Edelweiss and The City of Lights (13 Days) We love road journeys. They are by far our favourite way of traveling. And when we’re in the mood for spoiling ourselves with fine food and delightful hotels besides the sheer pleasure of being on some of the world’s best roads, we turn to Europe!
Few regions within Europe offer as much variety of landscapes, cultures and roads as that which you will travel through on this journey. From the beautiful countryside of southern Austria to the drama of the Dolomites and the Swiss Alps; from the elegance of Paris and Salzburg to the vineyards of Burgundy, this itinerary will introduce you to the best of western Europe.
We thank you for giving us the opportunity to share with you we’ve come to love ourselves so much...now turn the page to see what we have in store for you. May every day be filled with colourful anticipation and unforgettable memories.
Yours truly,
Peter Schindler p2 p3 Itinerary Map Day 1 Day 8 Arrival in Munich/Germany – In and around Merano – Arrive in the Bavarian capital Drive the Stelvio Pass
Day 2 Day 9 In and around Munich – Merano/Italy to Valbella/Switzerland – Discover the sights and style of this Into the Swiss Alps cosmopolitan city Day 10 Day 3 Valbella to Gstaad – Munich/Germany to Salzburg/ The essence of Alpine Switzerland Austria – Your first day on the road in Europe Day 11 In Gstaad – Day 4 Discover the best of Gstaad; In and around Salzburg – glaciers, horse-drawn carriages A romantic town, elegant, Baroque and fresh mountain air and beautiful Day 12 Day 5 Gstaad/Switzerland to Beaune/ Salzburg to Carinthia – France – Into the Austrian Alps Exchange mountain peaks for age- old vineyards Day 6 Carinthia/Austria to Ortisei/Italy – Day 13 Driving west to beautiful South Tyrol Beaune to Paris – Conclude your journey in the “City Day 7 of Light” Ortisei to Merano – Discover South Tyrol’s stunning scenery & unique culture p4 p7 Bavarian BRILLIANCE...”
Central Munich p9 Explore Germany’s world-famous AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY...”
BMW Museum p11 Enjoy DAILY LIFE... just like the locals do!”
Viktualienmarkt, Munich p13 GOURMET opportunities abound in MUNICH - art and cuisine combined!”
p14 p15 ...and what would a trip to Munich be without tasting the LOCAL BEER?”
p16 p17 Your hotel, in the HEART of the CITY...”
Your 5-star hotel in Munich’s Old Town p19 A drop of HEAVEN amidst the ALPS...”
St Bartholomew’s Chapel, Königssee, Germany p21 If there is one SALZBURG... ROMANTIC Austria’scity in Austria, most ROMANTICthen it city...”is SALZBURG”
ViewSalzburg of Salzburg at dusk at dusk p23 Stay in a CASTLE in Salzburg’s LAKE REGION...”
A luxurious lakeside castle, outside Salzburg p25 Though the CASTLE may have a long history, the wonderful rooms are more UP-TO-DATE...”
A luxurious lakeside castle outside Salzburg p27 SALZBURG, one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL cities in the world...”
A view over historic central Salzburg p29 The most BEAUTIFUL ride into SALZBURG...”
Take a ride in a Fiaker, a traditional horse-drawn carriage p31 Discover the BEAUTY of the SALZKAMMERGUT, Austria’s Lake District...”
Mondsee, Austria p33 Discover the holiday spot of EMPERORS...”
Bad Ischl, Austria p35 Taste some of Austria’s FAMED Mehlspeisen - sweet delights of INFINITE VARIETY...”
An iconic Austrian Konditorei p37 Stay in a traditional ALM HOUSE, now a BOUTIQUE HOTEL...”
A charming boutique hotel in a rural location p39 On BACK ROADS through remote regions of AUSTRIA...”
The landscape of Carinthia, Austria p41 Taste the new flavours of ALPINE cooking, where TRADITION and delicious INNOVATION are combined...”
p42 p43 In SOUTH TYROL, where the AUSTRIAN ALPS meet MEDITERRANEAN FLAIR...”
Castel Tirolo, near Merano p45 In South Tyrol the jagged DOLOMITES soar above ALPINE MEADOWS...”
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage region p47 Some of the loveliest MOUNTAIN ROADS in ALL EUROPE can be found here in South Tyrol...”
The Gardena Pass, one of four spectacular passes around the Sella Massif p49 Stay in a wonderful hotel, nestled AMIDST the Dolomites...”
An elegant hotel amidst the Dolomites p51 In South Tyrol, one of the most BEAUTIFUL wine regions of the ALPS...”
Lago di Caldaro, outside Bolzano p53 SOUTH TYROL, home to both HAUTE CUISINE and time-honoured TRADITION...”
Roast chestnuts, typical South Tyrolean produce p55 South Tyrol, a farming region of LONG, LONG TRADITIONS!”
A farmer’s life in South Tyrol p57 One of MOTHER NATURE’s wonders...”
The “Earth Pyramids”, outside Bolzano p59 On the ITALIAN-SWISS border, the dramatic STELVIO PASS awaits you...”
The Stelvio Pass p61 Where the ALPs meet the MEDITERRANEAN in an ancient SPA town...”
Merano, South Tyrol p63 Discover the BEST of the UNIQUE local cuisine...”
p64 p65 Your BOUTIQUE HOTEL in Merano, in the HEART of Italian South Tyrol...”
A luxury garden retreat, Merano p67 Into the HIGH ALPS of SWITZERLAND...”
Grimselpass, Switzerland p69 A great destination, whatever the SEASON...”
Valbella, Switzerland p71 One of our HIDDEN GEMS - a family-run hotel with FANTASTIC VIEWS...”
A modern spa hotel, Valbella p73 GSTAAD: where Switzerland is both BUCOLIC and COSMOPOLITAN...”
Gstaad, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland p75 Connect with local people... Here at a private concert with a traditional Swiss choir...”
Near Gstaad p77 Discover Alpine- style comfort in Gstaad...”
A luxury mountain retreat, Gstaad p79 Try the local cuisine, both healthy and delicious...”
Near Saanen p81 Discover PEACEFUL valleys in a horse-drawn carriage...”
Near Lake Lauenen p83 Soak up the PURITY of Switzerland’s glorious SCENERY...”
Lake Lauenen p85 Your country hotel in BURGUNDY, set amidst ELEGANT GARDENS...”
A beautiful country garden hotel outside Beaune p87 Endlessly CAPTIVATING, PARIS is a fitting end to your journey...”
Paris, France p89 p91 Day 1 As the cultural capital of Day 2 a produce market, but today Bavaria, Munich is home it has evolved into a lively Arrive in the Driving Distance & Duration Discover the sights Driving Distance & Duration Bavarian capital to many museums and and style of this collection of al fresco eating interesting sights, but is Distance: 0 km spots. Distance: 0 km Duration: 0 hr cosmopolitan city Duration: 0 hr Welcome to Germany! perhaps best known for Oktoberfest, a celebration of After lunch, we will take you on Today you will have the Bavarian culture – and the Hotel a walking tour of the old town. Hotel Arrive in Munich as per your opportunity to experience region’s beer! If your trip falls A 5* hotel in the historic city Munich’s long and fascinating A 5* hotel in the historic city own arrangements. Our team everyday life in Munich. We in September or early October, centre (*****) history is evident everywhere centre (*****) will be there to meet you, and will start with a visit to the you will be able to join in the from the beautiful architecture to transfer you to your hotel. Viktualienmarkt, one of revelry. At other times of with a visit to the Baroque of the Marienplatz (Munich’s After checking in, we will the city’s best-known and year our local host will help Nymphenburg Palace, or the main square) to quiet back arrange the day’s itinerary to most popular markets. The you to experience the best of city’s BMW museum. streets. suit your interests. Viktualienmarkt started life as Bavaria in other ways, perhaps
p92 p93 Day 3 countryside towards Salzburg. Day 4 Today, after you drive to the If time permits, we can visit a outskirts of Salzburg, we Your first day on the gem of an automobile museum Driving Distance & Duration A romantic town, have arranged a horse-drawn Driving Distance & Duration road in Europe before stopping for lunch on Distance: 160 km elegant, Baroque and carriage ride into the heart of Distance: 75 km the shore of Lake Chiemsee. Duration: 2 hrs beautiful the city, then a guided tour of Duration: 0 hr This morning we will complete Salzburg’s highlights, along the car hand-over process, and In the afternoon, motorists “Salzburg with its surroundings with a private Mozart concert Hotel Hotel you will be ready to set out on have another treat in store, on is - alongside Rio de Janeiro and many excellent shopping the roads of Europe! the Rossfeld Panoramastrasse, A luxurious lakeside castle and Constantinople - one of the opportunities. A luxurious lakeside castle outside site of a famous hill race. outside Salzburg (*****) most beautiful urban regions Salzburg (*****) After navigating our way You will find this a wonderful of the world!” Even today, In the late afternoon, you will out of Munich you will have introduction to driving amongst nights is a beautiful lakeside the words of Alexander von drive back to your hotel. After a the opportunity to enjoy the these glorious mountains. castle in the heart of the Humboldt, the 19th century short rest, we will take you to a German Autobahn, as it Salzkammergut, Salzburg’s traveller and scientist, ring superb local restaurant, only a winds through the Bavarian Your hotel for the next two Lake District. true. few minutes from your hotel.
p94 p95 Day 5 Your accommodation for the Day 6 Into the Austrian Alps next three nights is a boutique Driving west to hotel in the midst of Alpine Driving Distance & Duration Driving Distance & Duration meadows and pine forests. beautiful South Tyrol Today begins with a short Distance: 230 km Distance: 240 km The hotel is built in the style of drive beside some of the Duration: 4 hrs Duration: 4 hrs traditional Austrian mountain Today you will enter a region left. The roads are excellent Salzkammergut’s most homes - rustic from the called Tyrol. Nowadays, Tyrol and a joy to drive. beautiful lakes and a visit Hotel Hotel outside, but with all modern is divided into three parts, two As we enter South Tyrol after to Bad Ischl, the Austro- A charming boutique hotel in a An elegant hotel amidst the amenities on the inside, of which – Tyrol and East Tyrol lunch, you will sense that we Hungarian Emperor’s summer rural location (*****) Dolomites (*****) making it a true gem of a hotel. – fall within Austria. The third, have entered a different world, residence for many years. South Tyrol, became part of where Alpine ruggedness and Then, we would like to Italy after World War I. Mediterranean flair combine. the heart of South Tyrol. introduce you to one of Both German and Italian are Tonight you will stay amidst Austria’s finest konditoreis - From Carinthia you will drive widely spoken. these dramatic mountains – their desserts and pastries are due west through a valley with considered by many to be the to die for! the Central Alps to your right, The Dolomites, a UNESCO most beautiful region of the and the Southern Alps on your World Heritage Site, lie at Alps. In the afternoon, you will drive through the charming Austrian countryside and into the Austrian Alps.
p97 Day 7 Discover South Tyrol’s stunning scenery & unique culture
We hope that you will start the day refreshed by your beautiful surroundings. After breakfast we will set out on a leisurely drive towards Bolzano, taking our time to enjoy the splendid scenery.
Outside Bolzano there is an unusual geological site, the “earth pyramids” – an area Driving Distance & Duration of otherworldly pillars of clay Distance: 70 km formed at the end of the last Duration: 1.5 hrs ice age. You will ride a cable car to Soprabolzano and enjoy Hotel a delicious lunch there before A luxury garden retreat in boarding a small train that will Merano(*****) take you to the earth pyramids. After this excursion, we will continue to Merano, where you will stay for the next two nights in a spa hotel set amidst lovely gardens. We will take you to a nearby restaurant to enjoy South Tyrol’s delicious and distinctive cuisine.
p98 p99 Day 8 At the highest point is a Day 9 traditional regions, and the Drive the Stelvio Pass watchtower that once marked Into the Swiss Alps only one where Romansch the spot where the borders Driving Distance & Duration is an official language. Our Driving Distance & Duration of Switzerland, Italy and the Distance: 177 km Distance: 200 km Today we will have our fingers This morning, it’s time lunch restaurant stands next Austro-Hungarian Empire met. Duration: 4 hr Duration: 4 hrs crossed for fine weather, as to say farewell to South to a beautiful river, whose vivid this is the day we will drive the blue waters are testament After lunch back in Merano, Tyrol, as we set off towards Stelvio Pass. At 2757m, the Hotel Hotel you will have a choice of Switzerland. Today’s drive will to the purity of this natural Stelvio is the highest pass in A luxury garden retreat in A modern spa hotel in Valbella afternoon activities. Explore be accompanied by wonderful environment. the eastern Alps. Its 48 hairpin the lush botanical gardens at Merano (*****) (*****) bends tempt hardy cyclists, scenery – make sure your Trauttmansdorff Castle, stroll You will be able to enjoy the motorbikers and – of course camera is fully charged! Merano’s pretty streets or visit great outdoors once we reach – motorists from around the We will stop for lunch in the central Grisons, Valbella is a Ötzi, the “Ice Man”, a well- world. Swiss Canton of Grisons, today’s destination, Valbella. popular ski resort in winter and preserved mummy discovered one of the country’s most Located in a high valley in a spa town come summer. in the mountains nearby. Once at the pass, we will stop at a spectacular viewpoint.
p101 p101 Day 10 Day 11 walk along the spectacular Peak Walk suspension bridge The essence of Driving Distance & Duration Discover the best Driving Distance & Duration Alpine Switzerland of Gstaad; glaciers, for views of the Matterhorn, Distance: 300 km Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Distance: 60 km Duration: 4.5 hrs horse-drawn On clear days, it’s possible to Duration: 1.5 hrs Even after days amongst We have selected one of the carriages and fresh see as far away as Mont Blanc, some of the Europe’s most village’s finest hotels for your Hotel mountain air 60km away. Hotel spectacular mountains, today’s stay. A luxury mountain retreat A luxury mountain retreat scenery will take your breath (*****) Today you will start the day in Later, back on earth again, you (*****) away. the heart of the mountains, will be able to experience the by riding the Glacier 3000 region’s other natural beauty, For lunch and dinner, you On the drive from Valbella cablecar up Scex Rouge. Lake Lauenen. Horse-drawn will experience typical and to Gstaad you will cross two carriages will take you to the delicious Swiss food. passes - first the Oberalp Here, at almost 3000m lake, where another surprise (2044m), then the Furka elevation, you will be able to awaits. (2427m) - before stopping for lunch atop the third, Grimselpass.
After the morning’s high mountains, you will descend into gentler, more rolling country as you drive around two lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. The lakeside scenery is lovely, but the traffic may seem much busier once we leave the mountains behind. The countryside around Gstaad is particularly charming. p102 p103 p103 Day 12 west. Here, where the Italian, Day 13 French and Swiss borders Exchange mountain Driving Distance & Duration Conclude your journey Driving Distance & Duration peaks for age-old meet, you will stop to explore in the “City of Light” the charming town of Martigny. Distance: 360 km Distance: 350 km vineyards Duration: 4.5 hrs Duration: 3.5 hrs After eating lunch in Martigny Your destination today, on entails – whether you must (the local food combines Bid the Alps farewell today; on the last day of your journey, return home, or you’re able flavours from all three Hotel is the French capital, Paris. Hotel the straightforward drive from to linger in Paris – we hope countries), you will drive A beautiful country garden hotel Your route is essentially all on you will take with you happy A fabulous 5* hotel near the Arc de Switzerland into France you along the shore of Europe’s outside Beaune (*****) highway – traffic permitting, memories fromthe past Triomphe (*****) will exchange these mighty largest lake, Lac Leman before you should be in the centre of fortnight on the highways and mountains for Burgundy’s entering France. Your hotel is set amidst lovely Paris in 3-4 hours. byways of Europe, memories gently rolling hills. gardens just outside the town Whatever your onward journey that will last a lifetime… Today’s destination is the small itself, and makes a wonderful En route, you will drive town of Beaune, at the heart place to taste Burgundy’s to the Canton of Valais in of the Burgundy wine region. famous red and white wines. Switzerland’s exteme south-
p104 p105 Choice of Cars
A cabriolet is included in your package price.
We strongly encourage you to enjoy this journey in an open- top car because the natural beauty, the fresh and scented air, the glorious mountains, the vineyards, and the many gorgeous roads are best enjoyed when wind is in your air and you can fully immerse yourself in the enjoyment of being on the road!
Of course, if you prefer a coupe or sedan of the same class or something a little or a lot more ANY car, exotic, we’re happy to offer you upgrade options. as long as it is a CABRIOLET”
p106 p107 Local Cuisine
While this itinerary is not one of our ‘Foodie’-themed journeys, we do believe that each one of our journeys should introduce you not only to hidden gems of cultural and scenic beauty, but that sampling local cuisines is also a must.
We will therefore arrange for you ‘tasting menus’ such that you can try out a variety of specialties during each meal.
While alcoholic beverages are not included in the price, on certain occasions, when we believe that a particular dish is best enjoyed when combined with a local drink, we will make it part of the experience!
For private journeys, we can, of course, tailor the meal experience to your taste (and budget). p108 p109 What’s Included / When to travel...
When to travel
Generally speaking, our journey described in this Journey • All accommodations • Walky-talkies to stay in touch wet towels, daily picnic, • Visas (if required) packages and prices are all- Dossier with fellow travelers and your basket containing fresh fruit, • A cabriolet from one of our • Alcoholic drinks (unless inclusive. Once you’ve paid and crew fruit juice, water, and a • A crew consisting of a journey highly reputably car rental explicitly included) you arrive at the starting point, mixture of sweets and nibbles) host, subject matter experts/ partners. • All toll fees and parking fees you really won’t have to take • Activities, Meals, Transport destination guides in various • All tips out your wallet again except for Many car-upgrade options • Entrance fees for all attended during ‘free times’ as indicated locations and a lead car liquids (alcoholic drinks and exist at an extra charge. activities driver. Depending on group in this Journey Dossier petrol) and presents to take What’s Not Included size, we will add additional • All ground transportation and • Top-up Collision Damage home! • Lead car for your crew • Your transport to Munich crew members. airport transfers and from Paris Waiver insurance • Carefully and thoughtfully • On the Road Experiences designed On the Road • All meals in ‘tasting menu’ • Pre-programmed GPSs and service (goodie basket and • Petrol for your car Experiences itinerary as (or omakase) style • Personal shopping printed maps other treats along the way: p111 © Cathy Choi - page 34 © Foto Tausch - page 96(bottom) © Istria Tourism - pages 50-58, 95(left) © Jim Nix - page 12 © Kaernten - page 40, 90 © Max Schmid - page 6 © Nancy Wu - page 108(bottom) © Peter Mathis- Cover, pages 30, 56-57, 60, 76 © Peter Schindler - pages 2, 106 © Randy Jay Braun - pages © Robert Boesch - page 102 © Salzburg Land - page 32 © Salzburg Statdt - 22, 28 © Salzburg Tourismus - pages © Slovenia Tourism - pages © Stefan Bogner - page 68 © Sudtirol Marketing - pages © Swiss.PIX - page 70, 110 © Swiss Tourism - pages 74, 107, 112 © www.badischl.at - page 36 © www.smg.bz.it - pages 44-48, 52, 54 © www.trauttmansdorff.it - page 100 Unknown - pages 8, 10, 13, 16, 20, 58, 62, 82, 84, 88, 92-95, 99, 105(right) Used with permission of hotel & restaurant - pages 14-15, 18-19, 24, 26, 38-39, 42-43, 50-51, 64-65, 66-67, 72-73, 78-79, 80-81, 86-87, 96(top), 97, 101, 103, 104, 105(left), 108-109, 115
p112 p113 Contact Us
E-mail [email protected]
Main office Telephone: +852 3106 4839 Fax: +852 3012 1251
Overseas Taiwan: +886 978 317 465 +886 921 162 079 Australia: +61 2 8003 5317 Switzerland: +41 (44) 586 58 43 UK: +44 121 288 6879 Germany: +49 160 9622 2506
A picture is worth a thousand words. True, but when it comes to a road journey, moving images are priceless. Please visit : http://www.ontheroadexperiences.com/en/video-gallery” p114 p115