Austrian Lakes & Mountains

Day 1

We travel to the Channel port for the ferry crossing to France, from where we continue to our overnight hotel.

Day 2

Our journey continues to Austria to our main hotel for 6 nights,

Day 3

After breakfast this morning our Austrian host at the hotel will take you for a brief introduction of the charming village of Bruck, following which you will have a little free time to explore at leisure. Later we will head the short distance into Zell am See for an included boat cruise on the lake set amist a breathtaking surrounding mountain panorama. Afterwards there will be some free time for you to explore the pedestrianized town of Zell am Zee with it's historic old houses and souvenir shops in it's beautiful lakeside setting before returning to the hotel.

Day 4

A circular excursion today takes us to the chic resort town of Kitzbühel, set against a spectacular backdrop of stunning Alpine scenery nestled between the mountains of Kitzbühel Horn and the Hahnenkamm. It combines modern sophistication with a fairy-tale atmosphere where the multitude of bars, pavement cafes and shops blend harmoniously with cobbled streets and picturesque painted houses. You will have free time to explore the walled Old Town or you may wish to take a cable car ride up the mighty Hahnenkamm Mountain for some spectacular views of the region (extra cost payable locally). In the afternoon we include a romantic horse-drawn sleigh carriage ride in the Kitzbühel area before we continue to the charming Tyrolean market town of St. Johann, known for its beautiful baroque twin spire church, pretty town square and the local Huber Brau beer.

Day 5

We start the day with a scenic journey on the Pinzgau railway line, which winds along the picturesque Salzach Valley. Our scenic journey takes us from Zell am See through one of the most charming landscapes in the Alps, to Mittersill. Next we visit the mighty Krimml waterfalls, the highest in Europe and the 5th highest in the world, before returning to the hotel for dinner. Later this evening we head the short distance into Zell am See for the enchanting 'Magic Lake Show' - marvel at how the water moves to the beat of the music, with laser and light installations illuminating the summer evening sky. NB. Due to operational reasons the Pinzgau railway journey may be hauled by either a steam or diesel engine

Day 6

We head off to explore a world of alpine meadows, forests, mountains, eternal ice, and spectacular views on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road - 48 kilometers with 36 numbered hair pin curves to an altitude of 8435 ft into the very heart of the national park and probably the most beautiful mountain pass in the Alps. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife such as ibex, marmots, chamois, vultures and golden eagles who call these mountains in the Hohe National Park their home. Our day includes a visit to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe for views of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain, and the Pasterze, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps - don't forget your cameras!

Day 7

After breakfast we head off on a scenic drive through the Wilder Kaiser Mountains to the medieval town of Kufstein, often called the 'Pearl of the Tyrol' and dominated by its 13th century fortress. Why not take the panoramic cable car ride up to the fortress, which now houses a museum of local history as well as the Heroes organ, the largest open-air organ in the world. After some free time we continue to the idyllic village of Ebbs at the foot of the Zahmer Kaiser mountain range, where we have a guided tour of the oldest Haflinger stud farm in the world. The Haflinger horse originated in theTyrol and is both a cultural treasure and an ambassador for the region.

Day 8

We leave Austria and travel back to our overnight hotel for 1 night BB.

Day 9

After breakfast we continue our journey home via a ferry crossing back to Dover.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner