Austrian Lakes and Peaks of Perfection

Day 1

After an early pick up, we travel to Kent for our Channel crossing to France. We continue through France, Belgium and into Germany to our overnight hotel south of Cologne.

Day 2

After breakfast, we continue our journey down through Germany and cross the border into Austria reaching our hotel in Plankenau late afternoon. We are greeted with a welcome drink before our first Austrian dinner.

Day 3

Today we visit the glorious home of 'The Sound of Music', Salzburg. The old town is a maze of charming pedestrian alleyways with many famous and historic landmarks. We have included a two-hour guided walking tour before having the rest of the day free for your own exploration. Tonight we enjoy a themed BBQ or buffet.

Day 4

We visit the pretty town of Zell am See, which is nestled on the shores of Lake Zell and is one of Austria's most popular resorts. Take a stroll through the medieval centre and along the lake shore, or take in the picturesque scenery with a boat ride* on the lake or a cable car ride up into the mountains*. Back at our hotel, we enjoy coffee and cake.

Day 5

We begin our day with the delightful spa town of Bad Ischl, well-known as the holiday retreat of the emperors of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. We have included entrance and a guided tour of the beautiful Kaiservilla, where Emperor Franz Joseph I and Sisi once spent their summers. We move on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt, where we take a cable car up to the 'Skywalk' viewing platform to experience the amazing views of the surrounding area.

Day 6

A day of remarkable scenery again today as we travel to the shores of St Wolfgang and the traffic-free village of Gilgen. After time to explore the village, we enjoy a 30-minute cruise across the water to the famous resort of St Wolfgang. Here we join the steepest cog railway in Austria - the Schafberg Mountain Railway, which takes just 40 minutes to climb 1783 metres. On a clear day, you are treated to a 360? panoramic view of the sparkling lakes of Wolfgang in Austria and Chiemsee in Germany, with soaring mountains majestically framing the spectacular scenery.

Day 7

With a farewell wave to Austria, we head north to our overnight hotel south of Cologne.

Day 8

Leaving after breakfast, we continue into Belgium and through France, returning to Calais for our Channel crossing to the English coast. From here we travel home.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Evening Meal Included