Salzburg & Hallstatt: The Smart Route Private Tour (Driver+Guide)

Vienna , Austria

Salzburg & Hallstatt: The Smart Route Private Tour (Driver+Guide)

Active

(2 reviews)

12h - 14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Austria’s two most famous gems—Salzburg and Hallstatt—without the rush and the crowds. We have designed a "Smart Route" to offer you the best possible experience: while most bus tours flock to Hallstatt in the morning, we visit Salzburg first, enjoying the city of Mozart while you are fresh. We then arrive in Hallstatt in the afternoon, just as the big tour groups are leaving, allowing you to enjoy the lakeside village in peace and tranquility.

What sets this tour apart is our fully guided, personal approach. We don't just drop you off with a map and a meeting time. Your private guide walks with you every step of the way, showing you not only the iconic sights but also hidden courtyards, secret photo angles, and local spots that standard groups miss. Traveling with a separate professional driver means we can stop for coffee, souvenirs, or photos whenever you like. This is your day, at your own pace.

Available options

Salzburg & Hallstatt: The Smart Route Private Tour (Driver+Guide)

Pickup included

What's included

"Smart Route" Logistics (Avoiding peak crowds)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Wi-Fi on board

Bottled water

Separate Private Driver (Ensures safety and door-to-door comfort)

Private transportation

Private Professional Guide (Walks with you, tells stories, assists with photos)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your private driver and guide pick you up in Vienna. Relax in your spacious vehicle as we drive towards the Alps. Your guide will introduce you to the history of the region, so you arrive prepared.

We start our day in Salzburg, the city of music. Since we arrive before the afternoon rush, we can comfortably explore the UNESCO Old Town without fighting through crowds. We walk together through the famous Mirabell Gardens and along the bustling Getreidegasse. But we don't stop there—your guide will take you beyond the main streets into quiet medieval courtyards to show you the authentic side of the city. Your pace, your rules: Want to buy original Mozartkugeln? Stop for a coffee at a historic café? We move at your speed, with a flexible schedule designed for your enjoyment, not a strict timetable.

We leave Salzburg and head towards the breathtaking Salzkammergut Lake District. Lunch Options: To make the most of your day, we offer total flexibility. We can enjoy a relaxed sit-down lunch in Salzburg before we leave, or, if you prefer to maximize your time in Hallstatt, we can grab some delicious food to go. You can enjoy your meal in the comfort of our spacious vehicle while watching the alpine lakes and mountains pass by. This "picnic on wheels" is a popular choice for those who want to focus on sightseeing.

Stop 4

We arrive in Hallstatt in the afternoon, perfectly timed to miss the morning rush when the large tour buses depart and the village reveals its true, tranquil charm. Unlike standard tours that simply drop you off at the parking lot with a map, we guide you personally through the winding streets to ensure you don't miss a thing. Together, we will see the fascinating "Bone House," admire the historic salt merchant houses. Your guide will lead you to hidden spots for crowd-free photos and share the mysterious legends of the lake that you won't find in any guidebook, ensuring you see the authentic soul of this alpine pearl at your own relaxed pace.

Stop 5

After a full day of impressions, you can rest on the drive back. Thanks to your separate driver, the journey is safe and smooth, allowing you to nap or chat with your guide about life in Austria.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.

Top Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour

St. Stephen's Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury

Belvedere Palace

A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.

Historical/Art/Museum 2-3 hours €16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere

Vienna State Opera

One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-4 hours (performance length) €10-200 depending on performance and seat

Hofburg Palace

The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours €14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wiener Schnitzel

A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.

Dinner Gluten-free, dairy-free

Sachertorte

A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Apfelstrudel

A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Vienna Woods Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Coffee house hopping Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending opera or concert performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center

By train

Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof

By bus

Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Innere Stadt Leopoldstadt Wieden Hietzing

Day trips

Bratislava

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Salzburg

300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight

The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Hallstatt

200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.

Festivals

Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive