Day 1: We make our way through France for our overnight stay in Metz.
Day 2: Departing after breakfast we travel via Germany’s Black Forest, into Switzerland before arriving at our delightful Austrian Hotel in time for dinner.
Day 3: This morning we have an included local bus journey where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of historic Feldkirch, an enchanting town on the border between Austria, Liechenstein and Switzerland. This fascinating medieval town is one of the most beautiful in the region with quaint streets, romantic pergolas and a wide range of shops, boutiques and restaurants. After our guided tour we visit Schattenburg Castle Museum, sitting high above the city and offering impressive views from the high keep. Each of the 18 themed rooms are dedicated to a different aspect of Feldkirch’s rich history and lead guests on a journey back through time. After our tour the afternoon is free to explore this picturesque town at your leisure.
Day 4: Today we travel through the breath-taking Bregenzerwald Mountains stopping along the way to visit a local cheesemaker to sample some delicious local produce. After our visit we journey on the Wälderbähnle Railway from Bezau to Scwarzenberg. Built in 1902 and considered a feat of railway architecture we travel by historic diesel or steam locomotive through the stunning Austrian landscape. Our route back to the hotel takes in the awe-inspiring scenery of the magnificent Bödelepass offering spectacular views over the Dornbirn, the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance and the wonderful panorama of the Bregenzerwald.
Day 5: Today we travel to Lake Constance. This crystalline lake where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet is surrounded by delightful and cosmopolitan resort towns and villages. Our day begins in Switzerland in the lovely village of Rheineck for our journey to Walzenhausen on the Cog Mountain Railway, offering picture perfect views over Lake Constance and the breath-taking scenery of the Rhine Valley. We then continue our journey to the charming, car free, village of Appenzell. Surrounded by beautiful countryside this alluring area is famous for its ornately decorated houses dating back to the 16th century. With pretty lanes, a myriad of small boutiques perfect for shopping or browsing and plenty of restaurants and cafes serving delicious local cuisine. From Appenzell we enjoy another scenic rail journey to Altstätten through the stunning Swiss countryside with cows grazing the lush Alpine pastures. The perfect treat at the end of our day is a visit to Hohenems for a tasting of delectable Swiss Chocolate at Fenkart Schlosskaffe.
Day 6: After a delicious breakfast we travel to the old city of Konstanz, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany and one of few left untouched by the Second World War. This enchanting city is located on the shores of the stunning lake, offering glorious views across the shimmering clear water towards the Alps. You may also stumble upon a monument to Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of the airship. From Konstanz we take a leisurely ferry cruise across the lake to Meersburg where we visit Salem Monastery & Palace; a former Cistercian monastery and largely preserved in its authentic state. The Gothic cathedral with its extraordinary alabaster furnishings in the early classical style is in contrast to the Baroque splendour of the Palace with its magnificent rich stucco and painted ceilings. The Palace’s expansive parks and gardens are beautifully landscaped. On our journey home we stop in Hagnau for an included wine tasting before returning to Feldkirch.
Day 7: Today we say Tschüss to our wonderful hosts and make our way back to Metz for our overnight stay.
Day 8: After breakfast we continue our journey home.