Austria Small Group Tours
Picture Austria's Dachstein Circuit, taking you through alpine meadows and across glaciers, while the nine-lake circuit follows old salt trading routes between pristine alpine waters. Mountain huts dot these trails, valley towns anchor the routes. Austrian Alps hiking spans from Dachstein's ice caves over to Salzkammergut's lakes throughout mountain and valley terrain in the eastern Alps.
10 best Austria small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaAustria travel expert at TourRadar
- Tailor-made 7 Day Austria Culture and Nature Tour, Private Guide & Driver
- Vienna Short Break
- Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest
- Best of Czechia and Austria in a week (Covering Prague and Vienna)
- Prague and Vienna in a Week with Bratislava
- Customized 8 Days Luxury Austria Tour, Daily Start & Private Guide
- Tailor-Made Best Austria Family Tour, Daily Depart & Private Car
- Hiking on the Inntal High Trail
- Hiking on the Berliner Höhenweg
- Best of Czech and Austria (Prague, Salzburg, Hallstatt and Vienna)
Duration 7 days Destinations Vienna, Hallstatt, Lienz, Innsbruck Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
- US$9,189
Duration 4 days Destinations Vienna, Wachau, Durnstein Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,095
10% Off- US$1,886You save $210
Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great markets, wonderful food and drink, beautiful city. We ended in Budapest where the rain drove me into the thermal baths for the day.”
Marilyn, traveled in December
Intimate groups of max 12 people (average 10) weave through Austria's festive markets. Limited numbers allow personal tastings at Salzburg's Cathedral Square, special access to Hohensalzburg Fortress's Christmas market, and local insights at Vienna's City Hall market.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Hungary Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,780
20% Off- US$2,224You save $556
Vienna's Hofburg Palace and Belvedere open their doors for independent discovery. This self-guided journey includes pre-arranged Schönbrunn Palace entry and a 72-hour transport pass, with stays at the 3-star Hotel Caroline near key attractions.
Duration 7 days Destinations Prague, Vienna Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Private Operator WiseYatra From $1,296
11% Off- US$1,153You save $143
The Austrian capital reveals itself through pre-arranged entry to Schönbrunn Palace. A 72-hour Vienna pass enables flexible exploration, while the boutique Hotel Caroline provides comfort with an 8+ booking.com rating.
Duration 7 days Destinations Prague, Vienna Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator WiseYatra From $1,290
11% Off- US$1,149You save $142
Duration 8 days Destinations Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
11% Off- US$9,729
Your private party receives dedicated attention at each Austrian destination. Wine tastings in Spitz and guided hikes to Aggstein Castle become personal affairs. Local guides reveal Vienna's old town and Salzburg's historic center.
Duration 8 days Destinations Vienna, Durnstein, Spitz, Salzburg, Hallstatt Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
11% Off- US$9,759
Private tours for 1-2 hikers guarantee intimacy on the Inntal High Trail. The 6-day trek covers 63km with 3,500m elevation gain, offering flexibility to modify routes. Mountain huts like Glungezer and Rastkogel provide authentic stays.
Duration 6 days Destinations Innsbruck, Schwaz Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, German Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type Private Operator World of Mountains GmbH From
11% Off- US$525
Solo hikers and small groups tackle this challenging route through authentic mountain terrain. The path leads from Friesenberghaus to Mayrhofen, with nights in traditional Austrian mountain huts. Remote trails and 6,000m elevation gain ensure solitude.
Duration 7 days Destinations Friesenberghaus, Furtschaglhaus, Berliner Hütte, Greizer Hütte, Kasseler Hütte, Mayrhofen Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type Private Operator World of Mountains GmbH From
11% Off- US$845
Small group sizes enhance guided segments like Prague's walking tour. Local experts lead visits to Salzburg's Mozart museums and Old Town squares, while travelers freely explore Hallstatt and Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace at their own rhythm.
Duration 8 days Destinations Prague, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Vienna Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator WiseYatra From $1,639
11% Off- US$1,459You save $180
What our customers ask about Austria Small Group Tours
When is the best time for small group hiking tours in Austria?
Small group hiking tours in Austria thrive from June to September simony Hütte and Adamek Hütte welcome visitors. The routes through Berliner Höhenweg and Dachstein Circuit see their highest traffic in July and August. According to TourRadar travelers early September offers a sweet spot with fewer crowds in the Zillertal Alps and Stubai Valley along with pleasant temperatures and good visibility.
What's the best time of year for small group tours in Austria?
The prime season spans June through September perfect for activities like hiking the Salzkammergut or biking the Danube. The popular Cycle Prague to Vienna tour runs mainly in July and August to match ideal cycling conditions. A TourRadar traveler shared "We loved our May trip since there were fewer tourists at places like Hallstatt and the Schönbrunn Palace." Spring and fall bring milder weather for exploring Vienna and Salzburg with fewer tourists. Hotels like Goldenes Schiff in Bad Ischl or Hotel Kirchdach in Gschnitz Valley offer better availability and rates during these quieter months.
How does accommodation work on small group tours in Austria?
Small group tours favor family-run hotels and guesthouses over large chains. The Hotel Goldener Ochs in Bad Ischl provides 30 rooms with personal attention while Bergrose Hideaway in Strobl features 15 rooms with Wolfgangsee lake views. A TourRadar guest noted "Staying at the family-run Hotel Wilder Mann in Steinach gave us such an authentic experience - the owners treated us like family." These tours can access distinct properties like the historic Sattelbergalm mountain hut or boutique Hotel Zita in Gschnitz Valley that larger groups cannot visit.
What's included in meals on small group Austria tours?
Tours generally cover daily breakfast and select dinners at local restaurants or hotel dining rooms. Hotel Goldenes Schiff in Bad Ischl serves traditional Austrian breakfasts featuring fresh pastries and regional items. A TourRadar traveler shared "Our small group size meant we could dine at authentic family-run restaurants in Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang that couldn't handle larger groups." Guests can try local dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Salzburger Nockerl at places such as Zum Wilden Mann in Steinach or historic Café Zauner in Bad Ischl.
What type of transportation is used on small group tours in Austria?
Tours use mini-coaches or vans instead of large buses allowing access to scenic backroads and villages. Transfers between locations like Bad Ischl and Hallstatt happen in 12-seater vehicles while some tours like the Austrian Lakes Walk mix in local transport including Wolfgangsee ferries and the Schafberg mountain cog railway. A TourRadar guest noted "Having a small van meant we could take scenic routes through the Alps that big buses couldn't access." Many itineraries include walking and cycling options like the path from Strobl to St. Wolfgang along Lake Wolfgang.
What is the ideal duration for a small group tour in Austria?
The sweet spot for small group tours falls between 6-8 days giving enough time to explore areas like the Zillertal Alps or Dachstein Circuit. The classic Garmisch to Sterzing route takes 8 days while groups can complete the Berliner Höhenweg circuit in 6 days. This timeframe lets groups connect while seeing highlights like Krimmler Waterfalls Hallstatt Glacier and Sterzing's medieval center at a comfortable pace.