Switzerland 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Flight to Germany

Board your flight from Vancouver to a major German airport (e.

g., Frankfurt or Munich), serving as your entry point into Europe.

Train to Zurich

Catch a connecting train from your German arrival city to Zurich, Switzerland.

This will be your base for the next few days.

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into your accommodation in Zurich and unwind after your long journey.

Prioritize rest to combat jet lag and prepare for exploration.

Zurich Old Town Stroll

Wander through the picturesque alleys of Niederdorf in Zurich's Old Town, discover hidden squares, and admire medieval buildings.

Many quaint shops and cafes to explore. Great for photography.

Visit Grossmünster Church

Explore one of Zurich's most iconic landmarks, a Romanesque-style Protestant church.

Climb one of its towers for panoramic city views.

Riverside Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant along the Limmatquai, offering views of the Limmat River and the Old Town.

Try some local Swiss-German specialties.

Lake Zurich Boat Cruise

Take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Zurich, offering stunning views of the city, surrounding hills, and distant Alps.

Various cruise lengths are available. Check schedules for short round trips.

Bahnhofstrasse Shopping

Stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues, known for luxury brands and Swiss watches.

Even if not shopping, it's a vibrant area for people-watching.

Traditional Swiss Dinner

Indulge in a classic Swiss dinner, perhaps fondue or raclette, in a cozy Zurich restaurant.

Many restaurants in the Old Town offer traditional Swiss cuisine.

Travel to Vaduz

Take a scenic train ride from Zurich to Sargans, Switzerland, then connect by bus to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein Center

Discover Liechtenstein at a glance.

The Liechtenstein Center offers a unique opportunity to get a comprehensive picture of the diversity of this small state using state-of-the-art multimedia.

Hofkellerei Wine Tasting

Enjoy princely wines and discover the world of winemaking at the Hofkellerei of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

Walk through the vineyards and taste their exquisite selections.

Highly rated experience for wine lovers.

Lunch in Vaduz

Savor a leisurely lunch in a local restaurant in Vaduz.

Enjoy regional specialities.

Liechtenstein NationalMuseum

Explore the exciting history, interesting culture, and diverse nature of the Principality of Liechtenstein across 42 exhibition rooms.

A comprehensive overview of the country's heritage.

Return to Zurich

Take the bus back to Sargans and then the train to Zurich.

Zurich Evening Dining

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Zurich, perhaps trying a different cuisine.

Travel to Lucerne

Take a scenic train ride from Zurich to Lucerne, a charming city known for its stunning lake and mountain backdrop.

Mount Pilatus 'Golden Round Trip'

Experience the iconic 'Golden Round Trip' to Mount Pilatus.

This involves a boat ride across Lake Lucerne, the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit, and a cable car/gondola descent with breathtaking panoramic views.

This trip can take half a day and offers incredible alpine scenery. Check weather conditions before departure.

Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Walk across Lucerne's famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, adorned with interior paintings depicting Swiss history.

Don't miss the iconic Water Tower next to the bridge.

Lucerne Old Town

Explore the charming streets and squares of Lucerne's car-free Old Town, admiring its historic buildings with frescoed facades.

Perfect for souvenir shopping or a coffee break.

Dinner in Lucerne

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant by Lake Lucerne or in the Old Town before heading back to Zurich.

Return to Zurich

Take the train back to Zurich after a full day of Swiss exploration.

Zurich Morning & Breakfast

Enjoy a final Swiss breakfast and pick up any last-minute souvenirs in Zurich.

Scenic Train to Vienna

Embark on a scenic long-distance train journey from Zurich to Vienna, the capital of Austria.

This will be a full day of travel, passing through beautiful landscapes.

Vienna Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Vienna, check into your accommodation, and settle in.

First Vienna Dinner

Enjoy your first Austrian dinner in Vienna, perhaps trying a Wiener Schnitzel.

Arrive in Salzburg

Arrive in Salzburg from your previous destination (e.

g., Zurich/Vaduz). Check into your accommodation and settle in.

Explore Old Town

Wander through Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town, starting with Mozart's birthplace on Getreidegasse. Enjoy the charming alleyways and historic architecture.

Many shops close around 6 PM, but cafes and restaurants stay open later.

Mozart Dinner Concert

Enjoy an evening of classical music and traditional Austrian cuisine at a Mozart Dinner Concert, often held in historic venues.

Book well in advance, especially for popular venues.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Visit the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, offering panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps.

Explore its museums and courtyards.

Take the funicular up for convenience and great views. Early morning is less crowded.

Lunch in Salzburg

Enjoy a final Austrian meal in Salzburg before heading to the train station.

Try some Salzburger Nockerl for dessert!

Arrive & Check-in Vienna

Arrive in Vienna by train from Salzburg.

Check into your accommodation and relax.

Stroll Stephansplatz

Take an evening stroll around Stephansplatz, the heart of Vienna, marveling at St.

Stephen's Cathedral illuminated at night.

The area is bustling with street performers and cafes.

Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens

Explore the former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace.

Tour the opulent rooms and wander through its vast gardens, including the Gloriette.

Book 'Imperial Tour' tickets online in advance to save time. Wear comfortable shoes for the gardens.

Hofburg Palace Exploration

Visit the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial winter residence.

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

Allocate ample time to fully appreciate the extensive collections and history.

Viennese Coffee House

Experience a traditional Viennese coffee house.

Enjoy a Wiener Melange and a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

A quintessential Viennese experience, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Belvedere Palace

Visit the stunning Belvedere Palace, home to Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss' and other masterpieces of Austrian art.

The Upper Belvedere holds the most famous artworks. Consider a combined ticket if you wish to see both upper and lower palaces.

Liechtenstein City Palace

Explore the magnificent Liechtenstein City Palace, a Baroque masterpiece in the heart of Vienna, featuring impressive architecture and valuable art collections.

(TripAdvisor Attraction: Liechtenstein City Palace)

Check for guided tour availability; booking might be required depending on the season and specific tours offered.

Wiener Prater & Ferris Wheel

Enjoy an evening at the iconic Wiener Prater amusement park.

Take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) for spectacular views of Vienna.

Entry to Prater is free, rides are individually priced. The Ferris Wheel is especially atmospheric at sunset.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Revisit St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna's most important Gothic structure.

Climb the South Tower for city views or explore the catacombs.

The main cathedral is free to enter, but there are charges for specific areas like the catacombs or tower climbs.

Palais Liechtenstein Museum

Visit Palais Liechtenstein, another stunning Baroque palace housing part of the Princely Collections.

Admire the architecture and fine art. (TripAdvisor Attraction: Palais Liechtenstein)

Public access is often via guided tours, check their website for schedule and booking. It's a bit further out from the very city center.

Souvenir Shopping & Relax

Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping in the city center or relax at a café, reflecting on your Austrian adventures.

Look for traditional Viennese crafts, Mozart chocolates, or Sisi-themed gifts.

Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Explore the opulent summer residence of the Habsburg emperors.

Wander through the Imperial Apartments and stroll in the vast palace gardens, including the Gloriette.

Book tickets online in advance, especially for the Grand Tour, to save time. It's easily accessible by U-Bahn (U4 line, Schönbrunn station).

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Experience Vienna's largest and most famous market.

Find a variety of international and local foods, perfect for a casual lunch.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and try some local specialties or international street food.

Palais Liechtenstein Art

Visit Palais Liechtenstein, home to masterpieces of European art from the Early Renaissance to the Biedermeier period, showcasing the private collections of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

Check their website for current exhibition details and opening hours, as access can be limited to guided tours or special events.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Explore the iconic Gothic cathedral, a symbol of Vienna.

Climb the South Tower for panoramic city views or visit the catacombs.

Entrance to the main cathedral is free, but there are fees for tours of the catacombs, treasury, and tower climbs. Consider visiting for a quick final photo op or a deeper dive into its history.

Viennese Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner at a charming local restaurant, savoring dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz.

Make a reservation, especially if dining at popular spots like Figlmüller for their famous Schnitzel.

Travel to Frankfurt Airport

Take a high-speed train from Vienna to Frankfurt, Germany, to catch your connecting flight back to Vancouver.

The journey offers scenic views as you cross Austria and Germany.

Book your train tickets in advance for better rates and to secure your seat. Ensure you allow ample time for the journey and airport check-in.

Flight from Frankfurt to Vancouver

Depart from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) on your flight back to Vancouver, concluding your memorable European adventure.

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure for check-in and security procedures.