Day 1 - London to Cologne
Meet your group and Tour Manager at our London St Pancras Departure Office, where we board our Eurostar train to Brussels. From Brussels, we continue to Cologne, where we overnight. Overnight Cologne, Germany. (Eurostar meal (First Class only), D)
Day 2 - Cologne to St. Johann
Our journey continues, as we join the direct service to Munich and enjoy the comforts of First Class and Germany's efficient railroad network as the vast and varied landscapes speed by. From Munich, we join the regional service (Standard Class) to Wörgl, where we disembark the train and board a private coach for the last leg of our journey to St. Johann in Tirol. Nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, the spellbinding scenery takes your breath away. Our base in St. Johann is the welcoming Park Hotel. Take some time to settle in and enjoy the scenery ahead of dinner tonight. Overnight St. Johann. (B, D)
Day 3 - At leisure in St. Johann
Spend the day exploring the beautiful St. Johann in Tirol at leisure. Soak in the pleasant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the quintessential Alpine surroundings. Throughout the village, pretty pastel-colored, traditional Alpine hut buildings are adorned with colorful flower boxes and views of the quaint Maria Himmellfahrt church in the town center adds a special ambiance. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around town, or perhaps visit the museum detailing the history of the region. You will also have the option to take a guided electric-bike tour of the St. Johann area.
Our hotel is also ideally based for sojourns into the mountains and is within walking distance of St. Johann's two cable cars. The ascents alone are incredibly scenic, and from the summit, unparalleled panoramas of the Tyrol leave you in awe. There are also numerous hiking trails in varying degrees of difficulty to explore. Overnight St. Johann. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Grossglockner Panorama and Heiligenblut
After breakfast this morning, we travel north into nearby Salzkammergut by coach and begin our journey to Hohe Tauern National Park for a true highlight of our tour, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
First opened in 1935, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road has progressed from a convenient mountain pass and impressive feat of engineering to one of Austria's premier tourist destinations - and it is easy to see why. Plunging ravines, glacial lakes,- vibrant meadows and rugged peaks are in abundance as we traverse the snaking road, which is crowned by Austria's highest mountain and glacier of the same name, the Grossglockner. Our excursion is dotted with scenic viewing points, all of which allow unrestricted photo opportunities. At the end of the road is the enchanting village of Heiligenblut. Although its most distinctive feature is the Gothic St Vinzenz pilgrimage church, it is actually the historical site of the only gold-digging settlement in the Alps. Enjoy time to explore the village on your own before we return to our hotel. Overnight St. Johann. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - The Zillertalbahn Railroad to Mayrhofen
A full day of adventure lies ahead as we make our way to Jenbach by coach and then board the narrow-gauge Zillertalbahn Railroad. This railway, which opened in 1902, follows a 19-mile (31-kilometer) route through the dramatic Ziller Valley. We travel in beautifully restored four-wheeled carriages and enjoy panoramas of lush green pastures and charming remote villages filled with half-timbered houses and traditional chalets as we make our way to Mayrhofen at the head of the valley. We disembark the train here and enjoy leisure time to meander through the village’s cobbled streets in search of pretty pavement cafés and unique shops. Alternatively, take a cable car higher into the mountains, and enjoy the panoramic vistas from the summit. Overnight St. Johann. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Zell am See
This morning, we travel to Zell am See by rail (Standard Class). This beautiful town has an idyllic location between Lake Zell and Hohe Tauern National Park and offers a juxtaposition of history and modern conveniences. Here, we have the option to either enjoy a leisurely boat ride across the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Zell, all the way, admiring the stunning scenery. Gaze upon lush forests and undulating hills, and marvel at the towering mountains beyond the treeline or perhaps enjoy a guided walk around Lake Zell. The remainder of the day is yours to explore picturesque Zell am See independently. Perhaps visit the town’s historic center or stroll along the attractive lakefront promenade. Quaint cafés dot the sidewalks, and the town’s fountains enhances the local charm. You may wish to take a cable car up Schmittenhöhe Mountain, which towers over Lake Zell, to admire the wonderful views from the summit. Overnight St. Johann. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Salzburg
Our day is highlighted by a visit to one of Austria’s most beloved cities, Salzburg. This city is famous internationally as the birthplace of Mozart and as the setting for “The Sound of Music”; however, there is much more to discover. Upon arrival, a guided tour of the city takes us to the iconic Getreidegasse, the Residenz and the magnificent Mirabell Gardens.
Following the tour, spend your afternoon at leisure discovering this dynamic destination. Old Town is truly a joy to discover, with its beautifully preserved buildings and rich history. There is also the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers a superb vantage point for looking out over Salzberg, the turquoise Salzach River and the verdant hills beyond. You may also like to visit the ultra-modern Hangar-7 and view its collection of aircraft and Formula One race cars. There are breweries, museums and markets to explore and a vibrant art scene that caters to modern and traditional artists.
Tonight, we return to St. Johann to enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight St. Johann. (B, L, D)
Days 8 – Homeward Bound
After breakfast this morning, we travel to Wörgl (Standard Class) before continuing on to Munich. As you disembark the train in Munich, you are free to make your way to the airport for your flight home (flights should be scheduled after 5 p.m.). (B)
Destination & Sightseeing
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