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Lakes & Mountains of Austria

Resort:Lakes & Mountains of Austria
Operator: Riviera Travel
Destination: Austria
Price From: £1399.00

Overview

Over 150 years ago, Austria became one of the very first countries to attract visitors travelling for sheer pleasure and when you join us on this tour, you will see the reasons why – it is as near to perfection as you can get! Travellers came for the pristine alpine scenery unavailable at home, crisp clean air, the distinctive fragrance of the pine forests and the mirror-like lakes, their reflections magnificently amplifying the visual effect of these stunning vistas.

So journey with us to the heart of Europe, where the mighty snow-capped alpine peaks tower above lush green pastures, nourished by the crystal clear melt-water streams, dotted with historic wooden farmhouses with the air, heavy with the sweet scent of Alpine meadows. This is some of the most staggeringly beautiful alpine scenery in the world. As you travel the twisting alpine roads, the views become increasingly impressive with each bend: rising from another verdant, almost manicured pasture, are the striking pink and grey alpine peaks, puncturing the sky above. Studded throughout this staggeringly beautiful scenery are countless picture-postcard villages, crammed with a jumble of traditional iconic wooden houses with their gently sloping roofs and window boxes impossibly full of colourful flowers.

This is Austria: a largely rural land of soaring snow-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls and fairy-tale castles where legends abound with almost touchable medieval history. Then we have the unique beauty of the Salzkammergut, one of the most naturally spellbinding and stunning lake districts in the world: a breath-taking blend of lofty mountains, lined by tree studded banks and hauntingly calm lakes filling scenic valleys, which resonate with the unmistakable tones of Tyrolean cow-bells echoing over the water.

Austria is so much more than some of the worlds most stupendous scenery, remarkable though it is. Throughout its history it has been home to some of the greatest composers who have ever graced the planet: Haydn, Schubert, Strauss of course, and undoubtedly Mozart, with nowhere typifying this astonishing cultural legacy more than Salzburg. Mozarts birthplace, this gorgeous citys old town possesses one of the worlds greatest concentrations of baroque architecture and a wonderful genteel atmosphere enhanced by numerous street musicians who keep the citys amazing musical pedigree alive. The imposing Hohensalzburg fortress, sitting high upon the riverbanks, overlooks the city and completes the scene.

One of the delights of this lovely corner of Europe is its tradition of coffee and cakes, taken in one of the numerous almost regal tea rooms dating from late 18th century, decorated in ochres and browns, using fine silverware and delicate china cups. Try the famous apple strudel and cherry cake, but there are countless others! All made with the finest ingredients, often soaked in one of the delicious liqueurs for which the area is also renowned: they do nothing for your waistline, but plenty for your taste buds!

The Austrians are a lovely people and a few still traditionally lederhosen-clad very much a symbol of regional pride. Well-mannered and friendly, they are genuinely so hospitable to visitors and delight in sharing their countrys heritage, scenery and many other attributes with visitors. Its called Gemtlichkeit, a tradition of which they are justifiably proud.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1ARRIVAL IN SALZBURG

ARRIVAL IN SALZBURG

You should arrive at the airport to take the flight to Munich and on arrival you will be taken just over the Austrian border to Salzburg, staying three nights with dinner at the four-star Hotel Stadtkrug situated in the historic centre just below the monastery. This is a gorgeous hotel and at 700 years old, one of the oldest buildings in Salzburg. It was an inn during medieval times, and with Mozart living just around the corner, the hotels passionate and enthusiastic owner is absolutely certain Mozart simply must have drunk here! Whether you believe that is up to you, but what is true is that it has been owned by the same family for three generations and staying here is a wonderful experience; it is full of antiques, with the character and ambience unobtainable in modern hotels. The traditional restaurant reflects the owners personal time-honoured values and specialises in really well executed traditional menus with most of the produce coming from their own organic farm – they even make their own schnapps. The rooms are extremely modern and have benefited from extensive recent investment but still maintain the hotels magnificent medieval charm. On the roof there is a terrace which is a wonderful place to have a relaxing drink whilst surveying Salzburgs glorious skyline.

DAY 2GUIDED TOUR OF SALZBURG

GUIDED TOUR OF SALZBURG

Up until 200 years ago, Salzburg was an independent state ruled by a series of Archbishops who turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps. The old town is delightful, displaying wonderful architecture dating from the medieval to 18th century, whilst one of Europes largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, perched high on a cliff-top, dominates the skyline. Spread below is a maze of tiny streets lined with the exquisite shops that make window-shopping so satisfying. Then there is the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace with its famous trick fountains and the natural beauty of the Mirabell Gardens are a must for the fan of things horticultural. With its genteel atmosphere of bygone times, surrounded by a magnificent Alpine backdrop, Salzburg is a superb spot to relax and explore at your leisure. Salzburgs most famous citizen was Mozart, one of the greatest musical geniuses to have ever lived and whose achievements were staggering! He played the piano at three; could compose rudimentary music at five and wrote his first opera at fourteen! His home has been restored and reminders of him are evident throughout the city.

This morning, we have a guided tour seeing all the principal places of interest then you are free to enjoy the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. And yes there are plenty of interesting museums and hidden gems in the city which have nothing at all to do with Mozart or the Sound of Music, so famously filmed throughout the city and surrounding area!

DAY 3SALZKAMMERGUT

SALZKAMMERGUT

Today we leave the city behind for an absolutely stunning display of outstanding natural beauty: the amazing Salzkammergut, the Austrian Lake District. This mornings scenic drive takes you first to picturesque Mondsee, a charming town perched on the northern shore of the lake that bears its name and renowned for its church, the set for Marias wedding in the film The Sound of Music.

As the day progresses the scenery becomes ever-more spectacular. Following beautiful scenic routes alongside sparkling lake shores and through velvet green hill pastures brings us to the second lake of the day, the dramatic Traunsee and the picture postcard setting of the fishing village of Traunkirchen which until the last century could only be reached by boat. Leaving lakes behind for a short while, we pass through the picturesque spa town of Bad Ischl. Mountains and forest stretch in all directions as we head for St Wolfgang where theres time for lunch amidst truly glorious scenic surroundings.

St Wolfgang, with its lovely maze of 15th century, frescoed buildings, must surely rank as one of the most gorgeous villages you will ever see and it is famed for its church altar, one of the high points ofGothic Art. Relax in this delightful lakeside spot this afternoon or perhaps take the steam-hauled rack railway to the summit of the Schafberg Mountain high above, for a spellbinding view across the entire Lake District in all its unrivalled scenic splendour. We then return to the hotel for dinner.

DAY 4HELLBRUNN PALACE

HELLBRUNN PALACE

This morning we drive into the High Alps and firstly visit the spectacular 17th century Hellbrunn Palace just outside Salzburg. Commissioned by an archbishop and much visited by emperors, each room is a revelation decorated in a variety of themes from Chinese to those specially shaped with perfect acoustics where talented musicians performed. The gardens are stunning, famous for their trick fountains, endlessly stopping and starting plus shell covered grottoes and water-driven clockwork figures. You will stay in the small Alpine village of Kaprun, at the very heart of the spectacular Zell am See region.

Nestling at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn and the dramatic Grossglockner mountain range, Austrias highest, you will stay four nights with dinner at the excellent four-star Hotel Das Alpenhaus. This very stylish hotel enjoys superb mountain views with every room having a balcony from where you can truly appreciate the glorious vistas in every direction. The restaurant is of very good quality and there is a lobby bar with terrace and a panoramic view, further cosy lounge bar, spa and wellness centre with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools (outdoor pool open summer months, weather permitting). All the modern, comfortable rooms are extremely well-appointed with mini-bar, safe and all the facilities you would expect in a hotel of this standard. In short your comfort is assured

DAY 5KRIMML WATERFALLS

KRIMML WATERFALLS

Today we commence our exploration of some of the worlds finest alpine scenery, seeing nature at its forceful best. Afterbreakfast, we take the twisting road amongst timelessly picturesque woodland and peaceful pastures and through an ever-narrowing valley, discovering one of Europes great natural wonders, the Krimml waterfalls. The highest in Europe and the fifth highest in the world, this amazing series of waterfalls tumbles 1,200 feet from icy glaciers, with huge clouds of spray seemingly suspended as if by magic over the lush green forests below, accompanied by the unmistakable roar of enormous volumes of cascading water, it makes an unforgettable spectacle. It is at moments like this that you become completely overwhelmed by Mother Natures unbridled power, majestic grandeur and sheer beauty. We have ample time to explore the park, taking the dedicated path where alpine flora and fauna abound, before returning to our hotel.

DAY 6GROSSGLOCKNER

GROSSGLOCKNER

Today we enjoy another breath-taking journey into this alpine wonderland, visiting Austrias highest mountain the Grossglockner, as we drive along one of Europes oldest and most celebrated alpine routes. The scenery gradually changes from lush green meadow, through dark pine forests, then above the tree line a truly dramatic landscape of snow and ice reveals itself. Bronze Age knives, ancient gold jewellery and Roman statues found here prove traders have passed this way for at least 3,000 years. The route evolved into a 17th century pack road and the present Grossglockner High Alpine Road, opened less than 100 years ago. It offers a spectacular show of continually changing vistas, glaciers, rugged valleys and mountains, each a postcard in itself, leading from the carpet-like pastures of the Salzach valley to the Hochtor pass at 2,505 metres one of Europes highest. We continue twisting up the rugged and beautiful valley to reach the mighty Pasterze Glacier and the Emperors Viewpoint. This is more than just a spectacular view: you can really immerse yourself in the high alpine surroundings, rocky crags and pure white snowfields, crystal clear waterfalls and deep blue glacier ice fields. You can hear the eerie whistling cry of the marmots, the rather endearing rodents found only in the high mountains and keep a look out for the ibex with their striking horns whilst eagles soar on the clear thermals above. This is a truly breath-taking experience! Should you wish, you can take the spectacular funicular railway ride to the Pasterze glacier and walk on the surface there are few places in the world you can do this and it should not be missed! Please note this trip is subject to weather conditions.

Wereturn to the hotel for dinner, over which you can reflect on the magnificent sights you have seen during this wonderful day.

DAY 7FREE DAY

FREE DAY

Today you have a completely free day. Perhaps take the cable car to almost the summit of the Kitzsteinhorn, one of the largest glaciers in the Alps for truly amazing views across some of the finest mountain scenery on earth. Take a stroll around the village, catch up on some reading or perhaps visit nearby Zell for a boat trip on the lake. Zell am See has a delightful centre and lakeside promenade and unlike many resorts, it has some fine traditional buildings too, some of which house small museums including one dedicated to the history of the region and its people, with the 11th century parish church also worth a look. You could take a lake steamer, study the teeming bird life, explore the villages on the opposite bank or perhaps take a leisurely stroll on the lakeside path. For those with a head for heights, take the cable car to the summit of Zell am Sees own mountain, the Schmittenhhe, for a marvellous 360 degree panorama of the snow-capped Alps breath-taking! For the more energetic there are many superb alpine walking trails suitable for all abilities.

DAY 8RETURN FLIGHT

RETURN FLIGHT

Today a coach will return us to the airport at the appropriate time.