Essential Austria: Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt

Day 1

Arrival in Vienna
Stay at Hotel Sacher Wien 5*

Upon arrival at Vienna International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred privately to your hotel in the heart of Austria's elegant capital.

After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps explore the historic centre, admire the Vienna State Opera or visit a traditional coffeehouse for a slice of the famous Sachertorte.

Alternatively, we can arrange a private horse-drawn carriage tour through Vienna's elegant streets, passing landmarks such as the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the magnificent Ringstrasse. This experience is available throughout the year, subject to weather conditions and availability. Advance booking is recommended, and hotel collection and drop-off can be arranged upon request.

Afterwards, perhaps enjoy dinner at your hotel's elegant Restaurant Rote Bar, renowned for its traditional Austrian cuisine and refined atmosphere.

Overnight: Vienna

Day 2

Imperial Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for a morning walking tour of Vienna's historic centre.

Explore the magnificent Hofburg Palace complex, admire the Vienna State Opera and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, discovering the city's rich imperial history and architectural treasures along the way.

After lunch, continue to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Explore its beautifully decorated state rooms, followed by time to admire the magnificent Baroque gardens. For a more memorable experience, we can also arrange a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the palace park, passing elegant fountains, historic monuments and landscaped avenues. This experience is available from late March to October, and advance booking is recommended.

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

Overnight: Vienna

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Vienna's Art, Music and Coffeehouse Traditions

Following breakfast, enjoy a day exploring Vienna's celebrated artistic and cultural heritage at your own pace.

Begin with a visit to the magnificent Belvedere Palace, home to an outstanding collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt's famous painting The Kiss. Admire its elegant Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens before continuing into the historic centre.

In the afternoon, perhaps visit the Hofburg Palace to explore the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, discovering the private world of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. You may also wish to visit the Imperial Treasury, home to the magnificent Austrian Imperial Crown and priceless treasures of the Habsburg dynasty.

Later, experience Vienna's famous coffeehouse culture with a visit to one of its celebrated historic cafés, such as Café Central or Demel, where you can enjoy traditional Viennese coffee and pastries in elegant surroundings.

In the evening, you may choose to attend a classical concert or opera performance, 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, the beautiful Baroque city surrounded by the Austrian Alps. Two travel options are available, allowing you to choose between a comfortable direct train journey or a private sightseeing transfer.

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 exploring the city at your own pace.

Option 2: Private Guided Transfer via Melk Abbey and Linz

Alternatively, travel to Salzburg with your private guide, enjoying two fascinating stops along the way.

Begin with a visit to magnificent Melk Abbey, one of Austria's finest Baroque landmarks, overlooking the Danube River. Explore its impressive interiors and discover the history of this remarkable Benedictine monastery.

Continue to Linz, where you will enjoy time for lunch followed by a short guided walking tour through the historic Old Town, including the attractive Hauptplatz and surrounding streets.

In the afternoon, continue to Salzburg, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight:  Salzburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Discover Salzburg: Mozart and the Historic Old Town

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for a walking tour through Salzburg's beautiful UNESCO-listed historic centre, renowned for its Baroque architecture, charming squares and rich musical heritage.

Begin at the magnificent Mirabell Gardens, famous for their elegant landscaped grounds and connections to The Sound of Music. Continue across the Salzach River into the Old Town, where narrow streets and historic buildings reflect centuries of cultural and architectural history.

Explore the famous Getreidegasse, one of Salzburg's most picturesque shopping streets, and visit Mozart's Birthplace to learn about the early life of the celebrated composer. Continue to Salzburg Cathedral and the historic squares surrounding the Residenz before ascending to Hohensalzburg Fortress, where spectacular views extend across the city's rooftops and surrounding mountains.

After the tour, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, perhaps relaxing at one of Salzburg's traditional cafés or exploring its elegant boutiques.

Overnight: Salzburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

The Sound of Music and Salzburg's Beautiful Countryside

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a scenic excursion exploring the famous filming locations of The Sound of Music and the beautiful countryside surrounding Salzburg.

Begin with visits to some of the film's best-known locations, including the picturesque setting of Leopoldskron Palace and the magnificent grounds of Hellbrunn Palace, where you can see the famous gazebo associated with the film.

Continue through the rolling hills and Alpine landscapes surrounding Salzburg towards the charming town of Mondsee. Here, visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Michael, where the wedding scene in The Sound of Music was filmed, and enjoy time to explore the town's attractive historic centre.

Following lunch, return to Salzburg through the scenic countryside. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure, with an opportunity to enjoy the city's restaurants or attend a classical music performance.

Overnight: Salzburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

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

Following breakfast, your journey continues into the beautiful Salzkammergut region, renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, charming villages and magnificent Alpine scenery. Travelling with your private guide, enjoy a scenic drive to St. Gilgen, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Wolfgang. Discover its colourful historic buildings, attractive waterfront and connections to Mozart's family.

Continue to Bad Ischl, the former summer retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Visit the historic Kaiservilla, enjoy lunch and stop at the famous Café Zauner for traditional Austrian coffee and pastries.

Your journey then continues along Lake Wolfgang to the charming village of St. Wolfgang, renowned for its traditional Austrian architecture and spectacular mountain setting. After checking into your lakeside hotel, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps explore the village's historic streets, relax beside the lake or enjoy an optional scenic 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 a highlight of the UNESCO-listed Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape.

Travel through the beautiful Alpine countryside towards Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by dramatic mountains and traditional Austrian villages. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour through Hallstatt's charming historic centre, with its colourful lakeside houses, narrow streets and beautiful market square.

Discover the village's fascinating history, shaped by thousands of years of salt mining, and enjoy magnificent views across the lake and surrounding mountains. Depending on your interests and attraction availability, there may also be an opportunity to visit the historic salt mine or the panoramic Skywalk viewpoint overlooking Hallstatt.

Following lunch, enjoy additional time to explore the village and admire the scenery before returning through the Salzkammergut countryside to St. Wolfgang.

Spend your final evening relaxing beside Lake Wolfgang, surrounded by the beautiful Austrian Alps.

Overnight: St. Wolfgang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9

Departure from Salzburg

Following breakfast, enjoy a final glimpse of the beautiful Lake District before your private transfer to Salzburg Airport for your onward journey.

Your Austrian adventure concludes with wonderful memories of Vienna's imperial palaces, Salzburg's musical heritage, the picturesque village of Hallstatt and the spectacular landscapes of the Austrian Alps.

Meals included: Breakfast