Current as of: July 4, 2019 - 14:29 Valid for departures: From April 10, 2018 to December 31, 2019

Self-Guided Walking in Mozart's Lake District Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Self-Guided 11 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Min age: 8 Leisurely / Moderate  Program: Walking & Trekking W10SZ

Trip Overview

The area ('s Lake District) is one of the most impressive regions in the heart of the country. Boasting 76 lakes and with a beautiful mountain backdrop, it's a perfect place to relax and let the calming atmosphere envelop you.

At a Glance  10 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation  5 Days walking  Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals  Services of your local Headwater Representative  Route directions and maps  Luggage transfers between hotels

 Countries visited:

Trip Highlights

 Relaxed walking through 'chocolate box' villages, with snow-capped peaks as a backdrop  Crystal-clear lakes, babbling streams, tranquil shores, secluded bays  Luxury **** hotels throughout; swimming opportunities every day  Picturesque waterfront villages, postcard-pretty castles and cobbled streets crammed with attractive frescoed houses  Varied rest day choices: Mozart's fairytale city of , lake cruises, water sports and mountain rail rides

Is This Trip for You?

Classification: Self-Guided Average daily distance on move on days: 15.4km (8.8miles). No. of days Walking: 5 Terrain: These walks are mainly easy and follow well marked routes, however there are some forested sections where the terrain is inclined and loose under foot.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

This 10-night self-guided walking holiday offers a selection of activities, where you'll enjoy a mix of spectacular scenic views, gentle shoreline routes, wooded forest trails and 'chocolate' box villages. There are also some great spots to stop off for a swim or dip your toes after a day's walking. The walks are relaxed, following mainly well-marked routes, and you can extend them on most days.

You'll spend three nights in the wonderful riverside spa town of - a favourite summer holiday retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph. Although it's almost 100 years since the emperor was last there, his presence is still felt in the region, and you can explore the Kaiservilla, his former holiday home. Other highlights include walking via the UNESCO village of Halstatt for picture-postcard views, the imperial spa, salt mines, ice cave, the Katrin cable car and the Siriuskogl viewing platform.

Stop off at the town of St Wolfgang, renowned for its beautiful C15 church (you can sit in the arched windows and enjoy your lunch al fresco from here), and hop on the antique cog railway up to the summit of the Schafberg for unrivalled Alpine views. Visit St Wolfgang's Pfarrkirche with its outstanding Baroque altar created by Michael Pacher and, at St Gilgen, enjoy a decadent coffee and Apfelstrudel. Not to mention a trip to Salzburg itself.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.

Adult min age: 18 Child min age: 8 Child max age: 17

Itinerary Land Only Start City: Bad Ischl End City: Mondsee

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Bad Ischl

Arrive at your 4-star hotel in the centre of Bad Ischl. (Staying at Hotel Goldens Schiff, Breakfast) Meals included: Breakfast Day 2 At Bad Ischl - Hallstatt Walk Today take a bus to the spectacular alpine village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest village in Austria. Take the panorama funicular railway up the mountain and visit the historical saltmine. Use the ferry to cross the lake and follow a beautiful walk to Bad Goisern before returning to Bad Ischl by train. (Staying at Hotel Goldens Schiff, Breakfast)

Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles Activity (hours): 3

Day 3 At Bad Ischl There is plenty to do today - explore pretty Bad Ischl itself, with its riverside location. Stroll along the esplanade and have coffee and cake in the world famous Zauner cafe, take in some of the imperial history (visit the Emperor's Villa and gardens) or relax in the EurothermenResort Thermal Baths. A trip to the nearby Dachstein Ice caves and spectacular 5 Finger Lookout is also an option. (Staying at Hotel Goldens Schiff, Breakfast)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 Bad Ischl to Today you can either walk (2km) or take the cable car from Bad Ischl to the summit of Katrin (1,393m). You'll enjoy fabulous 360 degree views of Traun and Hallstatter lakes, backed by the impressive Hollengebirge and Dachstein peaks. From here, your route takes you down the forested Katrin Pass. Tiny violet gentian flowers perfume your route as you pass Nussen Lake, a great picnic spot. Continue along the valley following the River Traun until you reach Strobl. Here you'll stay as guests of Frau Zopf and family at the elegant 4 star Hotel Bergrose. (Breakfast and evening meal)

Optional shorter walk: 4hrs, distance 16km/10mi

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 20 km / 13 miles Activity (hours): 6

Day 5 At Strobl The village of Strobl is fun-packed - there's a summer toboggan run, a wide range of water sports, cable car rides and a popular animal park. Take the cog railway to the top of Schafberg (lots of optional walks) or join one of the many hop-on, hop-off lake cruisers. There's also a natural beach for sunbathing. (Staying at Hotel Bergrose, Breakfast and evening meal)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 6 Strobl to St Wolfgang Today you'll take a path up into woodland before emerging to marvel at superb valley and mountain views. Continue to Schwarzensee in time for lunch at one of the restaurants, with panoramic views over the lake, or for a picnic on the lake shore. From here, head down along the Sattlweg via verdant meadows and pretty hamlets with a superb panorama, to Lake Wolfgang and your 4 star hotel with a private swimming area on the lake. (Staying at Strandhotel Margaretha, Breakfast and evening meal)

Optional shorter walk: 4hrs, distance 15km/9.5mi

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 18 km / 12 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 7 At St Wolfgang Explore the pretty town of St Wolfgang and the lake, with its stunning turquoise waters. The town is renowned for its beautiful 15th century church and frescoed houses, and you can also take the cog railway to the top of Schafberg. (Staying at Strandhotel Margaretha, Breakfast and evening meal)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 St Wolfgang to St Gilgen Take The Pilgrim's Way to the Falkenstein Chapel, built into the cliff face, then head on to the pretty hamlet of Winkl. Continue through archetypal Austrian meadow vistas and forest trails to St Gilgen. (Staying at Hotel Zur Post, Breakfast and evening meal)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Activity (hours): 3.5

Day 9 At St Gilgen Discover the delights of St Gilgen with its busy waterfront. Alternatively, follow the Mozartsteg to Fuschl, passing between the Ellmautall and Eibenberg mountains. Continue on to tranquil Fuschlsee, before getting the bus back to St Gilgen. (Staying at Hotel Zur Post, Breakfast and evening meal)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 10 St Gilgen (Fuschl) to Mondsee From Fuschl, head up to the remains of Wartenfels Castle - from here the aerial views of Fuschlsee, Irrsee and Mondsee are fantastic. Climb the Schober (1,320m) for marvellous views to Lake Wolfgang and the Schafberg peaks. (Staying Hotel Leitnerbrau, Breakfast only)

Optional shorter walk: 3hrs, distance 11km/7mi

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 15 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 4

Day 11 Leave Mondsee Meals included: Breakfast

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Accommodation Hotels You stay in unrivalled **** luxury, family-run hotels that are calm and relaxing places to spend time, with 'feel good' wellness centres, plus high levels of quality and attention to detail. In Bad Ischl, your hotel has an enviable riverside location, while the Gasthof zur Post in St Gilgen, once a stage coach stop, dates back over 600 years.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $666.50 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals. Austria is renowned for its wholesome, robust food and you will be thankful for this after a hard day’s skiing. Typically, you will be set up for the day by a breakfast of cold meats and cheeses, along with the traditional bread, jam and coffee. Austrians tend to eat heartily at lunchtime and less in the evenings; you will be well catered for at dinner. Local specialities include Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) and various stews of beef and pork. Dumplings, potatoes or noodles are all regular accompaniments along with vegetables in a style similar to English cooking. Desserts are often fruit based - such as Apfelstrudel - or cream pastries. Rehrucken is a traditional chocolate and almond cream cake On average Austrians, drink twice as much coffee as beer. There are many different types to choose from, particularly in the larger towns and cities and are often drunk in specialist coffee houses, known locally as a Kaffeehaus. It is often served in large cups and finished off with a healthy dose of whipped cream.

Austrian wines tend to be sweet white varieties, similar to German Mosel wines. The three best-known areas for producing white wines are Krems, Klosterneuburg and Gumpoldskirchen. The main red wine producing area is Voslau. Of course Austria is better known for its beer and you will find a wide variety of local brews. The best known are Gösser and Augustiner Brau and come in light or dark forms.

Joining Instructions Nearest available airport Salzburg airport is the nearest available airport. Taxi (pay locally) or pre-booked transfer (inquire for prices) to hotel 60 minutes. Return: Taxi (pay locally) or pre-booked transfer (inquire for prices) to Salzbug airport 60 minutes.

Pre Booked transfers If you require a pre-booked transfer, then we can usually arrange these for you (inquire for prices). Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Arrival Details Location start: Bad Ischl Location end: Bad Ischl

Weather & Seasonality Weather Information The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer. Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the US and rainfall although relatively low is possible throughout the year. Weather Charts

Practical Information

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy. If you are resident in the USA we strongly recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Electricity

Money ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can't get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for lunch and 25-35 Euros for dinner. Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com Version 1