SALZWELTEN HALLEIN

Exclusive tour

The Eisriesenwelt is a labyrinth of caves with a total length of over 40 km. The first cracks and crevices in the limestone appeared during the elevation of the mountains approx. 100 million years ago and over the course of thousands of years became more developed and extended as a result of chemical reactions and water erosion. Caves in the Alps are still developing, although in many cases the process of drying out has limited their development.

There are various ways in which cave ice can form. The Eisriesenwelt is a dynamic cave, meaning that the corridors and the crevices connect lower lying entrances to higher openings hence making it possible for draughts of air to circulate – similar to the effect in a chimney. Depending on the outside temperature, it is either warmer or cooler inside the mountain and this causes the air to circulate upwards or downwards. In spring, the meltwater seeps through the cracks in the rock and when it reaches the colder lower areas of the caves it freezes and turns slowly into the wonderful ice formations visible inside the caves.

The alpine city of Innsbruck enchants with its historical downtown buildings. The Hofburg (imperial palace) with its court church and Ambras Castle which was erected in the Late Renaissance style in 1529-1595 present the cultural heritage of the Habsburg emperors. In the castle the ”Festival Weeks of Old Music” are performed every summer. The skyline of the city is marked by numerous churches, such as St. Jakob cathedral, the Jesuit church, the Wilten basilica and the Wilten convent church. Also noteworthy is the ”Golden Roof”. The Olympic Winter Games where held twice in Innsbruck and the city possesses Olympic facilities on Isel Mountain. 

Day 2:

When talking about Austria people quite often think of the famous Swarovski crystals. Visiting the Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens is therefore a real have-to for everyone coming to Tyrol. We will stop at Wattens on our way back to Vienna. After our guided visit you will also have a chance to acquire some sparkling memories and souvenirs.

Duration: Two days
Transportation: By coach

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, with a population of about 285,000. Some 40,000 of this population is made up of students, as Graz is home to no less than six universities (four "standard" universities and two dedicated solely to applied sciences), and is associated with names as illustrious as Johannes Kepler, Erwin Schrödinger and Nikola Tesla. The first university was founded in 1585.

Day 1:

Arrival by coach around lunch time. After check-in at the hotel, a sightseeing tour by coach will give you a great overview of the Czech capital. In the late afternoon, a walking tour through Prague’s magnificent old town, leading over the famous Charles Bridge to Prague Castle and its large gardens will show you the most charming sides of the Golden City. After the tour, you may want to stop at a traditional café and enjoy a cup of coffee and treat yourself to a cake.

In the evening, we will try some traditional local beer at Pivovarsky dum (seat of Czech Brewery Association). After the beer tasting and sampling of some beer associated food our guests will be guided through different styles of pubs and will taste some unique Czech brews.
Alternatively, a private concert and tour of Mozart Museum at Bertramka can be arranged with samples of music from Mozart through to Dvorak and Janacek. The concert of a small classical group is either at the summer courtyard or in the main hall.

Day 2:

Maribor is the second most important centre and the second largest city of Slovenia. Our first stop is the Old Vine (Stara trta), the Guinness Book-certified oldest vine in the world (about 450 years old) growing on the front of the Old Vine House in Lent, the oldest part of the town on the enbankment of the Drava river.

A walking tour through the city will take us to the most important sights including the Main square (Glavni trg), Castle square (Grajski trg) with the Maribor Castle and the Maribor Synagogue. After lunch in a charming and cozy restaurant in the city centre we will travel back to Vienna by coach.

Duration: Two days
Transportation: By coach

Day 2:

A guided tour will take you to the Ghetto Quarter. Since the XVI century, this is where the Jewish people used to live. You will visit several Synagogues. Afterwards you will be lead to the Gothic Church of Madonna dell’Orto and the interesting environs. Then departure by private boat to Torcello, first island inhabited in the lagoon, where the Romanesque basilica of the XI century is still situated. Lunch will be taken at a charming restaurant close by. In the afternoon you will visit Burano, famous for its colorful little houses of fishermen and for the art of lace. No planned dinner activities.

Day 3:

On the last day you will visit to the Frari Church, built in the XIV century (masterpieces by  Tiziano, Bellini, Longhena) and the “Scuola Grande di S. Rocco” famous for the series of paintings by J. Tintoretto. Free time before the departure to Vienna.

Duration: Three days
Transportation: By train

The Eravisci, a tribe of highly cultivated Celts, had already settled at Gellért Hill in the third and fourth century B.C. They worked with iron, decorated their earthenware pots and even minted their own coins. Later, the Romans built a settlement called Aquincumon the riverbanks of today’s Budapest, and it became one of the important chains in the set of settlements along the Danube river. It is no surprise that the Castle District, the River Danube embankments and the whole of Andrássy út have been officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 2:

National Hungarian Parliament (visit – 1 hour):  The huge, impressive building situated on the Danube bank on the Pest side is probably the most emblematic sight of Budapest; seat of the government and the coronation regalia. A visit to the Parliament is certainly one of the most unforgettable moments of a trip to Budapest.

State Opera House (visit – 1 hour):  The Opera is yet another one of Budapest's characteristic monuments. It is located in the UNESCO World Heritage area of Andrássy Avenue which was completed in 1884, in renaissance style. It is richly decorated inside and outside with references and statues of Hungarian and international classical musical life. Return transfer back to Vienna after lunch, arrival at 18:00 (approx).
 
Duration: Two days
Transportation: By coach

After lunch we will continue with a walt through the through the historic Old Town. St. Michael’s Gate, the first University Istropolitana, St. Martin’s Cathedral (historic coronation place), the Primate’s Palace, the Old Town Hall, Reduta and the Opera House are on our list. Afterwards free time to discover the city independently.

Travelling daily between Vienna and Bratislava the Twin City Liner will take us back. We will enjoy a special Captain’s Dinner on board of this high speed ferry – and, different from many other tours, in this case even the transfer back will give you an extraordinary memory.

Duration: One day
Transportation: By coach and boat

Day 1:

After a short transfer to Zurich’s Down-Town the party discovers highlights such as the Lake Promenade or the famous "Bahnhofstrasse". A short walk through winded streets of the upper town brings you to the emblematic Grossmünster Church where we access one of its two towers. As you reach the top you will be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and invited to enjoy the fantastic view over Zurich while your guide reveals insight information about the Lutheran reformation.

Lunch is served in a cosy, romantic oasis in Zurich's pulsating banking and business district. The arguably most beautiful terrace of the city is surrounded by historical buildings and unique views on the world’s largest clock-face. In the afternoon experience the individual shopping character of the city’s various quarters. Let yourself be bedazzled by the magic of shopping in Zurich or discover one of the marvelous coffee shops and Chocolatiers before returning to your hotel.
 
Dinner is served at the Riva situated at the lake shore, a symbiosis of extravagant lifestyle and high spirited seafood. The huge seawater aquarium produces a truly mesmerizing effect.