Day-wise Itinerary

EUROPE GROUP FIXED DEPARTURE

01 WED. Zurich .-

Welcome to your tour with GD Holidays!  Transfer you to the hotel and free time.  You will receive information in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board located at the hotel reception.
 

02 THU. Zurich .-

With our guide, we’ll explore Zurich, the most populous city in Switzerland, and its financial and cultural heart. Known for its banks, Zurich has been twice recognized as the city with the best quality of life in the world. Afterwards, we’ll embark on a scenic cruise of nearly two hours on Lake Zurich, with brief stops to enjoy the charming villages along the route. We’ll disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque village renowned for its medieval castle. We’ll return to Zurich by train, providing an opportunity to experience the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railway system.

Note: Depending on the number of travelers, transfers to and from the city center may be via public transport.

03 FRI. Zurich - Lucerne - Zurich .-

Today´s journey features stunning landscapes with tall mountains and pristine lakes. We’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery in the Interlaken region. Our first stop will be Grindelwald, where we’ll have time for a coffee before taking the cable car up the mountain. Once there, we’ll walk along a winding path leading to a suspended bridge. For those who are adventurous, crossing the bridge offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers. We’ll have lunch on the mountain (included) before heading back down. Our next destination is Lucerne, one of Switzerland´s most beautiful cities, where you’ll have time to explore and enjoy the charming cityscape. We’ll then return to Zurich.

Note: The guide will offer an optional full-day excursion, starting in the morning. After some free time in Lucerne, we’ll take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, the alpine summit offers breathtaking views of the glacier and the Alps.

04 SAT. Zurich - Bellinzona - Como - Milan .-

We’ll leave ZURICH early in the morning, crossing the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Our first stop will be BELLINZONA, renowned for its three medieval castles, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Perched on the hills overlooking the city, these castles highlight Bellinzona´s historical significance as a key alpine stronghold. Enjoy some free time to wander through the charming streets of the center. Next, we´ll enter Italy and stop in the charming town of COMO for lunch. This town is considered the jewel of LOMBARDY, known for its beautiful gardens beside the lake and its spectacular cathedral. We’ll continue to MILAN, where our guide will take us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have some time to wander around before we transfer you to the hotel.

05 SUN. Milan - Pisa - Rome .-

Today, we’ll continue our journey to Pisa. We´ll ride a small tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), where you´ll have time to admire one of the most captivating and beautiful art complexes in Italy, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afterwards, we’ll head to Rome, arriving later in the day.

06 MON. Rome .-

In the morning, we’ll take a three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walking tour through Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to admire one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilization. During the tour, we’ll see iconic landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo.

The tour will end at VATICAN CITY around 11:00 a.m. Afterward, our guide will offer an optional visit to explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
At the end of the day, we’ll include a transfer to the popular Trastevere neighborhood, known for its cozy restaurants and lively atmosphere. Return to the hotel will be around 8:30 p.m.

07 TUE. Rome - Florence .-

Today, we’ll leave ROME and head north, taking in the beautiful landscapes along the way. Upon reaching FLORENCE, we´ll go directly to the stunning Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. We will then walk toward the historic center where, after some time for lunch, we´ll enjoy a guided walking tour with a local expert, visiting landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. This city is an authentic open-air museum. 

Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore on your own. In the evening, you´ll find plenty of options for dinner, with a variety of local and international cuisines.

08 WED. Florence - Venice .-

Today, we’ll enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes as we cross the Apennines. Upon arriving in Venice, we’ll take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the Island of Venice. With a local guide, we’ll visit the marvelous St. Mark’s Square. Afterwards, we’ll tour the Murano Glass Factory, where you’ll see the fascinating techniques used to create this ancient glass. You´ll have some free time to explore on your own. Accommodation will be in the Mestre district.

09 THU. Venice - Innsbruck - Salzburg .-

We will depart from Venice, traveling to AUSTRIA! Upon arriving in INNSBRUCK, you’ll have time to stroll through the historic city center and enjoy lunch in the Austrian Tyrolean capital. Afterward, we’ll journey along beautiful scenic roads through the mountains to KITZBÜHEL. Once there, you’ll have time to explore this picturesque village, a famous ski resort where snow can be enjoyed for most of the year. We’ll continue our journey to SALZBURG, arriving by the end of the day.

Note: If there are few travelers, we may take a train from Venice to Innsbruck.

10 FRI. Salzburg - Lake Traunsee - Vienna .-

Today, we’ll get to know AUSTRIA better. During the morning, we´ll explore SALZBURG, Mozart’s city. Its Renaissance and Baroque center is filled with beauty, all in the shadow of the grand castle. Next, we’ll travel through lakes and mountains to reach ST. WOLFGANG, a renowned pilgrimage site in Austria. We’ll then head to TRAUNKIRCHEN, located beside the beautiful Traunsee Lake, where we’ll take an included cruise to see four of the lake´s castles before disembarking in GMUNDEN. Afterward, we’ll continue to VIENNA, arriving in the evening.

11 SAT. Vienna .-

Today, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of this impressive city with a local guide. We’ll explore its majestic avenues, beautiful palaces, large parks and vibrant city center. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. In the evening, we’ll include a transfer to the Grinzing district, an old wine-growing village now part of the city, known for its traditional taverns. You’ll have free time to dine in the area. 

12 SUN. Vienna .-

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.