19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Austria
Austria is a symphony of imperial grandeur and breathtaking alpine beauty, designed for travelers who appreciate the finer things in life. This 19-day journey takes you through the heart of the former Habsburg Empire, combining historic urban elegance with the serene luxury of the Austrian Alps.
Expect to travel in absolute comfort via first-class Railjet trains, stay in legendary five-star properties, and dine in some of Europe's most celebrated restaurants. From private vineyard tours in the Wachau Valley to exclusive spa retreats in Lech, this is the definitive Austrian luxury experience.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna - Imperial Arrival
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down in the capital and receive a VIP greeting before your private chauffeur transfers you to the city center.
Check-in at Hotel Sacher Wien
Experience legendary hospitality at this historic landmark, famous for its timeless elegance and the iconic Original Sacher-Torte.
Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Traverse the Ringstrasse and the cobblestone streets of the Old Town in a traditional Fiaker, sipping sparkling wine along the way.
Gourmet Dinner at Meissl & Schadn
Savor the city's finest Wiener Schnitzel prepared in an open kitchen within a sophisticated, high-ceilinged dining room.
Day 2: Vienna - Art & Baroque Splendor
Upper Belvedere Private Tour
View Gustav Klimt’s 'The Kiss' without the crowds through an exclusive early-access art history tour.
Lunch at Café Central
Dine under the vaulted ceilings where Trotsky and Freud once sat, enjoying classic Viennese specialties.
The Hofburg Imperial Treasury
Marvel at the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Empire in this glittering collection.
Classical Concert at St. Stephen's Cathedral
Experience the acoustics of Vienna’s most famous landmark with an evening performance of Vivaldi or Mozart.
Day 3: Vienna - Culinary Arts & High Fashion
Naschmarkt Gourmet Exploration
Wander through Vienna's most famous market with a private chef, sampling local cheeses, vinegars, and wines.
Private Shopping at Kohlmarkt
Enjoy a personal shopper experience at the luxury boutiques lining Vienna's most prestigious shopping street.
Spanish Riding School Performance
Watch the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions perform their classical dressage in the stunning Baroque arena.
Tasting Menu at Steirereck
Dine at one of the world's best restaurants, located in the Stadtpark, known for its innovative take on Austrian ingredients.
Day 4: Vienna - Schönbrunn Majesty
Schönbrunn Palace Grand Tour
Explore the summer residence of the Habsburgs with a private guide, covering the most ornate state rooms.
Stroll through the Palace Gardens
Walk up to the Gloriette for a panoramic view of the palace and the city skyline.
Apple Strudel Show
Witness the art of hand-stretching strudel dough in the imperial bakery before tasting it fresh from the oven.
Evening at the Vienna State Opera
Attend a world-class opera performance in one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.
Day 5: Wachau Valley - Vineyards & Vistas
Private Transfer to the Wachau
Depart Vienna for a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Danube valley, famous for its Rieslings and apricots.
Melk Abbey Guided Tour
Explore the stunning yellow Benedictine abbey perched on a cliff overlooking the river.
Vineyard Lunch in Dürnstein
Enjoy a terrace lunch with local wine pairings overlooking the blue tower of the Dürnstein church.
Wine Tasting at Domäne Wachau
Sample award-winning white wines in the historic cellars of one of the region's top producers.
Day 6: Salzburg - The Sound of Music Arrival
First-Class Railjet to Salzburg
Travel in the premium cabin of the ÖBB Railjet, enjoying at-seat service and spectacular window views.
Check-in at Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Settle into this historic hotel on the Getreidegasse, reflecting the quintessential style of Salzburg.
Mirabell Palace & Gardens
Wander through the Baroque gardens where scenes from 'The Sound of Music' were filmed.
Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
Dine in Europe's oldest restaurant, located within the walls of St. Peter's Abbey.
Day 7: Salzburg - Mozart’s Heritage
Mozart’s Birthplace & Residence
Explore the life of the musical genius through the houses where he was born and lived.
Lunch at M32
Take the lift up the Mönchsberg for a modern lunch with the best panoramic view of the fortress.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Ascend by funicular to the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe for a private tour.
Marionette Theater Performance
Watch a sophisticated puppet production of 'The Magic Flute' at this historic venue.
Day 8: Salzburg - Alpine Lakes Tour
Salzkammergut Private Day Trip
Head into the Lake District to visit the emerald waters of Lake Fuschl and Lake Wolfgang.
Lunch in St. Gilgen
Dine at a lakeside tavern specializing in fresh Alpine char and trout.
Boat Cruise on Lake Wolfgangsee
Relax on a private boat charter as you glide past dramatic mountain backdrops.
Return to Salzburg & Dinner
Enjoy a quiet evening at the Michelin-starred Glass Garden restaurant.
Day 9: Salzburg - Wellness & Relaxation
Spa Morning at Mönchstein
Indulge in a luxury spa treatment at one of the city's most exclusive castle hotels.
Leisurely Walk through Hellbrunn
Visit the Hellbrunn Palace and its famous trick fountains, designed for the amusement of archbishops.
Coffee & Cake at Café Tomaselli
Experience the oldest coffee house in Austria, still serving cakes from a traditional tray.
Exclusive Concert at Schloss Mirabell
End your Salzburg stay with an intimate chamber music concert in the Marble Room.
Day 10: Hallstatt - Lakeside Fairy Tale
Private Transfer to Hallstatt
Drive through the scenic mountain passes to reach the most photographed village in Austria.
Hallstatt Skywalk
Take the salt mine funicular to the viewing platform for a breathtaking view from 350 meters above the town.
Lakeside Lunch
Enjoy locally caught fish at a restaurant right on the water's edge.
Private Boat Rental
Rent an electric boat to see Hallstatt’s colorful houses from the peaceful perspective of the lake.
Day 11: Bad Ischl - The Kaiser’s Retreat
Visit the Kaiservilla
Tour the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi).
Pastries at Konditorei Zauner
Visit the former purveyor to the Imperial Court for their world-renowned 'Zaunerstollen'.
Thermal Spa Experience
Relax in the salt-water pools of the EurothermenResort Bad Ischl.
Overnight in a Luxury Boutique Hotel
Stay at a historic villa converted into a premium hotel for a night of imperial quiet.
Day 12: Kitzbühel - Alpine Jet-Set Style
Scenic Drive to Kitzbühel
Travel into the Tyrolean Alps to the world's most famous skiing village, known for its high-end lifestyle.
Lunch in the Medieval Old Town
Explore the brightly colored buildings and high-end fashion boutiques of the town center.
Hahnenkamm Cable Car
Ride the gondola up the mountain to see the start of the legendary 'Streif' downhill ski run.
Dinner at Neuwirt
Dine on refined Tyrolean cuisine in an elegant setting that balances tradition and modern luxury.
Day 13: Kitzbühel - Mountain Air & Fine Dining
Private Guided Alpine Hike
Experience the crisp mountain air with a guide who can tailor the route to your fitness level.
Picnic with a View
Enjoy a pre-arranged gourmet picnic featuring local mountain cheeses and sparkling wine.
Alpine Wellness Session
Return to your hotel for a hay-sauna treatment or a refreshing dip in an infinity pool.
Dinner at Tennerhof
Experience the highest level of Tyrolean hospitality at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 14: Innsbruck - The Heart of the Alps
Train to Innsbruck
Enjoy a short, breathtaking train ride through the Inn Valley to the capital of the Tyrol.
The Golden Roof
Visit Innsbruck’s most famous landmark in the heart of the historic Old Town.
Imperial Palace Innsbruck
Tour the Hofburg, once a residence of the Habsburgs, and its Giant’s Hall.
Dinner at Lichtblick
Savor contemporary cuisine with 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding peaks.
Day 15: Innsbruck - Crystals & Clouds
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Take a private transfer to nearby Wattens to explore the dazzling art installations of André Heller.
Lunch at Daniels Kristallwelten
Dine in the bright, modern pavilion surrounded by the Swarovski gardens.
Nordkette Cable Car
Ascend from the city center to 2,256 meters in just 20 minutes for a stunning Alpine sunset.
Evening Cocktail at the 360° Bar
Enjoy a drink above the city as the lights begin to twinkle against the mountains.
Day 16: Innsbruck - Bergisel & Boutique Stays
Bergisel Ski Jump
Visit the Olympic ski jump designed by Zaha Hadid, an architectural masterpiece with incredible views.
Lunch at the Bergisel Sky Restaurant
Dine inside the tower of the ski jump for a unique perspective of the valley.
Ambras Castle
Explore the world's oldest museum and its Chamber of Art and Wonders.
Overnight at The Penz
Stay at Innsbruck's first design hotel, offering luxury with a modern, glass-forward aesthetic.
Day 17: Lech am Arlberg - Ultimate Alpine Seclusion
Private Transfer to Lech
Travel to the Arlberg region, a favorite of royalty and celebrities, known for its pristine luxury.
Check-in at Hotel Post Lech
Settle into one of the most exclusive addresses in the Alps, offering impeccable service and tradition.
Leisurely Stroll along the Lech River
Enjoy the peaceful mountain air and the crystal-clear waters of the Alpine river.
Gourmet Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant
Indulge in a multi-course dinner featuring the finest regional produce.
Day 18: Lech - Mountain Highs & Deep Calm
Top of the Mountain Spa
Spend the morning at the hotel's world-class spa, featuring panoramic saunas and heated outdoor pools.
Lunch at Kriegeralpe
Take the cable car up for a rustic yet high-end mountain hut lunch experience.
Private Yoga or Meditation Session
Find your Zen with a private session overlooking the Arlberg peaks.
Farewell Dinner at Chef’s Table by Max Natmessnig
End your journey with an intimate and highly creative dining experience (Rote Wand).
Day 19: Departure - Zurich or Vienna
Final Alpine Breakfast
Enjoy a slow breakfast with fresh mountain milk, local honey, and artisanal breads.
Private Transfer to Airport
Depending on your flight, your chauffeur will take you to Zurich (closer) or back to Vienna for your departure.
Lounge Relaxation
Enjoy the premium lounge facilities before boarding your flight home.
Departure
Fly home with memories of an imperial and alpine journey through Austria's finest.
Best Time to Visit Austria
For this luxury itinerary, the best times to visit are from late May to September for lush green landscapes and pleasant hiking weather, or from December to March if you prefer a winter wonderland with world-class skiing and cozy fireside luxury. Shoulder seasons like October offer beautiful autumn foliage and fewer crowds in the cities.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in luxury hotels, boutiques, and high-end restaurants. However, it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller cafes or mountain huts. Tipping is standard but modest; in high-end restaurants, a tip of 10% is customary if service was exceptional.
Getting Around Austria
The most efficient and luxurious way to travel between major cities is the ÖBB Railjet, specifically in the First Class or Business Class carriages. For more remote locations like Hallstatt or Lech, private chauffeur transfers or luxury car rentals (Sixt/Hertz) provide the flexibility and comfort required for a premium journey.
