Day 1: After an early morning home taxi pick up we join our luxury tour coach and make our way to Dover for our crossing to France. Once across the water we continue our journey to Metz and our overnight hotel. * Crossing changed to ferry due to due to operational issues with Eurotunnel
Day 2: This morning we continue our journey crossing the River Rhine into Germany. We make our way through the Black Forest and cross into Switzerland, where we make a brief stop at the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen. The Rhine falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls on the main land in Europe. Visitors can walk around the basin, cross the bridge above the Rhine Falls to the 'Känzeli' observation platform, a most spectacular viewpoint built directly beside the water. We then continue our journey to Austria and our hotel for the next 5 nights the beautiful Weisses Kreuz in Feldkirch.
Day 3: After a traditional breakfast we have an included local bus ride where we have a guided tour of historic Feldkirch. Feldkirch is an enchanting town on the border between Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland and is the second largest town in the Vorarlberg region. The history of this amazing medieval town dates back to the 1200’s with the creation of Schattenburg Castle and has seen numerous battles including the Battle of Feldkirch in 1799 between Austrian and French military. The town has an historic charm and is a stunning base for our holiday. After our guided tour we include entry to Schattenburg Castle Museum. Originally a residence of the Earls of neighbouring Bregenz for over 200 years, the castle then changed ownership to the mighty Habsburg leaders who ruled over the estate until the late 1700’s. The beautiful building with its white walls and brown tiled roofs stands out in Feldkirch and the museum and restaurant inside are of particularly good quality. The museum is split into several different themed rooms, all of which have been restored and feature historical furniture and architecture. After your visit the afternoon is free in Feldkirch.
Day 4: Today we have a full day excursion through the Bregenzerwald with a visit to a traditional cheesemaker. We then enjoy a scenic ride onboard the little Wälderbähnle Railway from Bezau to Schwarzenberg before traversing the breath-taking Bodelpass.
Day 5: This morning we make our way to Lake Constance with an included railway trip at Rheineck. This beautiful lakeside city is a joy to explore and a walk around the old town of Konstance shows much has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. We continue our day with a visit to Appenzell with its famous painted houses, before enjoying an included train ride from Appenzell to Altstätten. Our final call of the day is Hohenems for a chocolate tasting at the traditional Fenkart Schlosskaffe.
Day 6: Today we see the old city of Constance. The historic old town with its picturesque alleys and facades, stunning harbour with its Mediterranean feel and breath-taking views of the lake and the Alps makes it a great place for a stroll. We cross the lake on the ferry to Meersburg and then enjoy a visit to Salem Castle. The former Cistercian abbey and present-day Salem Castle is located in the midst of extensive parks and gardens. Since 1802, when the Margraves of Baden came to acquire the former monastery during the Secularisation, Salem Castle was used as a summer residence for the Grand Dukes. Today, Salem Castle, with its Gothic monastery church and its lovely interior and gardens, is a highly significant and popular tourist destination. Our last stop of the day is in Hagnau for an included wine tasting before returning to Feldkirch for our final evening.
Day 7: This morning we bid farewell to our hotel as we head back through Switzerland and into France. We will pause for lunch in the Alsace area before making our way to our overnight hotel in Metz.
Day 8: This morning we continue our journey back home and our crossing to Dover, before heading back to Norfolk where our door to door taxi service will be waiting to take you home.
Holiday Information:
5 Nights Half Board in Feldkirch
2 Nights Half Board in Metz
Price: £1188pp
Single Supplement: £198pp
Travel Insurance Premium for bookings taken in 2022: £61pp
New Travel Insurance Premium for bookings taken from 1st Jan 2023: £63pp
Tour Reference: EUR1806
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure