The Alps and the Med: 3-Countries in 8 days
Includes: Venice – Carinthia and the Alps – Salzburg and Slovenia
Day 01 Saturday
ARRIVE VENICE AREA – ADRIATIC SEA
Your guide and bus meet you at the airport outside Venice. Transfer to the popular sea side resort of Jesolo, with its sandy beaches, situated at the northern Adriatic coast. Enjoy an evening of lively Mediterranean atmosphere. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 02 Sunday
VENICE
Today you experience the first highlight of your tour: The city of Venice. The best approach is by boat, so you arrive directly at the famous Saint Marcus Square, with beautiful views. Explore this unique city of canals, palazzos, piazzas and narrow lanes. Especially of note are the Campanile and St. Marcus Cathedral, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. There are numerous museums with arts treasures, cafes and shops. In the afternoon your bus will pick you up and take you in a northerly direction, to Austria, where you will spend the next nights.
Day 03 Monday
CENTRAL CARINTHIA
Today you can enjoy this area in the South of Austria, famous for its mountains and lakes: Visit the provincial capital of Klagenfurt with its lovely city centre, and the “Minimundus” park, the “Little World” where one finds replicas of famous buildings from around the world (optional extra). The rugged mountain range called “Karawanken” to the south of the city offers wild gorges and brooks and invites to a short hike. The highest wooden tower in Europe, positioned on a hill outside town, opens splendid views of the lakes, plains and mountains. One can climb it on foot or use the lift, and slide down from the top ! (extra).
Day 04 Tuesday
DAY TRIP TO SALZBURG
The main range of the Alps between the provinces of Carinthia and Salzburg is tackled by two long highway tunnels. On the way you pass the village of Werfen with its high castle and nearby ice caves, and the town of Hallein (salt mines). The peak of the nearby Undersberg can be reached by cable car and offers splendid views. The town of Salzburg is famous for its mountain fortress, the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, its numerous churchesand its theatres. This area is the setting of the “Sound of Music” and birthplaceof Mozart. Enjoy strolling through this beautiful city, sample some of its sweet temptations like the “Mozart Kugeln” chocolates or the delicious “Salzburger Nockerln” soufflé. Return to your hotel at Velden in Carinthia for over night.
Day 05 Wednesday
VISIT TO SLOVENIA
Full day tour to the neighbouring country of Slovenia: Passing lake Bled with its castle, you reach the capital city Ljubljana, which is also dominated by a large fortress. The bridges in the town centre are well known and lead to the lively pedestrian area. Passing the village of Postojna with its caves, we head for the coastline: Beyond Slovenia´s only commercial port, Koper, we reach the seaside resort of Portoroz, with its hotels, casinos and beaches. The picturesque village of Piran nearby is worth exploring on foot: Narrow lanes, churches, and an old town wall, all contribute to the southern flair. Perhaps there is even time to take a dip in the blue Adriatic sea ? Later return to your hotel in Austria.
Day 06 Thursday
MOUNTAINS AND LAKES
This day is dedicated to scenic drives in this Alpine country: Along lakes and through lovely landscapes, you reach valleys with waterfalls and high mountain ranges. The small town of Gmund is the unlikely birthplace of the Porsche cars, presented in a local museum. Reach some high ground by road and marvel at peaks of over 3.000 meters surrounding Alpine water reservoirs. Passing more lakes and visiting a baroque church, you return to your hotel.
Day 07 Friday
VELDEN AND LAKE WOERTHERSEE
Velden is a resort town on the biggest one of the lakes of the province, Woerthersee, with a promenade along the lake and a casino. Enjoy a free day in this popular place with its small shops, cafes and dancing fountains. Take a boat trip (extra) on the lake, passing the villas of the rich and famous, and visit the quaint village of Maria Woerth with its picturesque churches.
Day 08 Saturday
AUSTRIA – PROSECCO WINE ROUTE VENICE - DEPARTURE
Early departure in a southerly direction: Soon the mountains will give way to hills and then to the plains of Northern Italy. San Daniele is famous for its delicious, air cured “prosciutto” ham. In the vineyards of this and nearby areas, a popular sparkling white wine, called “Prosecco” is produced. Passing through lovely landscapes and pretty villages you can taste some of these regional specialities. Later in the afternoon you reach the airport outside Venice, for departure on your flight back home.
ROSENTALER REISEBUERO STEFANER
DMC FOR AUSTRIA / EUROPE:
ROBERT SPILLER
+43 650 8761761
email: tours@stefaner.at