Czech Republic & Austria Luxury Walk 6D5N (The Sound Of Music From Prague To Salzburg), Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1,000 ft)
Level 2, Approx 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1,000 ft)
Level 3, Approx 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1,600 ft)

On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9 a.m. in Prague, Czech Republic. Please ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and come with your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). If you choose to change into your gear following our shuttle, please be aware that a proper changing area is often unavailable.

Hello, Prague! Welcome to the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. After the meeting, we head down to the countryside for our first taste of Bohemia with a picnic at a hospodar (traditional country pub) situated at the edge of a nature reserve. Then, we hike Mount Klet' through wooded hills along peaceful roads and trails. Arriving at the summit, the area's highest point at about 1,067 metres (3,500 feet), you're rewarded with stunning vistas stretching from the town of Ceske Budejovice (home of the "real Budweiser") to the snow-covered peaks of the Austrian Alps.

After a long, fairly steep stretch, descend into the gorgeous Cesky Krumlov, a World Heritage site. It is one of the most perfectly restored towns in the region, with 82 percent of its buildings registered as cultural monuments. The town's thoroughfares are pedestrian-only cobblestone streets that wind through the mediaeval centre past ornate houses, shops, cafes and hidden squares and across the Vltava River (also known by its German name, the Moldau).

The Krumlov Hrad, the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, enters your sight. This castle's grandiosely painted tower appears like a pastel-coloured rocket, dominating the skyline. The entire complex of this 13th-century Gothic castle is a World Heritage site, and its magnificent gardens are some of the largest in central Europe. We explore the Baroque Theater before heading to our home for the next two nights, Hotel Ruze. Located beside the Vltava River, this 5-star luxury accommodation is one of the best-preserved estates in Cesky Krumlov, maintaining its history but featuring modern facilities.

After a welcome reception and a brief trip orientation, we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at a nearby restaurant and toast our first day in Bohemia.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx 11 km (7 miles),  Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 3, Approx 14 km (9 miles),  Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we navigate forests, meadows and rolling hills toward the small town of Pridoli. Behind the small church, you'll find a Linden tree planted to commemorate the US troops' liberation of southern Bohemia at the end of World War II. From here, you can join the shuttle to Cesky Krumlov, or if you've just gotten warmed up, keep going—you won't be disappointed! Tread country roads that snake through wooded expanses, fields and small housing neighbourhoods.

After our hike, we learn about Czech beer-drinking culture during a beer tasting with an entertaining expert. Czechs lead the world in per capita beer consumption, so what better way to dip into local culture? We also engage in an informal cultural Q&A on the country's history and culture with our local friends.

Dinner tonight is a casual barbecue with another of our local friends. The food is delectable, and the atmosphere festive, but our host's warm hospitality makes the evening special. You'll get to sample an impressive array of grilled specialities while listening to a group of local folk musicians. Come with a sweater, as the restaurant tends to get a little chilly, or you could warm up with a dose of local spirits!

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 427 m (1,400 ft)
Level 3, Approx 11 km (7 miles),  Elevation gain: 671 m (2,200 ft)

Today, we say goodbye to the Czech Republic and shuttle to the Austrian Alps and the captivating town of Ebensee, located on the south side of Traunsee (see means "lake" in German). You'll notice the dramatic change in scenery and landscape as we leave the Czech Republic's mellow pastoral countryside for Austria's alpine vistas and more technical trails.

We take the cable car to the Feuerkogel Plateau to start our hike, bringing us past many mountain huts serving hearty Austrian cuisine, frosty beverages and sweet treats. Continue along the trail as it gradually ascends to Helmeskogel, accessible via a route that presents the breathtaking fjord-like terrain in all its glory. Then, prepare yourself for a steep downhill hike peppered with a few challenging ascents. (You'll appreciate hiking poles and sturdy hiking boots today!)

When you are ready for more climbing, tackle Mount Alberfeldkogel and be rewarded with expansive views of the Dachstein's jagged snowcapped peaks and the glistening blue lakes of the Salzkammergut region. Or, if you'd prefer a very technical hike, skip the first two options and instead hike across the Feuerkogel massif to a traditional hut and back, soaking in awe-inspiring panoramas of Austria and into Germany, mountain lakes and the Salzkammergut region.

We savour lunch before returning by cable car to Ebensee and shuttling to the elegant Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, a fairy-tale castle outside of Salzburg. Its location on a peninsula projecting into the turquoise Fuschlsee provides stunning views. Tonight, relish the royal treatment when you sit down to dinner on your own at the hotel.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 3, Approx 13 km (8 miles),  Elevation gain: 549 m (1,800 ft)
Level 3, Approx 18 km (11 miles),  Elevation gain: 640 m (2,100 ft)

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast before shuttling to Nussdorf am Attersee, a stunning small resort town that draws in hiking and water sport enthusiasts—Lake Attersee is the biggest and longest in the area. In the morning, we hike on the slopes of Rossmoos, later meeting up with the Salzkammergut Regional Trail. We savour lunch at a location that provides magnificent views of Mount Salzburg on the other side of the lake.

We continue our hike, descending to a lakeside village on the south shore—Unterach am Attersee. Back at the hotel, relax, perhaps indulge in a spa treatment (not included in the trip price: reservations are recommended). The evening is fun-filled as we visit an Austrian tavern for dinner and dancing.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 3, Approx 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 4, Approx 16 km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1,600 ft)

Prepare for another terrific day of exploring, beginning with a shuttle just outside the storybook town of St. Gilgen, a famed summer resort.

Get on the trail and follow it up with a climb up to Mount Plombergstein, where expansive lake views await. Then, navigate a beautiful maze of limestone rock, passing by a private castle and quaint village homes to the shore of Wolfgang Lake. Rest your legs and refuel with a delicious lunch at Furberg restaurant.

After lunch, board a private water taxi to the enchanting St. Wolfgang. Its traffic-free centre is dominated by the 15th-century Pilgrimage Church, which features a beautiful Gothic winged altarpiece. Take the Schafbergbahn steam cogwheel train to the summit of Mount Schafberg, or make the daunting journey on foot along a pilgrimage trail, passing by shrines and a church built into the mountainside—Savour spectacular views of the Salzkammergut before returning to St. Wolfgang.

Back at the hotel, you'll have one last chance to visit the spa for a rejuvenating treatment. This evening, we convene for a farewell toast and a tasty dinner.

Level 1, Approx 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)

This morning, we shuttle into the scenic village of Fuschl, seated at the centre of a nature reserve, a favourite idyllic retreat for Salzburg residents. The lake is sheltered by pine-clad hills, offering several secluded bays and calm beaches ideal for swimming. Stretch your legs on a rolling walk along the shore, then follow the trail back to the hotel, where you can check out the fishery famed for its trout and char. You can also shop in the gift shop for souvenirs like smoked fish, chocolates or jam.

You'll have time to pack up and bid farewell to your tour leaders and friends made on the trip before our shuttle takes you to Salzburg.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.