Am planning a 22 days Road trip in Croatia, Slovenia, Austria.
Dates 15th April to 7th May 2017. We fly into and out of Zagreb.
We are 50 years old architect couple with my 2 daughters 20 and 22 years old and my niece 23 years old; from Mumbai India. This is our 10 th trip to Europe.
We love Architecture, Old civilizations, Charming towns, quaint villages, scenic landscapes, geological wonders.
Have booked "Opel Astra Stationwagon" for 20 days for about 200 Euros. This includes CDW but doesn't include Zero Excess/ Excess full refund. (if I take that it will be another 150 Euros)
Do I need Vignettes for Austrian roads.
My Itinerary is as follows.

15th April - Turkish Air flight Mum- Zagreb 6.30 to 19.15 - Check in at Airport hotel

16th April- Pick up a car and drive to Grundlsee,Salzkammergut, Austria. Beautiful Timeshare lake facing resort Ferienclub, Grundlsee.- 6 nights upto 22nd April 17 when we drive to Lake Bled, Slovenia

Need help on what to see and do for these 5.5 days that we get in the "Heaven on Earth"
Halstatt and Salt mines are a must.
We have already been to Austria twice, hence we skip Vienna.
Would love to visit Salzburg again.
Innsbruck I feel will be too far to cover in a day and come back.
Shall visit Graz on the way from Zagreb.

Please help me finalize the itinerary.

The Lake District a k a Sound of Music Country as much of the film was shot in that lovely setting is a natural - spend a couple days in Hallstatt and say a couple in St Wolfgang - take the neat steam train up the mountain evesdropping on the cute town- then go onto Salzburg for 1.5 days?

https://www.google.com/search?q=st+w...w=1745&bih=864

En route from Hallstatt to the Lake District make a brief few-hour stop in Bad Ischl - visit some Austrian Emperor's lavish hunting lodge chock full of hunting trophies.

Thanks PalenQ. It's nice o connect again.
Shall keep these tips in mind. I will have to stay on lake Grundlsee as that is my timeshare apartment for a week.

Luggage for 5 may be a problem.Also the middle person of the 3 persons in the back seat will be uncomfortable.


http://www.gemut.com/car-rentals/ren...r-for-you.html

Gmunden is an option. The Austrian ceramics factory (since 1492) offers tours, and the town is pleasant. There is a pretty Schloss to walk around on the lake, as well.

Also important to note is that your travel dates fall over Easter. Keep in mind that stores and restaurants may have unusual hours on 14,15 April; everything will be closed on 16 April and likely on Easter Monday, 17 April, as well.

You will need a vignette for driving in both Austria and Slovenia.

dugi_otok, thanks. I know that actually no car is comfortable for 4 people. But these girls have grown up together and will be happy to travel together.
What is a compact car in Europe- Qpel Astra, is a sedan in India.
Passat is a Luxury car. Have got a fabulous deal for Astra stationwagon at almost 10 euros a day.

fourfortravel, thanks for info. Shall keep that in mind.

Hi P,

>Do I need Vignettes for Austrian roads.

Only if you are stopped driving on a major hiway.

Get one. It's a good investment.

You might find the Salzkammergut part of my 2010 trip report useful.

Enjoy your visit.

((I)

I also would recommend - Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee, Salzburg and if you are willing to drive Berchtesgaden (lake Konigsee/Obersee).

Since you have the rental I would suggest day a trip to each of the above. Of course that means quite a bit of driving each day. Wolfgangsee offers a lot including an old world cog train ride up Schafberg Mountain (1783M) for fantastic views/scenery. Also you can take enjoy a scenic ferry between the towns of Wolfgang and St Gilgen. Both towns are beautiful but I prefer Wolfgangsee. This will take a full day or more to cover.

Agree with you about Salzburg. We plan on going back someday and spending more time in this amazing city.

Berchtesgaden for its stunning lake scenery is also in my view worth the drive and possible as a long day trip.

mnag. Am exited about Wolfgangsee. Will spend a day there.
We have been to Berchtesgaden, Ramsau, Obersalzberg; 5 years back. Couldn't visit my coveted place "Eagles Nest" due to snow. Same case this time.
Thanks for suggestions.
More suggestions about some beautiful or less explored places please, anyone.

Is it worth driving to Český Krumlov, Czechia, about 3 hours for a day trip.

Ira, which one is Austria trip report?

More suggestions about some beautiful or less explored places please, anyone.>

Mauthausen Nazi Concentration Camp is near Linz if that type of place interests you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mautha...entration_camp

Linz itself is a nice city.

PalenQ, shall try and visit Mauthausen Nazi Concentration Camp.
I have visited Dacau and Auschwitz earlier.
Am interested in World War II history.
Thanks.
I also thought of Cesky Krumlov, but I guess that will be a long drive.
Any places in Tyrol? will that be too much for a day trip?

Any places in Tyrol? will that be too much for a day trip?>

Yup! Not from Salzburg but from your base not sure how far Passau is but that is a unique city at the intersection of three large rivers.

Cheers!

Not sure how far from your Grundlsee base it is but maybe not that far but if you have not been to the beautiful Wachau Valley between Melk (Uber famous abbey) and Durnstein (cute wine town) it could make a great day out - gorgeous drives along the Danube:

https://www.google.com/search?q=wach...w=1745&bih=864

And Mariazell the famous pilgrimage place in lovely hills may be too:

https://www.google.com/search?q=mari...w=1745&bih=864

As for Cesky Krumlov - some really love it and some just love it - I have not been there -make sure car rental allows Czech Republic which I think now all do but in past no always.

If you enjoy an active vacation, consider the Dachstein (caves, 5 fingers etc.) http://www.dachstein-salzkammergut.c...ein/dachstein/ (click on "summer")

One of our most memorable highlights was driving down to the spectacular Gosausee.

PalenQ, loved the Wachau valley area.
It's about 2.30 hours drive. Will certainly go there.
Thanks for this tip.

Anuj, That's a good place, but opens 0n 29th April. That's a week after I leave Austria
Thanks for the tip.

Anuj, We must meet. We live in Mumbai and share the same passion.
pl email me on [email protected]
Am leaving for Austria, Slovenia, Croatia exactly one week from now.

PalenQ, loved the Wachau valley area.
It's about 2.30 hours drive. Will certainly go there.
Thanks for this tip.>

Even though it will not be at its glory in early spring be sure to check out the Melk Abbey and Durnstein and Krens though a larger town could make a good stop for the night.

PalenQ,
Yes, I did study that along with Wachau valley.
Will try and visit. Also want to visit Linz if time permits.
World war 2 sites fascinate me.
The more I study, I feel I will have to make another trip to Austria to visit the places that I left out.
Can't spend a night, as I have booked a week at a timeshare resort at Grundlsee. It's a lovely lake facing Gold crown resort.
As off now, I am going relish a 6 nights holiday in my most favourite place, Salzkammergut.
Thanks a lot for the suggestions.