14 days/13 nights
A very different tour! The regions around Salzburg, Innsbruck and Opatija in Croatia are jammed with delightful cities, medieval towns, picture perfect scenery, monasteries and castles. The regions around Salzburg, Innsbruck and Opatija in Croatia are jammed with delightful cities, medieval towns, picture perfect scenery, monasteries and castles. There are so many classic sights and that’s why we spend two or three wonderful nights in each region.
DAY 1
MUNICH
Join us for a welcome drink in the hotel bar before a Bavarian buffet dinner. This is an ideal chance to meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers. (D) Your central Munich hotel – The Maritim
DAY 2
SALZBURG
A leisurely start as we cross into Austria for lunch at Lake Mondsee and visit the church made famous in the wedding scene of the film ‘Sound of Music’. Later we drive deep into the Lake District and visit Hallstatt. Set on a rocky terrace jutting into the quiet dark water of the lake, surrounded by towering peaks, this is considered the oldest inhabited village in Europe and perhaps the most beautiful in Austria. Afterwards, passing Wolfgangsee (lake), we reach Salzburg - Mozart’s baroque city with its ornate squares, statues and churches where we stay for three nights. To make the most of your stay our hotel is superbly located in the heart of town within easy walking distance of all the major sights. (B, D). Your Salzburg hotel - The Schwarzler Hotel Neutor 
DAY 3
SALZBURG
This morning we are joined by a local guide for a walking tour of this enchanting baroque city, including several locations used in the film ‘Sound of Music’. Your afternoon will be at leisure to explore the myriad of narrow, cobbled stone streets, the fascinating shops and traditional coffee houses. The views from the enormous Festung (Fortress), sitting high above the city, are magnificent. (B)
DAY 4
SALZBURG
A fascinating day ahead as we visit Berchtesgaden. A local guide joins us as we take a breathtaking bus journey up the winding Kehlstein road and then, in Hitler’s personal luxurious brass elevator, we ascend inside the mountain for a guided tour of the Kehlsteinhaus. This Alpine retreat is better known as Hitler’s Eagles Nest and the mountain views are spectacular. We also visit the Dokumentation Centre of Obersalzberg (Hitler’s former Nazi Southern Headquarters) and descend into the elaborate system of bunkers connecting with the Berghof. As a finale we enjoy an afternoon stop in the charming village beside perhaps the most beautiful lake of all - Konigsee - famous the world over for its steep cliffs and fjord like lake. (B)
DAY 5
LAKE BLED IN SLOVENIA
Before crossing the Slovenian border we stop at the old town of Villach with its main square (Hauptplatz) surrounded by fine 16th-century houses. Entering the Julian Alps we reach the natural wonder of Lake Bled with its imposing castle and tranquil waters, surrounded by impressive peaks. Your afternoon is at leisure to take a walk around the lake or visit the castle. Before dinner at your hotel, we have arranged a boat trip on a traditional ‘Pletna’ to visit the picturesque church on the island. Your hotel for the next two nights is centrally located and close to the lakeside. (B, D)
Your Bled Hotel - Golf Hotel
DAY 6
LAKE BLED IN SLOVENIA
This morning we visit Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, which means ‘beloved’ in Slovene. Retaining the charm and warmth of a small town it is literally filled to capacity with Baroque churches, palaces, museums and quaint bridges traversing the canals and rivers.
Pedestrian areas in the historic Old Town are complete with cafes and street entertainment. In the afternoon we drive through dramatic Bohinj Valley, which stretches through the Triglav National Park, to visit a classic destination - beautiful Lake Bohinj. (B, D)
DAY 7
OPATIJA IN CROATIA
Today we visit the Postojna Caves, where we board a small train for a guided tour of the 20 km labyrinth of passages, galleries and chambers decorated with fabulous stalactites and stalagmites.
We also enjoy a visit to Predjama Castle. One of the most picturesque buildings in the whole of Slovenia, this unconquered fortification hangs dramatically in the middle of a 123 metre cliff. Later we cross the border to Croatia and arrive in the harbour town of Opatija, our home for the next three nights. Our elegant hotel is situated in the centre of Opatija, only a few steps from the sea. (B, D) Your Opatija Hotel - Hotel Bristol 
DAY 8
OPATIJA IN CROATIA
We have deliberately left this day entirely free for you to relax and explore this delightful harbour town on the Adriatic Coast. Once known as the ‘Nice of the East’ Opatija’s coastal hillsides are adorned with villas and the charming old harbour is a perfect place to relax in the outdoor cafes. (B)
DAY 9
OPATIJA IN CROATIA
Opatija is located on the edge of the Istrian Peninsula which juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The Romans settled in this area and the coast is littered with beautifully preserved, picturesque small towns and ports. A local guide will join us as we spend a very leisurely day exploring the colourful coastline, and visit the old towns of Pula and Rovinj. (B, D)
DAY 10
VENICE
We arrive into Venice late morning and board a “vaporetto” boat to St Marc’s Square where we join a local guide for a walking tour. The rest of the afternoon is free.
We then return to the mainland where we stay the next two nights in the stylish, superior 4 star Laguna Palace - an ultra modern hotel which even has its own marina! (B, D) Your Venice Mestre Hotel – NH Laguna Palace 
DAY 11
VENICE
This morning we revisit Venice - arguably the most romantic city in the world – so you can meander through the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and alleys spanned by humped back bridges. Upon arrival at St Marc’s Square your day is entirely free.
To enable you to get the most out of your day we have included a 24 hour multi purpose water-bus and transport ticket enabling you to come and go as you please. For those that are interested you can use this pass and join your Tour Manager who will take you across the lagoon to visit the charming islands of Murano, which is famous for hand blown glass, and Burano with its brightly painted houses and lace making schools. (B)
DAY 12
INNSBRUCK
Driving north into the Dolomites we enjoy an early lunch stop in Bolzano. This town has a distinctive Tyrolean character, and shopping is a pleasure in the elegant main street. After crossing dramatic Brenner Pass we visit the Swarovski ‘Kristallwelten’ (Crystal World), a wonderful crystal experience, before reaching the Winter Olympic city of Innsbruck. .
After a brief orientation tour you will have free time to take in the old town, the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the renowned Golden Roof. Your hotel for the next two nights is located in the very heart of the old town. (B) Your Innsbruck Hotel – the Grauer Baer
DAY 13
INNSBRUCK
A wonderful day is planned. You can either spend it at leisure amongst the medieval streets and shops of Innsbruck, or join us on a day trip (included) into the mountains of the Stubai Valley. This is the real Tyrol. Picturesque towns and villages litter the length of the valley. In summer this long, striking valley is home to green meadows, timber houses and wooded walking paths. Reaching the village of Mutterberg, at the very end of the valley, we stop to truly savour the Tyrolean surroundings. You could go for a walk along one of the numerous hiking paths, stroll through the village or visit the dramatic Grawa Waterfalls. Alternatively catch the Stubaier Gletscherbahen (Glacier Cable Car – not included) which takes you well above the snowline to the Eisgrat Panoramic café (2,900m) where you can enjoy lunch and have time to play in the snow! The views across the Alps are stupendous. This evening enjoy a Farewell to the Tyrol dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D)
DAY 14
TOUR ENDS MUNICH
Crossing over Fern Pass into Bavaria we reach the village of Hohenschwangau and visit Neuschwanstein - the Fairytale Castle of ‘mad’ King Ludwig. A horse and buggy will take you up the wooded road to enjoy a guided tour through the state rooms, king’s apartments, halls and throne room; all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga. Lunchtime will be spent in nearby Fussen – a beautifully preserved medieval town complete with a hilltop fortress. Later we transfer to Munich where your tour ends on arrival late afternoon. (B)
All sightseeing, scenic
drives and excursions described in itinerary
Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
Local guides – Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg, Eagles Nest,
Postojna Caves, Istrian Peninsula, Venice
First Class air-conditioned coach
Tips to Tour Manager,
drivers and guides
13 nights selected accommodation as described
Hotel porterage (1 bag p/person)
Buffet breakfasts daily
8 Dinners including a Bavarian buffet Welcome dinner and ‘Fare well to the Tyrol’ dinner
Entrance fees: Neuschwanstein Castle, Swarovski Crystal World, Hitler’s Eagles Nest, Obersalzberg Dokumentation Centre, Predjama Castle, Postojna Cave
Horse and buggy ride in Neuschwanstein, Pletna
boat ride Lake Bled,
24 hour Venice transport ticket
16 May
8 June
29 July
12 September
Tour price
(land only)
$4,989 per person twin share
Single Supplement $699
ReservationsContact Beyond Slovenia Team
Beyond Slovenia
PO BOX 230
Round Corner NSW 2158 Australia
Phone + 61 2 9651 3177
Fax + 61 2 9651 2363
Phone Australia Wide 1300 55 75 01