Into Italy to visit Novacella Monastery dating back more than 900 years, run by Augustine monks. Then a stop at Lake Misurina before ending the day in Cortina - only 2 hours north of Venice, among the first Alpine destinations to host explorers and scientists, then royals and aristocrats.

Innsbruck, which translates as the Bridge over the River Inn, is the capital of the Tyrol region of Austria, with yet another atmospheric old town centre, set against a majestic backdrop of the Austrian Alps.

Linderhof is one of 3 castles built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886). He ascended the throne at the age of 18. His reign was a lonely one, the kingdom was managed well so he spent his time living a decadent lifestyle and indulging in his passionate building projects.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, was a centre for trade, especially salt in medieval times as it was also on the Golden Path. Today it has the strongest economy in Germany and almost no unemployment with large Turkish and Balkan communities.

Passau - which sits at the confluence of 3 rivers - the Inn, Ilz and Danube. Once again, a pretty town of cobblestone streets filled with buildings painted in pastel shades. In medieval times, the city was an important centre for trading white gold - salt transported from the alpine mines.

Linz was originally known as Lentia when it was a Roman castle settlement. Today it’s the 3rd largest city in Austria with a big harbour located on the Danube.

Krems, Austria, a quaint university town at the southern end of the *Wachau Valley*, surrounded by terraced vineyards, along the Danube River. During the 12th century, Krems was even more important than Vienna for its iron, salt, grain and wine trade.

As the capital of Austria, Vienna has a long history as an important cultural centre stretching back to its days as the imperial capital of the Hapsburg empire, lasting for 600 years, when wars and politics changed the world, but not the coffeehouse culture which continues to thrive today.