September 13 to 21, 2026

Salzburg is a storybook city of Baroque towers, alpine views, and riverside charm, best discovered on a guided walking tour that brings Mozart’s birthplace, the Old Town’s hidden lanes, and fortress viewpoints to life. After exploring, an evening at the historic Augustiner Bräustübl beer hall—where you grab your own stone mug, rinse it at the fountain, and enjoy freshly tapped monastery beer among locals—offers the perfect authentic finish to your first day.

Lunch included.

Example of Hotel: NH Collection

Enjoy some free time in Salzburg to browse its boutique-lined Old Town, from artisan chocolate shops to traditional Austrian crafts, before boarding the scenic train to Linz. Once in Linz, you can explore at your own pace and if desired, one entrance fee to the choice of your museum will be included. Whether that’s visiting the excellent immersive and high-energy Ars Electronica Center or the more traditional but impressive, Lentos Art Museum, or simply relaxing in the historic Hauptplatz, one of the largest and most beautiful town squares in Austria.

Meals Included.

Example of Hotel: Acrotel Nike

As you cycle along the Danube, the river’s peaceful beauty guides you past wooded hills and quiet villages, with the option to stop at the powerful Mauthausen Memorial for a reflective tour. Continuing downstream, the landscape softens into one of the prettiest stretches of the route, leading you to the charming town of Grein, known for its historic square, riverside setting, and the striking Greinburg Castle watching over the water.

Meals Included.

Hotrel example: Wellness-Oasis Aumuhle

Continue biking along one of the most scenic stretches of the Danube as the valley opens into rolling vineyards and small riverside villages, eventually arriving in the historic town of Melk. Here, the magnificent Melk Abbey dominates the landscape, a Baroque masterpiece perched high above the river. Enjoy a guided tour through its grand halls, ornate library, and serene courtyards while learning about the Benedictine monks who have lived and worked here for centuries. Melk perfectly blends natural beauty, history, and culture—an unforgettable highlight of the journey.

Meals included.

Example of Hotel: Hotel Zur Post

The Wachau Valley is a breathtaking stretch of terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, and medieval villages unfolding along the Danube, leading you into the storybook town of Dürnstein with its famous blue abbey tower and castle ruins perched above. As you ride through this UNESCO-listed landscape, you’re surrounded by sweeping river views and the scent of ripening fruit, making it the perfect place to pause for a relaxed wine tasting. Here you can sample the region’s celebrated Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, meet local winemakers, and soak in the valley’s timeless charm before continuing your journey.

Meals included.

Example of Hotel: Hotel Schloss Durnstein

Continue your ride from Dürnstein through the heart of the Wachau, passing terraced vineyards and apricot orchards as you make your way toward Krems, another charming wine town. This stretch is perfect for an optional wine tasting, where you can sample crisp Grüner Veltliner or Riesling right at the source. From Krems, the landscape opens into a wider, flatter section of the Danube as you continue on to Tulln, a welcoming “garden city” known for its botanical gardens, riverside promenades, and relaxed, scenic atmosphere.

Meals included.

Example of Hotel: Hotel Nibelingenhof

Riding into Vienna brings a burst of energy as the peaceful riverside path leads you straight into one of Europe’s grandest capitals, where the Danube opens into wide boulevards, elegant bridges, and the vibrant pulse of city life. Vienna itself is a spectacular blend of imperial architecture, world-class museums, cozy coffeehouses, and music woven into its streets—from opera houses to open-air performers. The city feels both regal and alive, with ornate palaces, lively markets, and café culture that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. We will say goodbye to our trusty two-wheeler here.

Later, celebrate Vienna’s musical heritage with an evening classical concert—Vivaldi performed at Karlskirche, one of the city’s most breathtaking Baroque churches, where the soaring acoustics and candlelit atmosphere create a magical, unforgettable experience.

Meals Included.

Hotel example: Acrotel Wimbeger

Spend the day exploring Vienna at a relaxed but immersive pace, beginning with a private two-hour tour led by a local Viennese woman who brings the city’s stories to life as she guides you through major highlights and tucked-away hidden gems most travelers miss. You’ll see elegant boulevards, grand imperial buildings, charming side streets, and vibrant markets while gaining an insider’s perspective on daily life in the capital.

After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore whatever interests you most: wander through world-class museums like the Kunsthistorisches or Albertina, relax in the imperial gardens at Schönbrunn or the Hofburg, browse upscale shops along the Graben and Kärntner Strasse, linger in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse, or take in modern creativity at the MuseumsQuartier. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, music, food, or simply soaking up the city’s elegant atmosphere, Vienna offers endless ways to enjoy the afternoon exactly as you wish.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

On your last morning in Vienna, gather for a simple hotel breakfast and a chance to share a few final moments together before parting ways. From here, guests can head home, continue their own travels, or join us for the optional extension to Budapest. It’s a warm, easy transition into whatever adventure comes next.

Breakfast included.

(see Budapest excursion if interested)

While every effort is made to follow the planned itinerary, some timing or activities may shift due to unforeseen delays, weather, or local conditions. If any adjustments are needed, I promise that the quality and spirit of the experience will remain exceptional and fully aligned with Ember & Earth Travel. My goal is always to enhance the itinerary—never diminish it—and to ensure that every moment of our journey feels meaningful, smooth, and thoughtfully curated. You’re in good hands, and I’ll always do everything I can to make the trip the very best it can be.