Region Overviews: Europe Travel Guide: Overview
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
Journey from Prague, where the Czech Republic reveals itself one village at a time. Quiet farmland. Raw beauty. Earnest people eager to share stories. Cross the Danube and encounter Austria's stark jagged peaks. Find joy in the countryside, the culture and the contrasts of these neighboring European countries.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual & Premiere Hotels*
Start Prague / End Salzburg
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Start your adventure in the Czech Republic with gentle pastoral strolls to picture-perfect villages | After a picnic lunch at a hospoda (traditional country pub) located at the edge of a nature reserve, walk up Mount Klet' through rolling pastureland, evergreen forests and roads lined with fruit trees in southern Bohemia | Find panoramic views stretching from the town of České Budějovice to the snowy peaks of the Austrian Alps | Visit enchanting Český Krumlov, an incredible World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, baroque and Renaissance houses, vaulted passageways and hidden squares | Krumlov Hrad, the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, dominates the skyline | Hike into the hills for sweeping city views | At a popular pub, enjoy a tasting of Czech beers.
Comprised of three historic buildings, this lovely inn is ideally located on the town's main square.
Journey to Austria and ascend by cable car from Traunsee Lake to Feuerkogel peak, where a delightful hike with stunning vistas awaits | Taste apfelstrudel, the delicious signature highland dish, mid-trek at a cozy alpine hut | Schuhplattler dancers treat us to a lively performance | Ride a cogwheel train from the storybook village of St. Wolfgang up Schafberg Mountain, the setting for scenes in The Sound of Music | Embark on a glorious hike in the valley below the breathtaking Dachstein Massif | On forested trails and roads, make your way around Vorderer Gosausee, one of Austria's clearest lakes | On our final morning, take a leisurely walk around the idyllic lakeside village of Fuschl.
Set on a wooded promontory on Lake Fuschl, this castle was built as the country residence of the archbishops of Salzburg in 1450. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
The terrain on this trip includes a mix of historic village pathways, forested lanes and rugged trails with some steeper sections in the Austrian Alps.
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
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