Winter Escape: Vienna & Salzburg, including the Bavarian Alps

7 Day Tour of Vienna and Salzburg

Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
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Boats on the Königssee in Bavaria in winter

7 Days 6 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

Day Cruises

Discover the magic of Vienna and Salzburg without the crowds, as you explore these cultural gems during the winter season. Wander through Vienna’s imperial palaces, indulge in cozy cafes with roasted chestnuts, and see the authenticate cities that emerge outside the tourist high season. From Salzburg, you’ll also take an excursion into a winter wonderland on a day trip to the idyllic Königssee, a lake hidden in the Bavarian Alps. Be sure to dress warm, so that the crisp air will only add to the enchantment of these beautiful winter destinations.

Enjoy private walking tours of Vienna & Salzburg, exploring baroque beauty and musical heritage.
Ride the tram around Vienna’s iconic Ring Street, admiring architectural wonders along the way.
Explore Vienna's museums and palaces, such as Schönbrunn Palace, without the lines and crowds.
Take in incredible snow-covered Alpine views from Salzburg's Hohensalzburg fortress.
Cruise the serene Königssee amidst the dramatic winter landscapes of the Bavarian Alps.

Enjoy private walking tours of Vienna & Salzburg, exploring baroque beauty and musical heritage.
Ride the tram around Vienna’s iconic Ring Street, admiring architectural wonders along the way.
Explore Vienna's museums and palaces, such as Schönbrunn Palace, without the lines and crowds.
Take in incredible snow-covered Alpine views from Salzburg's Hohensalzburg fortress.
Cruise the serene Königssee amidst the dramatic winter landscapes of the Bavarian Alps.

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

St Stephen’s Cathedral

Churches & Monasteries

Museumsquartier

Museums & Galleries

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Spanish Riding School

Cultural

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Old Town

Architecture

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Parks & Gardens

Hellbrunn Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Must see sights

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

St Stephen’s Cathedral

Churches & Monasteries

Museumsquartier

Museums & Galleries

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Spanish Riding School

Cultural

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles & Chateaux

Old Town

Architecture

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Parks & Gardens

Hellbrunn Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Starting from

$1675

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

To Be Determined

Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi

Vienna has one main airport, Vienna International Airport, where almost all visitors arrive. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. Uber is also available to those who have the app.

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

To Be Determined:

Taxi Transfer to Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Ring Street

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Inner City

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

Day 1

Arrive Vienna

To Be Determined

Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Along Vienna's Ringstraße (Ring Street)

The Ringstrasse, or the Ring Street, surrounds Vienna's old town where the city walls once stood until the 19th century. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was at the height of its prosperity at the time the walls were torn down, and so it lined the wide Ringstrasse with monumental buildings such as the neo-Gothic town hall and neo-Classical parliament buildling. A fun experience is to take a tram ride around the entire length of the Ringstrasse, soaking in the full richness of the spectacle.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring Vienna's Inner City

When the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talking about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds to Vienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defensive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. A warren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space between the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets that remains to this day.

Day 2

Vienna

Day 2

Vienna

Day 2

Vienna

Day 2

Vienna

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk through Vienna's Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Experience the Imperial Vienna

Discover the very heart of the Habsburg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Within the vast Hofburg Palace complex, which was once home to Austria’s emperors and their administrators, you will find palaces, museums, a famed riding hall, the Austrian national library, and much more. The State Opera House and other major monuments are also nearby. Majestically stunning, the buildings and squares of Imperial Vienna still evoke awe in the observer even if the Empire they were built for is now long gone.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Stroll from the Hundertwasser Haus to the Prater

The charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria's architectural highlights. The colorful building represents a harmonic place where human beings and nature can live together with equal rights. Just a short walk away is the Prater, a large and pleasant public park. You can make your through the park to Vienna's oldest fun park, which is home to a towering Ferris wheel called the Wiener Riesenrad.

Day 3

Vienna

Day 3

Vienna

Day 3

Vienna

Day 3

Vienna

To Be Determined

Tour the Schönbrunn Palace

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Hip Vienna; the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter

The centuries-old market known as the Naschmarkt and its surroundings are a great destination for those who love shopping, art, cafes, and nightlife. With a population of students and young professionals this area is one of Vienna’s youngest, and not coincidentally, it’s most hip and bohemian. Even the nearby Museum Quarter is happening, as it's abuzz with activity even well after its outstanding museums have closed.

Early Evening to Late Evening

Dine with locals in the Spittelberg Quarter

One of the most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spittelberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are filled with pleasant traditional restaurants. The Spittelberg Quarter’s history stretches back to the 1600’s when the Austrian rulers imported artisans and servants from Hungary, Croatia, and other subject lands to help serve the Emperor’s court.

Day 4

Vienna to Salzburg

Day 4

Vienna to Salzburg

Day 4

Vienna to Salzburg

Day 4

Vienna to Salzburg

9:40 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

10:38 - 13:08

Rail Journey to Salzburg

The scenic journey on the comfortable train will take about two and a half hours. The journey is aboard a comfortable, modern train with wi-fi, provided either by the Austrian rail company or a private rail carrier called Westbahn. The verdant rolling countryside of northern Austria makes for a pleasant voyage, and on clear days, you can also enjoy a view on the Alps in the distance from the left side of the train. You also have detailed instructions below for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets in your ticket booklet.

1:08 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Salzburg Main Station (Salzburg Hbf) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and buses pickup directly in front of the station. Taxis are available near the station entrance and are generally honest. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Festung Hohensalzburg dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidable and enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and from the other a beautiful view of the nearby Alps. In addition to touring the fortress staterooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, the Torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Explore the Altstadt

Salzburg's Altstadt, which simply means Old Town, is one of the world's most charming city centers. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroque buildings, as its 17th and 18th centuries archbishop rulers focused on beautifying their town rather than fighting foreign wars like neighboring states. A series of squares runs through the old town, and most you will find dominated by a beautiful church. Throughout the Altstadt, you will find markets, pleasant shops, and cozy restaurants.

Day 5

Salzburg

Day 5

Salzburg

Day 5

Salzburg

Day 5

Salzburg

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fascinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every street and square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour with a local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty into perspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, and environment.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Explore the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens

On the right bank of Salzach river lies the Neustadt (New Town). Although it may be just a bit newer than the Altstadt, it still boasts hundreds of years of history in it's winding and narrow Medieval lanes. The Mirabell Palace, a Baroque masterpiece built in 1606 by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg for his concubine, is the most famous site in the Neustadt. As impressive as the palace and its interior are, the elaborate gardens surrounding the palace are more famous than the palace itself.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

The Mönchsberg & Augustinian Beer Hall

Although tiny in comparison to the mountains of the nearby Alps, the Mönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) dominates the Altstadt. While the highest portion of the mountain is occupied by the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the rest of the mountain is covered by idyllic forests and pastures, romantic homes, and castle ruins. A stroll through this enchanting landscape also affords numerous beautiful views of Salzburg's Altstadt below. Perhaps best of all, it can all be enjoyed away from the crowds of the city. The Salzburg Card covers the cost of an elevator built into the side of mountain which will take you to the top!

Day 6

Salzburg

Day 6

Salzburg

Day 6

Salzburg

Day 6

Salzburg

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Excursion to the Königssee (King's Lake)

The breathtakingly beautiful Königssee (King's Lake) is the deepest lake in the Alps and is surrounded by steep mountains. Taking a cruise on the lake is an unforgettable experience. The boat will take you to the red-onion domed Kloster St. Bartolomä, where you then take a relaxing and enchanting walk along the forested lakeshore. For serious hikers, you can also continue on the boat to the far end of the lake, and then take a hike to a dramatic waterfall.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Excursion to Berchtesgaden

About 20 miles from Salzburg, just across the German border, lies Berchtesgaden. This charming Bavarian town is nestled amidst a dramatic Alpine valley, and is actually located within a national park. Berchtesgaden boasts charming market squares, imposing churches, and even a medieval palace. There are also plenty of traditional Bavarian restaurants and shops selling local crafts and art.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Salzburg

Birthplace of Mozart, home to the world's most prestigious music festival (the Salzburger Festspiele), and forever associated with The Sound of Music, Salzburg is practically synonymous with music. The city fully embraces this heritage and today there are abundant opportunities to enjoy performances of classical music in the city. While it possesses several fine concert halls, its palaces, churches, and gardens also host performances and often provide the perfect venue.

Day 7

Depart Salzburg

Day 7

Depart Salzburg

Day 7

Depart Salzburg

Day 7

Depart Salzburg

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport

Salzburg has one main airport, Salzburg Airport, although many depart from nearby Munich Airport (see below). Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 2.5 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes. Keep in mind though that Salzburg Airport is a very small airport, so you may end up departing from Munich instead. The Munich airport has its own rail station, making it easy to take an approximately 2-hour train ride from Salzburg.

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Winter Escape: Vienna & Salzburg, including the Bavarian Alps

7 Day Tour of Vienna and Salzburg

$1675

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.