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