Group Tour Operator for holidays to Austria and the Alps
St. Anton and Tyrolean Dreams
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Swarovski Crystal World, Wattens
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St Anton am Arlberg, Austria ©Osterreich Werbung, Photographer Josef Mallaun
Explore the many highlights of the Tyrol and Austria’s Alpine region on this tour based in the resort of St. Anton. It is famous for its majestic and spectacular mountain landscape, lush green meadows and crisp mountain air. From its capital, Innsbruck and the opulence of Swarovski Crystal World to the majestic Lake Constance (Bodensee), medieval Feldkirch, the Liechtenstein capital of Vaduz and the alps of Switzerland.
Here, where Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Liechtenstein all meet, there’s an endless array of places to visit.
Lake Constance, Lindau & St. Anton am Alberg
Lying on the border between Austria, Switzerland and Germany, Lake Constance was ground from the earth by the Rhine glacier during the last ice age. The lake is a veritable greatest hits of European landscape and culture, boasting Alpine foothills, Roman forts, vibrant wetlands, medieval castles, vineyards, orchards, and even a zeppelin or two (thanks to the nearby Zeppelin Museum ).
To its eastern shore, cradled in a nook on the German side of the Austrian border, lies the delightful old town of Lindau. A picture postcard of a destination, Lindau’s lakefront cafes lap up every possible ray of sun while offering some of Europe’s most striking views.
Further east still, beyond the Austrian border lies the ski village of St. Anton am Arlberg. Home of the Alps’ first ski club in 1901, St. Anton was the birthplace of downhill skiing. Nowadays, as well as great skiing, it offers a fascinating mix of bohemian living and buzzing nightlife.
Feldkirch & Vaduz
On the banks of the Ill River, Feldkirch sits beside the picturesque Schattenburg Castle. The impressive red turrets and steep ramparts of the castle offer incredible views over the pastel town houses and dense forest below.
A little way to the south, Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein offers the combination of modern comfort and tax-free luxury shops with classic Alpine views. Vaduz Castle, built in the 12th century, is the current official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and one of the best places to catch some wondrous Alpine panoramas.
Innsbruck & Swarovski Kristallwelten
Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol region, is Austria in a nutshell. Its delightful old town and striking Habsburg palace are particular highlights. Built in the 15th century, the Hofburg residence is a pearly white gem featuring various frescos of its regal former residents, including Marie Antoinette.
The fairy-tale crystal world of Swarovski greets you to its sparkling utopia with the dazzling absurdism of a gem-encrusted giant’s head fountain. Within the Chamber of Wonders lie crystal forests and works from notable artists, including fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
Linderhof Palace & Oberammergau
North of the border in Germany, Schloss Linderhof was the smallest of Ludwig II’s three castles but the only that he ever saw completed. Inspired by Versailles and dedicated to Sun King Louis XIV, Linderhof is an ornate display of French gardens and fountains set before the majesty of the Alps.
In the mid-17th century as the bubonic plague tore across Europe, the residents of Oberammergau – a small German village in the shadow of the Alps – plead for salvation. In return they promised a play dedicated to the life and death of Jesus once every 10 years.
The rapidly inclining death rate eased and then began to fell. The village had been spared and the tradition of the Passion Play began.
[/expand]Dates
On request May - October 2025 and 2026
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing over the Calais. After disembarkation, continue south through France stopping overnight in the Reims area en-route. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to St. Anton
Depart after breakfast and continue the journey south, into Germany and on to Austria and the resort of St. Anton. After check-in dinner is at the hotel and the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 3
Day at leisure
Spend today in the once sleepy and now charismatic St Anton. The idyllic village surrounded by luscious scenery and mountain peaks is a true dreamscape. Explore the village, take a cable car up into the mountains for more spectacular views, or relax at the hotel. In the evening there may be an opportunity to indulge in some typical Tyrolean entertainment which takes place in the town centre (usually Tuesdays/May-September) and only a short walk from the hotel (pre registration required for individuals and groups).
Note: All visitors staying in St. Anton are given a free ‘ summer card’ valid for many activities in the town and the region including the Tyrolean evening above.
Day 4
Innsbruck and Swarovski Crystal World
No visit would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Alpine city of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol. With a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Innsbruck offers a picture-book Old Town full of historical buildings. After a short guided walking tour that includes the Imperial Palace and the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the symbol of the city, there will be time to explore the city further at leisure.
For a captivating and glittering experience we continue by coach to the famous Swarovski Crystal World. We have included entrance to this crystal empire for you to explore and be awed by sparkling art. There is an opportunity to make purchases in the on-site shop before returning to the hotel.
Day 5
Bregenz, Lindau and Lake Constance Cruise
Lake Constance is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in central Europe, sitting at the meeting point of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Its shores are home to vineyards and intriguing towns rich in castles, churches and museums. Our first stop will be Bregenz, the oldest town on the lake, with a famous floating theatre where some scenes were filmed from the James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’. There’s an optional trip by cable car to the summit of the Pfänder Mountain with spectacular views over the area.
We continue to the picturesque island of Lindau, the ‘Town on an Island’, where centuries old buildings and picturesque alleyways lead to a lakeside promenade guarded by a lighthouse and two Bavarian lions. Lindau is considered to be one of the most attractive on the lake. From here we will embark on a round trip cruise on Bodensee (Lake Constance) which will highlight the surrounding alps and stunning scenery.
Day 6
Medieval Feldkirch and Liechtenstein
This morning we take a leisurely drive along the scenic Arlberg Pass to the medieval town of Feldkirch. There’s time to explore the well-preserved old town, which is built inside a very steep and rocky river valley. Surrounded by high cliffs and forests, the Old Town is well-preserved and has a host of impressive architecture including a beautiful cathedral and the imposing Schattenburg Castle (entrance cost payable locally – group visits can be prebooked).
Continue to Vaduz, the capital of the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. Overlooking the small city is the 700-year-old Vaduz Castle, the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. This former farming town is also renowned for its excellent wine. (Guided tours and wine tastings are possible – please ask for details)
Day 7
Switzerland – Shopping and Scenery
Today, we make the short drive over the border to indulge in a little duty free retail therapy in the nearby high alpine village of Samnaun in Switzerland. Traditionally a major ski resort but away from the slopes you can enjoy the mountain scenery and nature. Relax and enjoy a refreshing drink or lunch whilst admiring the stunning views.
Samnaun is also home to the world’s first double deck cable car, the Samnaun Twinliner which can carry up to 180 people per trip and offers the best views in the triangle where France, Germany and Switzerland meet.
Day 8
Depart Austria
Sadly, it’s time to leave Austria and head back towards France, where we shall make an overnight stop. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 9
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais and take the short sea ferry crossing to Dover, and home.
Optional Extra Day
King Ludwig’s Linderhof Palace and Oberammergau
Cross the border into Germany to visit the delightful Linderhof Palace completed in 1878 and renowned for its sumptuous interiors and gardens. The palace was one of three built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was based on French architectural styles. Admire the palace’s many opulent delights including the Hall of Mirrors, the Palace Park, the Peacock Throne and the artificial grotto with wave machine. (Group booking recommended with reservation fee, entrance payable locally)
Continue to Oberammergau, a charming little village of painted houses and woodcarvers. It is mostly famous for the Passion Play performed every 10 years and there maybe the opportunity to visit the interior of Passion Play Theatre on a backstage tour.
Suggested hotels
Sporthotel, St. Anton ****
Highly recommended hotel in Tirolean style located in the pedestrianised area of St. Anton. Lovely indoor swimming pool. Two restaurants, café with terrace and a piano bar. Coach parking nearby.
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- Sporthotel St Anton exterior and view
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- Sporthotel St Anton Double room
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- Sporthotel St Anton Restaurant
Hotel Grießhof, St Anton ****
Excellent centrally located hotel with restaurant, bar and indoor swimming pool. Onsite coach parking.
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- Hotel Grießhof Main Entrance in St Anton
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- Hotel Grießhof St Anton Double room
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- Hotel Grießhof St Anton Garden
| Departure date |
9 days / 8 nights |
| May – October 2025 and 2026 | from £??? per person |
Single supplement available on request
