Group Tour Operator and DMC for Austria
Lake Constance: One Lake, Four Countries
Staying Feldkirch; Explore this beautiful Lake and the surrounding countries
Surrounded by Austria, Germany and Switzerland, picturesque Lake Constance has been attracting visitors for centuries. Nestled at the meeting point of these countries, the Austrian town of Feldkirch is an ideal base for exploring medieval towns and breathtaking scenery. Explore highlights of the surrounding countries, as well as venturing to Leichtenstein.
Read MoreFeldkrich; A Wonderful base for your time on the Lake
The well-preserved medieval town of Feldkirch is a picture of towers, bridges and ducal houses. It’s a wonderful place to stroll through and discover on foot, and watching over it all is the 13th century Schattenburg Castle. Heading out from Feldkirch, we discover many of the lake’s most popular attractions during this tour. Wind through Austria’s incomparable scenery and discover historic lakeside towns in Germany.
Friedrichshafen; a Charming Lakeside Town
This charming town is home to beautiful views and you also have good access to the many treasures found around the Lake. Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, one of the longest on Lake Constance, with a magnificent view of the Alps, almost within touching distance across the water. Friedrichshafen has another claim to fame, as the birthplace of the Zeppelin airship. Whilst here, be sure to visit the engaging Zeppelin Museum. One of the museum’s highlight is a 33m reconstruction of the Hindenburg airship. Located in the striking former harbour station, tells the story of the remarkable aircraft. A highlight is a 33m-long reconstruction of the famous Hindenburg airship.
Visit Medieval Meersburg & the Island of Flowers
Built on a steep lakeside vineyard, with an imposing medieval fortress that looks over the town. The old town is simply enchanting. Nearby is the oldest castle in Germany: Salem Castle. It was originally a Cistercian monastery but it now houses several interesting museums, a wine cellar and café, all set in beautiful parkland. We take a passenger ferry for the 20-minute crossing to Mainau, the Island of Flowers. This tropical paradise is still owned by the noble Bernadotte family, the Swedish Royal family.
Venture into Switzerland!
Visit the charming town of Rorschach with its beautiful lakeside promenade and stately buildings. Embark on a delightful boat and train excursion, surrounding by stunning Swiss scenery. We highly recommend joining a boat for a cruise through the Altenrhein nature reserve to Rheineck. A rack and pinion railway then takes you up to the little village of Walzenhausen, nearly 900 feet above the lake. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic views stretching as far as the Vorarlberg and the nearby Alpstein area.
Explore the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein
The 700-year-old Vaduz Castle has been the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein since 1712. Just 62 square miles in size, Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, and it is known for its postage stamps and excellent wines.
With boats, trains and fine wines, this tour has something for everyone. Furthermore, it allows you to experience highlights of four countries in one holiday!
Dates
Dates throughout 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Austria
Cross from Dover to Calais by ferry then continue through France. Make an overnight stop before continuing the following day. Experience the spectacular scenery as you travel to Feldkirch with time to relax in the hotel before dinner.
Day 3
Germany – Lake Constance – Lindau and Friedrichshafen
We start our exploration of Lake Constance with a visit to Lindau, the town on an island. An imposing lighthouse and two Bavarian lions stand guard at the entrance to the harbour, and there are memorable views across to the snow-covered Swiss Alps to enjoy. We then drive, or perhaps take a cruise, to Friedrichshafen, where the lakeside promenade is one of the longest on the lake. The fascinating Zeppelin Museum celebrates the story of Count Zeppelin. Look out for an impressive 33m-long reconstruction of the ill-fated Hindenburg airship.
Day 4
Austria – Free time in Feldkirch
Enjoy a leisurely day today with time to explore medieval Feldkirch with its well-preserved towers and picturesque bridges. Ducal houses offer an insight into the town’s past and the Town Hall’s frescoes portray Feldkirch’s long history. Walk up to the imposing Schattenburg Castle with its red turrets and creeping vines. Built in 1260 to protect the inhabitants, it still casts a watchful eye over the town today and offers visitors far-reaching views.
Day 5
Switzerland – Rorschach Boat, Bus and Train Excursion
We travel to Switzerland today and visit the charming town of Rorschach with its beautiful lakeside promenade and stately buildings. We highly recommend joining a boat for a cruise through the Altenrhein nature reserve to Rheineck. A rack and pinion railway then takes you up to the little village of Walzenhausen, nearly 900 feet above the lake. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic views stretching as far as the Vorarlberg and the nearby Alpstein area. It is only a short journey to Heiden by postbus, a beautiful little town with fantastic views over Lake Constance, before descending by mountain railway back to Rorschach. This excursion allows you to experience beautiful Swiss scenery all day. Alternatively, having explored Rorschach, enjoy a panoramic bus tour of the area, stopping here and there to take in the views.
Day 6
Liechtenstein – Vaduz
Today we drive the short distance into the tiny principality of Liechtenstein to visit the capital, Vaduz. The 700-year-old Vaduz Castle has been the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein since 1712. Just 62 square miles in size, Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, and it is known for its postage stamps and excellent wines. Perhaps explore this charming capital with a guided city tour or relax at a wine tasting.
Day 7
Austria – Silvretta Alpine Road to St Anton
Enjoy a leisurely circular drive through the pearly white peaks of the Silvretta mountain range (toll payable locally). Travel through this dramatic landscape and take in magnificent views across to Piz Buin, Vorarlberg’s highest peak. Spend the afternoon in the once sleepy and now charismatic St Anton. The idyllic village surrounded by luscious scenery and mountain peaks is a true dreamscape.
Day 8
Germany – Lake Constance: Meersburg and The Island of Flowers
Today, we head into Germany to visit medieval Meersburg, built on a steep lakeside vineyard, with an imposing medieval fortress that looks over the town. The old town is simply enchanting. Nearby is the oldest castle in Germany: Salem Castle. It was originally a Cistercian monastery but it now houses several interesting museums, a wine cellar and café, all set in beautiful parkland. We take a passenger ferry for the 20-minute crossing to Mainau, the Island of Flowers. This tropical paradise is still owned by the noble Bernadotte family, the Swedish Royal family. We return to Meersburg to join our coach to return to the hotel.
Day 9-10
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Feldkirch and the beautiful Lake Constance and commence your return journey back to the UK. Make an overnight stop en route to Calais, where we take the ferry back to Dover and continue home.
Suggested Hotel
Best Western Plus Central Hotel Leonhard, Feldkirch ****
Excellent centrally-located hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the medieval town centre and Schattenburg Castle. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a television and safe, and the bathrooms features a hairdryer. The hotel provides a restaurant and terrace serving Austrian and international cuisine. There’s also a bar, indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam bath. Free WiFi. Free coach parking.
Central Hotel Löwen, Feldkirch****
This 4-star hotel is situated in the heart of Feldkirch’s historic Old Town, steps from the main shopping area and just below Schattenburg Castle. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar, and the spa area features a sauna, a steam bath, and an indoor pool. The rooms come with a flat-screen satellite TV, a work desk, and a bathroom with a hairdryer. Free WiFi. Free coach parking is available nearby.
You may also be interested in:
Austrian Lakes and Mountains: Salzburg, Salzkammergut & Bavaria Group Tour
Date | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
Dates throughout 2023 | £780.00 per person | £225.00 per person |