Lakes and Mountains of Austria by Rail
Lakes and Mountains of Austria by Rail
Lakes and Mountains of Austria by Rail
10 Days
Visiting: London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Salzburg, Salzkammergut, Zell am See, Krimml Waterfalls, Grossglockner, Cologne, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AUR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 35
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2552 (USD)Tour 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: London, Brussels, Frankfurt
We’ll start with a journey from London to Brussels on the Eurostar.
Once we reach Brussels, we continue our journey on a high-speed train across the flat lands of Brabant and the tunnels through hilly country to the German border. We’ll cross into Germany near Aachen enjoying views of Rhineland as we travel east until we reach Frankfurt, where we’ll stay for one night.
Day 2
Location: Salzburg
Today, we continue on through the German countryside over the Austrian border. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Salzburg, where we’ll check into our hotel for the next three nights.
Day 3
Location: 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 Europe’s 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. Salzburg’s 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!
Signature Experiences:
After time to explore at leisure we’ll meet again for a traditional afternoon tea at the splendid Sacher Café. Step back to an era of elegance in these sumptuous surroundings where photographs of royalty and film stars line the walls, and a huge crystal chandelier lights up the charming room.
The world famous Mirabell Palace is our destination this evening and here we will experience a truly magnificent classical concert by the renowned Salzburger Schlosskonzertein. The richly decorated baroque Marble Hall where Mozart once performed is renowned for its excellent acoustics and the magical surroundings and glorious musical performance are sure to guarantee a truly unforgettable evening.
Day 4
Location: Salzkammergut
Today we leave the city behind for an absolutely stunning display of outstanding natural beauty: the amazing Salzkammergut, the Austrian Lake District. This morning’s 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 Maria’s 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 there’s 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 of Gothic 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.
Day 5
Location: Salzburg, Zell am See
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 at the very heart of the spectacular Zell am See region for the last four nights.
Day 6
Location: Krimml Waterfalls
Today we commence our exploration of some of the world’s finest alpine scenery, seeing nature at its forceful best. After breakfast, we take the twisting road amongst timelessly picturesque woodland and peaceful pastures and through an ever-narrowing valley, discovering one of Europe’s 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 Nature’s 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 7
Location: Grossglockner
Today we enjoy another breath-taking journey into this alpine wonderland, visiting Austria’s highest mountain – the Grossglockner, as we drive along one of Europe’s 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 Europe’s highest. We continue twisting up the rugged and beautiful valley to reach the mighty Pasterze Glacier and the ‘Emperor’s 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.
We return to the hotel for dinner, over which you can reflect on the magnificent sights you have seen during this wonderful day.
Day 8
Location: Zell am See
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 See’s own mountain, the Schmittenhöhe, for a marvellous 360 degree panorama of the snow capped Alps – breathtaking! For the more energetic there are many superb alpine walking trails suitable for all abilities.
Day 9
Location: Cologne
Today, we’ll begin our journey home on the high-speed train from Zell-am-see to Cologne, enjoying the scenery of Austria and Germany.
Day 10
Location: United Kingdom
We’ll continue our journey back to the UK, travelling by TGV and Eurostar through stunning European countryside.
What's Included
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The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are available at the relevant supplement
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Accommodation
9 nights in 4-star accommodation
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Additional Services
Programme of daily tours & visits, and checked luggage
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Fully Guided
Expert Tour Manager
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International Travel
Return Eurostar, TGV & transfers
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Meals
Daily breakfast and four dinners
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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Optional
Any other item listed as optional or not detailed in the itinerary
Accommodation
The first hotel Goldenes Theater is on a B&B basis, the second hotel on the tour is Hotel Latini on HB basis.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.