Bad Ischl & Austrian Lake District

Day One

We depart from our Henley and travel to Dover for the crossing to Calais. On arrival in France, we continue through the scenic countryside of northern and eastern France towards our overnight hotel, Novotel Saint Avold.

Day Two

After breakfast, we continue our journey eastwards, crossing into Germany and travelling through picturesque landscapes towards Baden-Württemberg. Arriving at the Mercure Stuttgart Sindelfingen an der Messe, we check in for our overnight stay.

Day Three

This morning we continue south through Bavaria and into Austria, passing magnificent mountain scenery as we approach the beautiful Salzkammergut region. Arriving in the charming spa town of Bad Ischl, we check into the Hotel Goldenes Schiff, our home for the next five nights.

Day Four

Today is free to enjoy Bad Ischl at your own pace. Once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the town is renowned for its elegant architecture, pleasant riverside setting and rich imperial heritage. Browse the attractive shops and cafés, visit the famous Kaiservilla or simply soak up the atmosphere of this delightful Austrian resort.

Day Five

We enjoy a full day excursion to Salzburg, one of Austria's most beautiful and historic cities. Birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg boasts a wonderful collection of baroque architecture, charming squares and elegant shopping streets. Enjoy free time to explore highlights such as Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral and the beautiful Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day Six

Today's excursion takes us to the stunning shores of Lake Wolfgang. We begin in the picturesque village of St Wolfgang, famous for its traditional Austrian charm, colourful buildings and beautiful lakeside setting. Later we continue to St Gilgen, another attractive resort nestled beside the lake, where there is time to explore and relax. Returning to Bad Ischl, we enjoy a scenic drive along the western shoreline of Lake Wolfgang via Strobl, taking in some of the region's most spectacular views.

Day Seven

Today we explore some of the breathtaking landscapes featured in The Sound of Music. Our journey takes us through the magnificent countryside of the Salzkammergut to Mondsee, where you'll find the famous church featured in the film's wedding scene. After time to explore this attractive lakeside town, we continue to Gmunden on Lake Traunsee. Known for its elegant promenade, historic buildings and stunning lake and mountain scenery, Gmunden is one of the region's most picturesque destinations.

Day Eight

We bid farewell to Austria and begin our journey home. Travelling through Austria and southern Germany, we return to the Mercure Stuttgart Sindelfingen an der Messe for an overnight stay.

Day Nine

Following breakfast, we continue westwards through Germany and back into France. Later we arrive at the Novotel Saint Avold where we enjoy our final overnight stay before returning to the UK.

Day Ten

This morning we complete the final stage of our journey to Calais and board the crossing to Dover. On arrival in England, we continue to Henley, bringing to a close this memorable Austrian Lake District holiday.