We are spending one night in Salzburg and then renting a car with 3 days to get to Vienna.

We would like to see St. Gilgen, Bad Ischl and of course Hallstatt (overnight?)

and then Melk, Krems, Durstein, (Overnight?), Tulin, Klosterneuburg

and the Vienna Woods.

Would someone please with experience in these areas help us with a more detailed itinerary?

(Bad Aussee and Ramsau sound intersting but we only have 3 days)

thank you,

Dave

The Salzkammergut is an easy hour or so drive from Salzburg. I would pick one base (I'm partial to St. Gilgen myself) and use it to explore Bad Ischl, Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang, just across the lake from St. Gilgen. If you leave early enough in the morning you should be able to cover a lot of ground during the day.

We loved the Wachau Valley. If you like to bike, it's a wonderful way to explore the towns! We parked our car in Krems and then biked along the bike path along the Danube, stopping at the various towns along the way. We sampled a little wine and took in the gorgeous views. When we got to Spitz we hopped on the boat with our bikes and sat on the deck while we slowly drifted back to Krems. All in all it was probably one of our favorite vacation days. We then drove to Melk to explore the beautiful abbey. The town itself is fairly uneventful, but the abbey is a must.

Ramsau and the surrounding area is gorgeous, and only about half an hour from Salzburg, but it's the opposite direction of the Salzkammergut and given yout rime restraints I would probably pass for this trip.

Tracy

Having done most of those things, here is a suggestion: Leave Salzburg early, then to St.Gilgen and Bad Ischl. There is much to see & do in these two towns. Drive to Hallstatt late in the day and check in there. Tour the town the next morning and then drive to your next destination. These places should be savored and not rushed!! Since you have a few days to get to Vienna, take your time and enjoy the beautiful Austrian countryside. Spend the night wherever you are at the end of the day. Enjoy!!

Hello Tcreath and Singfree.
Thank you for your comments.

Dave

What Tracy said--and be sure to leave time in Melk.

Very brief trip report.
Trip went very well. We really enjoyed Prague and Cesky Krumlov. If I did it again I would have not stayed in CK. I really missed our 5 star hotel in Prague (through priceline).
It is a long bus ride from Prague to CK, but the student agency bus is first class.(You should book in advance online and make note it leaves from the Andel train station.
We enjoyed Salzburg and took a tour, but the highlight was the meal at the Wasserfalls restaurant. The fish was outstanding.
We rented a car and drove to Salzkammergut to see all the towns. Unfortunetly, the weather was cold and rainy and took a lot out of the visits. They must be very scenic in good weather.
Melk Abbey was amazing. The church was way over the top for those of you have seen it, you know what I mean.
Vienna is a class act. More expensive of course than Prague but offers more.
The Kundsthistoriches has to be one of the finest galleries complete with building in the world. They said no expense was spared on the building and it showed.
British Air cancelled our flight home due to the strike and we could not get in touch with them to re-schedule as the phone lines only had messages on them. We used points and therefore did not have a travel agent to help us, but my daughter in Canada was able to contact them and arrange for an excellent flight with Air France through Paris and on to Toronto.
So British Air did come through and we were delighted with an excellent flight and connections with Air France.

Dave