Austria

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Salzburg:Fortress Hoehensalzburg and River Salzach

Once we arrive in Salzburg we take the cog wheel train to the Fortress Hoehensalzburg at a height of 1600 metres. Below, the glaciated waters of the River Salzach divides the “old” and the “new” city. Baroque churches, spires, and fountains line the streets of old Salzburg and the Alps rise beyond the city.

Salzkammergut: Austrian Alps and Hallstatt

A day to enjoy the beautiful lakes and mountains of the Austrian Alps on our way to Halstatt, a destination such extraordinary beauty and cultural significance was declared a World Heritage in 1997. While there we travel 800 metres up the mountain to delve into its undergrounds caves, where you will be dazzled by the natural wonder of the Halstatt Saltmines. On the way we stop at Gosau where we ascend in the Cable Car to have a panoramic view from Dachstein.

Salzburg: Hellbrunn Castle, Mirabell Gardens and Salzburger Marionettentheater

Start the day off at Hellbrunn Castle, a highlight of any tour of Salzburg. Built between 1613 and 1615, the palace offers spectacular views of Salzburg. But what set it apart are the pleasure grounds and trick fountains to the west of the main palace built specifically for Prince Archbishop. Be careful if you stood up during a dinner hosted by his pre-eminence as you would find yourself drenched by one of the sculptures in the nearby fountains! From there we will visit Mirabell Gardens. Do you hear the singing? This is where Maria and the Trapp Family danced around the statue of Pegasus, in the Sound of Music singing “Doe a deer, a female deer, Re – a drop of golden sun…” After lunch we enjoy the delights of the Salzburger Marionettentheater, “a large theatre with little actors”, to learn more about this traditional art form.

Werfen: HOHENWERFEN CASTLE and EISRIESENWELT ICE CAVES

Hohenwerfen Castle is just 30 minutes from Salzburg and was built by the wealthy Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century to protect the city against its enemies. An imposing fortress on dangling atop an impressive promontory, the castle features a weapons museum and the newly renovated Princes’ rooms. From there we will visit the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves, which are some of the largest known to man. Located in the Tennengebirge Mountains, these spectacular caves stretch for some 40 kilometres. Although, only some of the caves are open to tourists, there is ample to explore in this icy otherworldly landscape.

SALZBURG: Mozart Residence and Getreidegasse

This morning we look at Salzburg through Mozart’s Eyes looking at the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque cityscape that would have been his backdrop in the 18th century. After our city tour we will visit the newly reopened Mozart Residence on the Makart Square and a bit of shopping at The Getreidegasse, one of the most charming shopping districts in all of Europe.