House of travel Northern, Central & Eastern Europe Brochure 2017 | Page 44

Austria - Mountains , Lakes & Rivers
Fantastic as a year round destination , this region has spectacular lake and mountain scenery , ideal for active travellers who like walking , hiking and skiing . It has an intriguing imperial history with stunning Baroque architecture , is also rich in music and tradition with a hearty cuisine and many local specialties .
Hallstatt , Austria
8 days / 7 nights Suggested Self-Drive
CZECH REPUBLIC
Day 1 : Vienna – Graz ( 199km ) Head into the countryside passing through many vineyards on the outskirts of Graz , often regarded as Austria ’ s culinary capital . It ’ s famous for cured meats , pumpkin and pumpkin seed oil and fresh wholegrain breads .
Day 2 : Graz – Hallstatt ( 177km ) Travel through the Salzkammergut region of pristine lakes , mountain fresh air and gorgeous villages . Settle for the night in this picturesque small town .
Day 3 : Hallstatt – Salzburg ( 73km ) Arise early for some photo opportunities then drive onto stunning Salzburg .
Day 4 : Salzburg – Berchtesgaden – Salzburg ( 52km ) Discover this nearby German town in the Bavarian Alps . It ’ s surrounded by a National Park and is right on the Austrian border . In summer , take the elevator to see Hitler ’ s Eagle ’ s Nest .
Day 5 : Salzburg – Passau ( 118km ) Set in Bavaria , Passau is a magical location by the Danube , the Inn and the Ilz rivers . Marvel at the incredible architecture especially St Paul ’ s Church , dating from 1050 , and St Stephan ’ s Cathedral with its 13th century Baroque alters and its grand 17,000 pipe organ .
Day 6 : Passau – Linz ( 81km ) Take a morning walk through the medieval town before travelling onto Linz . On the outskirts of the town are the lush and famous Botanical Gardens .
Day 7 : Linz – Melk – Dürnstein ( 130km ) Visit Melk ’ s famous 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey perched on a rocky outcrop above the town and overlooking the Danube .
Day 8 : Dürnstein – Vienna ( 85km ) Explore the charming village of Dürnstein , nestled in the heart of the magnificent Wachau Valley .
Rental car : Hertz ( Group B ) from $ 82 per day
Our favourite places to stay :
• Hotel Heritage , Hallstatt
• Hotel Koenig , Passau
• Art & Style SPITZ , Linz
• Hotel Schloss Dürnstein , Dürnstein
GERMANY
Berchtesgaden
ITALY
Passau
Salzburg
Hallstatt
Danube River
Linz
AUSTRIA
Melk
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Dürnstein
Graz
VIENNA
Kaiser Josef Market , Graz – Be sure to visit the local farmers ’ market . It ’ s open from 6am in the big market square just behind the opera house . Besides fantastic fresh produce , there are several small restaurants around the market serving local specialties .
Dachstein Caves – From Hallstatt explore one of Europe ’ s most impressive cave systems . Highlights include the Giant Ice Cave with its sub-zero summer temperatures and huge caverns with magnificent frozen waterfalls , and the Mammoth Cave with its huge pipe-shaped galleries .
Salzburg – Take a stroll through the old town stopping at the famous coffee house , Café Sacher Salzburg , to enjoy some of the sumptuous Sacher Torte .
Mozart ’ s Birthplace - Visit this house where he was born and whilst in Salzburg , try some exquisite chocolates named after this very famous man .
St Stephan ’ s Cathedral , Passau - Organ concerts are held at 12 noon every day except Sundays and public holidays from May-October . These are well worth stopping by just to absorb the amazing acoustics .
Pöstlingberg Hill , Linz – Walk or take the vintage tram from the city centre , up the 550 metres , for outstanding views over Linz . There ’ s also a magnificent Pilgrimage Church built in 1748 , well worth a visit .
Cycle along the Danube – Hire a bike and cycle along the riverfront .
Wachau Valley – Be sure to immerse yourself in the vineyards and cellars of a local wine estate .
Vienna , Austria Sacher Torte , Vienna Austria
Eagles Nest , Salzburg Austria
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The price guide shown is per car hire based on 7-13 day hire rate . Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers . Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date