Scenic Austrian Lakes & Bavarian Alps

Day One

Early departure from North Wales as we travel south to Folkestone for a Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. We then continue through France and into Belgium for our overnight stay at the Radisson Blu Brugge hotel. There will be time this evening to explore the picturesque medieval city and enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants the city has to offer.

Day Two

We depart Brugge and travel to our second overnight stay in Mannheim. Along the way, we stop at the pretty riverside town of Boppard, where we board our cruise along the Middle Rhine, widely regarded as one of Europe's most scenic river landscapes. Sit back and enjoy the journey as the romantic Rhine Valley unfolds around you, before rejoining the coach in St Goar and continuing on to the Radisson Blu Mannheim Hotel.

Day Three

After breakfast, we leave Mannheim and journey through Germany into Austria, arriving at the NH Collection Salzburg City, our base for the next five nights. Ideally located in the heart of Salzburg, the hotel offers the perfect starting point to explore this captivating UNESCO World Heritage city at your own pace.

Day Four

Enjoy a day at leisure in Salzburg. From its charming squares and medieval lanes to striking Gothic churches and inviting cafés, there is something here for everyone. Elegant Baroque architecture reflects the city's rich and influential past under its powerful prince-archbishops. Salzburg is also world-renowned for its musical heritage as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and more recently as the iconic setting for The Sound of Music. Be sure to visit the Getreidegasse, one of Austria's most beautiful and historic shopping streets.

Day Five

We depart the hotel and travel across the border heading for the Bavarian Alps and the picturesque region of Berchtesgaden. Here, we visit the Kehlsteinhaus, better known as the Eagle's Nest, dramatically perched high on a mountain top and the famed location of Hitler's secretive Alpine hideaway. Originally intended as a teahouse for visiting diplomats, the building survived wartime bombing, and since 1952 has welcomed visitors as a mountaintop restaurant offering breathtaking panoramic views. Access is a unique experience in itself, via specially operated mountain buses and the famous "golden lift." Afterwards, we continue to the stunning Konigssee, or "King's Lake," renowned for its crystal-clear waters and remarkable natural echo, all set amid towering mountain scenery. You may wish to take a leisurely stroll along the St. Bartholoma Peninsula, easily recognised by the distinctive red onion domes of its historic pilgrimage church.

Day Six

Today we travel to St. Gilgen, the charming lakeside village where Mozart's mother was born and which is closely associated with his early inspirations. From here, we board a boat and cruise across the crystal-clear waters of the lake to the picturesque town of St. Wolfgang, famed for its beautiful 15th century church and the historic White Horse Inn. We then continue by cog railway up the Schafberg Mountain. Dating back to the 19th century, this is the steepest cog railway in Austria and is operated in part by one of the world's oldest steam locomotives. At the summit, sweeping mountain panoramas and views over eleven lakes await, offering exceptional photo opportunities. We descend back to St. Wolfgang, where you will have free time to explore its ancient centre, with winding cobbled streets, frescoed houses and a selection of shops and cafés. Later, we rejoin our boat for the return journey to St. Gilgen, before meeting our coach and returning to Salzburg.

Day Seven

Today we visit the delightful spa town of Bad Ischl, once the summer retreat of the emperors of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Katrin Mountain, the town offers the option of a cable car ride of around 15 minutes, during which you can relax and take in the breathtaking scenery as you ascend. At the summit, you are rewarded with sweeping views across seven lakes and the stunning alpine landscape. We then continue to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed destinations. Its traditional pastel-coloured houses are nestled between steep mountains and the serene waters of the Hallstättersee, creating an unforgettable setting. There will also be the opportunity to take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the spectacular "Five Fingers" viewing platform, offering dramatic panoramic vistas, as well as to visit the remarkable Dachstein Ice Caves.

Day Eight

We check out of our hotel and depart Salzburg, travelling through Germany and Switzerland to the city of Mulhouse, for our overnight stop. En route, we pause in the Swiss city of St. Gallen, renowned for its charming traffic-free old centre, beautifully painted oriel windows and an inviting mix of boutique shops and cosy cafés.

Day Nine

We depart the hotel and continue our journey north through France to the vibrant city of Lille. On arrival, there will be some free time to explore, perhaps stroll through the elegant old town with its Flemish-style architecture, enjoy the lively squares or relax in one of the city's many cafés and restaurants.

Day Ten

We depart our hotel and return to Calais for our Eurotunnel journey back to Folkestone and home to North Wales

B=Breakfast Included