AUSTRIA & SLOVENIA
`Scenic Lakes of Central Europe'
9 day Walk & Tour
Departure Date: July 19- July 27, 2011
Tour Price:
$3,140 Twin Occupancy
$1,100 Single Supplement
Early Bird Booking: (book by Feb. 28)
$2,780 Twin Occupancy
$1,100 Single Supplement
Air is not included (rates available) Some of the most spectacular scenery and some of the most delightful walking can be found on this program. The Salzkammergut, Worthersee and Bled offer magnificent panoramas of mountains, lakes and enchanting villages. Our walking schedule is a very low impact program with mainly classic lakeside walks. Our hotels reflect the countryside. During our strolls we’ll get to enjoy Funiculars, Cog Rail and Lake Steamers. Scheduled to enjoy the reliable summer weather plus the long summer days this tour will allow plenty of time for lakeside lounging as well as visits to idyllic villages and small towns. To round off our program we end at Venice, allowing for personal additions in this renowned city.
Day 1 July 19 12 Noon pick-up at Munich International Airport with transfer to Strobl on the St. Wolfgangsee. Remaining afternoon at leisure in Strobl. This evening get acquainted cocktails before dinner at our hotel.
 Day 2 July 20 This morning we stroll the trail that runs alongside Halstatter See. We are in the heart of the salt mining area and in the afternoon we cross the lake by steamer and take the funicular to the entrance of the mine. A little train takes us inside the mountain for a fascinating and fun visit. This evening dinner is in nearby Saint Wolfgang, a charming and historic town.
Day 3 July 21 Today we visit the city of Mozart, Salzburg. A walk along the old city defenses, now a nature park, offers fine views of the old town and surrounding hills. We drop down into the old center for a horse and buggy tour visiting the numerous squares and narrow lanes that lead into the famous parks and palaces that set this grand city apart. This evening we dine at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 4 July 22 Today’s walk takes us to the resort town of Gmunden on Traunsee. Here we take a gondola above Traunsee for the start of a forested walk that winds through the hillsides and into a remote valley. Lunch is at an old ‘wayfarers’ chalet. Our walk resumes across pleasant fields returning to Gmunden. This evening is at your leisure in St. Wolfgang.
Day 5 July 23 The second leg of our program starts today as we head south for Slovenia. Our destination is Lake Bled. Our modern hotel sits on the shoreline of this beautiful lake. The journey through southern Austria is by way of the less traveled minor roads with beautiful scenery. Dinner this evening is on the lake.
Day 6 July 24 We relax this morning with a ‘gondola’ boat ride out to the island on Lake Bled. There’s also time to stroll the lakeside path or shop in the small village center. This afternoon we visit and walk a nearby river canyon. Although a short walk it is nonetheless fascinating as the sides of the canyon are sheer and we navigate the river by boardwalks. The canyon is cool and the river crystal clear.
Day 7 July 25 This morning we cross back into Austria for a classic lake and forested walk on the Worthersee. This area is very popular for European families to enjoy the warm summer lakes. Lunch is at a small lakeside hostelry and then a relaxing ‘lake steamer’ boat ride on the Worthersee.
 Day 8 July 26 A drive up into the Slovenian mountains is rewarded with wonderful views and a pretty, short walk around a mountain lake. The tranquility of the forested hills and lakes are reminiscent of an earlier time. This evening our farewell dinner is back in Bled.
Day 9 July 27 This morning we depart for Venice International Airport for your return to the USA or your transfer into Venice. We can arrange for hotels and day tours/itineraries in Venice.
WALKING LEVEL : This is a very easy walking program with mainly short and flat walks around lakes.
Refundable deposit of $750 required to confirm booking (please see Booking and Tour information)
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