GRAND TOUR OF AUSTRIA

Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck

ITINERARY:

1 MUNICH, GERMANY.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to see some of Munich. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

2 MUNICH - LAKE CHIEMSEE - SALZBURG.
Sometimes dubbed Germany's "Secret Capital," Munich is a captivating mix of traditional Bavarian charm and modern chic, a city simply bursting with Gemutlichkeit-a jovial atmosphere typified by its famous beer halls and breweries. Today, enjoy an included orientation drive of this magnificent city with stops to admire its splendid Marienplatz Square, Old and New Town Halls, and the twintowered gothic Frauenkirche. This afternoon, journey to beautiful Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria's largest lake, before continuing to Mozart's charming birthplace of Salzburg. Immortalized as the film location of The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a feast for the eyes with its charming streets, palaces, and churches set beneath an imposing 11th-century castle. Take a fascinating tour of the city this morning, ambling through its historic centre to marvel at its magnificent Domplatz Cathedral, Residenzplatz, Festival Hall, and medieval Getreidegasse, the cobbled street housing the building where Mozart was born, which is now a museum. Perhaps even sample one of Salzburg's famous Mozartkugel chocolates. (B,D)

3 SALZBURG - MELK - VIENNA.
This morning, on the way to Vienna, stop at the 1,000-year-old Melk Abbey, where there's time to soak up the splendors of this building standing high on a hill above the Danube. From here, follow the banks of the Danube through the stunning Wachau Valley, passing rich vineyards, fairytale castles, and villages such as Durnstein, where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Arrive in Vienna, Austria's glittering capital, in the late afternoon for a 2-night stay. (B)

4 VIENNA.
Once the seat of the mighty Habsburg Empire and home to Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart, Vienna blends ornate baroque architecture with an irresistible musical heritage-you can almost hear the strains of classical music as you stroll its streets. There's much to enthrall you today: admire the fabulous State Opera House, Hofburg Palace, and Parliament House amidst other monuments before visiting the superb 12th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later, why not try some of Vienna's heavenly Sachertorte at a traditional coffee house or enjoy a horsedrawn Fiaker carriage ride This afternoon, don't miss the optional excursion to the exquisite Schonbrunn Palace. Surrounded by glorious gardens and once home to Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa, this breathtaking palace is best known for its Hall of Mirrors, where Mozart once played, and the spectacular ceiling frescoes of its Great Gallery. Tonight, experience an optional world-class classical concert at the Hofburg Palace. (B)

5 VIENNA - SEMMERING PASS - GRAZ.
Sit back and soak up the stunning mountain scenery of the Styrian Alps this morning as you cross famed Semmering Pass towards Graz, Austria's second-largest city. This afternoon, why not join the optional guided tour to savour the many charms of this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to six universities. Admire its quaint, narrow cobbled streets and alleyways, impressive castle, and medieval main square, the Hauptplatz, with its famous painted Gemaltes Haus covered with frescoes of Roman gods. (B)

6 GRAZ - GROSSGLOCKNER PASS - KITZBUHEL - INNSBRUCK.
This morning, more scenic wonders await with your journey through pretty Klagenfurt and around Lake Worth to the Grossglockner Pass. This breathtaking pass is the highest in Austria and one of the most spectacular in Europe, with thrilling views of 12,460-foot Grossglockner Mountain, lush dairy pastures, and picturesque villages. Once through the pass, continue on to the lakeside resort of Zell am See in the heart of wonderful Hohe Tauern National Park. From there, on to the picture-book medieval town of Kitzbuhel with its classic Tyrolean chalets and beautiful cobbled centre dating back to the 9th century. Later, travel to Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's wondrous Tyrol, for an overnight stay. (B,D)

7 INNSBRUCK - MUNICH, GERMANY.
Surrounded by towering peaks, Innsbruck is undoubtedly one of Austria's prettiest cities, and there's plenty of time this morning to explore its charms and delightful streets. Admire the resplendent Golden Roof, a 15th-century goldand copper-roofed balcony built to provide Emperor Maximilian I with a royal box for viewing tournaments in the square below, and marvel at the handsome Hofburg Palace. Before leaving for Munich, take the opportunity for some lastminute shopping-maybe snap up some legendary Swarovski crystal! (B)

8 MUNICH.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)