Munich and Lucerne 13-Day Trip Itinerary

Travel to Munich

Fly from Budapest to Munich International Airport (MUC).

Upon arrival, take public transport (S-Bahn S1 or S8) into the city center. The S-Bahn is a cost-effective option to reach your hotel.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation and drop off your luggage.

Choose a hotel with good public transport access to save time.

Aim for a hotel near Hauptbahnhof (main station) or Marienplatz for convenience and to stay within budget.

Marienplatz & New Town Hall

Begin your Munich exploration at Marienplatz, the city's central square.

Admire the stunning New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) with its famous Glockenspiel. Explore the surrounding pedestrian streets.

The Glockenspiel chimes at 11:00, 12:00, and 17:00 (March to October). Entry to Marienplatz itself is free.

Visit Frauenkirche

Walk to the iconic Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), a prominent landmark with its distinctive twin domes.

Step inside to see its impressive interior.

Entry is free. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Bavarian Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Experience traditional Bavarian culture at the famous Hofbräuhaus.

Enjoy hearty German cuisine and local beer in a lively atmosphere.

It can be busy; sharing a table is common. Expect a lively, convivial atmosphere. Cash is preferred by some vendors inside.

Fantastic Munich City Tour

Join Curt, an expert guide, for a private walking tour of Munich's old city.

Drenched in history and peppered with cool insights, this tour is designed to engage everyone and is one of the lowest-priced private tours in Munich.

A great way to get an overview of the city's main historical sites and stories. Curt is fully vaccinated.

Lunch Break

Grab a quick and affordable lunch at a local cafe or bakery near the city center.

Relax at English Garden

Spend the afternoon strolling through the vast English Garden (Englischer Garten), one of the world's largest urban public parks. Watch surfers on the Eisbach wave, visit the Chinese Tower, or simply relax by the water.

Entry to the park is free. Grab a snack or drink at the beer garden by the Chinese Tower.

Dinner in Maxvorstadt

Explore the Maxvorstadt district, known for its museums and universities, and find a restaurant for a relaxed dinner.

Andechs Monastery Beer Hike

Embark on a private tour to Andechs Monastery, a local favorite with stunning Alps views, a Baroque church, and a bustling beer hall serving fine Bavarian dishes.

Enjoy a scenic hike and cultural experience.

This tour combines light hiking with cultural exploration and delicious Bavarian food and beer. Consider this over the more expensive Neuschwanstein tour to stay within budget.

Third Reich Walking Tour (Alternative)

If you prefer to stay in the city and delve into Munich's pivotal role in Nazi Germany's rise, this walking tour visits key sites like Königsplatz and Hofbräuhaus.

Led by expert guides.

A very informative and poignant tour. This is a budget-friendly alternative to the full-day private monastery tour.

Farewell Munich Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Munich, perhaps trying a different local specialty or a casual meal.

Prepare for your departure to Switzerland tomorrow morning.

Train to Lucerne

Take a scenic train ride from Munich to Lucerne, Switzerland.

This journey offers beautiful views as you head towards the Alps.

Hotel Check-in Lucerne

Check into your hotel in Lucerne, conveniently located for exploring the city center and Lake Lucerne.

Look for accommodation near the train station or Old Town for ease of access.

Explore Luzern Altstadt

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Lucerne's Old Town (Altstadt).

Admire the medieval architecture, frescoed buildings, and picturesque squares. This is a highly-rated attraction.

Take your time to explore the hidden alleys and enjoy the atmosphere. Entry is free.

Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge, adorned with beautiful interior paintings.

Admire the adjacent Water Tower, a former prison and archive.

A must-see landmark in Lucerne. Free to walk across.

Dinner by the Reuss River

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with views of the Reuss River or within the charming Old Town.

Lake Lucerne Boat Trip

Take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee).

Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside villages from the water.

Various routes and durations are available. A shorter scenic cruise is a great budget-friendly option compared to full mountain excursions.

Visit Lion Monument

Walk to the poignant Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), a rock carving commemorating the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution.

Mark Twain famously described it as 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world'.

Entry is free. It's a powerful and historically significant site.

Explore Glacier Garden

Discover the Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten), showcasing glacial potholes from the last ice age, a mirror labyrinth, and a viewing tower offering city views.

Combines natural history with fun attractions. Located near the Lion Monument.

Lunch & Prepare for Travel

Enjoy a final Swiss lunch.

Afterwards, have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a coffee before preparing for your next journey to Interlaken.

Leisure & Early Dinner

Enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or a relaxed early dinner, then prepare for your morning travel to Interlaken tomorrow.

Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Interlaken from Lucerne (travel on Day 5).

Check into your chosen accommodation.

Look for hotels or guesthouses slightly outside the main tourist hub for better value.

Aare River & Hohematte Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beautiful turquoise Aare River, flowing between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Explore Höhematte Park in the center of Interlaken, offering stunning views of the Jungfrau mountain.

This is a great free activity to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the natural beauty.

Harder Kulm Panoramic Views

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm, Interlaken's 'Top of Interlaken'.

Enjoy panoramic views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Round-trip funicular tickets are typically cheaper with a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare Card.

Dinner in Interlaken

Dine at a local restaurant in Interlaken, trying some traditional Swiss dishes.

Many restaurants offer local and international cuisine. Look for 'daily specials' for budget-friendly options.

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Take a short, scenic train ride from Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen, known as the 'Valley of 72 Waterfalls'.

Trains run frequently. Your Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card will cover this. Purchase a regular ticket if not.

Staubbach & Trümmelbach Falls

Walk to Staubbach Falls, one of Europe's highest free-falling waterfalls.

Afterwards, take a local bus to Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, made accessible by tunnels, lifts, and platforms (entrance fee applies).

Wear comfortable shoes. Trümmelbach Falls can be wet and slippery.

Lunch in Lauterbrunnen

Enjoy a casual lunch in one of Lauterbrunnen's charming eateries.

Grocery stores offer picnic options to save money.

Mürren & Gimmelwald Village

Take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, then a scenic train to Mürren.

Explore the car-free village of Mürren with its stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Consider a short, easy walk down to the tiny, traditional village of Gimmelwald before taking the cable car back down to Stechelberg and bus back to Lauterbrunnen.

This route offers incredible views without the high cost of Jungfraujoch. Cable car/train covered by Swiss Travel Pass or discounted with Half-Fare Card.

Dinner & Relax

Return to Interlaken for dinner and a relaxed evening.

Enjoy a quieter evening after a day of exploration.

Train to Zurich Airport

Take a morning train from Interlaken Ost to Zurich Airport (ZRH) to catch your flight to Rome.

Book train tickets in advance for potential savings. Allow ample time for airport transfer and check-in.

Flight to Rome

Fly from Zurich (ZRH) to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

Look for budget airlines like easyJet or Swiss. Booking several months in advance is crucial for low prices.

Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in

Take the Leonardo Express train from FCO to Termini Station, then transfer to your accommodation.

Leonardo Express is direct and takes about 32 minutes to Termini. Buy tickets at the station.

Piazza Navona & Pantheon

Begin your Roman exploration with a visit to the lively Piazza Navona, home to Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers.

Afterwards, walk to the magnificent Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple now a church, marveling at its impressive dome.

Entrance to the Pantheon is free but may require a timed entry reservation.

Authentic Roman Dinner

Savor your first Roman dinner at a local trattoria near your hotel or in the Pantheon area.

Try classic Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, or Amatriciana.

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Step back in time with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, followed by an exploration of the ancient Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the heart of ancient Rome.

Book a skip-the-line ticket online well in advance to save time. Consider an audio guide for the Forum and Palatine Hill.

Lunch near Colosseum

Grab a quick and affordable lunch near the Colosseum area.

Look for pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or casual sandwich shops for budget-friendly options.

Capitoline Museums

Visit the Capitoline Museums, located on Capitoline Hill (designed by Michelangelo), housing an impressive collection of ancient Roman and classical art.

Offers fantastic views of the Roman Forum from the Tabularium terrace.

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Experience the magic of the Trevi Fountain (toss a coin for good luck!

) and then walk to the Spanish Steps. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of these iconic Roman landmarks.

These sites are best visited in the late afternoon/evening for a different ambiance.

Dinner in Trastevere

Cross the Tiber River to the charming Trastevere neighborhood for dinner, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and traditional Roman trattorias.

A fantastic area for an authentic and lively Roman evening experience.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Dedicate the morning to exploring the vast collections of the Vatican Museums, culminating in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo's famous frescoes.

Book tickets online in advance to skip long queues. Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered.

St. Peter's Basilica

After the museums, visit St.

Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Admire Michelangelo's Pietà and ascend to the dome for panoramic views of Rome (optional, separate ticket).

Dress code applies. Entry to the Basilica is free, but climbing the dome has a fee.

Lunch near Vatican

Enjoy a late lunch in the area surrounding Vatican City.

Be aware that restaurants directly outside the Vatican can be pricier; walk a few blocks away for better value.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Walk along the Tiber River to Castel Sant'Angelo, originally Hadrian's mausoleum, then a papal fortress.

Explore its various levels and enjoy views from the top.

Connects to the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo, a fortified corridor.

Evening Stroll & Gelato

Enjoy a final evening stroll through Rome's charming streets and indulge in some authentic Italian gelato.

Look for gelaterias that use natural ingredients and avoid those with brightly colored, piled-high gelato.

Farewell Roman Dinner

Enjoy a final memorable dinner in Rome, perhaps trying a restaurant you spotted earlier or returning to a favorite area.

Savor the last of Italy's renowned cuisine.

Travel from Rome to Paris

Take a morning flight from Rome to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airport.

Allow for airport transfer time.

Budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air often offer affordable flights if booked in advance. From the airport, take the RER train to central Paris.

Check-in & Lunch

Arrive at your accommodation, drop off luggage, and grab a quick lunch near your hotel.

Consider a 'formule' (set menu) for a budget-friendly lunch option.

Sainte-Chapelle Visit

Marvel at the stunning stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece.

Book tickets online to save time. It's located on the Île de la Cité, near Notre-Dame.

Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité

Walk around the exterior of the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral and explore the charming Île de la Cité.

Currently undergoing restoration, so interior access is not possible, but the exterior is still magnificent.

Shakespeare and Company

Browse the shelves of the iconic English-language bookstore, a literary haven.

A must-visit for book lovers and a historic meeting place for writers.

Pont des Arts & Latin Quarter Dinner

Stroll across the Pont des Arts, enjoying views of the Seine, then have dinner in the vibrant Latin Quarter.

The Latin Quarter offers a wide range of restaurants, from casual crêperies to traditional bistros. Look for places with outdoor seating.

Louvre Museum Visit

Immerse yourself in world-class art at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more.

Book your tickets online well in advance to avoid long queues. Focus on a few key sections or artworks to make the most of your time.

Tuileries Garden Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Tuileries Garden, connecting the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde.

Perfect for a relaxing break after the museum. Grab a quick sandwich or pastry for lunch here.

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Walk along the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées and admire the Arc de Triomphe.

Consider ascending for views (optional).

Ascending the Arc de Triomphe offers panoramic views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower. Tickets can be purchased on site or online.

Eiffel Tower Experience

Head to the Champ de Mars for iconic views of the Eiffel Tower.

Watch it sparkle if it's past sunset.

Consider a picnic on the grass if the weather is good. The tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour after sunset.

Dinner near Eiffel Tower

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the lively area around the Eiffel Tower.

Many brasseries and cafes offer traditional French cuisine.

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Explore the charming artistic district of Montmartre, visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy panoramic city views.

Walk up the stairs or take the funicular to the basilica. Explore Place du Tertre, where artists paint caricatures and portraits.

Farewell Parisian Lunch

Enjoy a final French meal in Montmartre or a nearby area before heading to the airport.

Indulge in a classic French onion soup or a croque monsieur.

Departure from Paris to Budapest

Travel from central Paris to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airport for your evening flight back to Budapest.

Allow ample time for airport transfer, check-in, and security. Consider taking the RER train to CDG for a cost-effective and efficient transfer.