7 days in Austria Itinerary

Nestled in a valley between snowcapped peaks, Innsbruck evokes visions of a winter wonderland.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Tue): admire the landmark architecture of Imperial Palace, then steep yourself in history at Altstadt von Innsbruck, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dom zu St. Jakob, and finally look for gifts at Feinheiten. Here are some ideas for day two: fly down the slopes at Rosshutte, look for all kinds of wild species at Leutascher Geisterklamm, indulge in some personalized pampering at Aqua Dome - Tirol Therme Laengenfeld, then hit the slopes at Stubaier Gletscher, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Innsbruck online trip itinerary maker.

Valletta, Malta to Innsbruck is an approximately 7.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or do a combination of bus and train. In December, Innsbruck is cooler than Valletta - with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to drive to Salzburg.

Surrounded by mountain ranges and boasting a well-preserved city center, Salzburg melds culture and history.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Thu): make a trip to Mirabell Palace, take in the awesome beauty at Untersberg, admire the striking features of Salzburg Cathedral, then admire the striking features of Fortress Hohensalzburg, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Peter's Abbey (Stift St. Peter), and finally explore the different monuments and memorials at Petersfriedhof.

To find photos, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Salzburg online sightseeing planner.

Drive from Innsbruck to Salzburg in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In December in Salzburg, expect temperatures between 6°C during the day and -1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Vienna.

The cultural, economic, and political center of the country, Vienna has developed from its early Celtic and Roman roots into a medieval and Baroque city, with an old town that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Do your shopping at Graben and Kohlmarkt and Xocolat. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Rathausplatz and Ringstrasse. There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Schonbrunn Palace, examine the collection at Hofburg, browse the eclectic array of goods at Vienna Naschmarkt, and make a trip to St. Stephen's Cathedral.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Vienna trip itinerary maker website.

Getting from Salzburg to Vienna by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In December, daytime highs in Vienna are 5°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) so you can fly back home.