Italy, Switzerland, Germany · 2 weeks
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Florence to Berlin by train
Things to know
Switzerland was the highlight- could have spent way more time in Zermatt and Zurich
The Florence Airbnb didn’t have very good AC - worth paying up for a nicer hotel with AC in July.
Book the David ahead of time - was easy to get in and out.
Take a water taxi into Venice - 65 Euro is kind of a lot, but was good to be on the water in Venice.
The Glacier Express was pricey and not that differentiated from a standard train through Switzerland - wouldn’t recommend.
Munich to Berlin is a long train ride - consider flying or stopping somewhere on the way.
Listen to history podcasts before going places, especially Dachau and Munich.
Do
The David and a food tour in Florence.
Full-day Tuscan food tour out of Florence with lunch and wine at a vineyard.
Beach club at Lake Como.
Hike to Chez Vrony in Zermatt.
Dachau, then surfing and swimming in the English Garden.
Watergate Club in Berlin.
Florence · 2 nights
Stay: Airbnb. The AC wasn’t good - pay up for a hotel.
Do: Antico Noe for a big Florentine steak. The David at 11, food tour at 2. Il Palagio at the Four Seasons was upscale - would opt for something more authentic. All-day Tuscan food tour to Pisa.
Bologna · 1 night
Stay: Millennhotel. Cheap hotel near the train station
Do: Walk to the food market off the main square. Lunch at Simoni.
Venice · 1 night
Stay: Hotel Palazzo Stern. Great hotel - classic Venetian stylings and good location.
Do: Fun city to just wander around in. Trattoria Dona Esta was good, not great. Venice Jazz Club nearby was a really cool venue.
Milan · 2 nights
Stay: NYX Hotel Milan. Nice hotel near the train station.
Do: Felix Lo Basso, a Michelin Star chef’s table style restaurant in the chef’s home. Day trip to Lake Como: beach club about 15 min up the road, 25 Euro entry, boat rentals. Last Supper was worth it. Aperol in the Galleria with the Duomo in the backdrop.
Zermatt · 2 nights
Stay: Matterhorn Lodge. Centrally located and beautiful - definitely recommend.
Do: Schaferstube, very good authentic Swiss - book ahead. 1.5-2 hour hike to Chez Vrony for lunch. Not technical, amazing views of the Matterhorn the whole way up. Huge highlight.
Zurich · 1 night
Stay: 25hours Hotel Zurich West. Fairly simple, but nice.
Do: The Widder Bar for super good cocktails.
Munich · 2 nights
Stay: Basic clean hotel near the train station.
Do: Dachau on your own - easy Uber ~$35 each way, free admission, heavy but worth it. English Garden: watch the surfers at Eisbachwelle and swim in the lazy river. Hofbräuhaus for beers with tourists, Augustiner for local feel. Lunch at Restaurant Jan - (3 Michelin Stars) best meal I had on the trip, fairly pricey.
Berlin · 2 nights
Stay: Hotel near the center, dinner there the second night.
Do: Nightlife starts late, so nap and go after midnight. Didn’t find a good dinner place.
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