Opera lovers and hikers Verona to Vienna

A two week detailed itinerary with full cost breakdown.

FIND OUR WHY

Why are we taking this trip?

Like all our itineraries we are starting with the question Why?

For the purposes of this itinerary, I have imagined a couple from New Zealand currently staying in Dubai who love Opera and walking. They haven’t been to Europe before, don’t want to spend their time in museums and churches but enjoy good food. This trip will be to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.

FIND OUR BUDGET

Our couple do not have an unlimited budget, but haven’t fixed a budget. They normally spend around 750€/day on vacation but are happy to stretch it for a special occasion.

FIND OUR WHEN

Our couple celebrate their anniversary on the 12th September so would like the trip to be around that date. They don’t want to be away for more than 2 weeks.

Planning our European trip

Our starting point for planning this trip was matching up the important date, 12th September with one of their love’s, Opera. Vienna is the home to opera in Europe, and the new season starts in September with Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte being performed on Friday 12th at the Vienna State Opera House. We managed to secure the last 2 seats together at 165€ each, although there are single seats still available. Booking ahead is clearly important when it comes to the Opera in Vienna

Another big opera event in Europe is the Verona Opera Festival. This takes place in the summer months, but does still have a couple of performances in early September, notably Bizet’s Carmen on 3rd September. This gives us the framework for our itinerary.

As our couple enjoy walking we suggest going from Verona to Vienna via Innsbruck.

Now we need to find our flights. Vienna has plenty of international flights, but Verona is not so well served. Luckily the city of Bologna is not too far away and has direct flights from Dubai. As the couple enjoy good food starting the trip in Italy’s food capital is a good move.

How many places to visit on a 2 week trip to Europe?

As we discussed in our post on Finding our when, a two week trip can include 4 – 5 destinations, with a short flight. As no flight is going to be needed 5 destinations would be perfect. We already have four with Bologna, Verona, Innsbruck and Vienna, I’m going to suggest Salzburg as the fifth. It is the home of Mozart so fits in with our couple’s interests and fits well with travel, cutting the long 4 hour+ train ride nicely in two.

What to see and do in our Europe trip ?

Bologna: Italy’s food capital so a food tour would be great.

Verona: the Verona Opera Festival is the highlight here.

Innsbruck: Walking is on the menu.

Salzburg: Mozart’s birthplace

Vienna: the Vienna State Opera House is the highlight of this trip

Hotel choices

Our couple do not have an unlimited budget so we are going to avoid 5 star hotels, but they do want this to be a special trip so cleverly choosing 4 star hotels in each of our cities can give the feeling of luxury our couple are looking for.

When moving around in Europe I feel it is important that your hotel gives you a feel for where you are, and isn’t a generic international hotel that could be anywhere in the world.

Hotel in Bologna

For our hotel in Bologna we have chosen the Art Hotel Orlogio situated in an unbeatable location just of the main Piazza Maggiore. Named after the clock tower opposite, this hotel is in a 19th century building that has been recently refurbished whilst staying true to the original classical Italian style. 2 nights here will cost 420€ (if booking direct)

Hotel in Verona

In Verona I wanted our couple to stay withing walking distance of the Arena di Verona where the opera will be held. The build that houses the Hotel Colobra d’Oro dates back 700 years. Originally built as a convent it was opened as a hotel in 1837. You can read about it’s fasinating history on their site.

3 nights here will cost 950€, including breakfast (if booked direct)

Hotel in Innsbruck

The ancient Weisses Kreuz, built in 1465, has been turned into a new hotel in the lively heart of downtown Innsbruck. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before: chic and baroque rolled all into one.

3 nights here will cost 882€ for the golden roof room including breakfast.

Hotel in Salzburg

In Salzburg we are going to the Hotel Hyperion. Located in the time-honoured Palais Faber, right in the city centre this is a little touch of luxury for our couple. A deluxe double room will cost 920€ including breakfast.

Hotel in Vienna

I couldn’t resist this boutique hotel in the bohemian quarter of Spittelberg, centrally situated in the cultural heart of Vienna. Maybe it’s the French in me who loves the idea of staying in a hotel called “without problems” or whether it is the beautiful styling of the rooms i don’t know, but I think the Sans Souci is the perfect place for our couple to celebrate 30 years together.

Three nights here will cost 1360€ including breakfast.

Our 2 week Europe Itinerary

Now we have all that together it is time to detail our two week itinerary to Europe, starting in Bologna and finishing in Vienna.

Sunday 31st August

Arrive in Bologna 13:55 on direct flight from Dubai (Emirates)

Transfer from the airport to the Art Hotel Orologio.

Take a wander around the Piazza Maggiore and have a drink to soak up the atmosphere of Italy.

19:00 Dinner at Tratoria da me close to the hotel.

Monday 1st September

What better way to start your stay in Italy’s food capital than with a food tour. This one from Taste Bologna will take you through the markets and meet the old ladies making pasta in the traditional way.

19:00 Dinner Da cesari Traditional Bologna cuisine. I originally planned this for the first night but it’s closed on Sundays, something to remember when planning trips in Europe.

Tuesday 2nd September

Check out of the hotel but leave bags to pick up later.

Take a walk up to San Luca, through the famous porticoes of Bologna. This is an important sanctuary finished in 1765, but our couple are there for the exercise and the views. On the way back down stop off at Ristorante Pizzeria La Verace for the best pizza in Bologna.

Pick up bags before heading to the train station for the 17:16 Frecciarossa train to Verona. Arrive 18:08

Take the 10 minute taxi ride to the Hotel Colomba d’Oro

19:30 Just a few steps from the hotel is the restaurant Torcolo Da Barca. As one Italian reviewer put it “An elegant, sophisticated and refined restaurant, where every detail – from the atmosphere to the table setting – reflects the highest quality”

Wednesday 3rd September

Time for some more walking, with a 6.5km self guided walking tour of Verona followed by a Seafood platter for lunch at Mare Nostro

More wandering, this time around the shopping streets, starting at the Piazza delle Erbe.

18:00 Time for a quick plate of pasta before the Opera and the restaurant Nastro Azzurro is the ideal spot as they offer early service and it is just around the corner from the Arena di Verona.

The opera starts at 21:00 but its wise to get there early and the surroundings are spectacular.

Thursday 4 September

Day trip to lake Garda

Take the train to Descenzano then a 20 minute boat ride to Sirmione. Perched on the tip of a long, narrow peninsula, Sirmione is a medieval town surrounded by gardens, thermal spas, beaches, and the aquamarine water of Lake Garda. Spend the day exploring with a lunch stop at Barracuda which is enough outside of the main town to avoid the crowds.

Back in Verona for dinner and it’s time for the best Truffle pasta in Verona at Ristorante Greppia

Friday 5th September

It’s time for a quiet morning to rest and reflect. Maybe read a book, maybe go for a walk or just sit in the square with a coffee watching the world go by.

Check out of the hotel but leave the bags for pick up later.

12:00 for our last meal in Italy we need pizza and La cucina del San Matteo Church makes the best in town

Just a 6 minute walk back to the hotel to pick up the bags and a short taxi ride to the train station to catch the 14:58 Railjet service to Innsbruck arriving at 18:36

A quick 4 minute taxi ride will take you to the Hotel Weisses Kreuz.

19:30 Dinner and a reminder that you are no longer in Italy.  Traditional food in one of the oldest guest houses and hotels in Europe to be preserved in its historical form! The Restaurant Goldener Adler is right by the famous golden roof of Innsbruck and is highly recommended for its traditional Tyrolean dishes.

Saturday 6th September

Time to put on the walking shoes. Pick up some bakery products from Feinbäckerei and head for the hills.

Take the cable car all the way up the mountain to Hafelekar and walk the 16km Goetheweg Hike

19:30 Dinner with a view at Restaurant lichtblick with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.

Sunday 7th September

Take the Funicular railway to Hungerburg and walk to Umbruggler with a detour for lunch at the Umbrueggler alm  beer with views what more could you ask for?

Dinner is at the restaurant piano cafe bar Looks like a tourist trap but it isn’t. 

The food, the art on the walls, the atmosphere, the service – all great.

Monday 8th September

Check out of the hotel and leave your bags for pick up later.

With all that walking we haven’t really seen much of Innsbruck so now is the time to explore the town. Lunch is over the river at a beer garden Gasthaus Sandwirt

A ten minute walk will see you back at the hotel to pick up the bags before a short taxi ride to the train station to catch the Railjet Xpress 16:16 to Salzburg, arriving at 18:03 A very quick taxi ride (or a 10 minute walk) will get you to the hotel Hotel Hyperion.

The hotel restaurant have put on a special menu to celebrate 60 years of the Sound of Music which is something we simply can’t miss!

Tuesday 9th September

Refreshed after a good nights sleep this morning is a self guided walking tour taking in Mozarts houses which is one of the places on our music lovers’ list of things to see in Europe.

Lunch is something a little different at East a beautifully-decorated Asian restaurant with impeccable service and really great fusion food. 

19:00 It’s time for a blow out meal.  This is going to b one of the highlights of the trip.  Glass Garden offers stunning views and delicious food in this Michelin starred restaurant.

Wednesday 10th September

Day trip to Hallstatt. This dream destination is a UNESCO world heritage site, and for good reason. it is one of Europe’s most picturesque towns, on the edge of a lake surrounded by mountains.

To give some flexibility we’ll take a hire car today, delivered to the hotel. This means our couple can take their time, and access some of the walks around Hallstatt that wouldn’t be possible on a tour.

Hallstat can be busy, so take advantage of the car and eat here  at this traditional guesthaus by the river.

Stop on the way back for a bite to eat, or grab something at the hotel before heading out for an unforgettable evening of classical music in the unique ambience of the Baroque Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace. Leopold Mozart and his children Wolfgang and Nannerl performed here making it a very special place for music lovers.

Thursday 11th September

Check out of the hotel and leave bags for collection later.

No trip to Salzburg would be complete without a visit to some of the iconic locations from the sound of music film, and this walking tour is the perfect way to see them whilst stretching you legs.

Stop at Johanesskeller for lunch before heading back to pick up your bags and head to the train station for the last leg of our journey.

Take the Railjet RJX 16:07 to Vienna arriving at 18:32 and take a taxi to the Hotel Sans Souci

Eat at the hotel restaurant Veranda brasserie and bar  because when you are staying at a hotel with a great restaurant you make the most of it.

Friday 12th September

It’s our couple’s anniversary so I hope they make the most of it and have a sleep in.

Then head out for a self guided walking tour  followed by Weiner Snitzel because you have to when in Vienna.  The best can be found Platchutta, round it off with some cake from Cafe Saucher and you shouldn’t need dinner before the performance tonight.

18:00 tonight’s performance at the Vienna State Opera House starts at 19:00 so put on your best frock and head out. Whilst it isn’t essential to be fully formal for the opera, leisurewear is frowned upon and dressing up is expected, and part of the joy.

Saturday 13th September

 The Opera can finish quite late so a lazy morning is called for before lunch not far from the hotel at Glacisbeisl . Relaxed food and if the weather allows you can eat outside.

Afternoon either walk city hiking path (last stop on line D) or take time to do some shopping.

A great place to round up this trip is Chez Bernard  a rooftop restaurant with great food and and even better atmosphere.

The circular bar is popular with a local crowd for its wide-ranging wine list and inventive cocktails .

Sunday 14th September

For early risers there is just enough time to get out and take this 5km circular walking route before a late breakfast at the hotel. A taxi at Midday should see you at the airport in plenty of time for the 15:30 Emirates flight to Dubai.

How much does a 2 week trip to Europe cost?

The total cost of this two week itinerary in Europe is 12030€ .

I have allowed a spending of 100€ per day for sundries such as ice-creams and souvenirs. I have not allowed a shopping budget over and above this. Wine (or beer) is assumed with every meal. Train travel is with the first class option where available.

Here is the breakdown of the costs for this 14 day trip to Europe, from Bologna to Vienna. As always a full detailed breakdown can be provided on request.

City	Item	Cost €
	Flights	2088
Bologna	Hotel	420
	Restaurants	324
	Admissions	178
	Transport	65
	Other	200
Verona	Hotel	950
	Restaurants	540
	Admissions	160
	Transport	50
	Other	300
Innsbruck	Hotel	882
	Restaurants	630
	Admissions
	Transport	218
	Other	300
Salzburg	Hotel	920
	Restaurants	840
	Admissions	138
	Transport	198
	Other	300
Vienna	Hotel	1360
	Restaurants	530
	Admissions	330
	Transport	80
	Other	300
	TOTAL	12301€

I’d like to make a special mention for Nomad Epicureans where I got several of the self guided walking tours mentioned in this itinerary. They’ve got a great blog with a rich seam of information about trips to Europe.