Steve Austin's
       Great Vacations
       20470 S. Hidden Creek Lane, Colton, Oregon  97017
         1-800-452-8434      Office: (503) 824-4079    Fax: (503) 824-4081
        email:  steveaustin@colton.com

SWITZERLAND/AUSTRIA/SLOVENIA
from MOUNTAINS to LAKES
11 day Walk & Tour
+ VENICE add on

Departure Date:  July 12- July 22, 2010
Tour Price:
$3,470Twin Occupancy
$1,100 Single Supplement 
Air is not included (rates available)

Spectacular scenery and some of the most delightful walking can be found on this program.  We start in the mountains of the Bernese Oberland then onto the Austrian Lake District of the Salzkemmergut and conclude with the lakes and mountains of Slovenia.  All offer magnificent panoramas of mountains, lakes and enchanting villages.  Our walking schedule is a very low impact program with high mountain trails and classic lakeside walks.  Our hotels offer a complete range of amenities and compliment the surroundings with their old world charm.  During our strolls we’ll get to enjoy visits to Salt Mines, Funiculars, Cog Rail and Lake Steamers.  Scheduled to enjoy the reliable summer weather this tour will allow plenty of time for lakeside swimming and lounging as well as visits to idyllic villages and small towns.  To round off your tour you can add a two or three night visit to Venice.

                                         ITINERARY

Day 1   July 12   12 Noon pick-up at Zurich’s International Airport with transfer to Grindelwald.  Remaining afternoon at leisure in Grindelwald  This evening get acquainted cocktails before dinner at our hotel.

Day 2   July 13   A combination of chair lifts and funicular takes us across pastures and hills.  We walk from village to village high above the Lauterbrunnen valley then drop back down to the valley floor by gondola.  Dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 3   July 14   Today a classic walk above Grindelwald.  The stunning scenery makes this a very special day.   Our trail starts high on the mountain then eventually takes us to the valley floor.  Highlights include mountain lakes, alpine flowers and scenery that includes views across to the the Eiger and Jungfrau plus lunch at a remote mountain inn.  This evening is party night in the village with bands, folk dancing and local ‘swiss mountain’food.

Day 4   July 15   We start the second leg of our journey. First we visit Lucerne then following lunch travel east across Switzerland to the German resort town of Lindau on Lake Constance.  This evening is at leisure to enjoy this lovely town.

Day  5   July 16   Today we continue east with a pleasant drive through the Austrian Tyrol.  Our lunch stop is at Innsbruck where we  have time to visit the famous ‘old town’ centre.  This afternoon we arrive on the shores of Saint Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut.  The small village of Strobl will be our home for the next three days. Dinner is at our classic hotel on the lakeshore.

Day  6   July 17   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  7   July 18   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 ‘wayferers’ chalet.  Our walk resumes across pleasant fields returning to Gmunden.  Dinner this evening is back at our hotel.

Day  8   July 19   The third 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  9   July 20    The area around Bled is a mix of mountains, valleys and  lakes.  Today we’ll take a walk in a high valley, visiting some remote villages while gradually working our way through the valley.  The panoramas are stunning at every turn.  This evening is at leisure in Bled.

Day 10   July 21   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.  Our special farewell dinner tonight is at our hotel.

Day 11   July 22   This morning we depart for Venice International Airport for your return to the USA or your continuing travels.  

Most of our clients choose to visit Venice for at least two nights.  We will be happy to make all   arrangements and set up tours for you.  Call us or email us for more details. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:  Early summer warm days.  Each country has its own distinct foods and preparation and we choose restaurants that reflect the best of each area, wine is included.  Hotels are all first class and natural to each environment – Mountain chalet style in Switzerland, lakeside converted farm house in the Salzkammergut and lakeside resort hotel in Bled.  Transportation is by small nine seat, air conditioned vans.

WALKING LEVEL:  Short walks of approximately 4 miles and medium walks of 6-7 miles.  Generally we follow a medium walking day with a short walking day.  There is the odd uphill sections but of no great distance and a normal reasonably fit persons should be able to easily handle all the walks.  Should you get tired there are ‘quit’ points along most all of the trails.

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:  All first class accommodations based on twin occupancy (single supplements available); breakfasts and daily dinners or lunches including wine; air conditioned van transportation with driver/guide; entries as per itinerary; airport transfers; taxes and tips.

Home      Brian Redman's Racers Symposium   Monaco Historics        Goodwood Revival        

London to Bright Veteran Car Run         Italian Cooking Tour        Ports of Call        Dorset & Wessex

Provence & the French Riviera        Switzerland/Austria/Slovenia    New York Theatre

20470 S. Hidden Creek,  Colton  OR  97017     Tel:  (503) 824-4079    Fax: (503) 824-4081    Email:  steveaustin@colton.com 
 Toll Free:  1-800-452-8434  

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