Our Alpine Countries Adventure
Welcome to our travel journal — a heartfelt documentation of an unforgettable 14-day journey through the heart of the Alpine region in the three German-speaking countries: Germany (Day 1-4, 7-9), Switzerland (Day 5, 6) and Austria (Day 10-14).
Day 14 Post-tour stay in Vienna
The final two days in Vienna were a perfect blend of imperial grandeur, world-class art, whimsical fun, and cherished moments with friends—all made seamless thanks to the Vienna City Card. This handy pass covered unlimited public transport and delivered fantastic value through discounts and the add-on Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus, allowing effortless navigation across the city's highlights without the stress of planning routes or tickets.
The adventure kicked off with a relaxed morning breakfast, surrounded by good friends and plenty of laughter. It was one of those simple, joyful starts that sets the tone for the day—complete with a few group photos to capture the memories. Our group also expressed thankfulness to our tour director and coach driver.
Post-tour visits with Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
We hopped aboard the sightseeing bus (a brilliant feature bundled with the card), using its flexible stops and audio commentary to glide between Vienna's iconic spots.
First stop: Schönbrunn Palace and its adjoining Tiergarten Schönbrunn (the world's oldest zoo, dating back to 1752). The palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former summer residence of the Habsburgs, dazzled with its opulent Baroque interiors, the famous Million Room, and glimpses into the lives of Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph. After touring the state apartments, the group wandered the vast gardens—climbing to the Gloriette for panoramic city views—before heading to the zoo.
Highlights included the playful giant pandas, majestic polar bears in their innovative Polarium enclosure, orangutans swinging through treetops, and the rainforest house teeming with exotic birds and reptiles. The combination of history and wildlife made this a standout morning, with plenty of photo ops amid the baroque fountains and animal exhibits.
On the second day, the bus whisked everyone to the Belvedere Palace complex. The Upper Belvedere stole the show, housing Gustav Klimt's masterpiece The Kiss—that shimmering gold-leaf icon of love and intimacy from 1907–1908, a pinnacle of Vienna Secession art. Surrounded by other stunning Klimt works and Austrian masterpieces, the palace felt like stepping into a golden age. The formal Baroque gardens offered sweeping views over Vienna, perfect for more group shots against the palace backdrop.
The day wrapped up in the historic heart of Vienna with the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the winter residence of the Habsburgs and epicenter of Austrian history. Exploring the lavish Imperial Apartments revealed the daily life of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), while the dedicated Sisi Museum showcased her personal belongings, tragic story, and enduring mystique. The adjacent Silver Collection sparkled with imperial tableware and treasures.
The Albertina Museum capped off the cultural immersion. Housed in a former Habsburg palace with stunning staterooms, it boasts an incredible collection spanning Monet to Picasso, including Impressionist gems, modern masters like Chagall, and graphic works by Dürer and Rubens. Temporary exhibits added fresh excitement, and the central location made it an easy final hop.
From there, the itinerary shifted to pure joy at Prater Park and its legendary Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad). Built in 1897 and standing 65 meters tall, the historic wooden cabins provided breathtaking 360-degree views over the city, the Danube, and the sprawling amusement grounds below. The Prater's lively energy—complete with classic rides, cotton candy scents, and carnival vibes—offered a fun, lighthearted contrast to the morning's cultural depth.
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The Hop-on Hop-off bus proved invaluable throughout—connecting distant sites like Schönbrunn to central ones like Hofburg and Albertina with ease, complete with Wi-Fi and multilingual guides. By the end of these two packed yet perfectly paced days, we had experienced Vienna's essence: its royal legacy, artistic brilliance, playful side, and warm camaraderie.
Vienna left an indelible mark—elegant, vibrant, and full of surprises.