Step into the pages of a storybook as you bike, hike, and raft your way through incredible scenery on an Austria adventure the whole family will love. Together, you’ll discover why Austria is the perfect playground for all adventurers.
Start - End: Munich - Munich
Total trip: 7 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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With towering mountains, thundering waterfalls, glacier-carved gorges, and charming villages, Austria is the perfect playground for adventurers of all ages. Explore the magical regions of Salzburg and Tyrol on this Austria family vacation. Bike, hike, raft, and hum your way through the land of Mozart and “The Sound of Music” to discover some of the best of Mother Nature’s work. Discover majestic waterfalls, fantastical caves, UNESCO world heritage sites, and endless vistas of fortress-topped hills as you forge lasting memories on this Austria family vacation.
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We meet in the morning in Munich and are transferred to Mittersill. After a briefing and setting up the bikes, cycle through wondrous villages surrounded by the towering Alps. Bike through the wide valley and past 14,000-year-old glacier-carved gorges via Kaprun to Zell am See. Decide to take an alpine sled down the mountain, jump into the brisk lake, or freshen up before indulging in a tasty meal at the hotel’s dining room.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel, Zell am See
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Biking: Options:
6 miles (11 kilometers)
12 miles (19 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 951 feet (290 meters) ascent, 1,411 feet (430 meters) descent
Notes: Today’s ride takes place on mostly flat, segregated bike paths but also along some roads with low traffic. Vehicle support available.
For a change of pace, ride a cable to the Schmittenhöhe, with stunning views of the lakes and mountains. Hike over the hilltops and back to the Schmittenhöhe. The option to go paragliding (not included in the trip price and weather dependent) beckons the truly adventurous!
After returning to the hotel, opt to take a short spin along the lake, or choose to walk or enjoy a scenic boat ride on the “Zeller See”. After a delicious meal, retire to your room and rest up for more adventures tomorrow.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel, Zell am See
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3-7 miles (4.8-11.2 kilometers), easy to moderate
Option to go paragliding (not included in the trip price and weather dependent) beckons the truly adventurous.
A short transfer takes us to Taxenbach, where we embark on rafts to experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Salzach River, flowing past scenic villages, magnificent churches, and charming mills. After rafting, we’ll have lunch and then set off by bike past Bischofshofen, famous for its Four Hills Ski-Jumping event. Today’s destination is Werfen, a quaint village nestled in a gorgeous valley complete with a storybook castle.
A night on your own will give you plenty of time to explore the many wonders of this stunning Austrian village.
Accommodation: Hotel Obauer, Werfen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rafting: Class II & III rapids, 2.5 hours, easy
Biking: Options:
10 miles (17 kilometers)
16 miles (26 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 689 feet (210 meters) ascent, 1,148 feet (350 meters) descent
Notes: Today’s ride takes place on mostly flat, segregated bike paths but also along some roads with low traffic. Vehicle support available.
After an unforgettable breakfast, travel to the UNESCO world heritage site of Hallstatt to discover the historical salt mines while sliding down wooded slides like miners once did. Kayak through the calm waters of the Hallstätter See, and take in views of the picture-perfect village.
Afterwards, we’ll stop at a traditional Austrian restaurant for Schnitzel and noodles.
Accommodation: Hotel Obauer, Werfen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayaking: 1.5 hours, easy
After a tour of the Hohenwefen castle and a possible falconry exhibition, ride along the Salzach River, past flower-decked houses, and the Gollinger Waterfall. Meander along the tree-lined trails, eventually arriving in Salzburg.
A night on your own will allow you to relax and unwind or stroll the magical streets of Salzburg.
Accommodation: Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg, Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: Options:
7 miles (11 kilometers)
14 miles (22 kilometers)
17 miles (28 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 705 feet (215 meters) ascent, 1,115 feet (340 meters) descent
Notes: Today’s ride takes place on mostly flat, segregated bike paths but also along some roads with low traffic. Vehicle support available.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Salzburg in the morning. You’ll have a free afternoon to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress perched on a rocky peak or opt for an easy bike ride along the Salzach River to the Hellbrunn palace with its “trick” fountains and Gazebo from The Sound of Music. Optional bus tours to surrounding areas carry you to the lake district, Bavarian Mountains, Eagle’s Nest, or the stunning hills of The Sound of Music.
End your amazing day with a delightful farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg, Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Biking:
Option 1 to Oberndorf and back to Salzburg
12 miles (20 kilometers)
27 miles (44 kilometers)
41 miles (66 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,056 feet (320 meters) ascent, 1,056 feet (320 meters) descent
Notes: This out-and-back ride has a little bit of elevation gain and loss. It mostly takes place on bike paths but also along some roads with low traffic. Vehicle support available.
Option 2 to Hellbrunn Palace (round trip)
9 miles (14 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent
Notes: This short out-and-back ride is mostly flat and not van supported. It takes place mostly along bike paths.
Bid “Auf Wiedersehen” to Salzburg, depart home Bid “Auf Wiedersehen” to the magical land of Salzburg. We transfer two to three hours for drop-offs at the airport or your hotel in Munich. Alternatively, you may choose to be dropped off at the Salzburg train station, airport, or the hotel of your choice if you would like to spend more time in this fascinating city.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate.
On the first morning of the trip we'll pick you up at the Hotel Excelsior at 8:30am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Munich, though you must make your own way to this pick-up point at the pre-designated time. Please come prepared in your cycling clothing and footwear for our first ride as a group today.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at one of the following locations: Downtown Salzburg after breakfast, Munich International Airport for flights listed below, or a hotel of your choice in Downtown Munich around 1pm. Alternatively, depending on your travel plans, we can also drop you at the Salzburg train station.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Munich at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the host city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Munich after 2pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Austria. The first hotel could be considered palatial, the second cozy with castle views, and the last is central to explore the highlights of Salzburg.
While there are laundry services at all locations, but the best location would be while in Salzburg, there are several nearby laundromats near the hotel. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a once or no times during your trip, with the best time on Day 6 after the walking tour of Salzburg.
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With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
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