Group Tour Operator for holidays to Austria

Depart the UK

Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais.  Continue south through France, stopping overnight in the Reims/Metz area.  Dinner is included at the hotel.

Travel to Austria

After breakfast,  continue through France, into Germany and Austria and onto the Tyrol for the next 6 nights.  Check in and enjoy dinner together and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings.

At leisure

There’s free time today to relax in the hotel and explore the local area.

Ziller Valley Steam Railway, Mayrhofen and the Gerlos Pass

Make the short journey to Jenbach and board the historic Ziller Valley steam railway that will wind its way up the valley to the picturesque town of Mayrhofen.  Explore this famous Alpine ski resort before returning via the spectacular Gerlos Pass by coach.  En-route it may be possible to stop at the world famous Krimml Waterfalls.  For those who feel adventurous, there is an approximate 15-20 minute leisurely walk each way to reach the lowest waterfall from the coach parking.  The walkways and paths along this section are very well maintained for easy accessibility (entrance cost to the falls not included – pay direct on the spot).

(Please note that train timetables/routes are subject to confirmation and alteration without notice)

Kitzbühel and Zell am See Cruise

Travel to Kitzbühel, one of the most famous and exclusive ski resorts in the world.  It has a quaint old town with colour facades and interesting churches to visit as well as plenty of shops to browse around.  After some free time, continue by coach to the busy lakeside town of Zell am See, a favourite with visitors from the UK.  Sitting on the banks of Lake Zell, and with the Hohe Tauern mountains behind, the setting is often described as one of Austria’s most beautiful. Take a relaxing round trip cruise on the lake followed by time to explore the cobbled streets of the historic town centre.

(This day trip can be operated in reverse, subject to sailing schedules and ship availability)

Achensee Cog Railway and Lake Cruise

Return to the station at Jenbach, this time to take a 45 minute ride on our second little train, the steam operated Achensee Cog Railway.  Dating from 1889, this historic train takes us on a memorable journey through romantic landscapes and forests of the Inntal Valley and to our terminal at Lake Achensee.  This is where you embark on a relaxing round trip cruise on the Tyrol’s largest lake before heading back to the hotel.

(Please note that train timetables/routes are subject to confirmation and alteration without notice)

Innsbruck, Rattenberg Glass and Strudel

No tour to the Austrian Tyrol would be complete without a visit to its capital, Innsbruck.  With a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it offers a picture-book old town full of historical buildings. Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour that includes exterior views of the the Imperial Palace and the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the symbol of the city.  Enjoy some free time wandering through the cobbled streets, browsing the shops and admiring the pastel hues of the buildings overlooking the river.

Continue by coach to the nearby medieval town of  Rattenberg, Austria’s smallest town, is full of revitalized townhouses, cobbled streets and alleyways—and has at its heart Kisslinger Glassblowing Shop. The shop displays a huge selection of their wonderful creations on four floors, from crystal chalices to delicate glasses, from glass jewellery to glass plates. On a guided tour you will see live glass blowing demonstrations with a chance to ‘have a go’.

Nearby is the Cafe Konditorei Hacker, famous for its Apple Strudel where you can watch how this delicious dessert is made and even taste and purchase some samples!

Depart Austria

We make our return journey through Germany and into France for a final overnight stay in the Reims/Metz area.  Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Return to the UK

Depart after breakfast for the journey to Calais and the short sea ferry crossing to Calais, and home.

Optional excursions whilst in Innsbruck

Having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1976, Innsbruck is watched over by the Bergisel Ski Jump which is a prominent landmark in the city’s skyline.  Visitors can access a viewing platform – look out and imagine you are a ski jumper about to jump!

Alternatively, why not visit the famous world of Swarovski Crystal in nearby Wattens.  Enter into the heart of this crystal empire to be awed by sparkling art and have the possibility to make some purchases at the end of the tour.

Optional extra day   –  Salzburg ‘Sound of Music’ City

Salzburg, the city of dreaming spires, romantic gardens, Mozart and the ‘Sound of Music’.  Perhaps take a ride on the funicular up to the medieval Hohsalzburg Fortress that overlooks the old town or a guided walking tour to help bring this beautiful city alive.  Themed ‘Mozart’ and ‘Sound of Music’ tours also possiblle