Hotels, transport and tours booked for you
5 days from $868per person
5 days and 4 nights in Vienna and Salzburg from $868 per person (flights not included). Best time to go: Jan-Dec.
Spanning 5 enchanting days, this itinerary unveils Austria's imperial splendor and musical heritage by taking you to the cities that Mozart called home. Begin by exploring the baroque elegance of Vienna and then travel to charming Salzburg, situated amidst Alpine glory. You'll enjoy a journey filled with cultural discovery and private guided explorations of Vienna's Inner City and Salzburg's Old Town. You can also enjoy epic musical performances by experiencing concerts in their grand concert halls. Our mobile app and detailed travel guidance will make the trip easy, and we'll also provide advice on selecting from concerts, operas, & ballets.
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.
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.
Afternoon/Late Afternoon
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.
Early Evening/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 1
Arrive Vienna
Taxi Transfer to Hotel
OverviewTaxi Transfer to Hotel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get in touch with the local vibe at the Rathausplatz, a huge square in front of the Vienna City Hall.
The 19th-century city hall was built in a fanciful neo-Gothic style with 30 million bricks. It is an important center for social life in the city, hosting balls, concerts, and other events. The square in front of the hall is home to activities all year long, including markets, food fairs, exhibitions, and the city's biggest Christmas Market.
Explore one of the world's most important natural history collections.
The museum is a treasure trove of anthropological and archeological exhibits, including dinosaurs and other extinct animals, precious gems, and more. It also holds the famous pre-historic finds from the Austrian village of Hallstatt, where an ancient salt mine was located.
Find artistic bliss in this lavish 19th-century museum housing art collections & antiquities.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Art History Museum, is one of the world's most important collections of art. It houses many masterpieces as well as ancient and classical art antiquities. Its amazing interior is worth seeing just on its own merits, and includes an incredible mural painted by Gustav Klimt.
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.
Visit this awe-inspiring cathedral which is one of the most important and renowned Gothic buildings in Central Europe.
The cathedral is Vienna’s most famous landmark and dominates the Inner City. Founded in 1147 A.D. and built over hundreds of years, it has elements of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You can also climb the (many) steps of the tower for a view.
Walk the most famous street in Vienna and see stunning monuments and beautiful architecture.
Vienna’s main street since the Middle Ages, this wide pedestrian boulevard abounds in cafes, smart shops, and atmosphere. There are two fountains and a column (built as thanks for the end of the plague), which are beautiful examples of Baroque architecture. Also hidden on the street is the world's most beautiful public restroom.
Get to know Mozart in his former apartment, where he spent his happiest years.
Despite his modern-day association with Salzburg, Mozart's time in Vienna was his most productive and happy. Here you can learn about Mozart and what life was like for him and others in the city at the time. You can listen to musical selections and see original scores and other materials.
Step into this heavenly 18th-century church featuring incredibly ornate baroque art & architecture.
This church from the early 1700's is Vienna’s first domed baroque building. Amazing architectural details are crammed into the small interior, and glass crypts contain the human remains of martyred saints. There are daily organ recitals in the church.
Discover Vienna's rich history of Jewish life.
The museum is located in two separate buildings within the Inner City (one ticket covers both). The branch on the Judenplatz showcases medieval Jewish life, including a virtual tour of life in the 14th century. It is fronted by a monumental Holocaust Memorial. The main branch is located on the street Dorotheergasse.
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 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/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.
Afternoon/Late Afternoon
Visit the Karlskirche & Belvedere Palace
Two of Vienna's greatest architectural treasures lie just beyond the Ring Street - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles's Church). Often missed by visitors, these Baroque wonders represent Austria at the peak of its prestige and power and deserve to be on every visitor's list.
Early Evening/Evening
Concert or Other Cultural Event in Vienna
Perhaps no city is more famous for its cultural scene than Vienna. You can enjoy a wide variety of performances in settings of exquisite beauty and elegance. Opera, ballet, and symphony are just some of your choices you will discover in the home of Strauss and the Waltz. Three of Vienna's concert halls are regularly ranked among the top ten venues in the entire world for both their aesthetic appeal and their fine acoustics, and of course, the city's musical companies are also considered among the best in the world.
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.
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.
Visit the famous opera house on a guided tour, or better yet, enjoy a world-class performance.
Once the most pre-eminent music hall in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire, it still dwarfs its surroundings. It was mostly destroyed in bombing during WWII, but the lavish and stunning foyer was encased in a protective structure and saved, and the rest was rebuilt. Just across from the State Opera house is the famous Hotel Sacher, home of the Sachertorte.
See firsthand the treasures collected by Austrian emperors over the last 1,000 years.
The Imperial Treasury is today a museum collection of the secular and religious treasures amassed by the Austrian emporers. You'll see crowns, coronation robes, scepters, bejeweled swords, precious gems, religious relics, and much more. Be sure to get an audio guide.
See an equestrian performance from a world-famous riding school dating back to 1572.
Originally founded in order to train horses for the complicated maneuvers necessary in battle, the riding school today is dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of the renowned white Lipizzaner stallions. It offers regular demonstrations & shows and is located in the interior of a palace.
Dine in an elegant 19th century cafe.
The soaring gothic ceilings and fine cuisine of the Café Central made it the frequent haunt of historic figures such as Freud and Trotsky. Reservations are highly recommended.
Tour the palaces and courtyards of the massive Hofburg Palace complex.
The complex consists of numerous palaces which once housed the imperial family during the winter months, and also held the offices which were used to administer the state. They now hold museums and collections from the imperial past. There are also grand plazas and pleasant gardens, such as the enchanting Burggarten.
Two of Vienna's greatest architectural treasures lie just beyond the Ring Street - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles's Church). Often missed by visitors, these Baroque wonders represent Austria at the peak of its prestige and power and deserve to be on every visitor's list.
Stroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".
Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.
Many argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.
Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.
Perhaps no city is more famous for its cultural scene than Vienna. You can enjoy a wide variety of performances in settings of exquisite beauty and elegance. Opera, ballet, and symphony are just some of your choices you will discover in the home of Strauss and the Waltz. Three of Vienna's concert halls are regularly ranked among the top ten venues in the entire world for both their aesthetic appeal and their fine acoustics, and of course, the city's musical companies are also considered among the best in the world.
Day 3 Train: 2.5h
Vienna to Salzburg
Day 3 Train: 2.5h
Vienna to Salzburg
Morning
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.
11:40 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.
12:38 - 15:08
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.
3:08 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.
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.
Early Evening/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!
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.
Get acquainted with modern art at one of Vienna's most celebrated artistic collections.
The Leopold hosts the most extensive collection of Egon Schiele works in existence, as well as masterpieces from the Secessionist, Modernist, and Expressionist Movements. Museum visitors can also take a break in a chique roof top café.
Peruse outstanding art and hang out with the smart crowd.
Once home to the Imperial Stables, the Museumsquartier now hosts several outstanding museums, such as the interactive Zoom Children's Museum. Cafes, bars, and bookstores make this one of Vienna's hippest social scenes. Funky couches and other fun seating arrangements have transformed it into an open-air entertainment district, and on long summer evenings, the sounds of laughter and conversation echo late into the night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step beneath Salzburg Cathedral’s immense dome to experience the monumental Baroque church at the heart of the city.
The first cathedral at this location was founded in 774 A.D. The current cathedral was built between 1614-1628 and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The cathedral was largely destroyed by an Allied bomb in WWII but was restored by 1959. One of the most significant treasures in the cathedral is the Baptismal Font, which was cast in 1321 and rests on copper lions dating back to the 1100s. Entry should be 7 € for adults and the cathedral closes between 5 - 7 PM depending on the season.
Understand Mozart and his music better by discovering the remarkable childhood behind the composer, from his earliest lessons with his father to the concert tours that made him famous across Europe before he was even a teenager.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here at Getreidegasse 9 on January 27, 1756, and grew up with his parents, Leopold and Anna Maria, and his musically gifted older sister Nannerl. Leopold, himself a composer, violinist, and respected music teacher, recognized his son’s extraordinary abilities early; by five or six, Wolfgang was performing and composing, and soon he and Nannerl were appearing before aristocratic audiences across Europe on ambitious tours organized by their father. Today the birthplace is a museum focused on Mozart as both a person and musician, displaying family possessions and original instruments including his childhood violin; adult admission is currently €18, while entry is included with the Salzburg Card.
Sing Eidelweis in the concert venue made famous by The Sound of Music.
You can visit the concert halls of the world's most prestigious international music festival, the Salzburger Festspiele. The Salzburg Festival Halls grew from the former stables and riding schools of Salzburg’s prince-archbishops, first established here under Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau and gradually converted into performance spaces after the Salzburg Festival began in 1920. The most dramatic example is the Felsenreitschule, where 96 arcades were carved into a former stone quarry in 1693 for spectators at equestrian displays, while construction of the Großes Festspielhaus required blasting away some 55,000 cubic meters of the mountain to fit the enormous modern theater behind the historic façade. The 50-minute tour (provided in English and German simultaneously) includes all the major venues and many backstages as well.
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!
Quaff a beer in Salzburg's favorite and most historic brewery.
At the foot of the Mönchsberg, in the village-like neighborhood of Mülln, lies Austria's largest beer hall. Since 1621 it has served the famously delicious brew of the Augustinian monks. Although it attracts many visitors, it remains a favorite among locals, especially in the warmer months when the beer garden is open. Even if you don't drink beer, it is still a great way to try some traditional Austrian cuisine and mingle with Salzburgers in a wonderfully authentic atmosphere.
Discover these castle ruins which most visitors never find and enjoy unique views of the fortress and the Alps.
The Richterhöhe castle ruins date back to the year 1367. After the castle became obsolete, it's courtyard actually provided an ideal locale for grape growing. Vineyards therefore soon took over the bailey and can still be seen today. The most outstanding feature of the Richterhöhe is the amazing panoramic view it offers. It is one of the best views in all of Salzburg, and you will likely have it all to yourself.
Day 4
Salzburg
Day 4
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
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.
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
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.
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.
One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.
One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer.
Step beneath Salzburg Cathedral’s immense dome to experience the monumental Baroque church at the heart of the city.
The first cathedral at this location was founded in 774 A.D. The current cathedral was built between 1614-1628 and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The cathedral was largely destroyed by an Allied bomb in WWII but was restored by 1959. One of the most significant treasures in the cathedral is the Baptismal Font, which was cast in 1321 and rests on copper lions dating back to the 1100s. Entry should be 7 € for adults and the cathedral closes between 5 - 7 PM depending on the season.
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.
Ascend the steep mountain to the fortress in seconds on the fortress funicular railway.
Hohensalzburg Fortress was never taken by force, although many attempts were made over the centuries. Fortunately, reaching it today is much easier: a steep funicular carries visitors directly up to the fortress. A round-trip Fortress Card costs €19 and includes admission to the fortress attractions, with the exception of the State Apartments and Theatre, which require an additional €3.40 ticket.
Experience the impressive splendor and craftmanship of the castle interior.
The State Apartments/Regency Chambers (Fürstenzimmer) are the top attraction within the fortress. These rooms were built as a showcase for state functions and to receive foreign visitors and dignitaries. You can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, and the WWI-focused Rainer Museum.
Apart from featuring in The Sound of Music , Nonnberg Abbey is also one of the world’s oldest continuously operating convents, where medieval architecture, views across the city, and the real story behind the Sound of Music come together.
Founded around 712–715 by St. Rupert, Nonnberg has remained a Benedictine convent for more than 1,300 years, with St. Erentrudis serving as its first abbess. The abbey later became famous through Maria Kutschera, who was a novice here before the abbess sent her to care for the widowed Georg von Trapp’s children—beginning the real-life story that inspired The Sound of Music. Visitors cannot enter the working convent itself, but the abbey church and cemetery are freely accessible (and almost empty of tourists); inside the church, look for Romanesque frescoes, a Late Gothic winged altar, and the crypt containing the tomb of St. Erentrudis. Since it is usually empty, you must pay to light up the Romanesque frescoes and a Gothic altar, but this is half of a Euro well spent (especially in the case of the altar). Although you are unlikely to see large groups of nuns in black habits singing in unison as they wonder what to do with a problem like Maria, you may hear them from their enclosed choir during morning prayer or at evening Vespers.
Take in a breathtaking view of the nearby Alps.
The terrace of the fortress offers an absolutely stunning view of the Alps. You can see the Untersberg especially well. It was the mountain which the Von Trapp family climbed at the end of The Sound of Music to escape Austria. Ironically, it's on the Bavarian border, so they were actually climbing into Germany. In reality they took a train to Italy.
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.
Stroll this tranquil garden amidst the city hubbub and sing "Do-Re-Me" .
Within the gardens, you will discover not only greenery and flowers but also statues of a pegasus, unicorns, lions and other exotic animals, as well as a gnome garden, grand staircases, fountains, and other picturesque spots. Sound of Music fans will recognize it, as this is where several parts of the "Do-Re-Me" song were filmed. Maria and the children march around the pegasus statue and fountain, race through the lattice garden tunnels, pose at the garden gates, and pet the gnomes on the head. Not much of the palace interior is open to visitors, however, the best part of the palace, a marble staircase lined by Raphael Donner statues, is open to those who know how to find it. The corridor to the staircase can be found in the passage that connects the palace courtyard to the gardens and the Pegasus fountain. If you are coming from the courtyard, the door to the corridor is on your right. You will find the staircase within a few steps.
Hang out with locals on this pedestrian street lined by shopping and restaurants.
Linzer Gasse has served as an important route since Roman times. Historically associated with merchants and craftsmen, many of its medieval townhouses survived in restored form after a devastating fire swept through the neighborhood in 1818. Look for the former home of Paracelsus at No. 3, and farther along the street, St. Sebastian’s Church and Cemetery; Linzer Gasse also provides access to the steep historic route up the Kapuzinerberg. Just look for the gateway passage, which is located on the right side of the Linzer Gasse if you are coming from the river and head up the mountain side.
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 5
Depart Salzburg
Day 5
Depart Salzburg
Early Morning/Morning
Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg
The nearly 6,000-foot high Untersberg is Salzburg's nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far. Don't worry, there's no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. The Salzburg card covers both the bus ride to the lift (it's the last stop of bus line #25) and the cable car tickets!
Mid-Day/Afternoon
Visit the Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens
Built as a summer palace by Salzburg's Prince-Bishop, the Hellbrunn Palace is a picturesque palace surrounded by even more beautiful gardens. The early baroque palace was built exclusively for the purpose of entertainment, as the Prince-Bishop would actually return to Salzburg in the evening. It can be toured with an audio guide and includes several beautiful frescoed ceilings. There is a great deal to discover in the gardens - hidden grottos, clever statues, reflecting pools, as well as flora and fauna. And the trick fountains are a must for every visit. Both the transportation (bus #25) and the entry are covered by the Salzburg Card.
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.
The nearly 6,000-foot high Untersberg is Salzburg's nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far. Don't worry, there's no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. The Salzburg card covers both the bus ride to the lift (it's the last stop of bus line #25) and the cable car tickets!
Built as a summer palace by Salzburg's Prince-Bishop, the Hellbrunn Palace is a picturesque palace surrounded by even more beautiful gardens. The early baroque palace was built exclusively for the purpose of entertainment, as the Prince-Bishop would actually return to Salzburg in the evening. It can be toured with an audio guide and includes several beautiful frescoed ceilings. There is a great deal to discover in the gardens - hidden grottos, clever statues, reflecting pools, as well as flora and fauna. And the trick fountains are a must for every visit. Both the transportation (bus #25) and the entry are covered by the Salzburg Card.
Get a little wet in this delightful garden of tricks.
Created in the early 17th century to entertain—and occasionally soak—the prince-archbishop’s guests, the Trick Fountains combine concealed water jets with grottoes, fountains, and elaborate mechanical displays, including a miniature theater with around 200 moving figures. Remarkably, the entire system operates without electric pumps, relying on the natural pressure of spring water flowing downhill from nearby sources to power both the fountains and many of the moving mechanisms.
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.
Choose your dates, travelers and hotel level. Your personalized plan is free, with no commitment.
Swap hotels, add or drop tours and change the pace with your travel consultant until it fits.
Your trip is booked once you approve the itinerary and pay the deposit. Nothing is charged before that.
Pre-Paid Tours and Activities
Pre-Paid Transportation
Accommodation
Go Real Travel Mobile AppCity guides
Get a feel for each stop before you build your route.
AustriaArtistic and musical, historical and elegant, Vienna is the definition of class. The seat of the Habsburg monarchy for over six centuries, it's no wonder this city is still fit for royalty. Baroque buildings and imperial palaces dominate the cityscape, while locals stride gracefully through the streets, likely on their way to a classical music concert or art exhibition. Visitors from all over the world flock to Schonbrunn Palace, historical museums, and local eateries for authentic Viennese schnitzel. Vienna is also home to world-class wining and dining. Famous dishes include Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef), and apfelstrudel (apple strudel), all of which pair well with a glass of fine Austrian wine. No matter how long you spend in Vienna, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the finer things in life.
AustriaYou've probably heard this before— the city of Salzburg is straight out of a fairytale. Nestled in the mountains, this romantic city's Baroque architecture with colorful domes and spires is especially striking against the ancient fortress and Austrian Alpine backdrop. If you're looking for an amazing view, climb up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, Central Europe's largest intact fortress, for a jaw-dropping panorama of the city backed by misty mountains. Perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the filming location for the classic The Sound of Music, this city has much to offer. Salzburg has become an important artistic and cultural center, featuring magnificent concert halls that uphold the city's tradition of classical music every day of the year, as well as acclaimed art exhibitions and museums. If you do it right, your visit to Salzburg will immerse you in the city's unforgettable atmosphere and keep you coming back for more.
See what travelers who went to these destinations have to say.
Average traveler rating
Based on 331 traveler reviews
We really enjoyed it. We were very lucky to join the trip that you planned so well. Really a trip of a lifetime!!
Laurie Lorincz
Excellent experience with GoRealEurope! Since I knew nothing about the area, I was hesitant to tackle planning a Christmas holiday trip to Vienna and Salzburg. GoRealEurope tailored the trip to our interests and provided an extremely detailed itinerary complete with landmarks and background information on each of the sites we visited. They also made hotel reservations and provided tickets, travel instructions, and taxi arrangements for all local and inter-city transportation. Our agent, Brendan, arranged to have private English speaking tours that provided an overview of our destination cities, and also set up dinner reservations for several evenings of our stay. All in all, my husband, myself, and my children (age 21 and 19) had a wonderful time. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. My one suggestion would be to include the name of the Google Maps destination in some of the walking directions, as we found it easier to follow our phone map than the printed instructions in those cases. Also, once the initial itinerary is established, the customer needs to review carefully and be proactive in contacting the agent in order to make changes. Since we were traveling over Christmas, some tweaks were needed to account for holiday closings.
JoAnn Barney
This was our first time to use GoReal Europe and they are fantastic. All our guides, travel arrangements and accommodations were perfect. The guide book they prepare is fabulous, complete with pictures so you know exactly where to catch a bus. It was a pleasure to plan our trip and then execute it with their help. You won't regret using their service!
Linda Bryce
Our latest reviews from across all trips on Trustpilot.
10 European Cities to Visit in Winter
Flying Solo: The Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe
14 Most Beautiful Villages in Austria: Discover the Hidden Gems
How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Europe
11 Tips for First Time Travelers to Europe
What’s The Best Time to Book International Flights to Europe?
Pick the option that fits you best so we can route you to the right help.
