One-Week Relaxed Austria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Graz to Vienna
Description
Included
Description
Uncover the beauty of Austria on this 8-day relaxed road trip, journeying through Graz, Laxenburg, Schloss Hof, Gemeinde Petronell-Carnuntum, and Vienna. Unwind at your leisure on this self-drive vacation, discovering hidden gems and immersing yourself in the serene exploration.
This self-drive package allows you to travel through picture-perfect landscapes in Austria at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Graz, Laxenburg, Schloss Hof, Gemeinde Petronell-Carnuntum, and Vienna. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Graz and 4 nights in Vienna. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Austria.
Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in Austria. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Graz, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 8-day journey across Austria and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.
Experience the essence of leisurely self-drive exploration across Austria with our handpicked selection of accommodations. From relaxed stays at renowned 5-star hotels offering magnificent views to comfortable 3-star options that cater to budget-conscious travelers, we ensure your journey is optimized for relaxation and comfort. Discover the perfect place to stay and unwind as you embark on a laid-back adventure in Austria.
We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in Austria. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Schönbrunn Palace. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Prater.
Traveling leisurely through Austria means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.
Enjoy strolling through Austria's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in Austria.
Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in Austria. This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through Austria's shopping hotspots. Through these experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the locals’ way of life and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the Austria.
This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through Austria. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 7 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best rental car you can use throughout the 8 days of your self-drive road trip in Austria. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.
This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.
Spend an amazing 8-day vacation in Austria and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in Austria today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Graz - arrival day
- Graz - Arrival day
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- Main square of Graz
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Your relaxed road trip through Austria starts when you reach the incredible city of Graz, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Graz and begin your adventure in Austria.
Graz is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Hauptplatz, Graz or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Graz. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Austria. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Graz.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Cafe Mitte, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Molly Malone Irish Pub offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Zur Steirerstub'n is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Graz.
If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Austria.
Keep the evening going at The Churchill, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Cohibar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Hops Craft Beer Pub Graz, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Austria. Enjoy your first taste of Graz as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.
Day 2 – Graz
- Graz
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Drive 26 km, 1 hour 15 min
- Mariatrost Basilica
- Schlossberg
- Uhrturm
- Kunsthaus Graz
- Eggenberg Palace, Graz
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Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Graz, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Austria are extraordinary.
Graz is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a church, a castle, a monument, an art gallery, a palace and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the up-and-coming Mariatrost Basilica. Just a short distance away is Schlossberg, a visually striking castle that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Clock Tower In Graz, one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the up-and-coming Kunsthaus Graz. Last up on today’s itinerary is a palace. Make your way to Schloss Eggenberg for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Graz.
Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Austria by joining a traveler-approved tour in Graz. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Graz that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Austria more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Graz to find the best options for you!
When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Austria, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Graz.
Enjoy a lovely meal at The Thirsty Heart, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Flann O'Brien Original Irish Pub is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Grand Hôtel Wiesler. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Graz tonight.
After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Graz and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Dizzys Club-cafe, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Up25 offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Viertel 4 | Popup Bar & Sommerlounge Im Joanneumsviertel. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
A leisurely self-drive holiday in Graz can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Austria!
Day 3 – Graz, Laxenburg, Schloss Hof, Gemeinde Petronell-Carnuntum, and Vienna
- Graz
- Laxenburg
- Schloss Hof
- Petronell-Carnuntum
- Vienna
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Drive 305 km, 3 hours 50 min
- Laxenburg Castle Park
- Schloss Hof
- Schlossberg
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On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Austria. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Austria.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Laxenburg today.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.
After soaking in Graz’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Laxenburg. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours. When you arrive in Laxenburg, it's time to take a break from the road.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Laxenburg Castle Park, a notable park that draws visitors from near and far.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Schloss Hof. This car ride takes around 54 min.
Head to Schloss Hof, a beloved palace in Schloss Hof. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Gemeinde Petronell-Carnuntum, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Schloss Hof to Gemeinde Petronell-Carnuntum may take around 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Gemeinde Petronell-Carnuntum, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Römerstadt Carnuntum. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the archeological site before you continue to your next stop.
After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Vienna. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Austria by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Vienna has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Amador, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative and contemporary menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Mraz & Sohn, known for its delicious creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Vienna is Steirereck im Stadtpark, a renowned restaurant with a 2-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious creative and contemporary menu.
Experience the amazing nightlife in Vienna and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Tapete Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Star Inn Hotel Wien Schönbrunn is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Kruger’s American Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Austria.
Day 4 – Vienna
- Vienna
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Drive 5 km, 43 min
- Vienna State Opera
- Kunsthistorisches Museum
- Museum of Natural History Vienna
- MuseumsQuartier
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Austria, you’ll go deep into Vienna, where you'll stay for 3 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Vienna, and meet locals along the way!
Set out on a day brimming with a romantic, a photogenic, a historic, an enchanting, a culturally significant, a noteworthy, and an inviting. Start at the famous Vienna State Opera, a romantic opera house in Vienna. Next, go to Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien: Neue Burg.
After visiting Vienna State Opera and Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien: Neue Burg, take time to explore Vienna's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Maria-theresa Memorial. This masterful monument offers a unique experience. Museum Of Natural History Vienna is another noteworthy stop. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Museumsquartier, one of the most eye-catching places to visit in Vienna.
Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Austria more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Vienna offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Boutiquehotel Stadthalle, a top-rated dining spot in Vienna. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurant Ofenloch, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Flanagans. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Vienna.
If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Vienna and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Miranda Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Josef Cocktailbar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Roberto American Bar Ii is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Austria.
Day 5 – Vienna
- Vienna
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Drive 19 km, 1 hour 12 min
- Belvedere Palace
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Schönbrunn Palace Park
- Schönbrunn Zoo
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Austria means 24 hours of making the best memories in Vienna. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Vienna. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Vienna!
Prepare for a day full of a charming, a stunning, an instagrammable, a history-steeped, a grand, and an UNESCO world heritage-designated. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Belvedere Palace Chapel. This widely recognized palace is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Schönbrunn Palace, one of the city’s most promising highlights.
Next, check out Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most extraordinary places to see in Vienna. This park is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Tiergarten Schönbrunn. Wander around and soak in the picture-perfect atmosphere this zoo offers.
Austria makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Austria also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.
Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Austria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Vienna, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Puerstner, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vollpension offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Zum Schwarzen Kameel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Vienna.
Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Vienna.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Loos American Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Vienna. Brandauer Bierstube is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Austria!
Day 6 – Vienna
- Vienna
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Drive 7 km, 44 min
- Prater
- Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
- Hundertwasserhaus
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Vienna, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Austria are extraordinary.
Vienna is home to plenty of attractions that offer a stunning, a picture-perfect, a romantic, a heritage-rich, and a detailed! Start at Prater, a world-famous amusement park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, enchanting visitors with its respected appeal. Continue your exploration at Hundertwasserhaus. This art installation is one of the city’s most popular spots.
Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Austria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Austria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.
Exploring the food culture in Vienna offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.
Savor the flavors at Plachutta Wollzeile, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Blue Box beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Lebenbauer. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Vienna tonight.
If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Austria.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at 1010 Bar Cafe Vienna, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Wunder-bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Roo Bar Australian Pub offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Austria!
Day 7 – Vienna and Graz
- Vienna
- Graz
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Drive 201 km, 2 hours 42 min
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Citypark
- Volksgarten
- Heldenplatz
- Hofburg Palace
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Austria promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Vienna and drive in the direction of the city of Graz for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Graz, where you’ll stay for 1 night.
Today’s agenda in Vienna includes a park, a public square, and a palace. Stadtpark is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Volksgarten, an interesting park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Heldenplatz, a masterful public square, also available for your discovery today.
Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Vienna. If you’re looking for more, Hofburg Palace is also a popular attraction that is worthwhile a visit.
You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Graz in this laid-back road trip in Austria. You'll stay here for 1 night.
Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Austria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Graz, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Landhauskeller - Mittagessen | Abendessen | Cocktailbar | Hofsaison | Katze Katze - Graz, a highly-rated dining destination in Graz. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant Pronto, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tick-Tack. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Graz this evening.
A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Graz.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Coco Cocktail Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Noël, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.
A leisurely self-drive holiday in Vienna can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Austria!
Day 8 – Graz - departure day
- Graz - Departure day
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- Graz Opera
- Schlossberg
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Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Austria is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Graz.
Maximize your last day in Austria and go on a shopping spree in Graz’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Austria.
If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.
One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Graz is the remarkable Graz Opera. This opera house and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,140 visitors.
Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Graz or just grab something light to keep you going.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Lend-Platzl, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Graz and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Austria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.
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