Essence of Austria
Fall head over heels for the Essence of Austria. Discover deep valleys and sparkling blue lakes on this leisurely sojourn through enchanting alpine villages, charming baroque cities and fascinating castles. If the breathtaking scenery doesn’t capture your heart, the delicious local cuisine certainly will!
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Day 1: Munich – Tegernsee – Zell Am See
We’ll meet with the group in Munich this morning before moving on to Tegernsee – where we’ll get acquainted with the picturesque lake on a boat trip. Our next stop will be Zell am See, which is filled with marvellous alpine scenery (and comes complete with another shimmering blue lake). Tonight, we’ll get to know each other a little better over a group dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Steinerwirt 1493.
Hotel: Hotel Steinerwirt 1493 or similar, 2 nights
Day 2: Zell Am See
After this morning’s breakfast, we’ll roll up our sleeves for an included cookery class – where a local expert will demonstrate how to make Austrian delicacies kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) using fresh farm produce. When we’ve learnt the tricks of the trade, we’ll try our hand at making the delicious treats ourselves – with the chance to taste the fruits of our labour afterwards.
Day 3: Zell Am See – Berchtesgaden – Salzburg
Today we’ll head back over the border into Germany for a stop at Berchtesgaden. While we’re here, we’ll visit Hitler’s famous Eagle’s Nest, which is perched high at the top of a mountain peak overlooking the quaint Bavarian town. After wandering the very rooms where Hitler and other Nazi party officials entertained foreign diplomats and held banquets, we’ll travel back down the mountain toward our next stop: Salzburg.
Hotel: ACHAT Plaza Zum Hirschen Salzburg or similar, 2 nights
Day 4: Salzburg
Today you’ll be free to experience Salzburg’s fairytale magic and explore its spectacular Baroque sights at your own pace. The birthplace of Mozart, the impressive Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral and St Peter’s Abbey are all great places to start! This evening, we’ll come together to enjoy a group dinner and Mozart concert at the lofty Salzburg Fortress.
Day 5: Salzburg – Schafbergbahn – Schnitzhof Alm – Tauplitz
Today we’ll board an old-fashioned cogwheel train and take the SchafbergBahn up to the top of the Schafberg mountain – taking in some fantastic views of the Salzkammergut region along the way. Then, it’s on to Schnitzhof Alm – a delightful 400-year-old cottage where traditional cheeses are made. After enjoying a cheese tasting session and included lunch we’ll continue to Tauplitz.
Hotel: Hotel Seebacherhof or similar
Day 6: Tauplitz – Admont – Amstetten – Dürnstein
After a breakfast in idyllic Tauplitz our road will take us to Admont Abbey, where a guided tour awaits. Exploring landmarks is thirsty work – so it’s only fitting that our next stop in Amstetten will be a local distillery! While we’re here, we’ll gain an insight into the cider-making process, and – of course – have a chance to taste it for ourselves. Tonight we’ll dine in Dürnstein, a photogenic town famous for its vineyards.
Hotel: Hotel Kirchenwirt or similar
Day 7: Dürnstein – Spitz– Tulln An Der Donau – Vienna
Our final day together will see us travelling to Spitz, a wine-growing village in Lower Austria. After that, we’ll move on to Tulln an der Donau, a historic town teeming with parks and gardens, where you’ll be free to lunch where you choose. Then: our tour will come to a close in buzzing Vienna, with its captivating blend of Baroque architecture, imperial palaces and musical masterpieces.
| 2020 Dates & Prices | Twin Share | Solo Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| May: 12 | $2,959.00 | $3,849.00 |
| June: 30 | $2,959.00 | $3,849.00 |
| July: 21 | $2,959.00 | $3,849.00 |
| August: 25 | $2,959.00 | $3,849.00 |
| September: 22 | $2,959.00 | $3,849.00 |
| September: 22, 29 | $2,819.00 | $3,389.00 |
| October: 20 | $2,819.00 | $3,389.00 |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |
| Transport: | Premium mini-coach transportation |
| Accommodation: | 6 nights in boutique accommodation |
| Guide: | Experienced Back-Roads Driver and Tour Leader |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
* Tour departure dates are subject to availability at time of booking.
* Prices and itinerary are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice