Austria is a land of mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes and this tour will show you a wonderful variety of landscapes. Experience one of the most scenic parts of Europe as we wend our way through the valleys on a traditional steam train, and sail on the crystal clear waters of Lake Achensee. The ever popular Plankenhof Hotel is again offering all-inclusive hospitality which includes breakfast, packed lunch and dinner with unlimited soft drinks, draught beer, house wine, schnapps and liqueurs between 12am and 10pm.

ITINERARY

Day 1 This morning we travel to Dover for our morning ferry to Calais. We then travel through the French countryside and into Germany and Saarlouis to our overnight hotel.

Day 2 Leaving our hotel, we continue our drive through Germany and cross the border into Austria reaching the Hotel Plankenhof in time for a welcome drink before dinner.

Day 3 After a leisurely breakfast, we head for Innsbruck, the capital of the region. Free time will allow you to explore the centre and see the famous ‘Golden Roof’. We then visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a fascinating multimedia gallery housed in 14 subterranean chambers featuring the work of many artists and all centred on crystal. There is, of course, a chance to buy your own special souvenirs.

Day 4 A delightful day today as we drive to Jenbach in the Inn Valley and join the Achenseebahn Steam Train as it travels up the steep climb to Eben at Lake Achensee. This is the oldest rack and pinion steam locomotive in the world and the views are spectacular. On reaching the beautiful lake, we take to the water and enjoy a boat trip on the crystal clear water. We then visit Rattenberg, set on the River Inn. This quaint medieval town is the smallest in the Tyrol and is famed for its beautiful glassware.

Day 5 A free day for you to relax and enjoy the tiny village of Pill. Local buses pass the door for Schwaz, and another bus takes you to a mountain village high above the hotel. There will be musical entertainment this evening.

Day 6 We travel through the wonderful scenery of the Salzach Valley and visit the world famous Krimml Waterfalls. With three main expanses of falls connected by gushing river rapids, this is an inspiring sight. We return via the beautiful chocolate box town of Kitzbühel, nestled between the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Hannenkahm Mountains, and filled with cobbled streets lined with brightly coloured historic merchant’s houses, as well as quaint shops and cafés. This evening we have live music and dancing after dinner.

Day 7 We travel north into Bavaria to the island of Herreninsel on the Chiemsee Lake to visit the splendid castle of Herrenchiemsee. In 1873 King Ludwig II of Bavaria acquired the Herreninsel as the location for his Royal Palace. Modelled on Versailles, this palace was built as a “Temple of Fame” for King Louis XIV of France, whom the Bavarian monarch fervently admired. We take a short boat trip over to the island and have included a guided tour of the castle. Tonight we enjoy a candle-lit dinner.

Day 8 After breakfast our homeward journey begins, travelling through Germany and the Black Forest, into France and to Metz for our overnight stop.

Day 9 Making our way today through France, we arrive in Calais for the late afternoon ferry to Dover and our return to the local area.