Day 1: Following your early morning taxi pick up we join our platinum executive tour coach and head to Kent for our short crossing top France. Upon our arrival we continue our journey to our overnight hotel in the Metz area.
Day 2: This morning we continue our journey through France, crossing the River Rhine into Germany and eventually into Austria. On our arrival in Bad Ischl, we are greeted with a welcome drink from the hotel manager while our cases are delivered to our rooms. Our stay at the Hotel Goldenes is for 6 nights on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Day 3: Today is a day of leisure in Bad Ischl the former summer residence of the great Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The town has been associated with the Habsburg dynasty for over 700 years and is home to the Imperial Villa which the Emperor, Franz Josef I, called 'heaven on earth' for him and his family. It was also where he signed the declaration of war against the Kingdom of Serbia, signalling the start of WW1.
The town is set against the backdrop of the mighty Katrin Mountain and there is a cable car which takes approximately 15 minutes. From here you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you gently ascend, and once you reach the top, you will be astounded by the expansive views of the seven lakes and the idyllic Austrian mountain landscapes. There is also a café serving traditional and seasonal food and many different hiking trails to try your hand at. (attractions today subject to individual choice and payment)
Day 4: Today we enjoy a full day in the Salzkammergut, more commonly known as The Austrian Lake District. Our first stop of the day is Mondsee, home to the Basilica of St. Michael, the famous wedding church where Maria married Georg von Trapp in the film The Sound of Music. This Gothic former monastery is just as striking today as ever with its two towers stretching 52 metres high. The basilica reached international fame when the wedding scene, with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, was filmed inside. This is the reason why more than 200,000 people visit the church every year and make it one of the most photographed churches in the world. From here we continue to St Gilgen, known as the birthplace of Mozart’s Mother. After some free time to explore, we board a boat for a cruise to St Wolfgang, another stunning village set on the shores of the lake and home to the famous White Horse Inn.
Day 5: This morning we head to Salzburg. Salzburg has something to offer every visitor, from lovely squares and medieval lanes to Gothic churches and quaint cafés. The city dates back to Celtic times and prospered in the Middle Ages on account to the salt industry from where the city derives its name. Many beautiful Baroque buildings are a testament to the city’s illustrious past when it was controlled by the powerful and wealthy bishops. The city is also famed as being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and as the setting for the film, The Sound of Music. The city is also home to the Getriedegasse, one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Austria. On our arrival we are met by a local guide for a two hour walking tour to introduce you to the city, before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6: This morning we make our way to Traunsee, the deepest lake located entirely within Austria.
Our first stop of the day is Gmunden, nestled right on the banks of the northern edge of lake Traunsee. The town has existed in some form since the 1100’s and is full of points of historical interest. Why not take the time to visit Seeschloss Ort. This charming castle sits proudly on a small island and is accessible by a long wooden boardwalk in the Toskana Park. The castle has stood in some form since the 11th century and has been governed by many owners during its illustrious history. A characteristic onion domed tower stands at the castle entrance and the white washed walls form a beautiful courtyard in the centre. Photographers will love this iconic castle and the opportunities it gives for an epic shot – It really is a photogenic place. (entry not included)
This afternoon we make our way to Attersee which is located in the beautiful Salzkammergut region at the western shores of the largest lake in Austria. There will be time at leisure for you to take a stroll by the lake, enjoy a coffee and pastry, or why not join one of the many circular cruises which depart from the main jetty. (cruise subject to individual choice and payment).
Day 7: This morning we head to Hallstatt, with its traditional pastel-coloured houses perched on the tiny plain between the mountains and the Hallstättersee Lake, Hallstatt is one of the most photographed towns in Austria, and is a must-see for any visit to the region. Hallstatt also has an historical pedigree that is second to none; salt in the hills above the town made it a centre of mining from at least the first millennium BC - a time referred to as the 'Hallstatt Period'. The importance of this history, and many of the discoveries made in the town, has also been recognised by UNESCO, who have awarded Hallstatt with UNESCO World Heritage status. Aside from its idyllic array of timber-framed houses and narrow cobbled lanes, there are two pretty churches and a selection of museums. To see the town from a different perspective we will also include a boat cruise on the lake. We later return to Bad Ischl where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 8: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and begin our journey home, re tracing our steps back through Germany and into Metz to our overnight hotel.
Day 9: After breakfast we depart our overnight hotel and head back to Calais and make our crossing to the UK. Upon arrival we continue our journey back to Norfolk where our taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
8 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Evenings meals at some continental hotels may be a set menu)
Price: £1683pp
Single Supplement: £200
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: EUR1856
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure