17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Austria
Austria is a land where imperial history meets breathtaking alpine beauty. This 17-day odyssey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the finer things in life, from the coffee house culture of Vienna to the exclusive ski resorts of Kitzbühel. You will traverse the country in absolute comfort, utilizing first-class rail services and staying in the most prestigious heritage hotels.
Throughout this journey, we prioritize exclusivity and pace. Rather than rushing, you will have ample time to soak in the atmosphere of a Mozart concert, enjoy private tastings in the Wachau Valley, and breathe the crisp mountain air from a private terrace overlooking Lake Hallstatt. Prepare for an unforgettable escape through the heart of Europe.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna - Arrival & Imperial Splendor
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Enjoy a seamless arrival with a pre-arranged private chauffeur service to your hotel in the First District. After a quick refresh, step out into the crisp Viennese air.
Lunch at Café Central
Dine where intellectuals like Freud once sat. Order the classic Tafelspitz or a delicate Sachertorte in a setting of high-vaulted ceilings and marble columns.
St. Stephen's Cathedral Private Tour
Visit the iconic Stephansdom, but skip the crowds with a private rooftop tour offering views over the city's historic center.
Gourmet Dinner at Steirereck
Enjoy a world-class dining experience at this Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Stadtpark, known for its contemporary take on Austrian cuisine.
Day 2: Vienna - Palace Life & Culinary Heights
Schönbrunn Palace Grand Tour
Take a private guided tour of the 40 most famous rooms of the Habsburg summer residence before the general public arrives.
Gloriette Garden Brunch
Dine at the Gloriette, perched on a hill overlooking the palace gardens, offering the best brunch view in the city.
Upper Belvedere Art Immersion
View Gustav Klimt’s 'The Kiss' and other masterpieces in this stunning Baroque palace complex.
Evening at the State Opera
Dress in your finest for a performance at the Wiener Staatsoper, one of the world's leading opera houses.
Day 3: Vienna - Arts, Music & Fine Wine
Spanish Riding School Performance
Witness the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions perform their classical dressage in the winter riding hall.
Lunch at Plachutta Wollzeile
Indulge in the city's best boiled beef in a traditional, high-end atmosphere frequented by celebrities and locals alike.
The Hofburg Treasury
Explore the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer) to see the crown jewels and priceless religious relics of the Holy Roman Empire.
Heuriger Wine Tasting
Take a private car to Grinzing for a luxury wine tasting at a traditional Viennese tavern (Heuriger) overlooking the vineyards.
Day 4: Vienna - Hidden Gems & Spa Luxury
Kunsthistorisches Museum Private Walk
Explore one of the world's greatest art museums with a specialized guide focusing on the Habsburg collections.
Lunch at Das Loft
Head to the top floor of the SO/ Vienna for a modern lunch with floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline.
Afternoon at Arany Spa
Relax at the Park Hyatt's exclusive spa, located in a former bank vault, for a signature gold-leaf facial or massage.
Farewell Vienna Dinner at Meierei
Enjoy a sophisticated cheese and wine pairing evening at this sleek outpost of Steirereck in the park.
Day 5: Salzburg - First-Class Transit & Mozart’s Legacy
ÖBB Railjet First Class to Salzburg
Experience the 2.5-hour journey through the Austrian countryside in the Business Class section of the high-speed train.
Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
Dine at Europe’s oldest restaurant, documented since 803 AD, located within the walls of St. Peter's Abbey.
Mozart’s Birthplace & Residence
A private guide will lead you through the life and works of the musical prodigy in his original family homes.
Salzburg Fortress Sunset
Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views as the sun sets over the Salzach river.
Day 6: Salzburg - Baroque Beauty & Exclusive Dining
Salzburg Cathedral & DomQuartier
Explore the stunning Baroque interior of the cathedral and the state rooms of the former Prince-Archbishops.
Lunch at Esszimmer
Visit this Michelin-starred gem for a creative menu that blends local ingredients with international flair.
Mirabell Palace Gardens
Stroll through the ornate gardens where scenes from 'The Sound of Music' were filmed, followed by a private tea session.
Mozart Dinner Concert
Combine a candlelit multi-course dinner with the sounds of Mozart's most famous arias in the Baroque Hall of St. Peter's.
Day 7: Salzburg - Sound of Music & Fortress Views
Private 'Sound of Music' Tour
Escape the big tour buses with a private driver to visit Leopoldskron Palace and the gazebo at Hellbrunn Palace.
Hellbrunn Trick Fountains
Experience the whimsical and historical water features commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus.
Hangar-7 Modern Art & Aviation
Visit Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s collection of historic aircraft and Formula 1 cars in a glass dome.
Dinner at Ikarus
Located in Hangar-7, this restaurant features a rotating monthly guest chef from the world's best culinary establishments.
Day 8: Hallstatt - Lakeside Serenity & Ancient History
Drive to the Salzkammergut
A private transfer through the Lake District brings you to Hallstatt, often called the most beautiful lakeside village in the world.
Hallstatt Skywalk & Salt Mine
Take the cable car up for a breathtaking view from the 'World Heritage View' platform before exploring the world's oldest salt mine.
Lakeside Lunch at Seehotel Grüner Baum
Enjoy fresh catch from the lake on the terrace of this historic hotel right on the water's edge.
Private Electric Boat Rental
Rent a traditional 'Plätte' or a modern electric boat to view the village and the surrounding mountains from the center of the lake.
Day 9: Lake Wolfgangsee - Alpine Bliss & Scenic Cruises
Schafberg Railway Ascent
Ride the steepest steam cog railway in Austria from St. Wolfgang to the summit of the Schafberg for views of seven lakes.
Lunch at Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl
Dine at the legendary 'White Horse Inn' and enjoy traditional Austrian hospitality on the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee.
Private Lake Cruise
Charter a private boat for a sunset tour of the lake, stopping at small bays for a quick swim or photo opportunity.
Relaxation at Lake Spa
Unwind in a heated lakeside pool that literally floats in the lake waters at your luxury resort.
Day 10: Zell am See - Glaciers & Grand Hotels
Transfer to Zell am See
Drive through the scenic mountain passes to reach the stunning Zell am See-Kaprun region.
Gipfelwelt 3000 at Kitzsteinhorn
Take the cable car to the summit station for year-round snow and incredible views of the High Tauern National Park.
Old Town Zell am See Stroll
Explore the charming boutiques and historic buildings of this lakeside town.
Dinner at Mayer’s Restaurant
Dine at the Schloss Prielau, a castle hotel owned by the Porsche family, for an exquisite fine-dining experience.
Day 11: Kitzbühel - High-End Alpine Lifestyle
Arrival in Kitzbühel
Reach the playground of the rich and famous, known for the Hahnenkamm race and luxury shopping.
Lunch at Berggasthof Sonnbühel
Known as one of the most exclusive mountain huts in the world, enjoy gourmet food and a vibrant terrace atmosphere.
Boutique Shopping on Vorderstadt
Browse high-end fashion and local Tyrolean luxury brands in the town’s colorful pedestrian center.
Dinner at Neuwirt
Experience innovative Tyrolean cuisine in an elegant setting within the Hotel Schwarzer Adler.
Day 12: Kitzbühel - Adventure & Relaxation
Private Hiking or Skiing Guide
Depending on the season, hire a private professional to show you the best hidden trails or powder runs on the mountain.
Lunch at Ganslern Alm
A modern take on the traditional hut, offering great views of the Streif downhill run.
Luxury Spa Afternoon
Dedicate your afternoon to wellness with an Alpine Herb massage or a session in an outdoor heated saltwater pool.
Casino Kitzbühel
Try your luck at the elegant casino located in a 13th-century building in the heart of town.
Day 13: Innsbruck - Capital of the Alps
Drive to Innsbruck
Head west into the heart of the Tyrol region, surrounded by towering peaks.
Golden Roof & Old Town
Visit the city's landmark, the Goldenes Dachl, and wander through the medieval streets with a private historian.
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Tour the third most important historic building in Austria, featuring the magnificent Giant’s Hall.
Dinner at Lichtblick
Dine in a circular glass restaurant with 360-degree views of the city and the Alps.
Day 14: Innsbruck - Swarovski Glitz & Peak Performance
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Take a private shuttle to Wattens to visit this shimmering subterranean museum and art installation.
Lunch at Daniels Kristallwelten
Dine at the bright and airy restaurant within the Swarovski gardens, famous for its in-house patisserie.
Nordkette Cable Car Ascent
Design by Zaha Hadid, the stations of this cable car are architectural marvels that take you from the city center to 2,300m in minutes.
Dinner at Sitzwohl
Enjoy modern Austrian dishes in a stylish, minimalist setting that is a favorite among Innsbruck's elite.
Day 15: Graz - Styrian Delights & Modern Architecture
Scenic Drive to Graz
Cross the southern part of Austria into Styria, the country’s culinary heartland.
Lunch at Schlossberg Restaurant
Take the glass lift up the mountain in the center of the city for a lunch overlooking the red roofs of Graz.
Kunsthaus Graz (The Friendly Alien)
Visit the city's modern art museum, an architectural masterpiece that contrasts beautifully with the medieval surroundings.
Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Tasting
Visit an upscale deli for a private tasting of 'green gold' before a dinner at the Michelin-recommended Der Steirer.
Day 16: Vienna - The Grand Return
Return to Vienna
Enjoy a final first-class train ride or private drive back to the capital for your last full day.
Lunch at Motto am Fluss
Dine on a stylish boat-like structure on the Danube Canal, offering fresh, seasonal cuisine.
Private Fashion Consultation
Visit a high-end boutique in the Golden Quarter for a private shopping experience featuring Austrian and international designers.
Farewell Tasting Menu at Konstantin Filippou
End your journey with a spectacular multi-course meal at this 2-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 17: Vienna - Final Farewell
Leisurely Breakfast at The Guest House
Enjoy one of the best wood-fired bakery breakfasts in Vienna with a view of the Albertina Museum.
Albertina Museum Visit
Take one last look at world-class art, including works by Dürer and Picasso, in the magnificent state rooms.
Private Transfer to Airport
Your chauffeur will ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time for tax-free shopping and lounge relaxation.
Departure
Board your flight home, concluding your epic 17-day luxury journey through Austria.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The best time to visit Austria for this luxury itinerary is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild enough for both city walks and mountain excursions, and the crowds at major sites like Schönbrunn and Hallstatt are significantly thinner. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, late December to early March is ideal for Kitzbühel and Zell am See, though you will experience the festive crowds and peak pricing.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While high-end establishments, hotels, and luxury boutiques widely accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), it is customary to carry some cash for smaller cafes or boutique mountain huts. Tipping is expected but not mandatory in the same way as in North America; a 5-10% tip for excellent service in restaurants is standard. For luxury services like private guides or chauffeurs, a gratuity of €20-€50 is appropriate depending on the duration of the service.
Getting Around Austria
For a luxury journey, the ÖBB Railjet trains are the gold standard. Booking 'Business Class' (a tier above First Class) provides extra legroom, leather reclining seats, and at-seat service. For mountain regions like the Salzkammergut or Kitzbühel, hiring a private driver or renting a premium vehicle (BMW, Audi, or Mercedes) is recommended for flexibility. Domestic flights are not necessary given the efficiency of the rail network and the scenic beauty of the drives, which are a highlight of the trip themselves.
