18 day itinerary for Vienna, Salzburg, Salzkammergut, Hallstat, Innsbruck, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich

Itinerary

An 18-day itinerary through Austria and Germany sounds like a fantastic adventure, especially with family in tow. Let’s take a relaxed approach, allowing you to soak in the sights, enjoy local cuisine, and have some fun along the way. Here’s a day-by-day plan for your trip:

## Day 1: Arrival in Vienna

• Morning: Arrive in Vienna. Check into your family-friendly hotel.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and grab a snack at a nearby café.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Viennese dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Wiener Schnitzel!

## Day 2: Explore Vienna

• Morning: Visit Schönbrunn Palace. Don’t miss the gardens and the zoo if the kids are up for it!
• Afternoon: Head to the MuseumsQuartier. The Leopold Museum is great for art lovers, and there are plenty of kid-friendly spaces.
• Evening: Dinner in the area, followed by a ride on the famous Riesenrad (Ferris wheel) at the Prater.

## Day 3: More of Vienna

• Morning: Explore the Belvedere Palace and its beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Visit the House of Music, an interactive museum that’s fun for all ages.
• Evening: Enjoy a concert or opera performance if the family is interested, or simply relax at a local café.

## Day 4: Day Trip to Bratislava

• Morning: Take a short boat ride to Bratislava, Slovakia (about an hour).
• Afternoon: Explore the charming old town, visit Bratislava Castle, and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
• Evening: Return to Vienna for dinner and a restful evening.

## Day 5: Travel to Salzburg

• Morning: Take a train to Salzburg (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
• Evening: Dinner in the old town, perhaps at a restaurant with a view of the fortress.

## Day 6: Discover Salzburg

• Morning: Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress. The funicular ride is a hit with kids!
• Afternoon: Explore Mozart’s birthplace and the Getreidegasse shopping street.
• Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly dinner and maybe catch a local music performance.

## Day 7: Day Trip to Salzkammergut

• Morning: Head to Hallstatt (about 1.5 hours by train/bus).
• Afternoon: Explore the picturesque village, visit the salt mines, and take a boat ride on the lake.
• Evening: Return to Salzburg for dinner.

## Day 8: More of Salzkammergut

• Morning: Visit Wolfgangsee and take a scenic boat ride to St. Wolfgang.
• Afternoon: Enjoy some time at the lake, perhaps swimming or picnicking.
• Evening: Return to Salzburg for a relaxed evening.

## Day 9: Travel to Innsbruck

• Morning: Take a train to Innsbruck (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Old Town, including the Golden Roof.
• Evening: Dinner at a Tyrolean restaurant.

## Day 10: Explore Innsbruck

• Morning: Visit the Nordkette mountain range via the cable car for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Explore the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for all ages.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner and perhaps a stroll along the Inn River.

## Day 11: Travel to Munich

• Morning: Take a train to Munich (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit Marienplatz to see the Glockenspiel.
• Evening: Dinner at a traditional beer garden, where kids can enjoy pretzels and sausages.

## Day 12: Discover Munich

• Morning: Visit the Deutsches Museum, which has interactive exhibits for kids.
• Afternoon: Explore the English Garden, where you can rent a paddle boat or just relax.
• Evening: Dinner in the garden or nearby.

## Day 13: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

• Morning: Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (about 2 hours by train and bus).
• Afternoon: Tour the castle and enjoy the stunning views. Have lunch in Hohenschwangau.
• Evening: Return to Munich for dinner.

## Day 14: Travel to Stuttgart

• Morning: Take a train to Stuttgart (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum, which is fascinating for car enthusiasts.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 15: Explore Stuttgart

• Morning: Visit Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is great for families.
• Afternoon: Explore the Stuttgart State Gallery or take a walk in the Schlossgarten.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner.

## Day 16: Travel to Frankfurt

• Morning: Take a train to Frankfurt (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore Römer and the old town.
• Evening: Dinner along the River Main, where you can enjoy the skyline views.

## Day 17: Discover Frankfurt

• Morning: Visit the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, which is great for kids.
• Afternoon: Explore Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Frankfurt.

## Day 18: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a last stroll through the city.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

• Transportation: Consider getting a rail pass for easy train travel between cities.
• Meals: Look for family-friendly restaurants that offer local cuisine and kid-friendly options.
• Pacing: Don’t hesitate to adjust the itinerary based on your family’s energy levels. It’s all about enjoying the journey!

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family! Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️