Heading straight from Salzburg to Austria's highest mountain, the Großglockner, crossing the Alps to Bolzano in the Dolomites, then returning to Salzburg via scenic Innsbruck this tour includes many of the most incredible mountain landscapes in both Austria and Italy.
This trip will be customized according to your wishes.
The city located at the northern boundary of the Alps is one the most beautiful in central Europe. The backdrop of the Alps to the south contrasts strongly with the rolling plains to the north.
The closest Alpine peak – the 1,972 m Untersberg – is only a few kilometers from the city center. The inner city, or old town, is dominated by baroque towers and churches. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is Salzburg's most famous son. The houses where he was born and also lived in are popular tourist attractions and there are many monuments remembering the “Wolferl” in the city. His family is buried in a small church graveyard in the old town.
The 19th century villa, converted into a boutique hotel, is located in a residential area south of the Kapuzinerberg.
Each of the 14 rooms is individually furnished and offers modern comfort. In the morning a rich Breakfast buffet with local and seasonal specialities awaits and in good weather can also be served on a terrace in the garden with a natural pond. Those who want can take a stroll along the Salzach and reach the oldtown in approximately 15 minutes; with the bus (line 7), it takes about five minutes.
Rental car pick-up
Broker: Sunny Cars GmbH
Company: Europcar
Vehicle: Skoda Scala or similar (CDMR)
Location: Salzburg Airport (Desk at Airport)
The Upper Alpine Road (Hochalpenstraße) that begins in Heiligenblut at the foot of the Großglockner is one of the most magnificent mountain stretches in the world.
The 22 km long highway leads through the Glockner Massif up to a height of over 2,500 m (8,200 ft.). Although the route around Austria's highest mountain was already used by the Romans, the road wasn't built until the 1930s. Today most traffic across the Austrian Alps uses other passes, leaving this route relatively quiet. Car parks are present at most viewpoints from which marked hiking paths lead off into the mountain terrain. In good weather a trip along a side road called “Glacier Road” (Gletscherstraße) is a must.
Today the 400-year-old farmhouse above Heiligenblut is a small chalet hotel that can accommodate up to 35 guests.
With its heavy wooden ceiling beams in the bedrooms and open fireplace in the rustic restaurant, the property has lost none of its historic flair. The restaurant specializes in traditional Austrian cuisine. A Turkish steam bath and a fitness room are also available. Although the inn with views of the Großglockner is especially popular among winter sports enthusiasts, the calmer summer months are ideal for relaxing or hiking on the numerous marked paths in the Großglockner National Park. Those who prefer to travel by car can take a scenic drive to the Großglockner Glacier.
The most direct route leads through Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol. A challenging detour through the Defreggental River Valley is recommended for travellers not faint of heart.
The winding road with inclines of up to 10% will take you through a deep gorge with sensational landscapes. You will cross the border to Italy at the Passo Stalle and continue through the Antholzer Valley and the sunny Puster Valley to Toblach.
San Cassiano sits on 1,537 meters between the peaks of Fanes and the extensive Pralongià Meadows, which in winter form the center of the ski resort of Alta Badia.
The imposing rock faces of Lavarella, Conturines and Lagazuoi tower above the village. In summer you can see many climbers in the rugged Dolomite walls. Hikers will find trails of varying length and difficulty. A cablecar takes visitors from the village to the Pralongià Meadows where one can enjoy the sun and nature. The church built in 1782 is dedicated to San Cassiano, whose martyrdom is displayed on the main altar.
The late 19th century house is situated on the steep slopes of Lago di Centro Cadore in Domegge and offers wide vistas of this and the surrounding mountains.
All rooms at the B&B are stylish and furnished with a sense of design and detail. The renovation has been carried out to preserve the original charm of the house. In many places you can still see original wooden elements and wrought-iron fittings that immerse you in the world of legends that surround this region: that of the Monti Pallidi, the Soreghina of King Laurin. The Breakfast with many homemade foods is rich and in fine weather is served on the terrace overlooking the garden and the mountains. The owners are very hospitable without being intrusive.
The short leg leads past Bruneck and Brixen. The Baroque cathedral and Renaissance palace in the latter town are worth a stop.
The southern route along side roads and across several passes is more scenic but also more strenuous for the driver. It will take you through stunning landscapes past the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and Monte Cristallo. A cable car runs to the summit of Tofana from Cortina.
The capital of the province of Bolzano-Bozen has a distinctly Austrian flavor. It is situated in a narrow valley which was once the crossroad of several ancient trading routes.
While the baroque city center clearly shows that the region belonged to Austria for centuries, modern Bolzano represents an interesting mixture of German and Italian culture. The landscape is dominated by the fascinating Dolomites, which rise majestically to the east creating bizarre formations. Huddled at the foot of the mountains is Caldaro al Lago. The warmest lake in the Alps is surrounded by vineyards for the production of red wine.
The medieval castle atop a hill near Bolzano dates back to the year 1236. It was acquired by the Dellago family nearly 100 years ago and converted into a luxury hotel and restaurant by the current generation of Dellagos.
From this quiet perch atop a hill surrounded by vineyards guests can enjoy wonderful views of Bolzano and Catinaccio. Inside a pleasant atmosphere is created by works of folk art, bright colours and wood furnishings. Dinner on the panoramic terrace is an experience to which Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and a good wine cellar also contribute. Somewhat off the beaten track of the castle is the pool, where you can dream, read or lounge on the sun deck. Guests can also use the indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, solarium, tennis court and library, and Vespa excursions can be arranged.
The quickest route leads through the Brenner Pass, the most important north-south connection in the Alps. Those wishing to avoid the heavy traffic on the Brenner Motorway can take a scenic detour through the Özttal Alps via Meran and the Passo del Rombo.
Vast mountain meadows, deep gorges, waterfalls and glaciers lie along the route.
The capital of Tyrol is located in the Inn Valley at the junction of the north-south route connecting Germany to Italy with the east-west route between Switzerland and Vienna.
The only major city in the Alps has a medieval city center with narrow alleys and numerous examples of Gothic architecture, the most famous of which is the house with the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). The city, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympics (1964, 1976), is famous for its scenic setting amid soaring Alpine peaks such as the Karwendel mountain range in the north and the Lanser heads as well as the Patscherkofel – a popular skiing terrain – in the south-east, where a cable car leads to the summit also during the summer months.
The old double eagle coat of arms of the Astro-Hungarian Empire still hangs above the entrance to the historical guesthouse.
In the 15th century the stalls of Emperor Maximilian I (known as the Knightstood on the site. The stalls were replaced by a patrician villa in the 17th century that has now served as an inn for nearly 500 years. Since its recent restoration the hotel has been awarded a 4-star rating. No two rooms in the building are alike, and most are decorated in accordance with a specific theme, such as the Sissi Room named after the Austrian Princess or the Castle Room. The area of the building that contains the hotel restaurant was once part of a neighbouring monastery. The restaurant, one of the best in Innsbruck, also has a proud, 500-year tradition. A wellness and massage centre is also available to guests.
Rental car drop-off
Location: Salzburg Airport (Desk at Airport)
Ph.: +49 (0)2268 92298-25
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