Collect your pre-booked rental at Vienna Airport (VIE) and complete paperwork; allow 30–60 minutes. This sets you up to drive straight west to Salzburg (~3h).
Easy walk through Salzburg’s historic shopping lane (Getreidegasse) and the Old Town to unwind and get your first feel for the city. Streets and most façades are illuminated in the evening.
Stieglkeller (beer & local dishes) sits on a hill with views of the Old Town; Sternbräu in the Old Town is lively and traditional. Both typically open for dinner from ~6:00pm onward — check reservation availability.
Iconic hilltop fortress with sweeping city views; arrive early to avoid queues. The fortress and funicular are usually open 9:00–5:00pm (seasonal hours), confirm on the day.
Unique site with trick fountains and a palace — fountain tours operate seasonally (usually until late Sep) roughly 10:00–5:00pm; check hours and book if interested.
If you arrive early enough, try a lakeside restaurant at the Seehotel or local taverns for fish from the lake; many small Hallstatt places close earlier in the evening, so check opening times.
Interactive tour of one of the world’s oldest salt mines and a spectacular skywalk over Hallstatt; tickets/time slots fill— typical opening 9:00–5:00pm, so book the morning slot.
Walk the lakeshore, visit the small market square and the bone house (Beinhaus) if you like quirky local history — scenic and compact, perfect for photos.
Drive east toward Werfen (approx. 2 hours). Plan arrival to match a guided cave tour time — tours run seasonally and leave at set times (often 9:00–3:00pm last entry in Sep).
Guided tours into the world’s largest ice cave — steep stairs and cold inside; tours generally run hourly and end mid-afternoon in late season, so pre-book. Dress warmly (temps near freezing).
If you want mountain views without a big detour, take the Schmittenhöhe cable car (usually open ~8:30–5:00pm) for panoramic views over the lake before heading toward Grossglockner.
One of Austria’s most scenic alpine drives; route is a toll road (vignette/toll applies) and usually open through September — plan 2–3 hours including stops at view points and the visitor centre.
Simple alpine fare at the Grossglockner visitor centre or a mountain hut — expect soups, schnitzel or strudel; opening times are usually midday-friendly.
Short walk to the lower viewpoints (full ascent takes longer); the waterfall area is open at all times but the visitor centre may close earlier (check seasonal times).
Early start with a solid breakfast and packed snacks—hiking day requires water, layers, good boots and a headlamp/phone. Check cable car schedules if using lifts to shorten approach.
Drive into the Zillertal up toward the Schlegeis reservoir / Ginzling (approx. 30–45 minutes). Parking and access details vary; arrive early for best conditions.
The Olpererhütte is a classic high-alpine hut above the Schlegeis reservoir — a full return hike can take 6–8 hours with significant elevation. Start very early and be prepared; alternative: take cable cars / shorter viewpoints if you need to save time.
Drive west toward Inn valley; Imst is about 1 hour from Mayrhofen — try the Alpine coaster (Sommerrodelbahn) if still open (seasonal hours often until ~6:00pm in late Sep).
Fun, fast alpine toboggan run — a short thrill if you have energy after the hike; confirm seasonal opening times (may close earlier in shoulder season).
Scenic ascent from Innsbruck to Seegrube for panoramic views of the Inn valley and the Alps; cable car operates roughly 9:00–4:30pm (check times). Great short hikes and photo spots.
Oktoberfest generally opens around 10:00am for beer tents on weekdays; arrive early to secure seating or a reservation. Expect crowds and a festive atmosphere.
Enjoy roast chicken, pork knuckle, weisswurst and pretzels with a Maß (1-litre beer) if you like — prices are event-level and seating is at communal tables.
Many tents continue late with live bands; beer tent closing and last orders vary (often around 10:30–11:30pm). Plan your late return to the hotel in advance.
If you have energy and time, detour to Melk Abbey (baroque Benedictine monastery) — a striking stop on the way to Vienna. Abbey hours are typically 9:00–5:00pm but check seasonal times.
Complete final leg to Vienna (approx. 1–1.5 hours from Melk) and return the rental at the airport or city depot per your booking. Allow extra time for paperwork and traffic.
Check into your Vienna hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner — try Figlmüller for schnitzel or a local heuriger for wine; many central restaurants open until late evening.
If your flight is later in the day, visit Schönbrunn Palace and gardens — palace tours start from around 8:30–9:00 and gardens are accessible earlier. Check time available vs. travel to airport.
Short sightseeing in central Vienna: visit the cathedral and take a walk along the Graben shopping street for quick souvenirs; cathedral open generally throughout the day.
If time allows, have a final Austrian meal at Naschmarkt or a nearby restaurant; keep an eye on time to reach the airport for your international flight to India.
Allow at least 2–3 hours for airport check-in and security for international flights to India. Return any remaining documents and relax before boarding.