Excellent
10-Day Austria Itinerary: Imperial Cities & Alpine Landscapes
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Excellent
Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertThree nights in Salzburg rather than two is what makes the Hallstatt excursion work properly. It's a full day that needs a relaxed base, and the apple strudel and Nockerl tasting fits naturally into the following morning without compressing the Old Town time. The Nordkette cable car in Innsbruck reaches 2,300 meters in under ten minutes from the city center; that shift from medieval cobblestones to alpine terrain above treeline deserves a full afternoon rather than a rushed hour. For the Wachau excursion from Vienna, a weekday morning cuts river boat numbers significantly. Dürnstein and Weißenkirchen read most clearly as working wine communities without the weekend groups.
Three nights in Salzburg rather than two is what makes the Hallstatt excursion work properly. It's a full day that needs a relaxed base, and the apple strudel and Nockerl tasting fits naturally into the following morning without compressing the Old Town time. The Nordkette cable car in Innsbruck reaches 2,300 meters in under ten minutes from the city center; that shift from medieval cobblestones to alpine terrain above treeline deserves a full afternoon rather than a rushed hour. For the Wachau excursion from Vienna, a weekday morning cuts river boat numbers significantly. Dürnstein and Weißenkirchen read most clearly as working wine communities without the weekend groups.
Recommended route
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Vienna
Day 1 - 3
Resting over the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Vienna, the country’s capital city, is famous for its classical music heritage and reflects an enticing blend of old and new. The historical centre is skyscraper-free and dotted with immaculate, charming little parks. It is also pedestrian friendly and extremely compact, which is convenient as this area contains the bulk of the city’s major tourist highlights. Chief among these are the famous Burgtheater and Opera House and an array of opulent baroque palaces lining the warren of narrow, medieval alleyways which wind their way around the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. Add to this a slew of grand coffee houses and a rich history of classical music (residents included Mozart and Beethoven) and it becomes difficult to imagine a more livable city than the sophisticated metropolis of Vienna.
Your accommodation
Hotel Am Konzerthaus - MGallery Collection
With a stay at Hotel Am Konzerthaus - MGallery Collection, you'll be centrally located in Vienna, steps from Akademietheater and Schwarzenbergplatz. This luxury hotel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Soviet War Memorial and 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Konzerthaus.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities including a fitness center and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a banquet hall.
Stay in one of 208 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your Select Comfort bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Your activity
Vienna walk & Imperial Palace
Vienna is a historic city and former capital of a great empire that has a rich cultural heritage. This city walking tour is an opportunity for you to explore Vienna's beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and local culture. Your guide will take you on a tour through the main streets, as well as some of the city's hidden gems such as noble palaces, historic churches, and narrow streets. The highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Imperial Palace, which is a magnificent building with a rich history and cultural significance.
The tour can be customized to suit your individual needs and interests, so you can get the most out of your visit to Vienna. Whether you're interested in learning more about the city's history, architecture, or local culture, your guide will be able to accommodate your needs and help you make the most of your time in the city. So, grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the city of Vienna and all its wonders!
Walking Tours in the center lead to highlights such as:
The Hofburg Palace, Heldenplatz, Michaelerplatz and Josefsplatz
National Library, the Albertina, Neuer Markt and the Imperial Crypt
Salzburg
Day 4 - 6
Set near the German border, the famous city of Salzburg is one of the best-preserved city centres in Europe. Its winding cobblestone streets offer a treasure trove of Medieval and Baroque buildings, palaces, concert halls, and monasteries - all set against a picturesque backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped Alps. Visit the house where Mozart was born, and enjoy a packed lineup of operas, concerts and ballets in breathtaking historic halls and venues. The internationally renowned Salzburg Festival, which takes place every summer, provides the ultimate way to enjoy this scene. Fans of the Sound of Music can retrace the characters’ steps backed by stunning scenes and vistas. Make sure to stroll along the beautiful Salzach River, climb up to the spectacular Hohensalzburg fortress, and try the famous, delicious beer brewed at the Augustiner Braustubl, a monastery-run brewery operating since 1621.
Your accommodation
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg is centrally located in Salzburg, a 3-minute walk from Mozart's Birthplace and 6 minutes by foot from Mirabell Gardens. This luxury hotel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Salzburg Christmas Market and 0.6 mi (1 km) from Salzburg Cathedral.
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. Additional amenities at this hotel include concierge services, babysitting (surcharge), and a banquet hall.
Make yourself at home in one of the 70 guestrooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Sound of Music tour
Relive the true story of the Von Trapp family, which was filmed as the 'Sound of Music' in the Salzburg area. This popular tour is a combination of historical Salzburg and the beautiful lakes and mountain areas surrounding the city.
Your dirver-guide will take you past the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where the famous "Do-Re-Mi" scene was filmed, as well as the quaint town of Mondsee, where the wedding scene was shot. This tour provides a unique opportunity to relive the magical story of the Von Trapp family and the timeless music that captured the hearts of audiences around the world. You will gain insight into the history of Salzburg and the surrounding areas, and gain a deeper appreciation for the film that has become a classic. Whether you're a fan of the movie or simply looking for a scenic adventure, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Salzburg.
Innsbruck
Day 7 - 8
Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol state in Austria, lies within the Alps. With its relatively mild Alpine climate and outdoor sports facilities impressive enough to thrill even the most adventurous extreme-sports enthusiast, this spectacular historic city is the perfect springboard for making the leap between the urban and the outdoors. See Emperor Maximilian’s glorious fifteenth-century influences in the Gothic Hofkerche Cathedral, the city’s landmark Goldenes Dachl (golden roof), and the remarkable Gothic and Baroque buildings strewn along the winding cobbled streets of its charming historic Altstadt (Old Town). Every year thousands of tourists are drawn to this delightful picture-perfect city presided over by the imposing jagged peaks of the Nordkette mountain range and the majestic Habsburg palace.
Your accommodation
Hotel Schwarzer Adler
A stay at Hotel Schwarzer Adler places you in the heart of Innsbruck, within a 5-minute walk of Hofgarten Park and Court Church. This boutique hotel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Hofburg and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Tyrolean State Theatre.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as bicycles to rent or take in the view from a rooftop terrace. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and ski storage.
Make yourself at home in one of the 50 guestrooms. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with single sofa beds. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers.
Your activity
Nordkette Cable Car
The Nordkette Mountain is easily accessible from the heart of Innsbruck via the Nordkette Cable Car. Visitors are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the stunning surrounding Alpine mountain range.
The journey from the city center to the mountain peak is divided into three stages. Firstly, the Hungerburgbahn funicular railway takes you from the valley up to the Hungerburg in just 8 minutes. During this part of the journey, you have the option to disembark and visit the Alpen zoo, which is a popular destination for families with children (entrance fee included).
The second stage of the journey involves the Seegrubenbahn cable car, which takes you from the Hungerburg up to the Seegrube mountain peak at an elevation of 1,905 meters (6,250 ft). This is a perfect spot to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Austrian nature.
The third and final part of the journey entails taking the Hafelekarbahn cable car from the Seegrube to Hafelekar, also known as the "Top of Innsbruck," located at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,545 ft) Here, you will be greeted by some of the most magnificent views and also find a delightful restaurant where you can take a break and relax.
Starting Time:
- Hungerburgbahn funicular railway:
- 7AM-7:15PM Mon-Fri
- 8AM-7:15PM Sat, Sun and holidays
- Seegrubenbahn:
- 8:30AM-5:30PM Daily
- Hafelekarbahn Cable Car:
- 9AM-4:45PM Daily
Vienna
Day 9 - 10
Resting over the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Vienna, the country’s capital city, is famous for its classical music heritage and reflects an enticing blend of old and new. The historical centre is skyscraper-free and dotted with immaculate, charming little parks. It is also pedestrian friendly and extremely compact, which is convenient as this area contains the bulk of the city’s major tourist highlights. Chief among these are the famous Burgtheater and Opera House and an array of opulent baroque palaces lining the warren of narrow, medieval alleyways which wind their way around the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. Add to this a slew of grand coffee houses and a rich history of classical music (residents included Mozart and Beethoven) and it becomes difficult to imagine a more livable city than the sophisticated metropolis of Vienna.
Your accommodation
Hotel Am Konzerthaus - MGallery Collection
With a stay at Hotel Am Konzerthaus - MGallery Collection, you'll be centrally located in Vienna, steps from Akademietheater and Schwarzenbergplatz. This luxury hotel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Soviet War Memorial and 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Konzerthaus.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities including a fitness center and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a banquet hall.
Stay in one of 208 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your Select Comfort bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Your activity
Dinner at Piaristenkeller
Enjoy a 3-course meal (set menu) in a location unlike any other! The Piaristenkeller is a historic restaurant located in a 300-year-old monastery cellar. It offers a unique dining experience with its two attractions, the Emperor Franz Joseph Hat Museum and the Imperial and Royal Wine Treasure Vault. Before or after your meal, you can visit these attractions, gaining insight into the history and culture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The wine cellar of Piaristenkeller showcases some of Austria’s finest wines in a beautiful setting.An evening at Piaristenkeller is a perfect combination of history, culture, and delicious food, making it a must-visit for anyone in Vienna.
