Jewels Of Austria - 13 Days

Day 1 : Arrive Vienna - Innsbruck

Welcome to the capital of Austria, to Vienna this morning. Upon arrival make your way to the train station to catch your train to the picturesque cultural city in the Alps - the city of Innsbruck. Upon arrival make your way to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the environs of the city. The visit to the famous Golden Roof in the centre is a definite must and what is even better is the castle next to it which houses artifacts dating back centuries one cannot even imagine! Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 2 : Innsbruck

Wake up to breakfast this morning and make your way to the bus depot from where we recommend you take the Swarovski shuttle bus to Wattens to the famous green giant - the Swarovski Crystal World. Enter the fascinating crystal world and spend half the day here exploring the area. (Till 6th October only)

We also recommend you to experience breathtaking views when you take Nordkette funicular (Nordkettenbahnen) up to Seegrube station. You can spend time at Alpenlounge - chill out zone and restaurant.

If not the Funicular we recommend you to experience and enjoy a wonderful view of the landscape on this cable car journey as you are taken from Innsbruck to Seegrube and back. Take the convenient cable car from Innsbruck to Seegrube. The journey starts 560 m above sea level directly near the old town of Innsbruck. The cable car with its extraordinary stations sets international benchmarks in modern architecture. With increasing height your thoughts of the busy city life will be removed by the silence and beauty of the nature. In the period between end of December until beginning of April you will have the opportunity to visit the Igloo ice bar called CLOUD9 when you reach Station Seegrube - without extra costs! as the entrance to the bar is included in your cable car ticket. Do not miss this opportunity!

Later in the evening we recommend you enjoy a typical 3 course Tyrolean Dinner in a typical restaurant that dot the city else you could visit the casino and try your luck there else enjoy a typical Tyrolean evening filled with authentic music and dance of the area. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 3 : Innsbruck

Following breakfast this morning we recommend you make a full day trip to the famous Otztal where you can relax at the Aqua dome spa. The wild summer scenery and the marvelousStuibenfall, Tirols biggest waterfall is sure to make your jaw drop! You need to take a train to OtztalBahnoff from Innsbruck train station which takes approximately 40 mins following which you need to take the Public Bus to the valley. An ideal recommendation is to spend at least 3 to 5 hrs at the spa. It is also the only thermal spa in the whole of Tyrol. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 4 : Innsbruck

Ready yourself to discovering the history of the famous St Anton am Arlberg, the traditional village of Tirol. It takes around 1 hr by train to reach here. The resorts unique charm lies in the village traditions and the festivities one can experience here. Enjoy the summer evenings with folk music and dancing, "Schuhplattln" and yodelling. Summer begins in May and the place is quite high on nightlife too. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 5 : Innsbruck

Welcome to Tirols largest lake this morning. Cycling or hiking, surfing or sailing, paragliding or kite flying, swimming or diving, golfing, riding or tennis - anything goes. Aa romantic rack railway winds its way up from the valley to the Achensee lake. From Innsbruck you need to make your way to the train station and take a train to Jenbach for approximately 20 mins, following which you are transferred to the 120 yr old rack railway taking you further up for 30 mins to the lake. Here enjoy the stunning views and also a boat ride that lasts around 1 hr following which you could have lunch at any of the local cafes there and then make your way back to Jenbach by bus this time. A truly fantastic day out. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 6 : Innsbruck - Salzburg

Wake up to breakfast this morning following which its time for you to make your way to the train station and catch the train to Salzburg. The city of Mozart ! On arrival make your way to the hotel and settle in. Later around 1400 hrs its time for a Mozart city tour which also takes you to the Castle Hellbrunn and the Fortress Hohensalzburg. The tour lasts around 1.5 hrs. The tour begins by the Palace of Mirabell then passes the University of Music one of the worlds most prestigious music academies. You will arrive in Markart Square its then time to cross over the Salzach (Salt) river which was once a major transport route you will have a wonderful view of this magical city. Following the river along part of the old fortifications you will pass the Law Courts on the way to the Hellbrunn Palace where you will have a short photo stop. On the way back to the city centre you will pass the Palace of Frohnburg and the Nonnberg Abbey, situated beneath the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, before entering the heart of the city through the Siegmunds Gate. The tour finishes in Mozart Square where you will see the famous Mozart statue, Cathedral, Old Residence of the Archbishops and the Fortress Hohensalzburg. A great way to get to know this lovely city. Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 7 : Salzburg

Following breakfast this morning its time for your 4 hr tour to the fabulous Salt mines and the celtic village. You have a choice of either opting for the 0900 or the 1400 hrs departure. The highlight of your tour awaits as you tour the 450-year-old salt mines. Wearing traditional miners clothes, you enter the mines and hear historic as well as legendary tales of the fascinating underground world. Using the same slides as hundreds of miners before, you descend to the grottos, the magical world beneath the surface of the earth. You end your adventure with a raft sail on the salt lake and a special train trip. The tour will both amaze and educate you into this underground world, great fun for all ages! Afterwards there will be a short visit to the town of Berchtesgaden before returning to Salzburg. Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 8 : Salzburg

A visit to Salzburg is definitely incomplete without the famous Sound of Music Tour and this is exactly what is store for you today. This 4 hrs long tour takes you through all the important sights and sounds you have experienced whilst watching the movie and is a definite must do. The English-speaking guide not only shows you the highlights of the film Sound of Music but also the historical and architectural landmarks in the city, as well as a part of the picturesque lake district. Relax and listen to the soundtrack or sing along to the famous songs and lyrics.

You will stop in Mondsee for approximately one hour where you will have free time to explore Mondsee Cathedral and the setting of the famous film wedding! You can also explore this beautiful Austrian town at leisure and we recommend stopping by Mrs Browns cafe to taste the best crisp apple strudel in Mondsee. The rest of the evening is free for you.

Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 9 : Salzburg

Salzburg is very famous for its Ice caves. This is a tour we very strongly recommend you do and is hence an optional for you. Today you visit the largest Ice Caves in the world. Your tour meanders south along the picturesque Salzach Valley towards the idyllic village ofWerfen, taking in historic monuments, sheer mountain passes and the most imposing castle in middle Europe. Castle Werfen was made famous in the movie - "Where Eagles Dare". To reach the cave, you combine walking (a safe and wonderful way to enjoy the Alps close up) and a cable car. The Eisriesenwelt is the worlds largest ice cave. You will enter this natural wonder with your guide, who will explain the labyrinths of large caverns, mysterious ice figures and give many added tales of adventure, to make your experience unforgettable.

Important Note: You will need walking shoes, warm clothes and should be prepared for uphill walking. The climb to the ice caves is 134 meters, which is equivalent to climbing the stairs in a high block of apartments. Each individual should decide for themselves whether he or she is physically able to complete the climb. The beauty and breathtaking dimensions of the cave provide plenty of reward for the effort! Although the speed of the guided tour is tailored to the group, we advise those with serious walking difficulties or heart circulation problems not to visit the caves

Day 10 : Salzburg - Vienna

Further to breakfast this morning, its time to head to the train station and board the train taking you to Vienna. Upon arrival make your way to the hotel and check in. Relax and enjoy the evening in Vienna walking around the Mariahilferstrasse with its vibrant shops or spend time at any of the Viennese cafes sipping the famous coffee and treat yourself to the typical Sacher tortes. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 11 : Vienna

Post breakfast this morning its time to take a city tour visiting the famous Schonbrunn Palace and gardens. Visit the chambers and admire the awe inspiring architecture. Later in the afternoon we recommend you spend time at the Prater amusement park that is great fun for the entire family. Another recommendation is for you to attend the Viennese Horse Dance that is so magnificent, Else there is one more recommendation for you which is the ability of witnessing the world Mozart Opera ( depending on your dates in Vienna and the day of the week). Overnight in Vienna.

Day 12 : Vienna

Wake up to breakfast this morning and spend the day experiencing the Viennese Woods, Mayerling and the Seagrotte. A perfect way to unwind and end your holiday. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 13 : Departure

Your holiday comes to an end today as you head to the airport for your flight back home.