14-Day Trip Itinerary: Salzburg, Dürnstein, and Vienna

Gwen Kozlowski is a member of iBestTravel’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. Below is an example of the type of itineraries she creates.

Day 1: Munich to Salzburg

Upon arrival into Munich, you will be met by your private drivers for your individual transfers to Salzburg. The duration of the drive is approximately two hours.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful historic city.

Stay: Sacher Salzburg

Day 2: Salzburg

This morning your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a walking tour of historic Salzburg. Salzburg’s Old Town, with its world famous baroque architecture, is one of the best-preserved city centers in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hohensalzburg fortress, strategically located on a hill overlooking the old town, is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.

Originally built in the 11th century as a simple bailey, the fortress was gradually expanded and strengthened over the centuries. Because it never came under a military siege, it remains one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.

You will also see the Salzburg Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque building that was the site of Mozart’s baptism, and the Benedictine St. Peter’s Abbey, the oldest monastery in Austria.

Salzburg’s most famous son is, of course, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and you will have the opportunity to visit his birthplace, where his family lived for 27 years. Throughout your sightseeing, you’ll notice sites from The Sound of Music, including Mirabel Gardens (“Do-Re-Mi”), the abbey, and the cemetery where the family hid from the Nazis.

This afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city on your own. In the evening, there’s an option to attend a VIP concert and dinner at Stiftskeller St. Peter.

Stay: Sacher Salzburg

Day 3: Salzburg

Your driver and guide will meet you in the hotel lobby early this morning for a road trip to the Bavarian Alps. Above the Obersalzberg stands the ominous former mountain residence of Hitler, offering magnificent views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks.

Your first destination is the visitor center where you will take a specially equipped bus to the Eagle’s Nest along steep rock walls and deep gorges. Afterwards, you will ascend using the original brass-lined elevator to the building, which was initially a teahouse for Hitler and is now a restaurant with stunning mountain views.

After descending, you might visit the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, providing insight into Hitler’s mountain retreat and its significances during WWII. The Obersalzburg area was pivotal in Nazi party history.

End your day with a visit to the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden, where its charming lanes and painted facades feel like a fairy tale. Enjoy dinner at Esszimmer, just a short taxi ride from your hotel.

Stay: Sacher Salzburg

Day 4: Salzburg to Dürnstein

Departure to Dürnstein begins this morning. You will taxi to the pick-up point for a rental car with Hertz. It’s your choice whether to drive straight through (two and a half to three hours) or to take a leisurely route.

If you choose to explore, these stops are recommended:

• Mondsee’s colorful market square and the cloister church from The Sound of Music.
• St. Wolfgang, ideal for a scenic ride on Wolfgangsee Lake.
• Bad Ischl, known for its imperial history and charming village paths.

Your hotel is in the stunning Wachau Valley, located in Dürnstein, where you can rent bicycles and enjoy water activities such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Stay: Schloss Dürnstein

Day 5: Dürnstein

This morning, head out to Melk Abbey with ample time for the drive.

Enjoy a privately guided tour of this remarkable Benedictine abbey, founded in 1089. Discover the exceptional library with thousands of ancient volumes, inspiring the novel and film, The Name of the Rose.

In the afternoon, explore surrounding towns or hike into the vineyards. Consider borrowing bikes from your hotel and stopping in Weissenkirchen for coffee and snacks.

Stay: Schloss Dürnstein

Day 6: Dürnstein

Today, bond with a local wine expert on an exploratory journey through the Wachau Valley.

Your excursion will take you through vineyards, where the guide will share insights about the region’s unique viniculture. Enjoy tastings at two local wineries and lunch at a countryside location before returning to your hotel.

Stay: Schloss Dürnstein

Day 7: Dürnstein to Vienna

Enjoy your last morning in the countryside before self-driving to Vienna. The journey takes just over an hour, where you’ll drop off your rental car.

Vienna’s rich history spans over 2,000 years, evolving from a Celtic settlement to a Roman Empire outpost. Significant historical influences have shaped it into a cultural center of the world.

Spend the afternoon at leisure and then enjoy dinner at Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer (White Chimney Sweep).

Stay: Sans Souci

Day 8: Vienna

Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby for a morning walking tour. Discover the stunning St. Stephens Cathedral with its unique ceramic tile roof and explore the interior. If you’re up for it, consider climbing to the top for breathtaking views of central Vienna.

Prior to visiting the Hofburg Palace, enjoy a quick tour of the Hapsburg Imperial Crypt. Then, explore the lavish private quarters of Empress Elizabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph.

After exiting the Hofburg, visit Vienna’s famous coffeehouses like Demel, which is a perfect place for a snack. Tonight’s dinner will be at Meirerei.

Stay: Sans Souci

This Month-long European Vacation Takes Travelers to 9 Countries in 26 Days

Day 9: Vienna

Today, embark on a guided exploration to Belvedere Palace and Gardens, the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The upper and lower palaces are linked by beautifully formal gardens and house splendid art collections.

Your visit will include one of the world’s finest Klimt collections. Experience Vienna from the comfort of the Ring Tram, taking in iconic buildings along the historic Ring.

Later, be sure to stop by the Naschmarkt for a taste of local flavors and culinary delights from various cuisines.

Stay: Sans Souci

Day 10: Vienna

Enjoy a leisurely day in Vienna. With tickets on the Schönbrunn Classic Pass, explore the Grand Tour that includes access to beautiful gardens and the Maze.

Your evening concludes with a performance at the Spanish Riding School, followed by dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kameel (Black Camel).

Stay: Sans Souci

Day 11: Vienna to Budapest

Your driver will transfer you from the hotel to the train station for your onward journey. Upon arrival in Budapest, you will be greeted by your driver and assistant for a seamless transfer to your deluxe hotel in the city center.

As you travel, take in views of significant landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Basilica, a cross between Neo-Classical and Renaissance architecture.

Budapest has flourished as a crossroads of cultures, evident in its elegant streets and vibrant atmosphere.

Stay: Aria

Day 12: Budapest

Enjoy a morning of relaxation. This afternoon, meet your guide for a walking exploration of Pest, known for its vibrant culture.

See Andrassy Boulevard, famous for its stunning architecture, particularly art nouveau buildings. Visit the House of Terror, which tells the poignant story of life under fascism in Hungary.

Stay: Aria

Day 13: Budapest

In the morning, visit the Budapest Market Hall, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic local offerings.

Next, travel to the Buda side, beginning with Gellert Hill for breathtaking views, followed by a visit to the historic Royal Palace in the castle district. Stroll through the charming area and enjoy panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion.

Stay: Aria

Day 14: Depart Budapest

Today, your private driver will meet you at your hotel for a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.