The Grand Austrian Symphony
From Imperial Vienna to Alpine Splendor
Trip Overview
Experience the best of Austria in one unforgettable week, journeying from the imperial grandeur of Vienna through the musical heritage of Salzburg to the alpine beauty of Innsbruck and Hallstatt. This carefully paced itinerary balances world-famous palaces and cathedrals with breathtaking natural landscapes, offering morning cultural explorations and afternoon leisurely discoveries. You'll walk through Habsburg history at magnificent palaces, ascend medieval fortresses, marvel at baroque architecture, and stand before cascading waterfalls in pristine mountain settings. Each day combines iconic attractions with authentic local experiences, from traditional coffeehouses to scenic lakeside villages. The route follows a logical geographic progression, minimizing travel time while maximizing diverse experiences across Austria's most captivating regions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Imperial Vienna Unveiled
Where to Stay Tonight
Inner City (1st District) (Mid-range hotel near St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Central location provides easy walking access to major attractions and excellent public transport connections for the coming days
Baroque Splendor & Viennese Traditions
Where to Stay Tonight
Inner City (1st District) (Same hotel as Day 1)
Staying put allows you to settle in and explore Vienna thoroughly without changing accommodations
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town or near the river (Boutique hotel within walking distance of main attractions)
Central location allows easy exploration of Salzburg's compact historic center on foot
Alpine Beauty & Lakeside Magic
Where to Stay Tonight
Hallstatt village center (Traditional guesthouse or small hotel with lake views)
Staying overnight allows you to experience Hallstatt's magical atmosphere after day-trippers depart
Alpine Capital Adventure
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town or near the train station (Alpine-style hotel with mountain views)
Central location provides easy access to attractions and stunning alpine scenery visible from many vantage points
Danube Valley Majesty
Where to Stay Tonight
Melk town center (Traditional guesthouse or small hotel with abbey views)
Staying in Melk allows a relaxed pace after a travel-heavy day and provides easy morning access for your return to Vienna
Farewell to Austria
Where to Stay Tonight
Near airport or train station if departing early (Convenient hotel for your departure logistics)
Strategic location minimizes morning travel stress and allows maximum time for final Vienna experiences
Practical Information
Getting Around
Austria has an excellent rail network operated by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways). Trains connect all major cities efficiently and comfortably. Within Vienna, use the comprehensive U-Bahn, tram, and bus system with multi-day passes. Salzburg and Innsbruck are compact and walkable with good local buses and trams. For Hallstatt, you'll combine trains with buses or ferries. Consider the ÖBB Vorteilscard for frequent travelers or book Sparschiene tickets in advance for significant savings. Regional transportation cards often include attraction discounts.
Book Ahead
Book Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace tickets 3-5 days ahead during peak season. Reserve train tickets for longer routes (Vienna-Salzburg, Innsbruck-Melk) at least one week in advance for best prices. Accommodation in Hallstatt should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead as options are limited. Melk Abbey typically doesn't require advance booking except for large groups.
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and castle stairs, layers for variable mountain weather, rain jacket year-round, adapter for European outlets (Type F), modest clothing for churches and monasteries, daypack for excursions, sunscreen and sunglasses for alpine areas, camera for spectacular scenery
Total Budget
$1,000-1,400 for 7 days (excluding international flights)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in hostels or budget hotels ($30-50/night), use Sparschiene advance train tickets, eat at self-service restaurants and markets, skip palace interiors and enjoy free gardens and churches instead, use multi-day transport passes, visit museums on free entry days, pack picnic lunches, choose the Hallstatt day trip from Salzburg rather than overnight stay. Total budget: $70-100 per day.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay at five-star historic hotels like Hotel Sacher Vienna or Goldener Hirsch Salzburg, book private guided tours of palaces and museums, enjoy fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, arrange private drivers between cities, upgrade to first-class rail travel, book helicopter tours over the Alps, enjoy spa treatments at luxury hotels, reserve concert tickets at the Vienna State Opera or Salzburg Festival. Total budget: $400-600 per day.
Family-Friendly
Add more time at Prater amusement park with its rides and green spaces, visit Schönbrunn's Children's Museum and zoo (Europe's oldest), reduce palace tours to highlights only, include more outdoor activities like the Schlossberg funicular and easy waterfall walks, choose family rooms or apartments with kitchenettes, schedule gelato breaks, visit Hallstatt's salt mines with underground slides, allow flexible timing for tired children, incorporate playgrounds in parks between cultural sites.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Austria