"Thanks for making our holiday the most enjoyable that we've had. It was a great group,
especially as everyone got on so well together"
Corrie Family - Kaprun, August 2007

Life has moved on in leaps and bounds in Austria since Maria von Trapp first brought the hills alive to the sound of music! Today, Kaprun and its lakeside neighbour, Zell am See - jointly known as the ‘Europa Sport Region’ - offer one of Europe’s premier summer adventure holiday destinations.

Saturday

Arrival day, and a chance to settle in and meet your fellow guests.

Sunday

Our Kaprun Welcome Wander is a chance for your Esprit Adventure Leader to show you around the village and highlight all the local facilities and points of interest.

We then continue on a scenic hike to Kesselfall, where a short bus ride followed by an open funicular lift take us up to the huge dams and two glittering turquoise reservoirs at the head of the Kaprun valley. Entrance to the ‘Power & Ice’ Visitor Centre is also included, with its fascinating interactive displays.

After a picnic lunch by the edge of the reservoir, a guided tour inside and outside the dam opens our eyes to the power of water and man’s attempts to harness it. Choose then between walking back to Kaprun or taking the local post bus back from Kesselfall.

Monday

Today we head up to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier for a Snow Fun mountain-top adventure, trying out the snow-scooters, mini-bobs and sledges lined up for your enjoyment. Experienced skiers or snowboarders can also hire equipment (local charge) to sample the summer-skiing runs up here.

In the afternoon, choose between staying a little longer up at the glacier, perhaps arranging with our Adventure Leader for a mountain guide to lead you on an optional ascent to the very peak of the Kitzsteinhorn, or returning to the village to enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming-pools of the excellent Optimum Leisure Centre - included free of charge for all Esprit guests!

Tuesday

A free day to relax or a chance to pack in even more adventures - it's up to you!

Opportunities include tandem para-gliding or light aircraft flight-seeing trips for an aerial view of the mountains, horse-riding and rock-climbing.

This evening is your Chalet Hosts' one night off, so enjoy a local speciality dinner in one of the many excellent traditional village restaurants.

Wednesday

This morning we explore the nearby Kitzlochklamm, a dramatically narrow, winding gorge cut through the rock by a gushing mountain stream and waterfalls, with a series of walkways, steps and ladders to negotiate.

In the afternoon we then take to the Salzach River for an unforgettable afternoon of white-water rafting. Each raft is steered by a qualified river-guide, but there is a paddle for everyone, as good teamwork is the key!

Thursday

Less than an hour from Kaprun are the largest Ice Caves in the world. We take the cable-car up the mountain behind Werfen, followed by a walk from the top to a stepped walkway that leads us into the very heart of the mountain, and a beautifully lit labyrinth of caves and passages with breathtaking ice stalactites and frozen waterfalls all around.

Our day continues at one of Austria's most impressive historic castles, the 11th Century Werfen Fortress - better known as the jawdropping location for the classic adventure film 'Where Eagles Dare', and well worth a visit, not least for its daily Falconry show.

Friday

For our last full day, we're mountain-biking across the valley to Zell am See on a gentle route amidst glorious scenery. On arrival, we leap aboard rowing-boats for a relaxing hour or so exploring the lake.

Zell am See itself is a delightful little medieval town with a pedestrianised centre, and this afternoon there will be time to explore, try sailing dinghies, pedaloes or kayaks independently or hit the shops for some final souvenir hunting, before biking back to Kaprun in your own time.

Your final dinner will be a garden barbecue for all Esprit families to share together, back at your 'home' chalet with your fellow guests.

Saturday

Time to head for home, or perhaps for a second week of adventures in another of our superb summer resorts - the choice is yours!