Alpine Adventure: Pet-Friendly Road Trip Through Austria, Italy & Switzerland

Day 1

Salzburg

Journey to Salzburg: Mozart's City & Alpine Gateway

Day 2

Salzburg

Salzburg's Natural Wonders & Gardens

Hotel Scherer - Morning Start - Frans-Josef Park - Morning Garden Stroll - Wasserspiele Hellbrunn - Palace Gardens & Trick Fountains - Augustiner Bräustübl - Traditional Beer Garden Lunch - Aigner Park - Afternoon Riverside Relaxation - Sternbräu - Evening Dinner

Day 3

Salzburg - Innsbruck

Mountain Drive to Innsbruck: Heart of the Tyrol

Hotel Scherer - Morning Checkout - Sporthotel Igls - Check-in & Settle - Hofgarten - Peaceful Park Stroll - Wilten Brunch & Bar - Late Afternoon Refreshment - Büren Wirt - Traditional Tyrolean Dinner

Day 4

Innsbruck

Innsbruck Alpine Experience: Nordkette & Mountain Views

Morning at Sporthotel Igls - Hofgarten Morning Stroll - Nordkette Base Area Exploration - Lunch at Buren Wirt - Alpengarten Patscherkofel Scenic Drive - Dinner at Wilten Brunch & Bar

Day 5

Innsbruck - Dolomites

Into the Dolomites: UNESCO Mountain Paradise

Sporthotel Igls - Morning Checkout - Rifugio Franz Kostner - Mountain Lunch Stop - X Alp Hotel - Dolomites Check-in & Afternoon Rest - Marmolada Viewpoint & Easy Valley Walk - Baita El Brodol - Cozy Mountain Dinner

Day 6

Dolomites

Dolomites Exploration: Valleys, Villages & Mountain Majesty

Mountain Hotel Wake-Up & Breakfast - Rifugio Franz Kostner - Morning Mountain Hike - Baita El Brodol - Authentic Mountain Lunch - Bar & Restaurant Lupo Bianco - Scenic Valley Drive - Marmolada Viewpoint - Queen of the Dolomites - Pizzeria Italia - Casual Italian Dinner - Mountain Hotel - Evening Rest

Day 7

Dolomites - Lugano - Munich

Lugano Lakeside Serenity & Homeward Journey

X Alp Hotel - Mountain Farewell Checkout - Lago Di Lugano - First Glimpse - Parco Ciani - Lakeside Garden Stroll - Grotto della Salute - Swiss-Italian Farewell Lunch - Home Sweet Home - Munich Arrival

Day 1

Salzburg

Journey to Salzburg: Mozart's City & Alpine Gateway

Depart Munich in the morning for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Salzburg, Austria. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a perfect blend of baroque architecture and natural beauty at the edge of the Alps. Settle into your pet-friendly hotel, then explore the historic Altstadt with its dog-friendly parks and riverside promenades. Evening stroll along the Salzach River with mountain views. Focus on easy acclimatization and settling in with your dog after the short drive.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 300

Estimated Cost

Day 2

Mar 06

Salzburg

Salzburg's Natural Wonders & Gardens

Full day exploring Salzburg's beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for dogs. Visit the famous Wasserspiele Hellbrunn palace gardens with its trick fountains and expansive grounds ideal for leashed walks. Explore Aigner Park and Frans-Josef Park for peaceful nature time. Enjoy lunch at a traditional beer garden like Augustiner Bräustübl with outdoor seating. Light hiking on accessible trails around the city's green belt. The slow pace allows for rest breaks and enjoying the crisp Alpine air without rushing.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 440

Estimated Cost

Suggested check-in08:00(1 hour 30 mins)

2.59km, 37 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(10:00 - 11:30)

Tips: Bring waste bags and keep your dog on leash as required in Austrian public parks. Early morning is quiet and perfect for dogs who might be nervous around crowds.

5.57km, 13 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours 30 mins(12:00 - 14:30)

Tips: One person can tour the famous trick fountains (30 mins) while the other explores the gardens with your dog, then switch! The park grounds are free to wander even if you don't do the fountain tour.

6.19km, 13 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(15:00 - 16:30)

6.25km, 19 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(17:00 - 18:30)

Tips: This is a great spot to let your dog rest while you enjoy the views. Bring a portable water bowl - your pup will appreciate it after the day's adventures!

5.7km, 18 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(19:00 - 20:30)

1.71km, 24 mins

Day 3

Mar 07

Salzburg - Innsbruck

Mountain Drive to Innsbruck: Heart of the Tyrol

Morning checkout from Salzburg and scenic 2-hour drive through Austrian Alpine landscapes to Innsbruck. Stop at viewpoints along the way for photos and dog stretches. Arrive in Innsbruck by early afternoon and settle into your mountain-area pet-friendly hotel. Afternoon exploration of Hofgarten park and the historic Altstadt. Evening walk along the Inn River with dramatic Nordkette mountain backdrop. Innsbruck serves as your base for Alpine adventures over the next two nights.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 455

Estimated Cost

Return to Hotel Scherer - Morning Checkout

186.33km, 2 hours 14 mins

Suggested check-in13:00(1 hour 30 mins)

6.54km, 15 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(15:00 - 16:30)

Tips: Free entry! The park is centrally located near the Imperial Palace. Great spot for your dog to stretch its legs and for you to start getting a feel for Innsbruck's Alpine charm.

1.44km, 20 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(16:45 - 18:00)

2.02km, 31 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 45 mins(18:45 - 20:30)

10.84km, 18 mins

Day 4

Mar 08

Innsbruck

Innsbruck Alpine Experience: Nordkette & Mountain Views

A perfect day immersed in Innsbruck's stunning Alpine environment with activities tailored for traveling with your 65 lbs dog. Balance mountain adventure with comfort, exploring dog-friendly trails, scenic viewpoints, and traditional Tyrolean culture. The moderate pace allows for rest breaks and enjoyment of the crisp mountain air.

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Moderate

Pace Level

USD 512

Estimated Cost

Return to Morning at Sporthotel Igls

6.54km, 15 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(09:30 - 11:00)

Tips: Early morning is quieter here - great for a calm start before the day gets busier. There are benches throughout where you can rest and watch the mountains.

7.45km, 21 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours 45 mins(11:45 - 14:30)

Tips: Check snow conditions before hiking - March can still have snow on trails. Bring water for your dog and take frequent breaks. The base station has facilities and a café where dogs are welcome on the terrace.

5.92km, 15 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(14:45 - 16:00)

3.05km, 10 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours(16:30 - 18:30)

Tips: March weather can be unpredictable - bring layers! The sunset views from this elevation are stunning. Keep your dog on leash as this is mountain terrain with wildlife.

1.14km, 5 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(19:00 - 20:30)

6.21km, 13 mins

Day 5

Mar 09

Innsbruck - Dolomites

Into the Dolomites: UNESCO Mountain Paradise

Depart Innsbruck for one of the most scenic drives in Europe - a 2.5-3 hour journey through the Brenner Pass into Italy's legendary Dolomites. The dramatic limestone peaks rising from green valleys create an otherworldly landscape perfect for photography and gentle exploration with your dog. After checking into your mountain retreat, enjoy an easy afternoon discovering the area's natural beauty at a comfortable pace that respects your dog's needs at higher altitude.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 707

Estimated Cost

Return to Sporthotel Igls - Morning Checkout

135.12km, 2 hours 24 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(12:30 - 14:00)

32.82km, 1 hour 4 mins

Suggested check-in14:45(1 hour 15 mins)

21.71km, 38 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(16:30 - 18:00)

Tips: March can still have snow at higher elevations - stick to valley trails that are clear. Bring paw wipes as trails may be muddy. The golden hour light (around 5:30-6pm) makes the Dolomites glow pink!

22.15km, 42 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(18:45 - 20:15)

19.47km, 35 mins

Day 6

Mar 10

Dolomites

Dolomites Exploration: Valleys, Villages & Mountain Majesty

Full day exploring the magnificent Dolomites at a comfortable pace perfect for traveling with your 65 lbs dog. Scenic drives through spectacular valleys with frequent stops at viewpoints and trailheads. Easy to moderate dog-friendly hikes on valley trails with stunning mountain backdrops. Visit charming mountain villages with dog-friendly piazzas and enjoy authentic mountain cuisine. The goal is to soak in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage landscape while maintaining your dog's comfort and energy levels.

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Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 614

Estimated Cost

Suggested check-in08:00(1 hour 30 mins)

28.5km, 45 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours 15 mins(10:15 - 12:30)

Tips: March can still have snow at higher elevations - stick to well-marked valley trails. Bring water for your dog and consider paw protection if there's ice or salt on paths.

14.16km, 35 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(13:00 - 14:30)

5.71km, 12 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(15:00 - 16:30)

Tips: Late afternoon light in the Dolomites is magical for photography - the peaks glow pink and orange. This is called 'enrosadira' by locals.

16.48km, 31 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour(17:00 - 18:00)

Tips: Sunset timing in early March is around 6pm - you'll catch beautiful golden hour light. Keep your dog leashed near viewpoints and watch for ice on parking areas.

12.98km, 26 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(19:00 - 20:30)

12km, 30 mins

Suggested check-in21:00(11 hours)

Day 7

Mar 11

Dolomites - Lugano - Munich

Lugano Lakeside Serenity & Homeward Journey

Your final day combines the Mediterranean charm of Lake Lugano with a comfortable return journey to Munich. Start with a scenic morning checkout from the Dolomites, driving through spectacular Alpine passes into Swiss Ticino. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring Lugano's beautiful lakefront promenades and parks - perfect for leisurely walks with your dog amid palm trees and mountain panoramas. After soaking in the serene lake atmosphere, embark on the final drive back to Munich, completing your week-long Alpine adventure with wonderful memories.

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Moderate

Pace Level

USD 220

Estimated Cost

Return to X Alp Hotel - Mountain Farewell Checkout

280km, 3 hours 45 mins

Enjoy fun for30 mins(13:45 - 14:15)

Tips: There are several lakeside parking areas near the city center. Keep your dog on leash near the busy waterfront areas.

1.2km, 15 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(14:30 - 16:00)

Tips: Dogs must be on leash in the park. There are benches throughout for resting and enjoying the views. Public restrooms available near the park entrance. The lakeside promenade extends beyond the park if you want a longer walk.

1.74km, 30 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(16:15 - 17:30)

380km, 4 hours 15 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour(22:00 - 23:00)

Tips: Plan for rest stops every 1.5-2 hours during the drive for your dog's comfort. Consider stopping in the Chur or St. Gallen area if needed. Check Swiss vignette (highway toll sticker) is still valid for the return journey. Evening traffic can be heavy approaching Munich - factor in extra time.