Best of Austria: Imperial Cities, Lakes and the Alps

Day 1

Arrival in Vienna
Stay at Hotel Sacher Wien 5*

Your Austrian holiday begins at Vienna International Airport, where a private transfer will take you to the distinguished Hotel Sacher Wien, ideally located beside the Vienna State Opera.

Once settled into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Austria's magnificent capital. Take a leisurely walk through the elegant streets of the Old Town, admire the city's impressive architecture or discover the tradition of Viennese coffeehouses while enjoying a freshly prepared Sachertorte.

For a memorable introduction to Vienna, an optional private horse-drawn carriage ride can be arranged through the historic centre. Travel past celebrated landmarks, including the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the grand buildings lining the Ringstrasse. This experience is available year-round, subject to weather conditions and availability. Advance reservations are recommended, with hotel collection and return transfers available upon request.

In the evening, consider dining at Restaurant Rote Bar in your hotel, where classic Austrian dishes are served in an elegant historic setting.

Overnight: Vienna

Day 2

Imperial Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a walking tour through Vienna's historic centre.

Visit the impressive Hofburg Palace complex, see the Vienna State Opera and discover St. Stephen's Cathedral while learning about the city's imperial past and its most important landmarks.

In the afternoon, visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg family. Explore its richly decorated state rooms and spend time in the beautiful Baroque gardens. An optional 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the palace park can also be arranged, taking you past fountains, monuments and landscaped avenues. This experience is available from late March to October, and advance reservations are recommended.

Return to your hotel later in the afternoon, with the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Vienna

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Vienna's Art, Music and Coffeehouse Traditions

Spend today discovering Vienna's remarkable art collections, imperial history and celebrated coffeehouse culture, with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

You might begin at Belvedere Palace, where magnificent Baroque architecture and landscaped gardens provide the setting for an outstanding collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt's famous painting The Kiss.

Alternatively, visit the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg Palace to discover the fascinating lives of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. The nearby Imperial Treasury houses an extraordinary collection of Habsburg treasures, including the Austrian Imperial Crown.

During the afternoon, take time to experience Vienna's traditional coffeehouse culture at Café Central or Demel, both celebrated for their elegant interiors, excellent coffee and delicious pastries.

In the evening, you may wish to attend a classical concert or opera performance, which we can arrange in advance, subject to availability.

Overnight: Vienna

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Vienna to Salzburg,
Stay at Hotel Sacher Salzburg 5*

Following breakfast, your journey continues west to Salzburg, with two travel options available: a direct first-class train journey or a private guided transfer through Austria's picturesque Wachau Valley.

Option 1: Direct First-Class Train to Salzburg

Travel aboard a first-class Railjet train from Vienna to Salzburg, a comfortable journey of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes through the Austrian countryside. Private transfers between your hotels and railway stations will be arranged.

Upon arrival in Salzburg, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Option 2: Private Guided Transfer via Dürnstein and Melk Abbey

Travel with your private guide through the beautiful Wachau Valley, renowned for its vineyards, medieval villages and Danube scenery.

Your first stop is Dürnstein, a charming riverside village with colourful historic buildings and castle ruins overlooking the Danube, where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner.

Continue through the Wachau Valley, stopping for lunch at a riverside restaurant offering regional Austrian cuisine and beautiful views across the Danube.

After lunch, visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, one of Austria's finest Baroque landmarks. Explore its impressive interiors, including the Imperial Rooms, library and abbey church.

Later, continue to Salzburg and check into your hotel, with the evening at leisure.

Overnight:  Salzburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Discover Salzburg: Mozart and the Historic Old Town

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a walking tour of Salzburg's UNESCO-listed historic centre, with its beautiful Baroque buildings, narrow streets and historic squares.

Begin at Mirabell Gardens, known for their formal flowerbeds and appearances in The Sound of Music. Cross the Salzach River to explore the Old Town and continue along Getreidegasse, one of Salzburg's most famous streets.

Visit Mozart's Birthplace to discover the composer's early years, then continue to Salzburg Cathedral and the historic Residenz squares. Your tour also includes Hohensalzburg Fortress, where you can enjoy magnificent views across the city and surrounding mountains.

The afternoon is free to visit local shops, relax at a café or continue exploring Salzburg independently.

Overnight: Salzburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

The Sound of Music and Salzburg's Beautiful Countryside

Following breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for an excursion to the famous filming locations of The Sound of Music and the countryside around Salzburg.

Visit the lakeside setting of Leopoldskron Palace, followed by the grounds of Hellbrunn Palace, where you can see the gazebo featured in the film.

Continue through the beautiful Austrian countryside to Mondsee, a charming town surrounded by lakes and mountains. Here, visit the Basilica of St. Michael, which appeared in the film's wedding scene, and enjoy time to explore the historic centre.

After lunch, return to Salzburg for a free afternoon. In the evening, perhaps enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or attend a classical music performance.

Overnight: Salzburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

Salzburg to St. Wolfgang,
Stay at Hotel Seevilla Wolfgangsee 4*

After breakfast, leave Salzburg with your private guide and travel into the Salzkammergut Lake District, known for its beautiful lakes, mountain scenery and traditional villages.

Stop in St. Gilgen, a charming village beside Lake Wolfgang, where you can explore the waterfront, admire the colourful buildings and learn about its connections to Mozart's family.

Continue to Bad Ischl, once a popular summer retreat of the Austrian imperial family. Visit the Kaiservilla, the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, before enjoying lunch in the town. You may also wish to stop at the famous Café Zauner for coffee and traditional Austrian pastries.

Later, travel to St. Wolfgang and check into your lakeside hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, relaxing beside the lake or enjoying an optional boat cruise across Wolfgangsee, subject to seasonal schedules.

Overnight: St. Wolfgang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Hallstatt and the Spectacular Austrian Alps

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day excursion to Hallstatt, one of Austria's most picturesque villages and part of the UNESCO-listed Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape. Travel through the beautiful Austrian countryside to Lake Hallstatt, where your guide will lead you through the village's narrow streets, colourful lakeside houses and historic market square.

Discover Hallstatt's salt-mining history and admire the mountain scenery. Depending on your interests, travel dates and attraction opening schedules, you may also visit Hallstatt's historic salt mine or Skywalk for spectacular panoramic views. After lunch and some free time, return to St. Wolfgang for a relaxing evening beside the lake.

Overnight: St. Wolfgang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9

St. Wolfgang to Innsbruck via Kitzbühel,
Stay at Hotel Das Innsbruck 4*

Following breakfast, your journey continues west through the beautiful Austrian Alps towards Innsbruck, the historic capital of Tyrol. Travelling with your private guide, enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains to Kitzbühel, one of Austria's most famous Alpine towns. Explore its colourful medieval centre, charming streets and traditional shops, with time for lunch at a local restaurant.

Alternatively, depending on weather conditions and cable car operating schedules, take the Hahnenkamm cable car up the famous mountain for lunch at a mountain restaurant, with panoramic views of the Kitzbühel Alps. The mountain is also home to the legendary Streif downhill ski race.

Afterwards, continue through the Tyrolean countryside towards Innsbruck, surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Nordkette mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through the historic centre or relax at one of the city's cafés.

Overnight: Innsbruck

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10

Nordkette Mountains and Imperial Innsbruck

Following breakfast, visit the spectacular Nordkette Mountains, rising high above Innsbruck.

Travel by mountain railway and cable car to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the city, the Inn Valley and the surrounding Alps. Weather permitting, continue to the Hafelekar viewpoint for magnificent views of the Karwendel Mountains. Enjoy lunch at a mountain restaurant overlooking Innsbruck and the surrounding Alpine peaks.

After descending, meet your private guide for a walking tour of Innsbruck's historic Old Town. Discover the famous Golden Roof, explore the charming streets surrounding the Hofburg Imperial Palace and learn about the city's important role in the Habsburg Empire.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to explore Innsbruck's shops, restaurants and traditional cafés.

The Nordkette visit is subject to weather conditions and cable car operating schedules.

Overnight: Innsbruck

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11

Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Hall in Tirol

Following breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for an excursion into the countryside east of Innsbruck.

Begin with a visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, where you can explore the famous Chambers of Wonder, featuring imaginative exhibitions, contemporary art and impressive crystal installations. Enjoy time to discover the landscaped gardens and the Swarovski boutique.

Continue to the historic town of Hall in Tirol, known for its beautifully preserved medieval centre and traditional Tyrolean architecture. Explore its narrow streets, attractive squares and colourful buildings with your guide, followed by time for lunch.

Return to Innsbruck in the afternoon, leaving the remainder of the day free for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing at your hotel.

For guests who prefer mountain scenery to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, an alternative Alpine excursion can be arranged. Visit the beautiful Lake Achensee and the picturesque village of Pertisau, surrounded by the magnificent Karwendel and Rofan Mountains. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, admire the spectacular Alpine scenery and stop for lunch at a lakeside restaurant. A scenic boat trip can also be arranged, subject to seasonal schedules.

Overnight: Innsbruck

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12

Departure from Innsbruck

Following breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Austria before a private transfer to Innsbruck Airport for your onward flight.

Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer to Munich Airport in Germany, which may offer more convenient international flight connections.

Your Austrian journey concludes with memories of Vienna's magnificent palaces, Salzburg's musical heritage, the picturesque villages of the Lake District and the beautiful mountains of Tyrol.

Meals included: Breakfast