My husband and I just returned from Southern Italy and I'm planning our next vacation. My husband has requested a cooler climate and a break from Italy so I was thinking Austria would fit the bill!
About us, we are late 50's, lived in the UK for 4 years and travelled extensively on weekends. We did a 2 week trip with our teens to Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague for Christmas markets. We love experiencing different cultures, enjoying the local food and drinks, visiting museums and being out in nature. We had tons of fun in the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland, but 2 knee surgeries have slowed my husband down from hiking. Last month in Italy, we walked 10 miles a day so we are active but I need to alternate active days with slower days until he gets a knee replacement and then I am booking a trip to Switzerland immediately.
We were thinking of traveling in October of 2025. I thought we might be able to catch some harvest festivals. I really want to visit Hallstadt and Melk. I love quaint, picturesque villages and have pictures of this darling town during all seasons on my travel inspiration board. We floated the idea of doing a river cruise, no pun intended, but decided it we prefer to travel independently. I have read there are some day cruises on the Danube. What is the most scenic river cruise in Austria?
We would not mind revisiting Salzburg or Vienna again. I am thinking of adding Budapest or Lake Bled to the itinerary if it is an easy train journey.
With these things in mind, is there a recommended itinerary anyone who has been to the area recommends? Which RS book should I buy to help me plan the trip? I am digging through Cameron's blog and the travel forum past posts for inspiration.
Many thanks for your input!
Margaret