Self guided, hotel-based walk exploring the peaks and passes of Austria's stunning Lake District. Welcome to beautiful Upper Austria in the hinterland of Mozart’s city of Salzburg. The beauty of the area embraced by the Dachstein Mountains and the Hallstattersee is truly inspirational especially in the crisp, stable weather that this region often acquires during the period of this tour. There are people who claim that once you have walked here you will have experienced the best ‘typical’ alpine hiking in Europe. The tour gets off to a cracking start at Bad Goisern, a small market town lovingly embedded in the Goisertal Valley. You can opt to do a walk onto the high trails of the ‘Goiserer Hohenweg’ with some spectacular viewpoints over the Dachstein peaks before heading to Gosau via the Goiserer Hutte at nearly 1600m below an optional peak called Hoch Kalmberg 1833m. Gosau has a more pastoral feel to it and the broad valley here attracts thousands of cross-country skiers in the winter. From Gosau a circular walk will take you to the Alpine Lakes of the the Gosausee and Hintere Gosausee with some spectacular mountain panoramas to the Gosaukamm mountains, or you can do some walks along the forest edge above the valley. The next walk takes you via the flanks of Mount Plassen to perhaps the real gem of the tour, for two nights at the ancient town of Hallstatt. This is a village of some 1,200 people, wonderfully remote, squeezed between the base of Mount Plassen and the waters of Lake Hallstattersee. It grew rich from the ancient and modern trade in salt which is plentiful in the surrounding mountains. The town is almost traffic-free and it is also a UNESCO world Culture and Natural Heritage site. A tiny ferry glides between the nearest train station across the fjord-like lake and drops you off on the town’s storybook square. Clinging to its lakeside ledge under the mountains, Hallstatt seems smaller than it really is; ivy-covered guesthouses and cobbled lanes surround its pint-sized square. Its spectacular setting, at the foot of cliffs and facing the often mist-cloaked Halstättersee, is right out of a picture postcard. The local museums and churches are certainly worth a visit. The charnel house in the graveyard contains bones, including painted skulls, of the local dead whose graves were dug up after 12 years to make room for new clients. If you get tired of walking here, a funicular can whisk you up to the ‘Salzwerk’, or salt mine in a valley above the town or if you like you can hike up in an hour or so. You may prefer to take the funicular up to the mine and then walk back down to the village after the tour and go on to visit nearby Obertraun for a tour of the ice caves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. First, our leader, Miriam, was fantastic. She made everyone feel welcome and included. And, her knowledge and love of her country was very visible and contagious. The activities were varied and the pace truly was full-on. We got to pack in a lot that allowed us to see and feel so much while at the same time feeling like vacation.
Very well organised trip. Logistics were excellent, accommodation was comfortable and central to all amenities of the towns. Hike maps and notes were extremely detailed. I would highly recommend them and am considering another trip in the near future.
Embrace the spirit of Ireland on this Small Group Tour where each stop steals your heart and moves your soul. From the heights of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to the towering Cliffs of Moher, bustling cities to charming towns, you’ll encounter heritage-rich experiences waiting at every stop. Explore vibrant cities, kiss the Blarney Stone (if you wish!) and explore legendary landscapes with local guides, all topped off with an unforgettable stay at the sparkling jewel that is Ashford Castle.
Experience superb walking through the spectacular Irish countryside near Dublin. The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone over 40 years ago and reveals some of Irelands finest views. Think Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure Valley and historical Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of approx 127 kilometres (79 miles). This 9-day trip covers the full Wicklow Way. The advantage of walking south to north means you will finish your walk in Dublin. For those a little shorter on time, there is a 7-day option that starts in Tinahely and takes you to Dublin.
The way winds through the Wicklow Mountains, one of Ireland's most spectacular upland areas. The Wicklow Way explores unspoilt trails, remote scenery, lakes, glacial valleys, forests and gentle farmland. Starting in southwest County Wicklow, the route passes through rural communities, old market towns and grand estates on its way to the bright lights of Dublin. Hiking near Dublin means a straightforward connection to the start of your trip, which is the small typical 'one street' village of Clonegal. An apt starting place for this walk into the remote and beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It is a route that remains mainly in the countryside making the short detours necessary to find a comfortable bed for the night.
A couple of fairly long but gentle days introduce you to the Newry Forest and over high points of Moylisha and Stookeen Hill to the 17th century village of Shillelagh and then on to the beautiful village of Tinahely. Quiet roads, forest trails and open mountainsides, with views back towards Clonegal and across the neighbouring counties of Carlow and Wexford, lead to Moyne and on to the most dramatic stages of the walk. A magnificent day's walk includes the spectacular Ow valley that passes below Wicklow's highest mountain, Lugnaquilla (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley. This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up Glenmalure hamlet. If climbing out of the Glenmalure Valley doesn't literally take your breath away then the fantastic views and the Glenmalure Waterfall probably will. Cross Mullacor Mountain and walk into Glendalough, 'the valley of two lakes' and site of a monastic settlement (from the 6th to the 13th century) for a little sightseeing. A short vehicle transfer gets you on the road to Oldbridge near Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village. The Penultimate day's walk is to the charming area around the village of Enniskerry. It is a mini classic with views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. At the head of the valley is the Guinness family estate and later in the day enjoy views of Powerscourt Waterfall, the longest in the country. The last walk goes over Prince William's Seat for views across the city of Dublin, now in striking distance for some afternoon sightseeing and a lively evening in the city centre or one of its many fine restaurants.
Known around the world for its wines, Champagne is also a popular destination for walking, offering an ideal playground. Walk among the vineyards and terraced hillsides where Champagne villages, chateaux, and churches are nestled. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and picturesque villages. The winemakers' open their doors to you, for tastings and tours of the cellars. They will passionately explain their know-how while showing you around their property.
During this tour, explore and taste every day what is hidden behind the bubbles that help us toast good news. Pop the cork and let the bubbles speak for themselves.