early, offering a wide selection of breakfast items and classic Viennese pastries. Prices vary depending on location and order. Expect to spend around EUR 20-30 for 2 people.

Stroll Historic City Center

Take a leisurely walk through the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Vienna.

Admire the grand architecture of buildings like St. Stephen's Cathedral and explore the charming narrow streets. A great opportunity for some last-minute photos or souvenir shopping.

This area is very walkable and offers numerous beautiful sights. Keep an eye out for unique souvenir shops. St. Stephen's Cathedral is an iconic landmark with a stunning tiled roof.

Farewell Austrian Lunch

Enjoy a final Austrian meal near your accommodation or in the city center before heading to the airport.

Perhaps try a Wiener Schnitzel or a traditional Goulash.

Transfer to Vienna Airport

Travel from your accommodation in Vienna to Vienna International Airport (VIE).

You can use public transport (CAT train or S-Bahn) or a taxi/ride-share service.

Airport Check-in & Security

Allow ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security at Vienna International Airport.

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your international flight's scheduled departure time.

Flight from Vienna to Dulles

Depart from Vienna International Airport (VIE) on your international flight back to Washington Dulles (IAD). This will be a long-haul flight, likely with a layover, arriving the following day due to time zone differences.

Relax on your flight home and reflect on your wonderful European adventure.

Arrive at Dulles Airport

Arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), clear customs and immigration, and collect your luggage.

Welcome home after your amazing trip! Exact arrival time depends on the flight schedule and any layovers.

Transfer from Airport to Home

Arrange transportation from Dulles International Airport to your home.

Options include a pre-booked car, taxi, ride-share, or shared shuttle service.

Relax & Unpack

Settle back into home life, unpack your belongings, and relax after your extensive European journey.

Share memories and photos from your trip!