Your trip begins in Munich, the stately capital of Bavaria and one of the enjoyable major cities in Europe. This is the Germany of beer halls and romantic castles such as Neuschwanstein, easily visited on a day trip to the Alps. Consider arriving a few days early if you want to spend time here however, as you'll depart for Salzburg on the first day of this itinerary.
Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Austria’s most beautiful town (don't repeat that in Vienna). Learn about Mozart’s life and times, visiting his birth home and the many monuments dedicated to his musical legacy. Afterwards, ride the funicular up to Salzburg Fortress and gaze upon the towering spires of the city’s gorgeous baroque buildings. That evening, attend a concert to hear one of Mozart’s symphonies or operas for yourself. The next day, head to Linz to tour the old town and visit the Mozart House where he wrote the Linz Symphony in three days. Continue to Melk to see the gorgeous Benedictine Abbey before reaching Vienna.
Vienna is Austria’s capital and, give or take a place or two depending on the year, the Most Liveable City in the World (don't repeat that in Salzburg). Erstwhile capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and home to the Habsburg Dynasty, Vienna is a treasure trove of historical wonders. It was also the home of Mozart and Joseph Haydn during key periods of their lives. On your first evening in Vienna, attend a concert at magnificent Schonbrunn Palace (optional), which was home to Maria Theresia and other Habsburg royals in the past. The next day, head on a city tour through the “City of Music” to see the stunning landmarks from Hofburg Palace to the Opera House to the Mozart and Haydn House, where you’ll learn about the music they wrote while living in the city.
While in Vienna, you’ll head on a city tour focusing on the city's musical history, including the lives of Mozart, Strauss, and Joseph Haydn. You'll see where each of the composers lived in Vienna, and of course, you'll see the famous Viennese Opera House, the enormous Hofburg, and much more. The tour might give you some ideas for how to spend your afternoon at leisure in classical music's spiritual home. The following day, explore Haydn's life in depth, starting in the town of Hainburg, where he took his first music lessons, and Rohrau, his birthplace. In the afternoon, visit Eisenstradt, where Haydn's professional career began in earnest.
After returning to Vienna for another night, cross the border into Czechia to Brno, the little sister of Prague and a gorgeous city of restored medieval and modernist architecture. It also happens to be where Mozart spent his most successful years. Continue to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires and one of the most gorgeous capitals in Europe. The historical capital of Bohemia and one of the key cities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prague has been central to so much of Central Europe’s history. It was also Mozart’s home during the height of his artistic powers. Tour the historic city centre to see the Powder Tower and the Old Square, where you’ll find the Town Hall and its gorgeous Astronomical Clock Tower, whose automatons comes to life each hour on the hour. Cross the Charles Bridge and spot the baroque statues that honour significant figures of the past. Consider extending your stay in Prague to explore all its historical wonders like Prague Castle.
