Austria Abridged

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Vienna

   Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

   Upon arriving at Vienna's airport, we'll have a driver waiting to greet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

   

   Vienna's Wine Taverns

   Austrian wines, especially whites, can be a real treat. Wine and food lovers who also like a little historic adventure with your meal should plan a visit to one of Vienna's heurigers. A heuriger is basically a wine tavern which only serves Viennese wines, typically from the attached or nearby vineyards. Not only is the wine really local, it’s also really fresh – by law only wines from the current vintage are on offer, and the time for the sale to end is traditionally November 11, St. Martin’s Day. You can learn more about these lovely wine taverns in this blog post.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Vienna

   

   Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna

   Tour Vienna's Old Town and listen to captivating stories from one of our local guides on this special excursion. The tour includes a perfect blend of old and new, from historic buildings to modern architecture, and insider info on places to eat and drink. This private English-language walking tour not only offers a great introduction to the city, but also delves deep into the city's amazing history, from the darkest hours to the brightest moments.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Schonbrunn Palace Self-Guided Grand Tour

   The Schönbrunn Palace sits atop many people's list of must-see sights within Vienna. Join the self-guided Grand Tour and learn about the lives of the royals who lived within the Schönbrunn's walls with skip-the-line tickets, which come with a 60-minute audio guide tour and entrance to 40 rooms. After the tour we recommend continuing to explore the palace's sprawling grounds on your own.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 50 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Traveling to Durnstein by Private Transfer / Arrival in Durnstein

   

   Today a private driver will pick you up from your Vienna accommodation and take you straight to your accommodations in Durnstein. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer that takes about an hour.

   Located between the hilltop Durnstein Castle and the Danube, Durnstein is famous for growing the region's best wines, and its abbey, with its iconic bright blue tower. The 12th century Durnstein ("Dry Stone") Castle was where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, in 1192 due to a dispute between the two Crusaders. The castle itself was reduced to ruins by Swedish Troops during the Thirty Years' War, but still offers rewarding views of the town of Durnstein, and the valley beyond.

   Upon your arrival in Durnstein, your driver will bring you to your accommodations.

   

   Amble About the Medieval Town

   Durnstein is a wonderful place for a stroll. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to beautiful, historic buildings, but the town is far from overrun with tourists. Expect to see murals and painted signs welcoming you to the area. We recommend following the Danube for good views of the town and the ruins of Durnstein Castle high above.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Durnstein

   

   Wachau Valley World Heritage Trail Small Group Hike

   Want to see the fascinating nature of the Wachau Valley from a different perspective? Put on sturdy shoes, and embark on a half-day hike, taking you along the circular World Heritage Trail from lesser known yet still charming Spitz and back. Let the air, breezes, tradition, and heritage touch you, and learn about nature, wine, and history from an expert guide.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Domane Wachau Estate Private Tour and Wine Tasting

   Learn about sustainable farming practices and taste hidden treasures in this scenic UNESCO heritage wine region. Discover the fascinating story of Domäne Wachau on a guided estate tour. Explore the baroque cellar beneath Dürnstein’s historic Kellerschlössel and learn what makes this estate extraordinary. Conclude your tour by sampling Wachau’s exceptional wines, including Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd categories, each with distinct characteristics.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Traveling to Salzburg by Private Transfer / Arrival in Salzburg

   

   Today a private driver will pick you up from your accommodations at the time of your choosing, and take you straight to your accommodations in Salzburg. This non-guided transfer takes about three hours, but for an additional fee, we can add stops at the village of Hallstatt or city of Linz.
   

   With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.

   When you arrive in Salzburg, you'll be brought directly to your accommodation.

   

   One of Europe's Largest Medieval Castles

   Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on Salzburg's Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the city's Baroque center. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg draws millions of tourists to the "Mozart City" every year. The fortress is open year-round and can be reached either on foot or by the fortress funicular located in the Festungsgasse. There are several museums worth a visit there, such as the Fortress Museum, the Marionette Museum, the Altes Zeughaus, or the Museum Of The Rainer Regiment, but the fortress' best attraction is its views of Salzburg, and the Alps.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Salzburg

   

   Salzburg Private Walking Tour

   Discover the beauty of Mozart's hometown as an experienced guide leads you on a walk through the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg. Your walk includes all the sightseeing highlights, such Mozart's birthplace and residence, the Getreidegasse, Cathedral, Residenz Palace, and Mirabell Palace, with its splendid gardens. If you come across anywhere you'd like to spend more time and go inside, your expert local guide will tailor the tour to your interests.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   A World of (the Sound of) Music

   Researched by Salzburg University, the Sound of Music World's exhibition goes beyond the famous movie, to give the real-life story of the Trapp family, and 1930s Austria, as well as the Villa Trapp, and facts the musical gets wrong. Naturally, there are also props from the film itself. If you'd like to visit the places with a local expert tour guide, we recommend one of the following tours.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Sound of Music Bicycle Group Tour

   Follow Maria's path in an active way, from the saddle of your own bike. Cruise through the Old Town to see sights from the famous movie before heading towards the surrounding hills. Sing along with your fellow travelers when reaching beautiful viewpoints. Your experienced guide will answer all your questions and you'll have fun cruising on two wheels in and around Salzburg.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Sound of Music Private Driving Tour

   Visit the land of the Sound of Music, and let the scenes and premises leave the screen and become real. You'll walk the same streets Maria did with the Captain's children, enter palaces, see the infamous lake Maria and the kids fell into, travel to the Salzkammergut Lake District, and visit the Church of Mondsee, the setting for the film's most cathartic moment. Your guide will tell you about historical and behind-the-scenes details of the Sound of Music and the land it features. Breathtaking architecture and nature will embrace you, and if you listen carefully, you might just hear the sound of music.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Salzburg

   

   Hallstatt Group Tour

   Hallstatt... One of the world's most captivating lakeside villages. The views you'll enjoy as you pass through the picturesque Salzkammergut Lake District alone will make this trip worthwhile. Hear interesting and fun stories from your knowledgeable tour guide during the coach ride and dive into discovering Hallstatt for yourself, whether visiting the village's museum, the Mühlbach Waterfalls, or enjoying a discounted funicular ride up to the "World Heritage View."

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   The City of Music

   Above all, Salzburg is a city of music. There are dozens of venues for classical music and opera throughout the city. Mozart's ouvre is obviously the most popular, but far from the only choice. In August you’ll find the Salzburg Festival, with more than 200 opera and classical music performances taking place in various concert halls. If you visit Salzburg in a different month, we can also offer tickets to regular concerts at the Mirabell Palace, St. Peters's Monastery and above all, at Hohensalzburg Fortress. These small, historic concert halls offer an exceptional, very personal experience.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Concert in the Mirabell Palace

   Enjoy a true musical treat during your stay in Salzburg. The Mirabell Palace's grandiose Baroque-style Marble Hall awaits connoisseurs and enthusiasts of classical music almost daily. Apart from Mozart, you'll hear pieces from other greats, such as Schubert, Vivaldi, and Beethoven. Experience the talent of soloists and ensembles dedicated to sharing Salzburg's musical spirit and heritage.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Mozart Concert and Dinner in the Baroque Hall

   This will be an unforgettable evening and perhaps the highlight of your visit to Salzburg. It's an evening of fine dining and world-class music as you enjoy fantastic entertainment at your own private table in the fabulous Baroque hall of Saint Peter's Monastery, making for a great way to sample the high culture of this musical city. This popular possibility sells out fast.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Today we will arrange a driver to pick you up at your accommodations in Salzburg and bring you to the airport in Munich for your departing flight. Please note that the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, so we will have the driver pick you up about 5 hours before your scheduled flight to provide enough time to check-in at the airport.