A Taste of Germany, Switzerland and Italy

Morning

• Depart from the US (e.g., JFK or ORD) on an overnight flight to Munich (MUC). Flights typically take eight to nine hours, arriving in the early morning due to the six-hour time difference.

• Arrive at Munich International Airport around 7–9 am. Clear customs and transfer to your hotel in central Munich (e.g., near Marienplatz or Hauptbahnhof for convenience).

• Hotel suggestion: Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, The Charles Hotel a Rocco Forte Hotel. Platz Hotel is also good for the close proximity to the Oktoberfest grounds.

• Check in if possible or store luggage. Rest briefly to combat jet lag.

Afternoon

• Explore Marienplatz: Start at Munich’s central square. Watch the Glockenspiel show at the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) at 11 am or 12 pm (runs daily).

• Lunch: Head to Viktualienmarkt, a nearby food market. Try a Weisswurst (Bavarian white sausage) with pretzel and mustard at a stall like Münchner Suppenküche.

• Walking tour: Join a two-hour guided walking tour covering Old Town highlights: Frauenkirche (cathedral with twin towers), Residenz Palace and Odeonsplatz. Learn about Munich’s history and Bavarian culture.

Evening

• Dinner: Dine at a traditional Bavarian restaurant like Augustiner am Dom. Order Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) or Sauerbraten with a local beer (Augustiner or Paulaner).

• Stroll along Maximilianstrasse or relax at a café to acclimate. Avoid heavy drinking to prep for Oktoberfest.

• Sleep: Early night to recover from travel.

Tips

• Use public transport (U-Bahn/S-Bahn) with a day ticket (€8–10). Munich’s system is efficient; no car needed.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking; Old Town is pedestrian-friendly.

Morning

• Breakfast: Grab a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a café like Café Rischart (pastries, coffee).

• Head to Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest grounds) by 9 am via U-Bahn (U4/U5 to Theresienwiese). Grounds are a 15-minute ride from central Munich.

• Tent reservation: Book a table in advance at a major tent like Schuetzen-Festzelt or Löwenbräu-Festzelt for lunch (essential during peak Oktoberfest; check oktoberfest.de for bookings). Expect €50–75 per person for food / drink minimums.

Afternoon

• Oktoberfest: Enter the tent by 10 am (tents open at 9 am on weekends, 10 am weekdays). Enjoy the festive atmosphere with live brass bands, singing and dancing.

• Food: Order Hendl (roast chicken), Brezen (pretzels) or Obatzda (cheese spread).

• Drink: Sip a Maß (one-liter beer stein, €12–15). Pace yourself; beers are 6–7% ABV.

• Explore the grounds: Ride the Ferris wheel (€8–10) for views or try a roller coaster like Olympia Looping (€10–12). Visit smaller stalls for souvenirs (gingerbread hearts, hats).

Evening

• Stay until 6–7 pm (tents close at 11:30 PM, but pace for recovery). If energy permits, visit a quieter tent like Augustiner-Festhalle for a final beer (known for smoother brews).

• Dinner: If hungry, grab a light bite outside the grounds at a nearby spot like Wirtshaus in der Au (try their dumplings).

• Return to hotel by U-Bahn. Rest for tomorrow’s recovery day, or if you can manage, hit a local bar to keep the party going!

Tips

• Wear dirndl or lederhosen for fun (rent/buy at stores like Angermaier, €50–100).

• Bring cash (some stalls don’t take cards). Avoid over-drinking to enjoy Day 3.

• Book tents early (months ahead); without a reservation, arrive by 9 am for unreserved seats.

Morning

• Breakfast: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or Café Luitpold (try Apfelstrudel).

• Nymphenburg Palace: Take a tram (17) or S-Bahn to this Baroque palace (30 minutes from the city center). Explore the opulent rooms (€8–10 entry) and gardens (free). Visit the Amalienburg hunting lodge for intricate interiors (one to two hours total).

Afternoon

• Lunch: Eat at Nymphenburg’s Palmenhaus café (salads, schnitzel, €15–20).

• English Garden: Head back to the city (S-Bahn to Marienplatz, then U-Bahn to Universität). Stroll this massive park, which is larger than Central Park. Watch surfers at the Eisbach wave for an hour (free). Rent a bike (€10/hour) to cover more ground if desired.

• Visit the Chinese Tower beer garden for a snack or non-alcoholic drink (Radler or Apfelschorle, €5–8).

Evening

• Dinner: Dine at Ratskeller München under the Old Town Hall. Try zwiebelrostbraten (onion-crusted beef) with spätzle (€20–30).

• Optional: Visit the science and technology-focused Deutsches Museum (€15) if you skipped earlier sights, or relax with a cocktail at a bar like Schwabinger Tor (€10–15).

• Sleep: Pack for tomorrow’s travel to Switzerland.

Tips

• Munich’s compact size suits public transport (€8–10 day pass). Taxis are pricier (€20–30 for short rides).

• If you're feeling lively, join a brewery tour (Paulaner, €30) instead of the museum.

Travel options

• Train (recommended):

  • Route: Munich Hbf to Zurich HB (three and a half to four hours, via SBB or ÖBB), then Zurich to Interlaken Ost (two hours), then Interlaken to Grindelwald (35 minutes).

  • Cost: €80–150 one-way. The Swiss Travel Pass (€250–400 for eight days) covers the Switzerland leg and offers discounts.

  • Benefits: Scenic views of the Alps, no parking hassles, eco-friendly. Trains are punctual, with Wi-Fi and dining cars.

  • Schedule: Depart Munich 7:30 am, arrive in Grindelwald around 2:30 PM (with one to two transfers).

• Car rental:

  • Route: Drive 370 kilometers (about four and a half to five hours) via A96 and A13 through Austria (with a possible Liechtenstein stop).

  • Cost: €50–80 per day for a compact car plus €40–60 for fuel and €10–15 for an Austrian vignette (highway toll sticker).

  • Benefits: Flexibility to stop and carry luggage easily. Grindelwald has parking at hotels and stations.

  • Drawbacks: Tolls, border crossings, parking fees in Switzerland (€10–20 per day). Driving in the Alps can be tricky.

Morning

• Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at Munich Hbf (Le Crobag for croissants, €5–10) if you're taking the train, or at hotel if you're driving.

• Depart Munich by your chosen method. If you're driving, stop in Lindau (1.5 hours from Munich) for a coffee by Lake Constance.

Afternoon

• Arrive in Grindelwald (around 2:30 pm if by train, or 3 to 4 pm if driving).

• Check into your hotel — I suggest Bergwelt Grindelwald.

• Lunch: Eat at Restaurant Barry’s at Hotel Spinne (Swiss rösti, €15–25).

• Explore Grindelwald Village: Walk the main street (Dorfstrasse). Visit the Pfingstegg cable car station for a short ride (€20 round-trip) if time allows, offering Eiger views.

Evening

• Dinner: Dine at Hotel Kirchbühl’s restaurant (fondue or raclette, €25–40).

• Relax at your hotel or stroll the village under the starlit Alps.

• Sleep: Early night to prep for your first adventure.

Tips

• Train is easier for this leg; Swiss roads are pristine but require focus. If you're driving, get an international driving permit.

• Buy a Swiss Travel Pass in advance for Switzerland days (covers trains, buses, boats and some cable cars).

Morning

• Breakfast: Enjoy hotel buffet.

• Grindelwald-First Cable Car: Walk or bus (€2) to Firstbahn valley station (10 minutes from center). Take the 25-minute gondola to First summit (€70 round-trip, discounted with Swiss Travel Pass). Departs every 15 minutes starting at 8 am.

• First cliff walk by Tissot: At First, walk this free 10-minute suspension bridge along the cliffs, facing Eiger’s north face. Stunning photo ops (takes about an hour).

Afternoon

• Adventure activities at First:

  • First Flyer: Zip-line from First to Schreckfeld (800 meters, 82 kilometers per hour, €30, 15 minutes).

  • Mountain cart: Ride a three-wheeled cart from Schreckfeld to Bort (€25, 30 minutes). Fun and safe for all ages.

  • Hiking: Take the one-hour trail to Bachalpsee Lake (easy, three kilometers round-trip). Alpine meadows and lake reflections of Schreckhorn are breathtaking.

  • Lunch: Eat at Bergrestaurant First (schnitzel and salads, €15–25) with panoramic views.

Evening

• Return to Grindelwald: Take gondola back by 5 pm (last descent is around 6 pm).

• Glacier Canyon: If energy remains, visit this nearby slot canyon (€19 entry, takes about an hour). Walk suspended bridges over turquoise waters (10-minute bus from the village).

• Dinner: Try Restaurant Adlerstube (local venison or trout, €20–35).

• Sleep: Relax at the hotel and prepare for Interlaken.

Tips

• Book First before your travel to skip lines. Wear layers; First is 2,200m up.

• Swiss Travel Pass gives 50 percent off First cable car. Bring water and sunscreen for hikes.

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel in Grindelwald.

• Travel to Interlaken: Take the train from Grindelwald to Interlaken Ost (35 minutes, €8, covered by Swiss Travel Pass) or drive (20 minutes, parking €10–15 per day). Depart at 8 am.

• Harder Kulm: From Interlaken, take the 10-minute funicular to Harder Kulm (€38 round-trip, 50 percent off with Pass). Arrive at 9 am for views of Lakes Thun and Brienz, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Walk the Two Lakes Bridge (30 minutes).

Afternoon

• Hang gliding: Book a tandem hang-gliding excursion with a reputable operator like Hang Gliding Interlaken (hanggliding.ch, €200–250, two hours). Meet at 11 am in Interlaken for briefing.

  • Experience: Soar above Interlaken and the Jungfrau region for 15 to 30 minutes, landing near town. Includes video and photos.

  • Safety: Certified pilots, all gear provided. No experience needed; ages 14 and up.

• Lunch: Post-flight, eat at Restaurant Laterne (rösti with veggies, €15–20) in Interlaken’s center.

Evening

• Explore Interlaken: Stroll Höheweg promenade. Visit shops for Swiss watches and chocolates. Optional boat ride on Lake Brienz (€20, one hour, Pass-covered) if time allows.

• Dinner: Dine at Schuh (chocolate-themed desserts, mains €20–30).

• Return to Grindelwald: Train or car by 8 pm (35-minute train, 20-minute drive).

• Sleep: Grindelwald hotel.

Tips

• Train is ideal; Interlaken’s parking is pricey and limited. Hang gliding requires good weather; have a backup (e.g., St. Beatus Caves, €18).

• Book hang gliding one to two months ahead. Wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket.

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel in Grindelwald

• Travel to Lucerne: Train from Grindelwald to Lucerne via Interlaken (2.5 hours, €30, Pass-covered) or drive (90 minutes, parking €15–20 per day). Depart at 7:30 am, arrive around 10 am.

• Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): Start at this 14th-century wooden bridge with a water tower. Walk across it and view the paintings under the eaves (30 minutes, free).

Afternoon

• Old Town: Explore cobblestone streets and frescoed buildings. Visit the Jesuit church (which has a baroque interior and is free) and the Lion Monument (carved into rock, free, 20 minutes).

• Lunch: Eat at Wirtshaus Galliker (traditional Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, €20–30).

• Lake Lucerne Cruise: Take a one-hour boat tour (€25, Pass-covered) from Lucerne’s docks. Views of Mt. Pilatus, Rigi and lakeside villas.

Evening

• Musegg Wall: Walk part of this medieval wall for city views (free, 30 minutes, closes at dusk).

• Dinner: Dine at the lakeside Restaurant Balances (perch fillets, €25–40).

• Return to Grindelwald: Train (2.5 hours) or drive (90 minutes) by 9 pm.

• Sleep: Grindelwald hotel.

Tips

• Train is scenic and stress-free; Lucerne’s roads are narrow for parking. Wear comfy shoes for Old Town’s uneven streets.

• Swiss Travel Pass covers boats, trains.

• Optional: Visit Transport Museum (€40) if time allows.

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel in Grindelwald.

• Travel to Stoos: Train from Grindelwald to Schwyz via Lucerne (3.5 hours, €40, Pass-covered), then bus to Stoosbahn (20 minutes, €5). Or drive to Schwyz (2.5 hours) and park at Stoosbahn (€5–10). Depart at 7 am, arrive around 10:30 am.

• Stoos Funicular: Ride the world’s steepest funicular (47.7° incline, 7 minutes, €25 round-trip, Pass-discounted). Futuristic cabins rotate to keep you level.

Afternoon

• Stoos Ridge Hike: From Stoos, take the chairlift to Klingenstock (€15 round-trip). Hike the 1.5-hour trail to Fronalpstock (moderate, 4 km). Panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, Rigi and 10 cantons. Summit has a restaurant.

• Lunch: Eat at Fronalpstock Panorama Restaurant (rösti, sausages, €15–25).

• Explore Stoos village (car-free, 30 minutes). Visit the small cheese dairy or relax by meadows.

Evening

• Return to Grindelwald: Funicular down, then train (3.5 hours) or drive (2.5 hours) by 8 pm.

• Dinner: Hotel restaurant or C und M Café (pizza, pastas, €15–25).

• Sleep: Grindelwald hotel.

Tips

• Train is easier; Stoosbahn parking is limited. Check funicular schedule (stoos-muotatal.ch). Wear hiking boots for ridge trail.

• Pass covers train/bus; funicular discounted. Bring water and a camera for views.

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel in Grindelwald.

• Travel to Zurich: Train from Grindelwald to Zurich HB (2.5 hours, €35, Pass-covered) or drive (2 hours, parking €20–30/day). Depart at 8 am, arrive around 10:30 am.

• Old Town (Altstadt): Walk Niederdorf and Bahnhofstrasse. Visit Grossmünster (church, €5 for tower climb) and Fraumünster (Chagall windows, free).

Afternoon

• Lunch: Zeughauskeller (historic armory, bratwurst, €15–25).

• Lindt Home of Chocolate: Take bus 165 from Zurich HB to Kilchberg (20 minutes, €3, Pass-covered). Visit the museum (€17, 1.5 hours). Includes chocolate fountain, tastings and workshop tour. Create your own praline (€20 extra, optional).

• Stroll Lake Zurich promenade post-tour (20-minute walk from Lindt).

Evening

• Dinner: Hiltl, world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant (buffet, €20–35).

• Optional: Ride Polybahn funicular (€2) to Polyterrasse for city views or visit a bar in Langstrasse (trendy nightlife).

• Return to Grindelwald: Train (2.5 hours) or drive (2 hours) by 9 pm.

• Sleep: Grindelwald hotel.

Tips

• Train is best; Zurich’s traffic and parking are costly. Pass covers trains and buses. Book Lindt tickets online.

• Wear layers; Zurich’s weather varies. Bring a reusable bag for chocolate purchases.

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel in Grindelwald.

• Travel to Bern: Train from Grindelwald to Bern via Interlaken (1.5 hours, €25, Pass-covered) or drive (one hour, parking €15–20 per day). Depart at 8 am, arrive around 9:30 am.

• Old Town (UNESCO Site): Walk cobblestone streets. Visit Bern Cathedral (Gothic, €5 for tower climb) and Zytglogge (clock tower, free exterior view or €20 for guided tour).

Afternoon

• Lunch: Restaurant Lötschberg (Swiss-Italian fusion, €15–25).

• Bear Park (BärenPark): See Bern’s famous bears by the Aare River (free, 30 minutes). Walk along the river to Rosengarten (rose garden, free, 20 minutes) for city views.

• Federal Parliament: Take a free guided tour (one hour, book online) if available, or view the exterior.

Evening

• Dinner: Kornhauskeller (vaulted cellar, Swiss cuisine, €25–40).

• Optional: Visit Einstein House (€6, 30 minutes) if time allows, or shop for souvenirs in arcades (Lauben).

• Return to Grindelwald: Train (1.5 hours) or drive (one hour) by 8 pm.

• Sleep: Grindelwald hotel.

Tips

• Train is fastest; Bern’s parking is tight. Pass covers trains. Wear comfy shoes for Old Town’s hills.

• Check Zytglogge tour times in advance. Bring an umbrella; Bern can be rainy.

Travel Options

• Train (recommended):

  • Route: Grindelwald to Interlaken (35 minutes), Interlaken to Brig (one hour), Brig to Milan (two hours, via Simplon Tunnel), Milan to Venice Santa Lucia (2.5 hours).

  • Cost: €100–200 one-way (book via sbb.ch or trenitalia.com). Swiss Travel Pass covers to Brig; book Milan to Venice separately.

  • Benefits: Scenic Alpine route, no border hassles, relax with Wi-Fi. Venice’s station is central, so no car is needed.

  • Schedule: Depart Grindelwald at 7 am, arrive in Venice around 4 pm (two to three transfers).

• Car rental:

  • Route: Drive 550 km (six to seven hours) via A2 and A9 through Gotthard Tunnel, Como, Milan to Venice (park at Tronchetto).

  • Cost: €50–80 per day for the car plus €60–80 for fuel, €20–30 for tolls and €20–30 per day for Venice parking.

  • Benefits: Stop in Como (lake views, one hour) or Verona (Roman arena, two hours). Flexible schedule.

  • Drawbacks: Long drive, pricey tolls/parking, Venice is car-free (park and ferry to hotel).

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel in Grindelwald.

• Depart by train or car. If you're driving, stop in Como for coffee by the lake (four hours from Grindelwald).

Afternoon

• Arrive in Venice (around 4 pm by train, or 5–6 pm by car). Check into your hotel.

• Hotel suggestion: Splendid Venice or Palazzina Grassi.

• Lunch: Grab a quick cicchetti (Venetian tapas, €10–15) at Cantina Do Spade if arriving early.

• Explore Piazza San Marco: Walk or vaporetto (€9.50 single) to this iconic square. View St. Mark’s Basilica exterior and Doge’s Palace (30 minutes, free outside).

Evening

• Dinner: Trattoria al Gatto Nero on Burano (if there is time for a ferry, it is €10 round-trip) or Osteria alle Testiere (seafood, €30–50, book ahead).

• Stroll Rialto Bridge at night for lit-up canals.

• Sleep: Early night to prepare for glass-making day.

Tips

• Train is more relaxing; Venice’s car-free nature makes driving less practical. Buy vaporetto pass (€25/day) for Venice.

• Pack light for Venice’s bridges and cobblestones. Book your Milan to Venice train early for deals.

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel or Café Florian (pastries, €10–15, historic but pricey).

• Murano Island: Take vaporetto (Line 4.1/4.2, €9.50, 20 minutes) to Murano by 9 am. Visit a glass-making workshop like Mazzega Glass Factory.

• Watch artisans blow glass into vases and beads. Shop for authentic Murano glass (€20–200).

• Explore Murano’s Glass Museum (€12, one hour) for history and intricate pieces.

Afternoon

• Lunch: Osteria al Duomo in Murano (pizza and seafood, €15–25).

• Burano: Ferry to Burano (Line 12, €9.50, 40 minutes). Walk the colorful streets and see the lace-making shops (30 minutes, free). Visit the Lace Museum if you're interested (€6, 45 minutes).

• Return to Venice by 3 pm (Line 12 to Fondamente Nove).

Evening

• Leonardo da Vinci Museum: Visit in San Polo (Campo San Rococo, €8, one hour, open till 7 pm). See interactive exhibits about da Vinci’s inventions (codices and machines). Compact but engaging.

• Dinner: Antiche Carampane (Venetian classics like squid ink pasta, €25–40, book ahead).

• Sleep: Relax at hotel.

Tips

• Vaporetto pass saves money. Book your glass demo in advance. Wear comfy shoes; Murano and Burano involve walking.

• Da Vinci Museum is small; skip if you're tired (replace with Rialto Market stroll).

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel or Pasticceria Tonolo (cornetti, €5–10).

• St. Mark’s Basilica: Arrive by 8:30 am to beat the crowds (free entry, €6 for Pala d’Oro, book skip-the-line tickets online). Admire the golden mosaics and Byzantine domes (one hour).

• Climb the Campanile (bell tower, €10, 30 minutes) for 360-degree Venice views.

Afternoon

• Lunch: Ristorante Quadri (Piazza San Marco, risottos, €20–35, worth the splurge for the ambiance).

• Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari: Walk or vaporetto to San Polo (Line 1, €9.50). Visit this Gothic church (€5, one hour) for Titian’s "Assumption" and Bellini’s altarpiece.

• Scuola Grande di San Rocco: Nearby, see Tintoretto’s dramatic paintings (€10, 45 minutes).

Evening

• Gondola Ride: Book a 30-minute ride (€80 daytime, €100 after 7 pm, or shared options for €30 per person). Start near Rialto or San Marco; glide through quiet canals like Rio di San Luca.

• Dinner: La Zucca (vegetarian-friendly, pumpkin gnocchi, €15–25).

• Sleep: Pack for tomorrow’s departure.

Tips

• Basilica entry requires modest dress (cover your shoulders and knees). Gondola prices are fixed; confirm the route with your gondolier.

• Vaporetto pass for easy hops. Evening gondola rides are romantic but pricier.

Morning

• Breakfast: Hotel, quick and early.

• Travel to the airport: Take the Alilaguna water taxi from San Marco to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE, €15, one hour, departures starting at 5 am) or the bus from Piazzale Roma (Line 5, €8, 25 minutes). Aim for an 8 am departure to catch a 11 am–1 pm flight.

• Flight: Fly to the US (e.g., JFK, ORD) with one stop (Milan or Frankfurt), around 10–12 hours total. Arrive in the US in the afternoon/evening local time.

Afternoon/Evening

• Clear US customs and head home. Reflect on an epic trip!

Tips

• Arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before your flight for international check-in.

• Keep souvenirs (chocolates, glass) in your carry-on to avoid breakage.