A Winter Journey Through Austria

Welcome to Europe and the beginning of your beautiful winter journey through Austria.

Upon arrival at Munich International Airport, complete the arrival formalities and meet your driver for a private transfer to Innsbruck. Leaving Munich behind, travel through the scenic Bavarian countryside towards the Austrian border as the landscape gradually transforms into the magnificent mountains of Tirol.

The journey to Innsbruck takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours, depending on traffic and winter road conditions. Travelling directly to Tirol allows you to begin your holiday in the heart of the Alps without an additional overnight stop in Munich.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax after the journey. If time permits, step out for your first introduction to Innsbruck's charming Old Town. Wander through its colourful historic streets, see the famous Golden Roof and enjoy the beautiful contrast of medieval architecture surrounded by snow-covered Alpine peaks.

The evening is free to settle in, explore independently and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Overnight in Innsbruck.

After breakfast, begin your day exploring the historic heart of Innsbruck at a relaxed pace.

Walk along elegant Maria-Theresien-Straße towards the Old Town and continue through its atmospheric lanes to the famous Golden Roof. Explore the area around the Imperial Palace, admire the colourful façades and pause at one of the traditional cafés for a taste of the city's relaxed Alpine lifestyle.

Subject to favourable weather and operating conditions, continue in the afternoon towards Nordkette, one of Innsbruck's most memorable mountain experiences. The mountain railway and cable-car system takes you from the city towards the high Alpine landscape in remarkably little time.

From above, enjoy spectacular views across Innsbruck, the Inn Valley and the surrounding Tyrolean mountains. As winter visibility can change quickly, the timing of this excursion should remain flexible to make the most of the weather conditions.

Return to Innsbruck in the evening and enjoy the beautifully illuminated Old Town. During the festive season, spend some time exploring the atmospheric Christmas market before enjoying dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Innsbruck.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for another wonderful day in Tirol.

Today, we recommend a visit to the fascinating Swarovski Crystal Worlds, located in Wattens near Innsbruck. Created as an imaginative world of art, design and crystal, the attraction combines spectacular installations, artistic chambers and beautifully designed surroundings.

After your visit, return towards Innsbruck and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your own pace. Browse the local shops, discover another corner of the Old Town, enjoy coffee and Austrian pastries, or simply relax and appreciate the Alpine atmosphere.

This day has intentionally been kept flexible. If poor weather or limited visibility prevented the Nordkette experience on the previous day, you may consider visiting the mountain today instead.

Enjoy your final evening in Tirol at leisure.

Overnight in Innsbruck.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to the railway station for your onward journey to Salzburg.

Board your train and settle in for a comfortable journey through the Austrian countryside. Travelling by rail is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Austria, with changing views of mountains, valleys and picturesque towns along the way.

Upon arrival in Salzburg, proceed to your hotel, complete the check-in formalities and take some time to settle in.

Later, begin exploring the city with a leisurely walk around the beautiful Mirabell Gardens before continuing towards the Salzach River. Cross into Salzburg's historic Old Town and enjoy your first glimpse of its elegant baroque architecture, church towers, atmospheric squares and narrow lanes.

Continue towards Salzburg Cathedral and Residenzplatz, which become especially beautiful during the festive season. Spend some time enjoying the Christmas market and the illuminated historic centre before choosing a restaurant for dinner.

Overnight in Salzburg.

After breakfast, enjoy a complete day discovering the history, music and timeless charm of Salzburg.

Begin in the UNESCO-listed Old Town and stroll along famous Getreidegasse, known for its historic buildings, traditional wrought-iron signs, boutiques and charming passageways.

Here you will also find Mozart's Birthplace, where an optional visit offers an insight into the early life of Salzburg's most celebrated composer.

Continue through the historic centre towards Salzburg Cathedral and explore the beautiful squares and smaller lanes surrounding it.

Later, make your way towards the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress, dramatically positioned above the city. Subject to operating conditions, ascend by funicular and explore the historic fortress while enjoying panoramic views across Salzburg's rooftops, church domes and surrounding landscape.

Return to the Old Town for a leisurely afternoon. Stop at a traditional café, browse the festive stalls or simply enjoy the atmosphere of Salzburg.

For a special evening, an optional classical concert or musical performance can be arranged according to the available programme and preferred seating.

Overnight in Salzburg.

After breakfast, check out and proceed for your onward rail journey to Vienna, Austria's magnificent imperial capital.

Sit back and enjoy the comfortable journey through the Austrian countryside before arriving in Vienna. Proceed to your hotel, complete the check-in formalities and settle in for your four-night stay.

Later, begin your introduction to Vienna with a relaxed walk through its historic centre.

Start around magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Continue along elegant Graben, passing beautiful architecture, shops and cafés before making your way towards the historic Hofburg quarter.

There is no need to cover everything today — the extended stay in Vienna has been designed to allow the city to be explored comfortably.

As evening falls, enjoy Vienna illuminated for the festive season. Visit one of the city's atmospheric Christmas markets and experience your first evening in the Austrian capital.

Overnight in Vienna.

After breakfast, dedicate the morning to one of Austria's most magnificent imperial landmarks — Schönbrunn Palace.

Explore the beautifully preserved palace interiors and discover the fascinating history of the Habsburg imperial family. Depending on weather conditions, allow some additional time to walk through parts of the palace grounds and appreciate the grandeur of the estate.

Afterwards, return to central Vienna and enjoy the afternoon at a gentler pace.

No visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing its celebrated coffee-house culture. Choose one of the city's traditional cafés and enjoy coffee accompanied by a classic Viennese cake or dessert.

The evening is free for independent exploration. For those looking to make the night particularly memorable, consider an optional opera, orchestra performance or classical concert, subject to the performance schedule and availability.

Overnight in Vienna.

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Belvedere Palace, one of Vienna's most beautiful baroque landmarks.

The palace complex combines impressive architecture, elegant surroundings and internationally celebrated works of art, making it a rewarding cultural experience.

After your visit, enjoy the afternoon according to your interests. Explore another museum or gallery, browse Vienna's elegant shopping streets, return to the Hofburg area or simply wander through the city's beautiful central neighbourhoods.

As evening approaches, experience another side of festive Vienna. Walk through the illuminated streets, visit another Christmas market and browse the seasonal stalls before enjoying dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

With no long-distance excursion planned, today offers the opportunity to truly enjoy Vienna without rushing.

Overnight in Vienna.

After breakfast, enjoy your final full day in Vienna entirely at your own pace.

The day has deliberately been left flexible so that you can personalise it according to your interests. Revisit somewhere you particularly enjoyed, explore another museum, spend time Christmas shopping, discover a new neighbourhood or simply settle into one of Vienna's historic cafés for an unhurried afternoon.

This flexible day also works as a useful buffer during a winter journey. If weather conditions affected an outdoor experience earlier in your stay, the programme can be adjusted accordingly.

As evening arrives, enjoy one final walk through Vienna's beautifully illuminated historic centre. Take in the festive atmosphere and celebrate the conclusion of your Austrian journey with a leisurely farewell dinner.

Overnight in Vienna.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Austria and a relaxed morning, subject to your onward flight schedule.

After check-out, meet your driver for the transfer to Vienna International Airport.

As your Austrian journey comes to an end, leave with wonderful memories of the Tyrolean Alps, Innsbruck's colourful Old Town, Salzburg's musical heritage, scenic Austrian rail journeys and Vienna's imperial elegance and festive charm.

Arrive at the airport with sufficient time to complete your departure formalities and proceed for your onward flight home.