Comprehensive 11-Day Austria Itinerary: Vienna, Salzburg, and Zell am See Exploration

Day 1: Vienna Arrival

Vienna, Austria on July 10, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy a typical Viennese breakfast in this famous historic café known for its literary and intellectual clientele. Open daily at 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:45am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Explore the former imperial summer residence with its magnificent gardens. Open 8:30am-5:30pm; book tickets online in advance.
EUR22, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Plachutta Wollzeile

Savor traditional Viennese Tafelspitz at this top-rated local restaurant famous for Austrian cuisine. Open 12pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll in the Historic City Center

Walk through Stephansplatz, marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and window shop along the Graben and Kärntner Straße.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Experience modern Austrian cuisine in a Michelin-starred restaurant within Stadtpark. Reservations necessary; open 6-11pm.
EUR95, 2h
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Day 2: Historic Vienna

Vienna, Austria on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Demel

Taste exquisite pastries at this historic Viennese pastry shop and chocolatier. Open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hofburg Palace and Museums

Tour the imperial palace complex including the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and the Spanish Riding School. Open 9am-5:30pm.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Figlmüller

Indulge in the original Wiener schnitzel at this iconic restaurant near Stephansplatz. Open 11:30am-10:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Belvedere Palace

Explore impressive baroque architecture and see Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Open 10am-6pm.
EUR16, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Stadtpark

Enjoy an evening stroll and see the famous golden Johann Strauss monument in this centrally located park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Try authentic Austrian dishes in a cozy and casual setting popular with locals. Open from 5pm.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 3: Vienna Museums and Opera

Vienna, Austria on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sperl

Start your day with traditional Viennese coffee and pastries in this classic café. Open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:45am

Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum

Admire one of the world’s finest art collections from ancient to Renaissance masters. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR18, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Enjoy international and Austrian street food at Vienna’s popular open-air market. Open daily, best before 3pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Vienna State Opera (guided tour)

Get a behind-the-scenes experience in one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Tours at 3pm daily; reserve in advance.
EUR9, 1h

7:30pm

Attend an Opera Performance

Experience world-class live opera; check schedule for performance availability and book tickets early.
EUR40+, 3h
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Day 4: Vienna to Salzburg

Vienna, Austria to Salzburg, Austria on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast included or a nearby café before departure.
Included/varies, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Salzburg by train

Take an efficient Railjet train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof; journey approx. 2.5 hours. Book tickets in advance.
EUR50, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Dine at Europe’s oldest restaurant, set in the historic St. Peter’s Abbey. Open 11:30am-3pm.
EUR35, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in and explore Old Town Salzburg

Walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Salzburg Altstadt to see Mozart’s birthplace, Getreidegasse, and Residenzplatz.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Zwettler’s

Enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine in a cozy setting. Open from 5pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 5: Salzburg Highlights

Salzburg, Austria on July 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Famous café offering excellent pastries and coffee in a historic atmosphere. Open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Explore one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, featuring panoramic views and interactive exhibits. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Balkan Grill Walter

Try the famous Salzburg sausage at this popular local street food stall near the fortress. Open until late afternoon.
EUR10, 45m

1:00pm

Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Stroll the beautiful baroque gardens and palace featured in The Sound of Music. Open 8am-6pm.
Free, 1.5h

3:00pm

Mozart Residence Museum

See exhibits about Mozart’s life and music in the house where he lived from 1773-1780. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Die Weisse

Enjoy local beer and hearty Austrian dishes at Salzburg’s oldest brewery and tavern. Open from 4pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 6: Sound of Music & Lakes

Salzburg, Austria on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast included or nearby café before the day tour.
Included/varies, 1h

9:00am

Sound of Music Tour

Half-day guided bus tour to iconic movie locations including Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and the Saltzburg Lake District. Tours typically run 9am-1pm.
EUR45, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Schlosskeller St. Peter

Historic cellar restaurant with traditional Austrian fare near Old Town. Open 11:30am-10pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Relax by Wolfgangsee Lake

Take public transport or taxi to nearby lake for nature walks, boat rides, and lakeside cafes. Activities available until evening.
EUR10 for boat ride, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Esszimmer

Modern Austrian fine dining with creative menus near the city center. Reservations recommended. Open 6pm-10pm.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 7: Salzburg to Zell am See

Salzburg, Austria to Zell am See, Austria on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with an early breakfast before departure.
Included/varies, 1h

8:30am

Train to Zell am See

Travel by train from Salzburg to Zell am See (~1.5 hours). Enjoy scenic alpine views along the route.
EUR25, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Light Lunch at Grand Café Zell am See

Relax and enjoy coffee and sandwiches with lake views. Open 8am-6pm.
EUR15, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Zell am See Promenade and Lake

Walk the scenic promenade around Lake Zell, perfect for relaxation and photography.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Cable Car Ride up Schmittenhöhe

Take the cable car to the summit for panoramic views, walking paths, and alpine cafes. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR28, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kupferkessel

Cozy restaurant serving traditional Austrian dishes with a rustic ambience. Open from 5:30pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 8: Outdoor Adventure

Zell am See, Austria on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Villa Crazy Daisy

Vibrant café with healthy options and great coffee. Open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Hiking or Biking around Lake Zell

Enjoy well-marked trails offering stunning views, accessible for all fitness levels.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Toscana

Relax with Italian and Austrian fusion dishes near the lakeside. Open 12pm-9pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kaprun and Sigmund-Thun Gorge

Short trip to Kaprun to explore the spectacular gorge with wooden walkways and waterfalls. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR6, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Steinerwirt Restaurant

Traditional Austrian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Open 6pm-10pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 9: Alpine Exploration

Zell am See, Austria on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for an active day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Take the cable cars to the glacier for hiking, snow sports, or simply to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery. Open 9am-4pm.
EUR50, 5h

3:30pm

Return and Rest

Rest at your hotel or explore nearby shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Edegger-Tax

Dine in one of Zell am See's oldest inns offering local specialties. Open 5pm-10pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 10: Leisure and Lakeside

Zell am See, Austria on July 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Konditorei Pirker

Sample delicious pastries and coffee in this renowned confectionery. Open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Boat Rental on Lake Zell

Rent a pedal or electric boat to enjoy the lake and surroundings from the water. Rentals available from 9am.
EUR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at LakeSide Restaurant

Enjoy fresh fish dishes and lake views at this casual lakeside restaurant. Open 11:30am-9pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Zell am See Public Beach

Sunbathe or swim in the clear waters with mountain backdrop. Open all day.
EUR5 entry, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bistro Rundumadum

Modern bistro with an extensive menu emphasizing local ingredients. Open evenings from 6pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 11: Departure Day

Zell am See, Austria on July 20, 2025

7:30am

Light Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before checking out for onward travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Next Destination or Airport

Arrange transport to Salzburg or Munich airport depending on departure plans.
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