Austria | Czech Republic and Austria Walking
Guided Walking with premier accommodation
Starting with Prague, a true gem of Eastern Europe, a bustling culture and dramatic architecture that inspires at every turn. Head south and the Czech Republic reveals itself one quiet village at a time. Hearty meals. Earnest people eager to share stories. Stretches of quiet road. Simple farmland. Raw beauty. Cross the Danube and speed through time. You'll encounter Austria's stark, jagged peaks. And a joy in the countryside, the people, and in the culture. It's amazing the contrast of these neighboring European countries.
| Duration: | 6 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW406 |
| Trip Style: | Deluxe - 5 star |
| Departure Dates: | 20 May 2012, 03 Jun 2012, 01 Jul 2012, 22 Jul 2012, 08 Aug 2012, 09 Sep 2012, 23 Sep 2012, 02 Oct 2012 |
| Price: | From $3,860 |
| Single Supplement: | $920 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
SINGLES+SOLOS DEPARTURE ON 8 AUGUST - For solo travellers only.
This trip is about embracing what life has to offer, living the experience as it unfolds and at the same time creating memories that will last forever. About half of the people who travel on this trip are between the ages of 35 and 55. Older and younger travellers are also well represented. The average group size is 16 and there is a mix of solo travellers, families and couples. They'll exhibit a diversity of interests and occupations and share a love of active travel and the outdoors.
If you would like a roommate, we will endeavor to pair you with one (same gender). If you sign up more than 95 days in advance of departure and no roommate is available, 50% of the private room charge will be due at final payment. Should a roommate be found before your trip departs, the private room charge will be refunded. If you sign up less than 95 days in advance of departure and no roommate is available, the full private room charge will apply. If a roommate is found before your trip departs, the private room charge will be refunded. On some trips, twin room availability is limited; a private room charge applies if a shared room is not available, regardless of the number of days before departure. Please note that in Europe, single rooms are often smaller than double rooms.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 16 average
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1
Gentle pastoral strolls to picture-perfect villages in the Czech Republic. Walk from a 13th century monastery through rolling pastureland, evergreen forests and roads lined by fruit trees in southern Bohemia.
Day 2
Historian-led visit of enchanting Český Krumlov, an incredible World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, Baroque and Renaissance houses, vaulted passageways and hidden squares. Hike into the hills for sweeping city views.
Days 3-4
Journey to Austria to discover a second intriguing country and culture. Ascend by cable car from Traunsee (one of Austria's deepest lakes) to Feuerkogel peak, where a heavenly hike with stunning vistas await. When better to taste apfelstrudel, the delicious signature highland dish, than mid-trek at a cozy alpine hut. A walking tour of the tiny, World Heritage site town of Hallstatt reveals ancient salt-mining roots. Amble among cascading waterfalls.
Days 5-6
Dramatic alpine treks to castles and glacier-carved valleys. Ride a cog train from the storybook village of St. Wolfgang up Schafberg Mountain - you won't want to miss this photo op! Schuhplattler dancers treat us to a lively performance. Hike to St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother. Stretch your legs on a leisurely walk around Fuschlsee, a beautiful lake sheltered by pine-clad hills.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1
Shuttle to Zlata Koruna 2½ Hrs
Ceský Krumlov Walk 5.7 Miles (100ft elevation gain)
Krumlov Hrad Castle Tour 1 Hr
We highly recommend spending time in the city of Prague, our meeting place, before or after your trip. Of all the major European capitals, only Prague remained largely untouched by both world wars, and as a result the city's wealth of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings has remained incredibly intact. With its graceful spires, spacious plazas, magnificent cathedrals and charming houses, the city shines as an architectural museum.
The heart of Prague is Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti), a dazzling space in the middle of the medieval quarter. During the 15th century, this area was the focal point of conflict between the Hussites and the Catholics, and it was here that Jan Hus, the Czech national hero, was burned at the stake. Although the square's physical appearance has changed little over the centuries, its festive ambience is decidedly contemporary, thanks to cheery open air cafés each replete with a klatch of cappuccino swilling hipsters, throngs of wide-eyed tourists and a lively array of vendors and artists.
We shuttle from Prague to the town of Zlata Koruna and enjoy a picnic at a 13th Century monastery. After lunch, we set out on foot up through the wooded hills along quiet roads and trails. After a long, fairly steep stretch, we begin our descent into Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site. It is one of the most stunning and perfectly restored towns in the region, with 82% of its buildings registered as cultural monuments. The town's roads and trails are pedestrian only cobblestone streets, which wind through the medieval centre, past Baroque and Renaissance houses, shops, cafés and hidden squares, and across the Vltava River (also known by its German name, the Moldau).
You'll immediately notice Krumlov Hrad, the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, whose ornately painted tower, like a pastel coloured rocket, dominates the skyline. The entire complex of this 13th Century Gothic castle is a World Heritage site, and its incredible Baroque gardens are some of the largest in Central Europe.
We tour the castle before continuing to Hotel Ruze, our home for the next two nights. The interior of this former monastery and university has been extensively restored to showcase the Italian Renaissance décor, and the indoor pool and sunny terrace overlooking the Vltava provide peaceful spots for relaxing during our stay. Following a cocktail reception and brief trip orientation, we dine at the hotel's restaurant and toast our first day in Bohemia.
Lodging: Hotel Ruze
DAY 2
Pridoli Hike 3.5 Miles (700ft elevation gain)
Longer Option: 8.6 Miles (750ft elevation gain)
Q&A with Czech Historian 45 minutes
Walking tour of Ceský Krumlov 45 minutes
After breakfast we hike through forests and fields, and over rolling hills toward the small town of Pridoli. Mingle with locals at a café while sipping cappuccino and enjoying a pastry before it's time to return to Ceský Krumlov. You're welcome to shuttle back, but if you've just gotten warmed up, you won't be disappointed in our invigorating return route along country roads that snake through fields and small housing enclaves. Back in town, you're on your own for lunch before we meet up with local Czech historian Helena Nechlebova, who presents an informal Q&A on her country's history and culture, and then leads us on an informative walking tour of Ceský Krumlov.
Tonight's dinner at U Dubroka is a favorite. The food is delicious and the atmosphere festive, but it is the warm hospitality of owners Alois and Judita that makes this a special evening. Bring a sweater because it tends to get a chilly in the restaurant, or perhaps a dose of local spirits will do the trick, which Alois always has at the ready. You can sample a wonderful array of grilled specialties while listening to a group of local folk musicians.
Lodging: Hotel Ruze
DAY 3
Shuttle to Ebensee 2½ Hrs
Feuerkogel Peak to Peak Hike 4.1 Miles (400ft elevation gain)
Longer Option: 4.7 Miles (400ft elevation gain)
Shuttle to Gmunden 30 Mins
Peaks to Lakeside Hike 1.2 Miles
This morning we bid farewell to the Czech Republic and shuttle to the Austrian Alps and the charming town of Ebensee, located on the south side of Traunsee (Lake Traun), in Austria's beautiful lakes region. You'll notice the shift in scenery and terrain immediately as we leave the Czech Republic's mellow, pastoral landscapes for the alpine vistas of Austria.
From town, we take the cable car to the Feuerkogel Plateau to begin our hike, which leads past several mountain huts that serve frosty beverages and sweet treats. Just past the huts, the trail gradually climbs to Alberfeldkogel, one of the plateau's most scenic spots with sweeping views of the Dachstein's rocky snowcapped peaks and the sparkling blue lakes of the Saltzkammergut region. When you're ready, continue hiking to Mount Helmeskogel via a route that presents the spectacular fjord-like landscape in all its glory.
If you feel like tackling the longer option, be prepared for a steep downhill as you hike back to the gondola, passing more mountain huts along the way. We return by cable car to Ebensee and shuttle to the resort town of Gmunden for a stroll along the Traunsee's shore to SchlossHotel Freisitz Roith, a 16th century castle above the lake.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the town: walk along the esplanade, go for a late afternoon swim at the lake or shop. Gmunden is known for its distinctive ceramics, which you'll see in faience (opaque colored glazes) and green flamed pottery. Then end the day with a relaxing meal of Austrian specialties at a local restaurant or café.
Lodging: SchlossHotel Freisitz Roith
DAY 4
Shuttle to Hallstatt 1 Hour
Waterfall Hike 3.2 Miles (300ft elevation gain)
Hallstatt Walking Tour 1½ Hrs
Shuttle to Salzburg 45 Mins
This morning we travel to the postcard-perfect village of Hallstatt, a World Heritage site. The salt mines here are the oldest operational mines in the world, dating over 7,000 years. The industry's influence on everything from the architecture to the natural landscape is still evident today. Here we embark on a glorious hike through the wide Echerntal Valley in an area known as Gletschergarten, or Glacier garden. The trail through the valley, formed over 12,000 years ago by glaciers, was named in honour of Fredrich Simony, a well known glaciologist and mountaineer. Throughout the hike you'll be treated to great views. From the top of Waldbachstrub, you'll see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Eastern Alps a wonderful vantage point to take in the Hallstattersee below.
After you enjoy lunch on your own at a restaurant in town, we learn about Hallstatt's rich history on a private guided tour. Then we shuttle to the elegant Hotel Schloss Fuschl, a fairy tale castle located about 30 minutes outside of Salzburg. Its location on the peninsula jutting out into the Fuschlsee Lake affords gorgeous lake views. The hotel's new spa facility is outstanding for a real treat, schedule a massage out on the jetty.
This evening we enjoy a Schuhplattler dance presentation before sitting down to a feast of Austrian delicacies at the hotel's restaurant. This lively folk dance of Bavaria and Austria was traditionally performed as a display of courtship and dates to the mid 19th century.
Lodging: Hotel Schloss Fuschl
DAY 5
Shuttle to/from St Wolfgang 1½ Hrs Round Trip
St Wolfgang to Schafberg Bahn Route 1.1 Miles
Cog Train Ride to/from Schafbergspitze 1½ Hrs Round Trip
Apfel Strudel Burnoff Hike 4.9 Miles (500ft elevation gain)
Shorter Option: 3.5 Miles with Ferry
After breakfast, we shuttle to the storybook town of St Wolfgang, a popular summer resort. The village's virtually traffic free centre is dominated by the 15th century Pilgrimage Church, which features a stunning Gothic winged altarpiece. Then it's a short walk to the train station, where we board the Schafberg Bahn steam cog train, which celebrated its 115th anniversary in 2008. Our destination is the top of Mount Schafberg for lunch and spectacular views of the mountain lake's crystal-clear waters.
We return by train to the base of the mountain for a hike along the pilgrimage trail of the Wolfgangsee, past several shrines and a beautiful church built into the mountainside. The hike ends in the resort town of St Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother and the setting for many scenes from The Sound of Music.
If you prefer a shorter option, you can take a ferry across the lake. Back at the hotel, you'll have one last chance to indulge in a spa treatment. This evening we gather for a farewell toast followed by a delicious dinner if you're a fish lover, try the catch of the day, fresh from the Fuschlsee.
Lodging: Hotel Schloss Fuschl
DAY 6
Fuschlsee Walk 2.8 Miles with Shuttle (65ft elevation gain)
Shuttle to Salzburg Train Station 40 Mins
This morning we shuttle into Fuschl, a picturesque village set amid a nature reserve and an idyllic lakeside retreat for Salzburg residents. Pine-clad hills shelter the lake, which offers several secluded bays as well as calm beaches ideal for swimming. Stretch your legs on an easy walk along the shore, taking in the stunning views of the castle. The trail leads back to the hotel, where you can check out the castle's fishery, famous for its trout and char. You might even want to visit the gift shop to pick up smoked fish, chocolates or jam to bring back as souvenirs for friends.
You'll have time to pack up and say goodbye to your Trip Leaders before a private coach shuttles you to Salzburg, a city that epitomises what we love about Austria: preserved Baroque architecture, pristine subalpine scenery, rich history, high culture and an extraordinary music heritage.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Ruze, Český Krumlov (2 nights)
A former Jesuit monastery from the 16th century, with a perfect location in the town's center. (pool)
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt, Hallstatt (1 night)
An exclusive retreat composed of three historic houses overlooking spectacular Hallstatt Lake in the Salzkammergut region. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (spa)
Hotel Schloss Fuschl, Fuschl (2 nights)
Set on a wooded promontory on Lake Fuschl, this castle was built as the country residence of the archbishops of Salzburg in 1450. (pool, spa, golf)
Inclusions
- All accommodation
- All meals except for 2 lunches and 1 dinner
- Expertise and services of experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Private guided tours as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Water bottle
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
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