Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

8-Day Austria & Central Europe Highlights: Salzburg, Hallstatt, Königssee, Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest

Viewed by 94 travelers
Day 1 · Sun, Dec 14
Salzburg

Arrival in Salzburg — Relax, Stroll & First Night Views

12:50 PM:

Arrive at Salzburg Airport (arrival on your flight). Collect luggage and head toward the shuttle/bus area.

1:00 PM:

Board the airport shuttle to your hotel (approx. 30 minutes). Use this time to relax after the flight and enjoy views as you approach the city.

1:40 PM:

Arrive at your hotel neighborhood. Drop any carry-on at reception if early check-in isn't available and confirm your 3:00 PM check-in time.

1:50 PM:

Walk to a nearby lunch spot for a light first meal — consider Johanneskeller for traditional Austrian fare and a cozy atmosphere near the Old Town.

2:30 PM:

Leisurely lunch at Johanneskeller (or another nearby café). Enjoy a starter and local specialties — take it slow to reset after travel.

3:00 PM:

Return to the hotel and check in. Drop luggage, freshen up and take a short rest in your room before heading out to explore.

3:45 PM:

Head to Mirabellgarten for a relaxed stroll through the formal gardens and statues — ideal for photos and a calm first taste of Salzburg.

4:15 PM:

Wander from Mirabellgarten toward Linzer Gasse and Linzer Gasse Platz for some window-shopping and to get a feel for local streets and small boutiques.

5:00 PM:

Stop for a coffee or pastry at a café on or near Getreidegasse if you want a mid-afternoon pick-me-up before exploring more of the Old Town.

5:30 PM:

Leisurely explore the Old Town: stroll toward Getreidegasse, admire shop signs and Mozart-related shops; pick up a small souvenir like Mozartkugeln or rock salt.

6:15 PM:

Return to the hotel for a brief rest and to change for dinner; freshen up and decide whether to walk or take a short taxi to your chosen restaurant.

7:00 PM:

Dinner at Johanneskeller (if you prefer an earlier sit-down) or another recommended spot — sample classic dishes like schnitzel, tafelspitz or local sausages.

8:30 PM:

After dinner, walk to a viewpoint or riverside near the Old Town for night views of Salzburg — the city lights reflecting on the Salzach make for a beautiful first-night impression.

9:15 PM:

If you’re up for it, enjoy a nightcap at a nearby bar or café in Old Town, or return to the hotel to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s early start for the Hallstatt tour.

10:30 PM:

Back to your hotel. Charge devices, lay out what you need for Day 2 (tickets, warm layers) and get a good night's rest ahead of the full-day Hallstatt and Sound of Music tour.

Day 2 · Mon, Dec 15
Salzburg → Hallstatt (day tour)

Full-day Hallstatt & Sound of Music Tour

6:30 AM:

Wake up, shower and dress in warm layers — mornings will be crisp; pack your passport, tour voucher, camera and any snacks for the day.

7:00 AM:

Light breakfast at the hotel — choose a hearty option (eggs, bread, coffee) to fuel the long day; confirm you have your tickets and meet-up details.

7:40 AM:

Leave the hotel and walk to Mirabellplatz (in front of St. Andrä Church) to reach the Panorama Tours kiosk; arrive a few minutes early to find the meeting point.

8:15 AM:

Group departs for the Hallstatt & Sound of Music tour from the Panorama Tours kiosk; settle into the coach and listen to the guide’s overview and itinerary for the day.

10:30 AM:

Short comfort/bathroom stop en route and brief photo opportunity of the alpine scenery; use this break to stretch and buy a hot drink if needed.

12:15 PM:

Arrive in Hallstatt and begin your guided walking tour — explore the lakeside village, learn about its salt-mining history and admire postcard-perfect views.

12:45 PM:

Lunch at Restaurant Café Derbl — enjoy regional specialties such as fish from Lake Hallstatt, dumplings or a warming bowl of goulash while taking in lake views.

1:45 PM:

Continue exploring Hallstatt: visit the bone house (Beinhaus) in the churchyard if open, wander narrow lanes, and take photos from the market square and waterfront.

2:30 PM:

Optional: take the funicular up to the Hallstatt Skywalk for panoramic views (check seasonal opening times) or browse shops for rock salt and Mozartkugeln souvenirs.

3:15 PM:

Board the coach to return toward Salzburg; relax on the scenic drive and listen to the guide’s Sound of Music anecdotes and film-location highlights as you travel.

5:00 PM:

Expected arrival back to Salzburg (approximate, depending on traffic); disembark near Mirabellplatz and take a few minutes to stretch and collect any purchases.

5:15 PM:

Return to the hotel to drop off bags and freshen up — change into something warmer for the evening and prepare for a relaxed dinner in Old Town.

6:15 PM:

Stroll from your hotel toward Getreidegasse for some light shopping and to soak up the late-afternoon atmosphere; pop into confectionery shops for Mozartkugeln.

7:00 PM:

Early dinner at a recommended local spot (if you prefer a repeat) — consider Johanneskeller or Café Mozart for traditional Austrian fare and a cozy setting.

8:30 PM:

After dinner, take an evening walk along the Salzach River and return to Mirabellgarten for a softer night-time view of the fortress and Old Town lights.

9:15 PM:

If you have energy, enjoy a nightcap at a nearby bar or café; otherwise return to your hotel to charge devices and sort belongings for tomorrow’s Königssee excursion.

10:30 PM:

Lights out or quiet time in your room — rest well after a long day of sightseeing and prepare warm layers and tickets for the next morning’s early departure.

Day 3 · Tue, Dec 16
Salzburg (day trip to Königssee)

Königssee Excursion & Salzburg Highlights

6:00 AM:

Wake up, dress warmly in layers and pack a small daypack with passport, camera, water, and snacks; confirm you have printed or digital bus and boat timetables.

6:20 AM:

Quick hotel breakfast — choose a hearty option (eggs, bread, coffee) so you have energy for the long day trip to Königssee and some walking at the lake.

7:00 AM:

Check out of any unnecessary items at reception and leave your main luggage in hotel storage if needed; aim to reach Salzburg Hauptbahnhof in time for the bus.

8:55 AM:

Arrive at the Salzburg bus stop for Line 840; prepare tickets and have small change or pass ready for the driver or ticket machine.

9:10 AM:

Board bus 840 toward Berchtesgaden/Königssee — enjoy the scenic drive through alpine foothills and listen for the stop at Unterstein/Königssee (approx. 1 hr).

10:17 AM:

Get off at the designated Königssee/Unterstein stop and walk to the Königssee boat landing; buy or show your boat ticket and layer up against the cold lakeside breeze.

10:30 AM:

Board the sightseeing electric boat for the classic Königssee cruise; glide past steep limestone walls and listen for the echo demonstration near St. Bartholomä.

11:20 AM:

Disembark at St. Bartholomä; take photos of the red-domed church and the emerald lake, then stroll a short lakeside path to take in the mountain reflections.

11:45 AM:

If open and time allows, walk toward the viewpoint or enjoy a light snack at the boat landing café; otherwise relax and soak up the alpine atmosphere.

12:30 PM:

Return to the boat landing and board the next scheduled boat back toward the main dock; use the ride to photograph the dramatic mountain scenery from a different angle.

1:10 PM:

Arrive back at the Königssee dock and head to the bus stop to catch the return 840 toward Salzburg; take a brief comfort break before boarding.

2:10 PM:

Board the 840 bus back to Salzburg; rest on the journey and review photos, or plan your afternoon stops back in the city.

3:00 PM:

Arrive back in Salzburg city center; return to your hotel to freshen up and drop any wet layers, then prepare for a relaxed afternoon exploring local highlights.

3:30 PM:

Walk toward Salzburger Dom (Cathedral) — visit between 1-5pm if you missed it in the morning; admire the baroque interior, chapels and ornate dome.

4:15 PM:

Stroll along Getreidegasse for some shopping and souvenir hunting — pop into traditional shops for rock salt, Mozartkugeln and other local treats.

5:00 PM:

Afternoon snack or early dinner at Balkan Grill (near the Old Town) to try their famous sausages; enjoy a quick, flavorful meal before your evening plans.

6:00 PM:

Wander back toward Mirabellgarten for a quieter, golden-light walk and photo opportunities of the fortress and river as the day turns to dusk.

6:30 PM:

Take time to relax at a café — consider Cafe Mozart for coffee or a light dessert while you plan dinner and tomorrow’s activities.

7:30 PM:

Dinner at Cafe Mozart (or another recommended Old Town restaurant) — enjoy classic Austrian dishes like Wiener schnitzel, kasnocken or a comforting goulash.

9:00 PM:

After dinner, stroll along the Salzach River or head to a viewpoint for a night view of the fortress and Old Town lights, reflecting on a full day of alpine scenery.

9:45 PM:

Return to the hotel; organize your belongings, charge devices, and pack anything needed for tomorrow’s train to Vienna (check train time and platform).

10:30 PM:

Wind down and lights out — enjoy a restful sleep to recharge for the travel day to Vienna and evening sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 4 · Wed, Dec 17
Vienna

Train to Vienna — Settle In & Evening Sights

6:30 AM:

Wake up and pack a small day bag with essentials for the train (passport, tickets, chargers, snacks). Take a quick shower and wear comfortable layers for the journey to Vienna.

7:00 AM:

Hotel breakfast in Salzburg — enjoy a hearty meal (eggs, bread, coffee) and confirm any stored luggage at reception. Double-check you have your train confirmation for the 11:07 departure.

8:00 AM:

Leisurely final stroll around Mirabellgarten or Getreidegasse if you want one last Salzburg photo opportunity. Grab a takeaway coffee or pastry for the train.

9:00 AM:

Return to the hotel, settle any bills and collect luggage from storage. Allow time for a short taxi or tram to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof with arrival at least 45-60 minutes before departure.

10:00 AM:

Arrive at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof; find your platform and use station facilities to purchase any last-minute snacks or water. Charge devices and locate the correct platform for the Railjet to Vienna.

10:30 AM:

Board early if you prefer to stow luggage comfortably and settle into your seat. Use this quiet time to relax, read route notes for Vienna, or check hotel check-in arrangements at Novotel.

11:07 AM:

Train departs Salzburg for Vienna (scheduled service). Enjoy the scenic journey through Austrian countryside—use the time to nap, enjoy the views or plan your afternoon in Vienna.

12:30 PM:

Have a light on-train lunch or snack from your station purchases; review directions from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Novotel and note any nearby tram or U-Bahn connections.

1:32 PM:

Arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof. Collect luggage and take a taxi or short public transport ride to Novotel (check-in time permitting) to drop bags and freshen up.

2:15 PM:

Check in at Novotel Vienna and settle into your room; confirm any concierge recommendations for dinner and the evening. If the room isn't ready, leave luggage with reception and step out.

2:45 PM:

Walk or take a short tram/U-Bahn to Belvedere Palace — head first to the Upper Belvedere to admire the palace exterior and surrounding baroque gardens (museum entrance as desired).

3:15 PM:

Tour the Belvedere collection (if time allows) — enjoy Klimt’s 'The Kiss' at the Upper Belvedere and the palace’s impressive art and interiors. Photograph the palace and garden vistas.

4:15 PM:

Stroll through the Belvedere Gardens toward the city center and enjoy an early coffee at a nearby café. Use this break to plan an evening viewpoint and decide where to watch Vienna’s night skyline.

5:00 PM:

Return to Novotel to rest briefly and change into warmer layers for the evening; pick up any tickets or reservation confirmations from reception for nighttime activities.

6:00 PM:

Head out toward the city center for an early dinner — consider dining near the Ringstraße or at a nearby Heuriger-style restaurant for classic Viennese cuisine (e.g., Wiener schnitzel, tafelspitz).

7:30 PM:

After dinner, walk along the Ringstraße to view illuminated landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera, Parliament and Rathaus. Enjoy the stately evening ambiance and grand architecture.

8:30 PM:

Make your way to a viewpoint for a night panorama of Vienna — options include Kahlenberg lookout (taxi required) or a rooftop bar near the city center for skyline views and a nightcap.

9:30 PM:

If you prefer a cultural evening, attend a short concert or chamber music performance (check availability), or return to the hotel area for a relaxed drink at the Novotel bar.

10:30 PM:

Return to Novotel to unwind, charge devices and lay out plans for Day 5 (palaces, churches and the evening concert at the Musikverein). Set alarms and prepare tickets.

11:00 PM:

Lights out or quiet time in your room — rest well after travel day to be fresh for a full day of sightseeing and your concert tomorrow evening.

Day 5 · Thu, Dec 18
Vienna

Vienna Palaces, Churches & Evening Concert

7:30 AM:

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at Novotel — choose a hearty start (eggs, fresh bread, coffee) and gather your concert tickets for tonight at the Musikverein.

8:15 AM:

Walk or take the tram to Schönbrunn Palace (allow 20-30 minutes) and buy tickets for the palace tour or audio guide at the visitor centre.

8:45 AM:

Begin the Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace — explore the opulent state rooms and learn about Habsburg court life; photograph the palace façade and gardens.

10:15 AM:

Stroll through the Schönbrunn Gardens toward the Gloriette — enjoy the formal terraces and winter garden views, and pause for photos from the Gloriette viewpoint.

11:00 AM:

Return to the city centre by U-Bahn (U4 to Karlsplatz) and head to Karlskirche (St. Charles’s Church) for a close look at its baroque interior and impressive dome frescoes.

11:30 AM:

Enter Karlskirche and, if open, take the short lift inside to the dome walkway for an up-close view of the ceiling frescoes and the church’s architecture.

12:00 PM:

Walk to nearby Naschmarkt for lunch — browse stalls and choose a place like Neni am Naschmarkt or a cosy market eatery for varied local and international dishes.

1:00 PM:

After lunch, walk toward the Hofburg Palace complex — pass the State Hall and Imperial Apartments if you wish to visit; otherwise enjoy the palace exteriors and Michaelerplatz.

1:30 PM:

Visit the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg (Sisi Museum & Imperial Silver Collection optional) to deepen your understanding of imperial Vienna.

2:30 PM:

Head to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in the heart of the city; enter to admire the gothic nave and, if you’re up for it, climb the South Tower for panoramic views (check opening times).

3:15 PM:

Enjoy a coffee break at Café Central or Café Sacher — treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel while soaking up classic Viennese café culture.

4:00 PM:

Leisurely walk along the Graben and Kärntner Straße for window shopping and to admire historic buildings; pop into Mozarthaus Vienna if you want a short musical detour.

4:45 PM:

Return to Novotel to rest, change into concert-appropriate attire, and collect any bags or programmes you’ll need for the Musikverein evening concert.

6:15 PM:

Early dinner near the Musikverein — dine at Mama Leone (as planned) or choose a nearby traditional restaurant to enjoy pasta or Viennese specialities before the concert.

7:30 PM:

Arrive at the Musikverein and allow time to cloak/check coats and find your seats; take a moment to admire the Golden Hall’s gilded interior before the performance.

8:00 PM:

Attend the concert in the Grosser Saal (Golden Hall) — relax and enjoy the world-class performance in one of Vienna’s most famous music venues.

10:15 PM:

After the concert, stroll back through the illuminated Ringstraße to Novotel or stop for a digestif at a nearby bar to reflect on the evening’s music.

11:00 PM:

Return to Novotel, charge devices and lay out plans for tomorrow’s Bratislava & Budapest day trip; lights out when you’re ready to rest.

Day 6 · Fri, Dec 19
Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest (one-day tour)

Day Trip: Bratislava and Budapest

6:00 AM:

Wake up early at Novotel, dress in warm layers and pack a small daypack with passport, tour voucher, phone chargers and some snacks for the long day ahead.

6:30 AM:

Hotel breakfast — enjoy a hearty meal at Novotel’s buffet, double-check meeting time and location for the one-day Bratislava & Budapest tour, and collect any printed confirmations from reception.

7:15 AM:

Leave the hotel and head to the tour meeting point (confirm exact spot with your voucher; many tours meet near Wien Mitte or central city kiosks). Arrive a few minutes early to check in.

7:45 AM:

Tour group assembles and coach departs Vienna for Bratislava; settle into your seat, listen to the guide’s outline of the day, and enjoy the countryside views as you head east.

9:00 AM:

Arrive in Bratislava and begin the guided walking tour — stroll through the compact Old Town, admire Michael’s Gate, the Main Square (Hlavné námestie) and quirky statues like Cumil.

10:00 AM:

Visit Bratislava Castle viewpoint for panoramic views of the Danube and city; take photos and learn briefly about the castle’s history from your guide.

10:30 AM:

Short free time in Bratislava Old Town to pop into a cafe (e.g., Mondieu or Urban house) for a coffee and pastry, or browse a souvenir shop for local crafts and chocolates.

11:00 AM:

Board the coach and depart Bratislava for Budapest — relax on the drive, use the onboard Wi-Fi if available, and review the afternoon meeting point and timing provided by your guide.

12:45 PM:

Arrive in Budapest and meet your local guide near the riverbank; spend a short orientation walk along the Danube Promenade to take in views of Buda across the river, including the Castle Hill silhouette.

1:15 PM:

Lunch at a recommended restaurant in central Budapest — choose a traditional spot such as Hungarikum Bistro or Frici Papa Kifőzdéje to try goulash, stuffed cabbage or paprikash.

2:15 PM:

Guided highlights walking tour: cross to Buda (or stay on Pest depending on the tour route) to see St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament (from the riverside), and the Shoes on the Danube memorial.

3:15 PM:

Visit Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church on Castle Hill if included — enjoy sweeping panoramic views over Budapest and photo opportunities of the river and the Parliament building.

4:00 PM:

Free time for a quick coffee, a thermal-spa glimpse (if time and the tour allow a brief stop), or shopping for Hungarian paprika, Tokaji wine or local souvenirs in the Váci utca area.

4:45 PM:

Regroup with the coach and begin the return drive to Vienna; use this time to rest, sort photos, and confirm arrival time back in Vienna with your guide (usually late evening).

7:30 PM:

Short comfort stop en route (depending on the tour’s routing) — stretch your legs, grab a hot drink or a snack and prepare for the final stretch back to Vienna.

9:00 PM:

Arrive back in Vienna and disembark near the original meeting point; greet the city lights as you walk or take a short tram/taxi back to Novotel to drop off your daypack.

9:30 PM:

Casual late dinner near the hotel or at Novotel — if you’re hungry, opt for something simple and comforting (soup, schnitzel or a warm salad) and compare highlights from Bratislava and Budapest.

10:30 PM:

Return to your room to unpack, charge devices, and sort any souvenirs or purchases; check tomorrow’s plans and train/flight times and lay out clothes for an easier morning.

11:00 PM:

Wind down and rest — reflect on the day’s two-capital highlights and get a good night’s sleep after a long but rewarding day trip to Bratislava and Budapest.

Day 7 · Sat, Dec 20
Vienna

Explore Hundertwasser Village & Vienna Quirks

7:30 AM:

Wake up at Novotel and enjoy a relaxed hotel breakfast; pack a small daypack with camera, umbrella, metro pass and any purchases you want to bring along.

8:15 AM:

Take the U-Bahn or a short taxi to the Hundertwasserhaus; arrive early to avoid crowds and admire Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s whimsical façade up close.

9:00 AM:

Walk from Hundertwasserhaus to the nearby Kunst Haus Wien (museum dedicated to Hundertwasser) and explore its exhibitions for insight into his art, architecture and environmental ideas.

10:15 AM:

Pause at the museum cafe or a nearby kiosk for a coffee and pastry; use this time to review the afternoon plan and take photos of Hundertwasser’s quirky tiles and rooftop gardens.

10:45 AM:

Stroll along the Danube Canal toward the city center, taking in street art and waterside murals; stop by canal-side shops for postcards and prints of Viennese street art.

11:30 AM:

Head to Naschmarkt and browse the market stalls — taste local cheeses, cured meats or a quick snack from a stall before lunch, and pick up any specialty ingredients you like.

12:15 PM:

Lunch at a Naschmarkt favourite such as Neni am Naschmarkt or Motto am Fluss nearby; enjoy Middle Eastern or modern Austrian dishes while people-watching in the market hub.

1:30 PM:

Walk to the nearby MuseumsQuartier and explore quirky contemporary exhibits or pop into Leopold Museum if modern Austrian art appeals to you; soak up the creative square’s vibe.

2:30 PM:

Take a short tram ride to Spittelberg, Vienna’s charming Biedermeier quarter, and wander its cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques and small galleries for unique souvenirs.

3:15 PM:

Enjoy a coffee break at a Spittelberg café — try a Viennese melange with a slice of cake while watching locals and browsing boutique shop windows.

4:00 PM:

Head toward the Hundertwasser Village (Hundertwasser Village — shopping complex near the main Hundertwasser sites) to browse design stores, crafts and eco-friendly goods inspired by Hundertwasser’s ideas.

4:45 PM:

Walk or take the tram back toward the centre and visit the quirky Museum of Illusions or a small specialty shop on Mariahilfer Straße for a playful interlude.

5:30 PM:

Return to Novotel to drop purchases, freshen up and rest briefly before dinner; review your onward plans for tomorrow and charge devices.

6:30 PM:

Dinner at a cozy Viennese restaurant — consider Steirereck am Stadtpark for a special meal or a more casual Heuriger-style spot for local wines and traditional plates.

8:00 PM:

After dinner, take an evening stroll through Stadtpark to see the gilded Johann Strauss statue and illuminated trees, enjoying a peaceful end to a day of quirky Vienna discoveries.

8:45 PM:

If you’re in the mood for music, check for a late chamber or jazz performance at a nearby venue; otherwise, grab a nightcap at Novotel’s bar and compare favourite Hundertwasser moments.

10:00 PM:

Return to your room to pack any purchases and lay out clothes for your flight day; set alarms and ensure all travel documents for tomorrow are organised.

10:30 PM:

Lights out or quiet time — reflect on the playful architecture and creative corners you explored today and get a good night’s rest before your departure tomorrow.

Day 8 · Sun, Dec 21
Vienna (flight to HK)

Morning in Vienna & Departure to Hong Kong

6:30 AM:

Wake up and do a final room check — pack carry-on essentials, travel documents, passport, and any last-minute souvenirs (Mozartkugeln, rock salt) so you’re ready to leave on time.

6:45 AM:

Shower and get dressed in comfortable travel layers; double-check that chargers, headphones and any duty-free receipts are in your carry-on for easy access at the airport.

7:15 AM:

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Novotel’s buffet — have coffee, fresh bread, fruit and something warm (eggs or porridge) to fuel the long flight and confirm airport transfer arrangements.

7:45 AM:

Return to your room to retrieve luggage, settle the hotel bill if needed, and collect any stored items from reception; make sure your boarding pass and passport are accessible.

8:15 AM:

Take a taxi or pre-booked airport shuttle to Vienna International Airport (VIE); allow around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and aim to arrive early for international check-in.

8:55 AM:

Arrive at Vienna Airport — head to your airline’s check-in desk or self-service kiosk to drop checked luggage, obtain boarding passes, and proceed to security with enough time for duty-free shopping if desired.

9:20 AM:

Clear security and passport control; if time permits, browse the airport shops for last-minute souvenirs (local chocolates, wine) or pick up a coffee and a light snack for the plane.

9:40 AM:

Relax in the departure lounge near your gate — charge devices, top up water, and use the restroom before boarding; confirm boarding time and gate number on the flight info screens.

10:30 AM:

Join priority or general boarding when announced; stow carry-on luggage, settle into your seat and review inflight plans (meals, entertainment, sleep strategy for the long flight to Hong Kong).

11:25 AM:

Scheduled departure time from Vienna International Airport — enjoy takeoff and a last view of Vienna as you begin the journey back to Hong Kong.

During flight:

Make yourself comfortable on the long-haul flight: hydrate regularly, move/stretch when possible, enjoy in-flight meals and entertainment, and rest to adjust for the time difference before arrival in Hong Kong.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version