One the most popular trips we do is Austria by Scenic Rail. Glorious Vienna is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. It is the home to The Kiss, great palaces, and The Spanish Riding School. It is chock-full of musical experiences and has wonderful food and cafes. It is an extremely easy city to navigate with quaint trolleys and easy walking routes. Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol. Scenic mountains, yodeling, more good food, and rich history define this city. Salzburg is the home of The Sound of Music and Mozart. Horses clip-clop throughout the city and it’s charm can hardly be matched by any other place in Europe. And finally, a day trip to beautiful Alpine Hallstatt tops it all off.
In this Austria itinerary we recommend a fun and entertaining itinerary. The Professor gives his hotel recommendations in Vienna and Innsbruck. Where to eat in Vienna and the rest of Austria, we have the answers.
Here is our Austria itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Vienna
There are many places to stay in Vienna but we like the luxurious and centrally located 4-star Hotel am Konzerthaus. We love staying here on our own Austria small group tour. The first thing we would do when we arrive is to sample the culinary delights. We like to stroll around sampling the coffees and pastries, but we usually wind up at an authentic heuriger. It’s a family-owned Viennese tavern with a grand buffet, local wine, music, and song. There is no better way to start than with good things to eat, delightful drink, and lots of fun. Make sure to leave room for the apple strudel dessert.
Day 2: Vienna
Want to make your life easy? Buy a Vienna Pass. It provides free local transportation throughout the city, Hop On/Hop Off Bus access, and VIP admission to all the best attractions in Vienna. It might be a good idea to hire a guide or join a walking tour to get an overview of Vienna. No doubt you will see the historic center of the city. See the home of Mozart, the Spanish Riding School, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Haus der Musik, Sacher Café, Opera House, Capuchin Imperial Crypt, Michaelerplatz, festive markets and more.
Day 3: Vienna
With your Vienna Card in hand, enjoy a “free day”. There is so much to do and see. The Museums Quarter has galleries rivaling those found in London, Paris or New York. Check out a demonstration at the Spanish Riding School. See “The Kiss” at the Belvedere Palace. The Sigmund Freud Museum is fascinating. The Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces and Gardens are some of the grandest in all Europe. Go shopping in the old-town squares. Set aside time to enjoy a famous Viennese pastry and coffee.
Day 4: Innsbruck
The trains between cities in Austria are comfortable and fast. Board the high-speed train to Tyrolian Innsbruck, the site of two winter Olympic games. We like the best hotel in town, the Hotel Innsbruck. Take a stroll through this very walkable city. Wander Old Town Innsbruck and see the iconic Golden Roof. Walk through the Court Church & Emperor's Tomb. Of course, there is the Hofburg, Innsbruck's Old Imperial Palace. Treat yourself to a Tyrolian folk show with plenty of yodeling, knee-slapping, hooting, dancing and musical fun.
Day 5: Innsbruck
A “free day” in Innsbruck. At the local tourist office he Innsbruck Card can be purchased. It gets you around the city and admission to the best attractions. You will find it difficult to not give in to the urge to yodel when taking the funicular to experience scenic "Top of Innsbruck" from the Nordkette to view snow-capped peaks. The Grassmayr Bell Foundry & Museum is fascinating as well as the Olympic ski jump.
Day 6: Salzburg
Another high-speed luxury train from Innsbruck to the classical city of Salzburg. After check-in and then lunch, we recommend hiring a private guide or join a walking tour of the historic center. See the birthplace of Mozart, Old Market Square, and take the funicular to the imposing Fortress. Mirabell Gardens, Saint Peter’s Cemetery and Festival Hall Complex are all recognizable from "The Sound of Music".
Day 7: Salzburg/Hallstatt
This is a real treat. Go out-in-the-country adventure takes us to the picture-perfect lakeside village of Hallstatt. Alpine houses line the curvy, narrow streets. A Discovery Cruise on Lake Hallstatt is a delightful introduction to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage village. Then up, up and away on the funicular for a spectacular view. A trail leads to the Echern Valley glacier garden with glacial potholes and Waldbachstrub Waterfall. Of all the places we visit on our Traveling Professor small group Austria tour, this is the most beautiful.
Day 8: Salzburg
Salzburg of course is the home of “The Sound of Music”. It’s kind of corny, but a lot of fun to hop on the bus for an entertaining music tour of the sights and sounds of the famed movie. This might be the most fun day of all.
Day 9: Salzburg
A “free day” in Salzburg. It is easy to walk anywhere you wish to go. The town is full of shops, cafes, beer halls, and markets. The Salzburg Card provides access to the best attractions. For instance, take the cable car high into the Alps or visit St. Peter’s Monastery.
Day 10: Departure
With songs from “The Sound of Music” still playing in your head, it is time to say, “So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye”.
Join us on a small group tour to visit Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Hallstatt. If you are a solo traveler, a senior traveler, or have a traveling companion we are sure you will enjoy going with us.