Travel a scenic route that weaves through Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Lower Austria, connecting picturesque towns, castles, palaces, and abbeys like pearls on a string. Along the way, discover the rich history of the Romans, who left their mark with forts and towns like Wels and Enns, and the Benedictine and Augustinian monks who built impressive monasteries in serene, elevated spots. Explore the stunning landscapes, tranquil lakes, and charming villages, all framed by majestic castles and baroque architecture that tell tales of power, science, and devotion. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through Austria’s timeless beauty!
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Begin your journey in Salzburg, a city steeped in history and musical heritage. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll through the charming old town, where cobblestone streets wind past baroque buildings and iconic landmarks like the Mozart’s Geburtshaus (Mozart’s birthplace).
If you’re just settling in after your flight, take it easy with a coffee at Café Tomaselli, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved cafés. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed walk through Mirabell Gardens, offering beautiful views of the Fortress Hohensalzburg.
Depart Salzburg and journey through the scenic lake district, with a slight detour to the market town of St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergutto. Continue on to the lower Muehlviertel – a region of rolling hills, forests, and meadows. Next, you’ll find yourself in Hallstatt, often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the world and home to the World Heritage Museum. Your Salzkammergut Adventure Card offers discounts on more than 120 attractions in the area. After a full day of exploring, settle into your accommodation in the Salzkammergut.
Enjoy a guided tour of Bad Ischl, a charming spa town once favored by Austrian royalty. Stroll through the elegant streets, where 19th-century architecture reflects its imperial past, and visit the Kaiservilla, the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Afterward, redeem your Lodenfrey voucher for high-quality alpine wear, from classic loden coats to stylish dirndls and lederhosen – timeless pieces of Austrian heritage.
Travel to Steyr, a medieval town with a rich history and beautifully preserved architecture. On the way, there are many stops to consider. Pass through Traunkirchen, a lakeside village with a stunning baroque church, or Gmunden, known for its ceramic craftsmanship and Ort Castle on Lake Traunsee. Pass through Almsee, with its crystal-clear alpine lake, or Grunau, nestled in the Almtal Valley. In Scharnstein, you’ll find the ruins of a medieval castle, while Kremsmünster is home to one of Austria’s oldest monasteries.
Upon arriving in Steyr, take a self-guided audio tour to uncover its fascinating past. Walk through the historic old town, where colorful townhouses line the Stadtplatz.
Travel further through Austria, stopping to visit Kremsmünster Abbey’s historic fisheries, where you can learn about traditional fish farming methods and the abbey’s long-standing connection to the Danube. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the river, taking in the stunning views of rolling hills and vineyards. End the day with a glass of local white wine, as you relax and savor the moment by the water.
Explore the Wachau Valley, renowned for its picturesque landscapes. Visit the impressive baroque Schallaburg Castle, where you can wander through beautiful courtyards and admire stunning frescoes. Stop by the Maria Taferl Sanctuary, a peaceful pilgrimage site with magnificent views of the valley below. After soaking in the history and scenery, spend your final night in the Austrian countryside.
Depart this morning and begin your journey to Austria’s capital, Vienna. Along the way, stop to explore the Abbey of Göttweig, perched high on a hilltop offering breathtaking views of the Danube. Arrive in Vienna, where you can dive into the city’s vibrant culture and awe-inspiring architecture. Finish the day with a spin on the Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater Park, taking in panoramic views of Vienna’s imperial grandeur.
Say goodbye to the city as you make your way to the airport, taking with you the unforgettable memories made in Austria.
(For all Trans-Atlantic flights, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.)
All hotels and accommodations included in your trip are carefully selected to meet a 4-star standard or higher. While we occasionally book 3-star hotels or B&B properties, they must meet our high standards of quality and comfort. To ensure consistency, we strive to have a team member visit each property regularly or conduct a thorough site inspection.
*Some hotels will be dependent on your departure date.
The tour package does not include flights to and from the tour’s starting location, but we are happy to provide you with a flight quote for your trip to Austria, along with travel protection for the duration.
Although booking flights might seem straightforward, hidden fees or service classes without seat assignments, meals, or checked bags can arise. With our experience since 1985, we are familiar with the best routings and have access to great contracts, often offering better prices than those available online.
If you would like to create a custom itinerary before or after the tour to extend your trip, we would be happy to assist with this.
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