Self-Guided Walking in Austria's Lake District

All breakfasts and 1 evening meal are included. Austria is renowned for wholesome, robust food. The cuisine is a reflection of the culinary exchange that went on during the time of empires - French, Spanish, Dutch, German and Croatian cuisine have all contributed to the flavours, to name just a few. You will be set up for the day with a breakfast of cold meats and cheeses, traditional bread, jam and coffee. Austrians tend to eat heartily at lunch time and less in the evenings, but you will be well catered for at dinner. Local specialities include the ever present 'Wiener Schnitzel' (breaded veal cutlet) and various stews of beef and pork. Dumplings, potatoes or noodles are all regular accompaniments along with vegetables. Of course, the fresh fish found in the lakes like rainbow trout, brown trout and whitefish will be a feature of many menus, often grilled with butter and herbs, or stuffed with local mushrooms. Desserts are often fruit based - such as 'apfelstrudel' or cream pastries. 'Rehrucken' is a traditional chocolate and almond cream cake. 'Linzertorte' is a flaky cake lined with currant or raspberry jam, encased and covered by a lattice of cake dough. Mozart's home town's speciality is 'Salzburger Nockerln', which is a very light dessert souffle dusted with vanilla sugar and sometimes served with strawberries on the side. Plum brandy is a popular post dinner drink, or you could try one of the various types of schnapps. Austrian wine tends to be white and fairly sweet in the manner of German Mosel wines. Beer is a better known product of the country and you will find a wide variety of local brews. The best known are Gosser and Augustiner Brau and come in light or dark forms.

The local agent is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service.

For flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Salzburg airport at 13:35, and back to Salzburg airport at 11:30. For land only bookings transfers are available for a supplement.

The Hotel Goldenes Schiff boasts a prime location in Bad Ischl's pedestrianised town centre and sits on the banks of the Traun River. Inside, it's modern and comfortable, with first-class facilities including a spa, with sauna and steam room.

Snow-capped peaks, pine-clad hills, lush green meadows and unspoilt forest trails

4-star hotels throughout; swimming opportunities every day

Crystal-clear lakes, babbling streams, tranquil shore and secluded bays

Picturesque waterfront villages, pretty castles and cobbled streets crammed with attractive frescoed houses

Varied rest day choices: watersports, mountain rail rides, lake cruisers and Mozart's fairytale city of Salzburg

All breakfasts and 7 dinners

All accommodation (see accommodation section)

Route notes and maps

All baggage transport

Arrival & departure transfers