Start your trip in Vienna, the capital city of Austria. In the morning, visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its stunning gardens. In the afternoon, take a walk through the historic center of Vienna, visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner at a local restaurant.
Schönbrunn Palace: Estimated cost - €20 per adult, €10 per child; Time spent - 3 hours
St. Stephen's Cathedral: Free admission; Time spent - 1 hour
Hofburg Palace: Estimated cost - €14 per adult, free for children under 6; Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Café Central, a historic Viennese café known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious pastries. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 10-15 euros per person.
For lunch, visit Figlmüller Wollzeile, famous for its Schnitzel, a traditional Austrian dish. The portions are large, and the average cost for a lunch meal is about 15-20 euros per person.
For dinner, head to Zur Stadt Krems, a cozy restaurant offering a wide range of traditional Viennese dishes. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 20-30 euros per person.
Saturday December 2: Vienna
In the morning, visit the Prater amusement park, known for its iconic Ferris wheel and various rides. Enjoy a fun-filled day with your family, riding roller coasters and playing games. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Natural History, which houses fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and space. In the evening, attend a classical music concert at one of Vienna's famous venues.
Prater amusement park: Estimated cost - €30 per person for unlimited rides; Time spent - 4 hours
Museum of Natural History: Estimated cost - €12 per adult, free for children under 19; Time spent - 2 hours
Classical music concert: Estimated cost - €40 per person; Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Central, a historic café known for its elegant atmosphere and Viennese pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 12 EUR per person.
For lunch, head to Figlmüller Wollzeile, a traditional Austrian restaurant famous for its schnitzel. Enjoy a mouthwatering schnitzel with potato salad and a refreshing drink. Average cost for a meal is about 18 EUR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at Steirereck im Stadtpark, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. Savor creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients and impeccable service. Average cost for a meal is about 130 EUR per person.
Sunday December 3: Salzburg
Take a day trip to Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the morning, explore the historic Old Town and visit the iconic Salzburg Cathedral. Discover the charming Getreidegasse, a bustling shopping street filled with traditional shops. In the afternoon, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a Mozart dinner concert, combining exquisite cuisine and classical music.
Salzburg Cathedral: Free admission; Time spent - 1 hour
Getreidegasse: Free to explore; Time spent - 2 hours
Hohensalzburg Fortress: Estimated cost - €12.50 per adult, €6.30 per child; Time spent - 3 hours
Mozart dinner concert: Estimated cost - €80 per person; Time spent - 3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Tomaselli, a historic coffeehouse in Salzburg. Enjoy traditional Austrian pastries and coffee while soaking in the charming atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For lunch, try Augustiner Bräustübl, a beer garden located in a monastery. Indulge in hearty Bavarian dishes and sample their wide selection of beers. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
For dinner, visit Restaurant Herzl, a gourmet restaurant specializing in modern Austrian cuisine. Enjoy innovative dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 40 euros per person.
Monday December 4: Innsbruck
Travel to Innsbruck, a picturesque city nestled in the Austrian Alps. In the morning, visit the Golden Roof, a famous landmark adorned with gold-plated tiles. Explore the charming Old Town with its colorful buildings and historic architecture. In the afternoon, take a cable car up to the Nordkette mountain range for breathtaking panoramic views. In the evening, indulge in traditional Tyrolean cuisine at a local restaurant.
Golden Roof: Free to admire; Time spent - 1 hour
Old Town: Free to explore; Time spent - 2 hours
Nordkette Cable Car: Estimated cost - €34 per adult, €17 per child; Time spent - 3 hours
Tyrolean restaurant: Estimated cost - €25 per person; Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Sacher and enjoy their famous Viennese coffee and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 12 Euros per person.
For lunch, try Zum Zirkelwirt, a traditional Austrian restaurant known for their hearty dishes like schnitzel and goulash. Average cost for a meal is about 15 Euros per person.
For dinner, visit Gasthaus Zwettlers and savor their authentic Austrian cuisine, including specialties like Tafelspitz and Kaiserschmarrn. Average cost for a meal is about 25 Euros per person.
Tuesday December 5: Innsbruck
Embark on a day of winter sports and outdoor activities in Innsbruck. In the morning, head to the Bergisel Ski Jump and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Try your hand at ice skating in the Olympia World Ice Stadium in the afternoon. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the scenic Inn River promenade and enjoy the festive holiday decorations.
Bergisel Ski Jump: Estimated cost - €10 per adult, €5 per child; Time spent - 2 hours
Olympia World Ice Stadium: Estimated cost - €10 per adult, €5 per child; Time spent - 2 hours
Inn River promenade: Free to explore; Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Strudel Café Kröll. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly baked strudels and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, visit Goldener Adler Restaurant. Indulge in traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz, accompanied by local beer or wine. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Restaurant Lichtblick. This rooftop restaurant offers breathtaking views of the city and serves modern Austrian cuisine with a creative twist. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Wednesday December 6: Vienna
Return to Vienna for the last leg of your trip. In the morning, visit the Belvedere Palace, home to an impressive collection of artwork, including Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss." Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the world of music at the House of Music, an interactive museum showcasing the history of Austrian composers. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant.
Belvedere Palace: Estimated cost - €22 per adult, free for children under 19; Time spent - 3 hours
House of Music: Estimated cost - €13 per adult, €5 per child; Time spent - 2 hours
Traditional Viennese restaurant: Estimated cost - €30 per person; Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Café Central, a historic café known for its elegant interiors and traditional Viennese pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, try Figlmüller, famous for its schnitzel, a traditional Austrian dish. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, dine at Plachutta, a renowned restaurant specializing in Viennese cuisine, particularly their delicious Tafelspitz (boiled beef). Average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.
Thursday December 7: Departure
On your last day, check out of your hotel and depart from Vienna. If time allows, explore any remaining attractions or indulge in some last-minute shopping. Bid farewell to Austria and cherish the memories of your family-friendly adventure.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Vienna, don't miss the Prater Hauptallee, a beautiful avenue lined with trees, perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a picnic. In Salzburg, visit the Mirabell Gardens, known for their stunning flower displays and enchanting atmosphere. In Innsbruck, take a short trip to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, where you can marvel at magnificent crystal artworks and unique installations.
For a truly local experience, head to Vienna's Naschmarkt, a vibrant market offering a variety of fresh produce, street food, and unique items. In Salzburg, enjoy a Mozart chocolate tasting at the Fürst confectionery, where the famous Mozartkugel chocolates were created. In Innsbruck, explore the quirky Bäckerei Therese Mölk, a historic bakery serving delicious pastries since 1903.