8 Days • 7 Nights
Austrian Romance: Vienna, the Lakes & Salzburg Honeymoon
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Waltzing, romantic Vienna, with its palaces and horse-drawn carriages, is an enchanting highlight for two. Vienna is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, a place of grand palaces, waltzes, glittering opera and gracious coffee houses made for lovers. Together you explore the vast Hofburg and the glorious Schonbrunn palace with its sweeping gardens, glide past grand facades in a horse-drawn fiaker carriage, and linger over cake and a melange in a legendary coffee house. You might waltz at a ball or thrill to a Mozart and Strauss concert, and dine by candlelight in an intimate wine tavern. The elegance and romance are enchanting.
- The serene, mirror-still lakes of the Salzkammergut are a magical romantic highlight. The Salzkammergut, Austria's storybook lake district, is one of the most romantic landscapes in Europe, a world of jewel-like lakes cradled by green mountains, pretty villages and gentle, timeless beauty. Together you retreat to the impossibly pretty lakeside village of Hallstatt, wandering its flower-decked lanes hand in hand, gazing at the famous view of pastel houses reflected in the still water, and gliding across a glassy Alpine lake by boat as the mountains rise all around. You watch the light change on the water at dawn and dusk, when the crowds have gone.
- Baroque Salzburg, Mozart's city beneath its fortress, is a beautiful romantic highlight. Salzburg is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Europe, a baroque masterpiece of domes, spires and squares set on a river between green hills and crowned by its mighty hilltop fortress. Together you wander its enchanting Old Town, exploring elegant lanes and grand squares, riding the funicular up to the great fortress for sweeping views over the city to the Alps, and strolling the beautiful Mirabell Gardens with their fountains and flowers. You dine in a candlelit historic restaurant and perhaps attend an intimate Mozart concert.
- Fine hotels, candlelit dinners and thoughtful romantic touches make this honeymoon special. Throughout this journey, you are cocooned in comfort and romance. You stay in carefully chosen fine hotels, from an elegant address in imperial Vienna to a tranquil lakeside retreat in the Salzkammergut and a characterful hotel in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, several with spas, lake views or romantic terraces. You enjoy candlelit dinners of fine Austrian cuisine and crisp local wines, private touring at your own gentle pace, and thoughtful touches such as sparkling wine on arrival. The comfort and romance are delightful.
- Unforgettable shared experiences, from a lake cruise to a mountain-top view, crown this honeymoon. This journey is woven with moments made for two. Together you might glide across a glassy Alpine lake as the mountains glow at sunset, ride high above a city by cable car or funicular to a breathtaking panorama, share a horse-drawn carriage through imperial streets, toast your future over a candlelit dinner in a historic tavern, and wander a fairy-tale village hand in hand in the soft early light. These shared experiences, unhurried and intimate, become the memories of a lifetime. The romance is unforgettable.
- Above all, this journey is a deeply romantic celebration of Austria's most beautiful corners. Austria is one of the most romantic countries in Europe, and this honeymoon weaves together its loveliest experiences for two. Over eight days you waltz through imperial Vienna, retreat to the serene lakes of the Salzkammergut and lose yourselves in baroque Salzburg, staying in fine hotels, dining by candlelight and sharing unforgettable moments amid palaces, lakes and mountains. The combination of imperial grandeur, lakeside tranquillity, baroque beauty and thoughtful romance makes this journey utterly enchanting. For a newly married couple seeking elegance, serenity.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your Austrian honeymoon begins as your flight arrives in Vienna, where you are met and transferred privately to your elegant hotel in the imperial capital, greeted with sparkling wine to toast your new life together. Vienna is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and its grand palaces, waltzes and gracious cafes set the tone for the days ahead. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first gentle stroll hand in hand past soaring St Stephen's Cathedral and along the grand Ringstrasse, or sharing cake and a melange in a legendary coffee house. This evening, a candlelit welcome dinner introduces you to fine Viennese cuisine and to the romantic journey ahead through Vienna, the lakes and Salzburg. As you settle in, the elegance and romance of Vienna work their magic. Rest well, ready to waltz through the imperial city tomorrow.
Today you explore romantic, imperial Vienna together with an expert local guide. You visit the vast Hofburg, the Habsburgs' winter palace, and the glorious Schonbrunn palace, touring its opulent state rooms and strolling arm in arm through its sweeping baroque gardens to the Gloriette with its views over the city. You glide past grand facades in a horse-drawn fiaker carriage, a classic Viennese romance, and linger over cake and coffee in a wood-panelled cafe. You wander the elegant streets around St Stephen's Cathedral, pausing at chic boutiques and hidden courtyards. The imperial grandeur and romance are enchanting. This evening you might attend a glittering Mozart and Strauss concert, dressing up for a magical night of music, or dine intimately in a candlelit wine tavern. Rest well, savouring your romantic days in Vienna.
Today is yours to savour Vienna at a gentle, romantic pace. Together you might visit the beautiful Belvedere palace to stand before Gustav Klimt's shimmering golden masterpiece The Kiss, the most romantic painting in the city, set amid formal gardens. You could wander the bustling Naschmarkt hand in hand, sampling delicacies, relax in a grand cafe over Sachertorte, or explore the elegant shopping streets for a keepsake of your honeymoon. You might take a gentle stroll or boat on the Danube, or simply enjoy the spa and comfort of your hotel. This flexible day lets you enjoy the city on your own terms, unhurried and together. The romance and elegance are delightful. This evening, dine in an intimate restaurant of your choosing, toasting your celebration. Rest well, for tomorrow you retreat to the serene lakes of the Salzkammergut.
This morning you journey westward by scenic train and private transfer into the enchanting Salzkammergut, Austria's storybook lake district, to the impossibly pretty village of Hallstatt. You travel through a dreamlike landscape of jewel-like lakes, green meadows and steep wooded mountains, arriving at Hallstatt, cradled between a mirror-still lake and towering peaks, one of the most beautiful and romantic villages in the world. Together you wander its flower-decked lanes and lakeside promenade hand in hand, gaze at the famous view of pastel houses reflected in the water, and settle into your tranquil lakeside hotel. As the day-trippers depart, the village grows serene and magical, all yours in the soft evening light. This evening, a romantic lakeside dinner awaits, with the still water and mountains beyond. Rest well, cocooned in the beauty and peace of the lakes.
Today you savour the serene beauty of the Salzkammergut together. In the calm of morning, you might take a gentle boat glide across the glassy lake, gazing up at the mountains mirrored in the still water, and ride the funicular to the Skywalk viewpoint high above Hallstatt for a breathtaking panorama over the village, lake and peaks. You could explore the ancient salt mine that gave the region its name, wander to a quiet lakeside spot for a picnic, or simply relax at your hotel, savouring the tranquillity hand in hand. The serene beauty and romance of the lakes are magical, unhurried and utterly your own. As the day ends, you watch the light soften over the water. This evening, dine cosily as the mountains fade to silhouette. Rest well, wrapped in the peace of the Salzkammergut.
This morning you journey the short, scenic distance to Salzburg, the baroque birthplace of Mozart, where you are met and settled into a characterful hotel in the heart of the enchanting Old Town. Salzburg is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Europe, a masterpiece of domes and spires set on a river between green hills and crowned by its mighty fortress. Together you explore the Old Town with your guide, wandering the elegant Getreidegasse, admiring the grand Cathedral and squares, and strolling the beautiful Mirabell Gardens with their fountains and flowers framing the fortress. You linger over coffee and Salzburg's famous fluffy Nockerl. The baroque beauty and romance are enchanting. This evening you might attend an intimate Mozart concert or dine by candlelight in a historic restaurant. Rest well, savouring romantic Salzburg.
Today you delve deeper into beautiful Salzburg and its romantic surroundings. Together you ride the funicular up to the mighty Hohensalzburg fortress, exploring its ramparts and chambers and drinking in sweeping views over the city's domes and spires to the Alps beyond, a breathtaking panorama to share. You follow the story of Mozart and, for film lovers, trace beloved locations from The Sound of Music amid the gardens, lake and hills. You might take a gentle excursion into the surrounding lake-and-mountain scenery, or linger in cafes and boutiques of the Old Town. The blend of history, music and beauty is enchanting. This evening you enjoy a final romantic dinner together, toasting the beginning of your married life amid the beauty of Salzburg. Rest well, savouring your last night in Austria, reflecting on the palaces, lakes and mountains you have shared.
After a final leisurely morning in romantic Salzburg, perhaps a last coffee in a sunlit square, a stroll through the Mirabell Gardens or some souvenir shopping in the Old Town, you are transferred to the airport for your onward departure. You leave having shared the most beautiful and romantic corners of Austria, waltzing imperial Vienna with its palaces and carriage rides, the serene mirror-still lakes and pretty village of the Salzkammergut, and baroque Salzburg with its fortress and Mozart heritage, all wrapped in fine hotels, candlelit dinners and thoughtful romance. The images stay vivid long after you land, the golden gardens of Schonbrunn, the reflection of Hallstatt in its still lake, the domes of Salzburg beneath its fortress, and the toasts you shared. Austria has given you elegance, serenity, beauty and intimacy in abundance, and you depart hand in hand, carrying the magical memories of the beginning of your life together.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels, a candlelit welcome dinner in Vienna, a romantic lakeside dinner in the Salzkammergut and sparkling wine on arrival
- Daily breakfast buffet
- All private airport, rail and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring and sightseeing with expert English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees to palaces, museums and sites as per itinerary
- private romantic touring, a Vienna city tour with Schonbrunn Palace and a horse-drawn carriage ride, a Salzkammergut lake cruise, a Salzburg Old Town and fortress tour, scenic rail journeys, and all entrance fees as listed
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Spa treatments, optional concerts and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Austria is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; from 2025 the ETIAS travel authorisation applies to visa-exempt visitors, and a passport valid for the length of stay is required. Rules can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist with ETIAS or a Schengen visa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); cards (including contactless) are very widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and for transport, though it is wise to carry some cash for small cafes, markets, tips, mountain huts and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns, and tipping around five to ten percent for good service is customary
- Best time to visit: Austria is a year-round destination. Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is ideal for the cities, the lakes of the Salzkammergut and Alpine hiking, with long, warm days; autumn brings golden colour and the Wachau wine harvest; December sparkles with Christmas markets; and the winter months (December to March) are superb for skiing in the Tyrol and Salzburg regions
- Language & etiquette: German is the official language, spoken with a warm Austrian lilt, and English is widely understood in tourism, hotels and cities; a friendly Gruss Gott (hello) or Danke (thank you) is always appreciated. Austrians value courtesy, punctuality and quiet good manners, dressing smartly for the opera or fine dining, and greeting shopkeepers on entering
- Getting around: Austria has one of Europe's finest, most scenic and most punctual rail networks, linking Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and the lakes, and our journeys combine comfortable private transfers with scenic train stretches where they add to the experience. Cities are compact and walkable with excellent trams and metros, and mountain regions are served by cable cars and funiculars
- Health & safety: Austria is one of the safest, cleanest and best-organised countries in the world, with excellent healthcare, superb infrastructure and very low crime; normal city precautions against pickpockets in busy tourist spots are sufficient. Tap water, fed from Alpine springs, is famously pure and delicious. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance, and for winter or hiking trips, cover for mountain activities
- Culture & coffee house life: Austria's cultural life is extraordinary, from the opera, classical concerts and grand palaces of Vienna to Mozart's Salzburg and the country's beloved coffee house tradition, where lingering over a melange and a slice of cake is a cherished ritual. We help you secure concert, opera and Spanish Riding School tickets, and time visits to markets, museums and Christmas markets beautifully
- Power & connectivity: Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter; mobile coverage and wifi are excellent throughout, including on trains and in most mountain areas. Austria is highly walkable, and comfortable shoes are essential for cobbled Old Towns, palace grounds and Alpine paths; layers are wise year-round, as mountain and evening temperatures can be cool
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you arrange special romantic touches for our honeymoon?
Delightedly. We love crafting honeymoons, and can arrange sparkling wine and flowers on arrival, room upgrades where available, candlelit dinners in the most romantic restaurants, a horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna, a private lake cruise, spa treatments for two, and thoughtful surprises along the way. Simply let us know your wishes and any special dates, and we will weave in the touches that make your celebration feel truly personal, intimate and unforgettable, from imperial Vienna to the serene lakes and baroque Salzburg.
Is this honeymoon relaxing or busy?
It is designed to feel indulgent and unhurried, balancing romantic touring with plenty of leisurely time for two. Days include gentle guided highlights, but always leave space to linger over coffee, wander a pretty village hand in hand, enjoy your hotel's spa, or simply savour a lake view together. The pace is gracious and flexible, and we tailor it entirely to you, adding or easing activities as you wish, so your honeymoon feels like the relaxing, romantic celebration it should be, amid some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, typically a generous Austrian buffet with fresh breads, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, eggs and excellent coffee, along with any meals named in the itinerary (often a welcome dinner and special meals such as a Wachau wine dinner or a mountain-hut lunch). We usually leave other meals free so you can explore Austria's wonderful restaurants, coffee houses, wine taverns and market stalls, and we are delighted to recommend and book the best tables at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guides, private transfers and a pace tailored entirely to you, giving real depth, flexibility and comfort; small-group and escorted options can be arranged if you prefer. Austria's knowledgeable, passionate guides bring the palaces, music, history, lakes and mountains vividly to life, and we combine private touring with scenic train journeys and cable cars where they enrich the experience.
Do I need a visa for Austria?
Austria is in the Schengen Area, so many nationalities may visit visa-free for up to 90 days, with the new ETIAS travel authorisation applying to visa-exempt travellers from 2025; others require a Schengen visa. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on ETIAS or visa applications, and ensure your passport validity and documents are in order, so entry is smooth and stress-free.
Is Austria safe to visit?
Austria is one of the safest, cleanest and best-organised countries in the world, with excellent healthcare, superb infrastructure, pure Alpine tap water and very low crime, so travel here is exceptionally smooth and reassuring. Normal precautions against pickpockets in busy tourist areas are sufficient, and mountain and winter activities are run to the highest safety standards. We monitor conditions, use trusted local partners and follow official guidance at all times.
When is the best time to visit?
Austria rewards visitors year-round. Late spring to early autumn is glorious for the cities, the Salzkammergut lakes and Alpine hiking, with long warm days; autumn brings golden foliage and the Wachau wine harvest; December sparkles with magical Christmas markets; and winter offers world-class skiing in the Tyrol and Salzburg. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether that is music, mountains, lakes, wine or festive markets, and tailor the journey accordingly.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of Vienna, Salzburg, the lakes, the Tyrol, the Wachau and Graz, add opera or concert evenings, a Danube cruise, a spa stay or extra Alpine hiking, extend or shorten the trip, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you, whether you seek imperial culture, romance, family fun, mountains or wine. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them.
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