Best of Munich, Salzburg & Vienna in 8 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I loved the combination of structure and free time. Also really like getting a local experience without having to make reservations and arrange transportation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being a museum person, loved the art museum in Vienna. Beer at the hoffbrau Haus was bucket list item for me, which I truly loved."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a perfect balance of information from the local guides and individual time to explore and do things on you own

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of "The Third Man" Museum not for the move stuff but the post WWI leading into WWII with Hitler."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My husband and I enjoyed the group travel experience with Rick Steve’s European Tour because the guides were excellent and full of rich knowledge and personality!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite WOW moment was when the assistant broke out into The Sound of Music song and classical voice while making Apple strudel in Salzburg, Austria. The whole group joined along and it was amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour of Munich, Salzburg and Vienna was everything we could have asked for and more. We loved every minute of it. Our tour guides Barbara and Michael were amazing each in their own way. The people we tour with were wonderful. The hotels and restaurants all had such character and charm, it felt exactly like I was one a Rick Steve show, never a crowded spot or long lines. This was our first RS tour, but if will not be our last!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our tour guide Michael shared all the many musical opportunities available in Salzburg and Vienna. I am a former Band Director really wanted to see the Vienna Philharmonic. (It was sold out) Michael went above and beyond by going to the concert hall on the day of the event and getting us last minute tickets. It was an amazing concert and a dream come true thanks to Michaels hard work!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I like the way the tour is designed, mornings with the group and free afternoons. The city walks really did set you up to be able to tour on your own. At first I thought it was strange that some of the bigger attractions weren’t toured as a group. However, I soon learned that they needed to be at your own speed. Very wise of Rick.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was intrigued by the history of Munich, the beauty of Hallstatt, but the most fun was in Salzburg making Apple strudel and bonding with my tour group."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the pace and free time. So informative and without being overwhelmed with too much. I'm now much more confident about overseas travel.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our Munich guide Michael, a schoolteacher, had his notebook with pictures from 1923 coup attempt. We were standing in that same position where the Munich police faced the Social Nationalists. Another moment was in the summer palace of Franz Joseph standing in his office looking at the desk here he signed the declaration of war starting WW1. Another was the full moon rising above the mountains and reflecting on the lake at Hallstatt."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A well run and informative tour with outstanding guides that understood the sites, brought humor and energy to the tour, and made us feel like we belonged in Europe. Site specific guides were fabulous and informative giving us the history and background of locations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being able to attend a Vienna Philharmonic performance because of the persistent hard work of our tour guide (Micheal)! We were made aware of several performances going on during our visit but that the one we wanted to attend was sold out. Michael went above and beyond by returning multiple times to the theater until he was able to find 2 tickets for us. It was a performance of a lifetime. Thank you!,"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great group of people. Knowledgeable guides and hotels were all excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Third Man Museum in Vienna!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Outstanding, knowledgeable guide Iris Andre provided a wonderful learning experience and gave us those special, Rick Steves extras that make all the difference. Griff was superb in Munich, as was Sabrina in Salzburg (along with Johann's apple strudle cooking class and Ailina's opera singing), and Gerhart's Third Man Museum and Vienna tour provided excellent insight to the city and Austria.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Johanna's enthusiastic tour of the Trumer brewery and their processes. Although I'm not a beer drinker, this was an eye opening "wow" and I had a beer every day of the tour, with much more appreciation following her proud, high-energy presentation."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great time and made many new friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt was beautiful. A memorable place. One day was not long enough."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second tour with RS and it was very well organized and thoroughly enjoyable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The boat ride in Lake Hallstatt was definitely a big "wow" moment."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

A great mix of culture, history and sightseeing. Jana was an exceptional guide, welcoming and attentive.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The free concert at St Peter's in Vienna. (Dvorak's 'New World Symphony' played on a pipe organ -- who knew?!)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Love the Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna tour! We packed in varied activities/experiences, hotel accommodations/location were fantastic, our tour guide(s) were the best!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scenery....mountains and lakes!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

As always, the tour was well organized and made sure that we saw all the important things to see. It was filled with little touchpoints that you probably wouldn't find on your own. Interestingly enough, the hotels on this trip were much better than some we have had on other Rick Steve's tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed when the "server" from the cooking class day in Salzburg started singing opera to us at the end and was blown away by the beauty of Lake Hallstadt."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful itinerary. We went to venues I would not have gone to on my own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cruise on the lake"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent! Great group, tour guide and activities. Hotels were conveniently located.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Experiencing Oktoberfest in the traditional tent with my Rick Steves tour group friends."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Good, solid experience. Jim is a wonderful guide, perhaps a bit “young” (like a 2nd or 3rd year teacher, still relying on his notes, etc.); however, Jim’s potential is great. Just keep up the nice effort! (Too, it probably didn’t help to be surrounded by mostly older, middle-aged travelers who have a lot of experience. ??)

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Really enjoyed visiting Hallstatt. It’s serene, peaceful beauty is wonderful and the Salt mine visit was fun! Heck, we should have stayed another day!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

very well organized. Jim our guide was "hosting" his first group but you would never know it. he was excellent and never got flustered. all events were on schedule, good mix of planned activities and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Octoberfest, views on the lake at lake hallstat , the fortress in Salzburg with view of the Alps."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour; the second followed immediately after. I was so impressed with the quality of the tour, the guide, the activities, the attention to detail, and what I learned about history, religion, art and architecture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Hohensalzburg Fortress in Saltzburg was most impressive - the man and animal labour it took to bring the masonry and wood up the steep hill to construct the fortress is awe-inspiring. The view was spectacular."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed the tour and met a great group of people. I was able to explore a little in each city to get some taste of the culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Making apple strudel"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very pleasant experience. Enjoyed the other participants and the guide, Jim.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dinner and concert in the fortress in Salzburg. Gorgeous setting. Many in our group did t by is activety that was not included in the tour."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was amazing. We did so many things we would have never been able to accomplish on our own in a week.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The ferry ride across Lake Halstatt. And Lake Halstatt in general."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip was fantastic! It gave me a great deal of history, along with local favors, incredible foods, and generally a terrific overall impression of the area.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We had a huge advantage being there during Oktoberfest, which was an experience in and of itself. If it weren't for that, it would be Lake Hallistatt in Austria, with the views and the boat ride that will NEVER be forgotten."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Nice balance of planned and free time. Excellent variety of experiences. Several things we could not (Trumer Pils, dairy farm) or would not (Oktoberfest grounds, Third Man Museum, Edelweiss Cooking School) have done on our own. Loved the hotels and breakfasts - especially Hotel Gruner Baum in Halstatt.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Hallstatt is beautiful! We visited the salt mine. It's mind blowing that salt-mining has occurred there for 7,000 years. ALSO - In addition to the churches that were part of the tour, we visited many on our own. I was amazed at the great variety - floor plans, decoration, etc. The Catholic church in Hallstatt was the first double nave church I have visited (and churches are something I seek out everywhere I travel in Europe)."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very good. The weather and covid were the factors that detracted from tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oktoberfest was the main reason I chose this tour."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyable trip, excellent guides, good group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt - all of it."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My tour experience, up to the day we had to drop off the tour because of Covid, was great. Our tour leader, Darija, and her assistant, Jim, were very knowledgeable and fun to be with. The local guides, especially Patrick, our Munich guide, were excellent. The hotels were very nice and centrally located. In the afternoons, we took advantage of our time to visit museums and other sights that were recommended by our tour leader. Overall, the tour did not disappoint. .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was the boat ride on Lake Hallstatt. Seeing the picturesque town and the surrounding Alpine peaks reflected in the water was truly breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was only a week long. That turned out to be helpful since we made it through the whole tour without getting sick with Covid. In the few days after the tour ended and we were on our own, we did come down with Covid. We have been on 7 RS Tours, but until the whole Covid situation is really under control, we should not book another trip. Part of the problem is dealing with the airlines canceling flights, which has lengthened the layovers to 7 or eight hours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We really enjoyed seeing the massive churches right outside our hotel in Vienna."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

loved our guides, Dari and Jim. Both very knowledgeable, helpful, and good natured. I had so much fun. Met wonderful people in the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the antiquities, art, old buildings, people!! I loved the street tours by our guides and the history they told us."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It is always amazing to me that a group of strangers can get along so well which makes the tour so meaningful as you share your experience of what you’ve just seen. Our guide was wonderful and I so appreciated the historical background provided as we traveled. Each local guide provided that personal touch of their hometown that helped my education. The farm tour, cooking school with entertainment and the brewery tour were items that added that special touch. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Salzburg at the Edelweiss Cooking school, the chef’s sister sang for us. It was such a great experience to see a young opera student. Her talent brought tears to my eyes. I can still hear her voice when I think about that day. I’m also so astonished at the gorgeous monstrous buildings built so long ago. The history of the war and its devastation is something to ponder during these tumultuous times. I would not want history to repeat this tragedy."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Excellent tour guide. Great Local guides. Plenty of free time to explore on our own , after our tour guide provided plentiful local knowledge and direction.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Trip to Dachau. 2) Our server in our strudel baking class serenading us in the small dining room with her amazing voice and performance (in Salzburg)."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was a fabulous way to get a taste of Munich, Salzburg and Vienna.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "wow" moment was staying in Hallstatt. The beauty of the mountains and the lake were breathtaking."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceptional, love the structure as well as the free time you are given. Knowledge of the tour guide, Marijan

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt area"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour. Loved getting to see and experience a few out of the ordinary things.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved the cooking class and musical performance in Salzburg."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Rick Steve’s trips offer the perfect way to discover and enjoy Europe in the most convenient, time efficient, hassle free way! They will provide you comfortable transportation, very good lodging places, and good trip planning/ education without compromising your private time. Very good travel guides who know how to take care of your needs. Highly recommended.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Based on all the positive reviews, my expectations were very high and I was not disappointed. This was a fantastic trip. It was very nice to not have to do the planning, and I very much enjoyed the things that were planned.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The boat ride when we arrived in Hallstatt was outstanding. First, this gives you the opportunity to get fantastic pictures. Thus, you can enjoy the rest of the day knowing that you've already got great picture. Second, instead of waiting in a hotel lobby for your room to be ready, you relax on a boat with a beer. This kind of planning is not something one could easily do on their own."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The overall tour experience was wonderful, in terms of the hotels, food and people I was travelling with. It was my first time being to Austria and Germany and I felt both places exceptional with the local tour guides at the location being knowledgeable and passionate about their cities. I do also like that there was a planned rest time, as we saw so much in a week it was nice to settle down in Hallstat for a day/night. The hotels were wonderful and situated in the perfect spots!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favourite wow moment was the fellow travellors on the tour with me. I went alone and was terrified but each person was so welcoming and kind which made me feel like family to them. I also was "wow'd" at the culture within Europe - each individual was present, kind and respectful. I didn't feel like they treated me like a tourist but more of someone coming to visit. I was surprised with how safe I felt."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Tour was great over all. Iris our tour guide was wonderful and full of tips as well Darija (guide in training). The places we travelled to and experienced were interesting and fun. We hit the normal tour places and some unusual ones like the Third Man Museum. The boat rides were cool. The Hotels were good. We were there during a heat wave but we were prepared. We took our two granddaughters 14 and 20 with us and they enjoyed it a lot. The tour was informative and they learned a lot.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We hiked up to the Salt Mine Tour in Hallstatt. It was interesting and fun. They had the oldest staircase in the world that was found there! A lot of information about the past and Archeologist's are onsite. Sliding down the slides inside was fun! I will never take salt for granted again. Also going to Third Man Museum. Owner Gerhard has a large amount of information about Austria during WW2. It is good that we remember the horrible past and how it affects our world. This was so interesting."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

What a great week, filled with beautiful sights and good food. It was a humbling experience, for the first time being in a location where English was not the primary language! Johanna from the brewery tour was my favorite. Incredible enthusiasm! Guide Iris and apprentice Darya were delightful. I’d recommend that an alternate Munich hotel be used; Excelsior room facing the street with the tram was quite loud. Vienna guide Gerhard mumbled quite a bit so some information was lost.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The private boat ride on Lake Hallstatt. The most breathtaking scenery anywhere. The village was delightful, the hotel was beautiful and quiet… and had a kitty!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful - my son and I enjoined a small tour group and it was absolutely wonderful. A great balance of orienting, history, guidance and free time to explore on our owns. Our guide, Iris, was fabulous - calm, clear, and warm, guiding our group and thoughtfully considering our needs.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We really loved Hallstatt - just a perfect time there, even a thunderstorm was welcome in the evening, a tiny wonderful place to explore."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve's Tours (RST) and my first trip to Europe. RST was very conscious that we were still in the middle of a pandemic and took precautions to protect guests and guides. As someone who is immunocompromised, I appreciated that all of my fellow travelers and my guides are vaccinated and that RST has taken these precautions to protect travelers. Thank you to Iris for reminding us to wear our masks.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Driving over the Bavarian Alps on our way to Salzburg. I was just gob smacked by the sheer beauty of the mountains and the lakes. Absolutely stunning!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves' Tour and hopefully not my last. I enjoyed the walking tours and getting to know the history of the city. The bus rides were also very informative. Learned so much of the Germany and Austrian culture and history. Iris our tour guide was very serious and seemed not appreciative when asked questions. I am from Minnesota so I am used to the "Minnesota Nice" Thomas, our apprentice on our tour, was eager to answer questions and seemed to enjoy his job and us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstat, Austria was amazing!!! My view from my hotel balcony was absolutely incredible. It overlooked the Marktplatz. I felt like I was in a fairy tale village. Salzburg, Austria was incredible too. I didn't know I would see places where "The Sound of Music" was filmed. I love this movie. And the town of Mondsee - we were able to see the church where they filmed the wedding scene. The bus ride from Munich to Austira was absolutely beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful experience! The guides, Iris and Thomas, were so helpful and added a lot of context to the sites we were visiting. Iris had historical charts and maps that helped us connect the dots to important events. Everything was beautifully planned out with a good balance of tour time and free time. When we needed a little assistance to make our post-tour trip to Klagenfurt, Iris and Thomas went the extra mile to explain the subway stops and trains we'd need to look for. So helpful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved Salzburg! Learning to make apfelstrudel was so much fun and, to cap off our experience, we had an impromptu operatic concert from a Salzburg University opera student - amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I had a wonderful time on my tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My "WOW" moment was Hallstatt, Austria. I fell in love with that beautiful little town. There were a few moments and places in Munich and Salzburg that were amazing as well."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the company of fellow travelers and Iris & Thomas the guides. A very friendly and fun crowd to see Europe with. Loved the selected cities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Halstatt was more beautiful than I imagined. Great hotel with view. The boat ride was the best part."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was very happy with the itinerary, the added stops in between the 3 main cities, the expertise and knowledge of our tour guides, and the very nice people on the trip. Overall, a great experience!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the farm outside Salzburg, and seeing real people trying to make their cheese business flourish."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was amazing and our guide Daniela was a fantastic guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt in the Austrian Alps was breathtaking. Didn’t want to leave!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A great tour with so many opportunities to learn about Bavarian culture. Planned activities each add something new to the experience and are well thought out.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I did not know what to expect from The Third Man Museum, but this was definitely a highlight. Gerhard has used this movie to start a conversation that is much needed in this point in history."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Between 'very good' and 'outstanding'

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The pairing of Bavaria and Austria for 8 Days was perfect ~ our Travel Guide, the local guides, the selected activities, meals and restaurants, all was just very excellent.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Halstett - all of it...the private Boat Tour, upon arrival, the Hotel and the Happy Hour location, the Trout Dinner - just beautiful and "Wow!" (I wish we could have spent more time there.)"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

The tour was well planned and led by an excellent guide, Daniela. There was a good amount of free time and the pace of activities was good. Unfortunately, temps were in the high 80s and staying in hotels with no A/C, in streetside rooms was very unpleasant. Your warnings about the possibilty of no A/C and noisy rooms nevertheless, resulted in negatively impacting our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We enjoyed the salt mine tour in Hallstatt."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My overall tour experience was great. I love leaving the travel, lodging, and tour logistics up to someone else so I can focus on enjoying my time in another country. I find Rick Steves tours always provide excellent tour guides and a great balance between structured activities and free time. Daniela and Mark are talented guides who helped us get the most out of our visit to Germany and Austria.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm a hopeless romantic (my wife is the practical one), and the evening walk along lake Hallstatt holding hands was a moment I will always remember."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The itinerary was spectacular and our tour guide, Daniella was SUPERB! Knowledgeable, helpful, funny, we just felt so at ease and comfortable with her and with everyone in our tour group!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The town of Hallstatt, which is a place we would never have chosen to stop had we planned this trip on our own, was stunning!!! Also enjoyed the extra stop to an independently owned farm! Enjoyed the tour of the farm, the cheese tasting, and supporting an independent farm family!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved our tour! Our guide Daniella was excellent, providing lots of relevant information along with some humor, and guide-in-training Mark was a great bonus. Our local guides in Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna were also fantastic. Could definitely have used more time in Salzburg, and a full day (rather than half) in Hallstatt.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The scenery and mountains in Hallstatt were eye-popping, though the first "wow" moment came in Salzburg. The evening of our arrival and most of our full day were a bit cloudy and drizzly, but the weather started to clear in the evening. My husband and I used our free evening to go to the fortress for a concert, and when we got off the funicular, we could see that we were surrounded by mountains which had been hidden by clouds up to that point. The views were absolutely amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Perfect blend of guided activities and "on your own" time. Excellent tour guide and group members made for a very pleasant experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Watching the skies clear and the mountains appear from atop the fortress in Salzburg."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour offered a perfect mix of guided tours and time to explore on your own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many wow moments on this trip. Lake Hallstatt was one of the top “wow” moments. The beauty and peacefulness of this place was awesome."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was fantastic! Barbara our tour guide was so personable and knowledgeable! The people that were on our tour were all interesting too. I enjoyed getting to know them.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed getting to know the people of the different cities. In Munich we went to a beer garden and sat with some locals, who didn't speak very good English, they were so fun! Inviting us to their home! We couldn't go, but it was just such an honor!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Awesome tour, the right amount of tour time and individual time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Hallstatt stop over night was amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guides, Nico and Barbara, were great. We were given detailed insights into places that I don't think we would have received from a traditional tour experience. We made new friends that greatly added to the experience. We felt comfortable and safe because we were a part of the Rick Steve's tour. The mix of tour activity and free time was perfect for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our 2 favorite wow moments were: 1) riding up the funicular to the Fortress in Salzburg with the view and then getting lost on our walk down with new friends from the group, and 2) making apple strudel in Salzburg and then listening to one of the hosts sing opera in the "cave"."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the tour, and the places that we visited. The guides (Niko and Barbara) were both excellent, but especially enjoyed Barbara.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt, without question. Also, Saltzburg was outstanding, especially the view of the Alps from the old fort, it literally took my breath away when I first saw it."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was fantastic. Our guide Nico and the "assistant guide" Barbara were phenomenal and I would take tours with both of them again in a heartbeat. The sights we visited and the tour group we had were great. All of the places we visited in Germany and Austria were absolutely beautiful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite moment from the tour was going with a few other tour member groups to the Salzburg Fortress, which I would recommend to anyone going to Salzburg, and seeing the panoramic view from the Eagle's Nest."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Nico did an outstanding job in making a great tour better. He chose great additions to make the trip special. Loved the brewery visit and cheese farm.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstaff Austria was amazing. The boat ride was so beautiful. The village was something special."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide was outstanding in logistics, making everyone feel comfortable, considerate of all of our needs, and well versed for our Germany and Austria tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This was our 3rd Rick Steve’s tour, and first with covid somewhat behind us. A “wow” moment to me was around our 3rd or 4th day, when the group jelled and everyone felt very comfortable sharing with each other, taking free time with others, having lunch or dinner with different tour members or couples, sharing funny or interesting experiences, and expanding our knowledge of others as we traveled together. I realized that we were experiencing and sharing travel again - a great feeling!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Although it was exhausting, we had a great time! The tour offered a variety of experiences which we loved and the local guides on the walking tours were very informative and enthusiastic. The hotels and cuisine were fantastic.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"This is a tough one. I would say the visit to the Vienna Opera house"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything went so well. We had a great mix of history, art, culture and food. This is our 3rd RS tour and it was just as great as the others. I love reading the itinerary and then having little surprises thrown in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Taking the boat ride in Hallstatt. It was picture perfect with the mountains and lake!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved the group and the tour guides. Lots of different experiences from churches to museums, breweries, food, etc. Tour guides introducing us to food specialties, beer, etc.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"in Salzburg we had a chance to make apple strudel. Being the only women in my group of four people, I thought that I would be doing most of making the strudel in our group. But EVERYONE contributed. But the wow moment was when the girl cutting up apples got up and sang aria from Mozart's Magic Flute. Everyone was in shock at how good she was!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was the right mix of walking tours, bus time, group meals, and time to yourself. The local guides were top notch.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Nicco and Jana, the Rick Steves guides, were truly amazing. They had incredible knowledge about all our stops, local and European history, and fabulous personalities. They went above and beyond what was required and made the trip fun and exciting. The trip had adversity (road closed from Munich to Salzberg) and they figured out how to get us a bus break and lunch."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

NICO AND JANA were fantastic. Loads of great information. Very helpful. Hotel in Munich was rough. Drunk people outside all night long. Salzburg and Hallstatt beautiful. Not a fan of all the Sisi stuff. Would of preferred more time in hallstatt and Salzburg. Vienna was beautiful. We did our own tour of the zoo, we think that it would be a great addition to the Rick Steve's tour. Overall the trip was great. Thank you.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt, absolutely. Need more time here."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour leader Marijan was professional, extremely knowledgable, patient, able to communicate lots of information and answer all questions in a thorough and often entertaining way. He exceeded my expectations in every way, going above and beyond to assist members of our group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cruising on the lake in Hallstatt, Austria."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Despite all the glowing reviews I’d heard about Rick Steves’ tours, this was my first group tour (we always traveled independently) and I was skeptical that I would love it. Wow was I wrong. The tour leader was funny, patient and a wealth of knowledge. The other travelers were fun, curious, and fantastic traveling companions. The local tour guides provided insights and historical context in a way that left you wanting to know more, rather than feeling overwhelmed with details. Amazing all around

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Hallstatt. I know we were lucky- the weather was perfect, COVID and visiting midweek and off-season meant the number of tourists in town was reduced. But it was like we had been dropped into a movie set. The picturesque mountain village in Austria could not have been more lovely. We even had a double rainbow appear over the lake for us while enjoying an outdoor happy hour before dinner."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent Guide, also knowledgeable local guides. Good time management and absolutely wonderful special activities i.e. strudel making and The Third Man museum. Awesome!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Third Man museum, so moving that this part of history is being preserved. So much more than I had expected! Almost skipped it, so glad I decided to go!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very upbeat knowledgable tour guide, friendly people (Europeaners and other travelers), and spacious bus. Learned so much

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Beautiful scenery, the churches were breath taking, the rebuilding after WWII amazing, and boat rides"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved it! Guides were so knowledgeable, friendly and energetic. The hotels were top-notch and the other travelers were a blast. Looking forward to another tour and can’t stop recommending to friends.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hallstatt was incredible."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going to Hallstatt"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved it! Guides were fantastic. We really enjoyed the group of people who attended with us. Immersed ourself in each area- learning the history and locals. Can’t wait to sign up for our next tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Definitely Hallstatt. It was like a fairy tale."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Loved it! Great people, solid activities and super guides!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! Probably viewing Halstatt from the Skywalk or walking back to the hotel after the Mozart concert in Salsberg."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The people were amazing. There were great hotels, great daily tours and meals and some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever enjoyed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lake Hallstatt was like a postcard. I have traveled to Italy for many years and Austria was more beautiful. I could spend an entire vacation in Lake Hallstatt"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my first experience on a Rick Steves tour so I didn't know what to expect. I've used Rick's resources before on an Amsterdam trip in 2019 and the information was extremely helpful. The guide was amazing and a wealth of information. We were very lucky Marion was training fro this same tour. With two guides and 18 travelers it was almost like getting personal attention alt all times.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The boat ride from Melk to Krems on the Danube and the one night in Lake Hallstatt. We had a lovely room at the hotel, I feel it was the best room!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The entire tour was outstanding. Every detail was carefully planned and the balance of activities and free time was perfect for us. Each hotel was unique and of a high quality. The guides, Andrea, Marijan along with the local guides were personable and knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to choose a specific event. The beauty of Germany and Austria took our breath away."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful experience (as we always do). Great guide and enjoyable time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Beautiful Lake Hallstatt scenery while on boat ride."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guides Andrea and Marijan were professional, energetic and knowledgeable. The city tour guides were wonderful as well. The sites we visited were spectacular along with the restaurants. It is a nice mix of being on tour and having our own time to explore. This was our second RS tour and we look forward to more!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The beautiful scenery!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very professional and smoothly done, with the Rick Steves philosophy (that I'm so familiar with & in tune with from previous trips via his travel guides) shining through in every detail.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The village of Hallstadt! I'd read about it, but to actually stay in this idyllic hamlet nestled in the Austrian Alps was incredible . . . boating on the pristine lake, walking the winding cobblestone streets, exploring the trails, dining on fresh seafood from the lake, sleeping in a sweet comfortable hotel . . . all experiences that fed my soul."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour guides, Andrea and Marijian. Great hotels, Grune Baum in Hallstatt outstanding. Marijian ran back in the rain to get my Costa I left in my closet. The strudel baking was exceptional. The assistant is an opera student at Salzburg and as a surprise, sang an aria and Edelweiss. Tears rolled down my cheeks—at the lyric “bless my homeland forever”. There was an electricity in the air, many tears…because of Ukraine war, and looming fascism, covid deaths. Extremely moving.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many, the edelweiss song, and the tears it brought—for the lyric “bless OUR homelands forever. (My change in lyric) and seeing the welcome back balloons and champagne for us as Rick Steves tour at Hotel Stephenplatz in Vienna. Truly a tribute to you Rick Steves, and your organization."