Join solos as we embark on a discovery trip that will live long in the memory thanks to Austria’s breath taking scenery. We will be based in the Tyrol which is located in the western part of Austria and northern part of Italy in the Alps and is known for its ski resorts, historic sites and folk traditions. On this journey, we will experience pristine lakes, a boat cruise, train ride through the valleys surrounded by snow capped mountains, crashing waterfalls, towns with stunning architecture surrounded by natural beauty and lush green meadows, all this and more whilst taking in the crisp fresh, mountain air.
Extras
Today we will arrive into Munich Airport and transfer to the Austrian Tyrol (transfer approx. 2 hours 15 minutes) to Fügen, our base for the week. We will check in and later this evening we will gather for a welcome drink and dinner to get to know our fellow travellers for the next week in this fairy-tale place.
After breakfast this morning we will board the coach and head to the capital of the Tyrol region, Innsbruck. Innsbruck is known for its imperial and modern architecture, something we will witness on our guided tour, whilst also seeing the most majestic views of the jagged rock spires of the Nordkette mountain range rising above the city. After the guided tour, where we will see points of interest such as the Imperial Palace, the golden roof in the old town and many more, we will have some free time for lunch before gathering to take the funicular from the city centre up to 1.905 meters above see level, up to Seegrube, a part of the Nordkette mountain range. Whilst here we will be able to take a small stroll along the mountain to take in the views into the inn valley, or simply enjoy a cold (or warm) drink on the terrace of the restaurant. After marvelling at the view and capturing memorable photographs, we will make our way back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast we will start the day by making our way to the beautiful mountain lake, Lake Achensee, which is nestled in the heart of the majestic Austrian Alps. We will immerse ourselves in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscapes and we will take a cruise along the serene lake on a boat cruise. After this, we will have lunch or afternoon tea in an idyllic mountain restaurant in typical Austrian ambient. As the sun starts to dip below the mountains, we will head back to the hotel for dinner sharing stories and stunning pictures of the day.
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a picturesque train ride through the breath-taking Ziller Valley, which is the widest valley south of the Inn Valley and gets its name from the Zillertal Alps, the glaciated section of the Alps in which it lies. As we step aboard the charming vintage train, we will be serenaded by the melodies of talented local musicians while taking in the breathtaking views.
After a relaxed lunch break we will head to the nearby cascades in Krimml. The Krimml Waterfalls in Austria’s SalzburgerLand thunder down over a height of 380 metres (1,250 ft). After a short walk from the car park, we will hear the thundering of the crashing water and we will witness the air filled with white clouds of spray mist. After marvelling at the waterfalls and capturing memorable photographs, we’ll make our way back to the hotel for dinner.
Today is a day of leisure and personal exploration, allowing us to immerse ourself in the beauty of the Austrian Alps at our own pace. After enjoying breakfast in the hotel, we have the area around the hotel to explore deep in the mountains, known for its charming architecture, delightful cafés and restaurants. It is completely up to us, if we prefer to hike on the mountain paths or to choose a more laid back approach and relax at the hotel, the day is ours to choose.
Today we will leave Austria to see the southern part of Tyrol in Italy. Our journey will take us through breath-taking landscapes, with a delightful stop for coffee in the picturesque town of Sterzing. After our stop we will continue our trip to Bolzano where we will have a guided tour of the provincial capital. Bolzano, a charming city nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps which offers an incredible cultural mix of Italian and German influences, delicious cuisine, contrasting architecture and stunning scenery, is also home to Otzi the Iceman, a glacier mummy from the Copper Age who had been preserved in the glacier ice, with his clothing and equipment, discovered accidentally by hikers in 1991.
Our first stop today takes us to the splendid Ambras Castle. Here we will explore its opulent halls, adorned with exquisite artworks, ancient armour, and royal collections. With an audio guide as our companion, we will delve into the fascinating stories and legends that surround this architectural marvel, gaining insights into the lives of the nobility who once inhabited its grand rooms.
This afternoon, we will make our way to the iconic Ski Jump “Bergisel” which by now has been established as an emblem of the city. Whilst here, we will ascend to the observation deck and relish in panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscapes. To celebrate this unforgettable experience, we will raise a glass of sparkling wine before heading back to the hotel for a farewell dinner as a group.
After breakfast, we will spend the remainder of our time as we wish before heading back to the airport for our flight home.
The modern KOSIS Sports Lifestyle Hotel is located in the centre of Fügen in the Ziller valley.
The hotel has a wellness area with a bio sauna, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and a fitness room. National dishes are served at the on-site à-la-carte restaurant and outdoor dining is possible on the garden terrace. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi also.
All rooms feature a TV with satellite channels, a hairdryer, slippers and a safe. All bathrooms come with a walk-in shower, and some have a bath tub.
The transfer time from Munich Airport to the hotel, it is around 2hours 15minutes.
Casual daytime light-weight “layers” are recommended. Comfortable shoes are a “must” for sightseeing. Smart, casual wear for the evenings. Dressing in layers to allow for changes in temperature is recommended due to being at altitude.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on. If you choose to have ski lessons, you may also like to thank your ski instructor at the end of the week with a token of appreciation.
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
If you are travelling to Austria and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Austria, including the high Alps. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
There will be walking guided tours on this trip, so we advise a level of fitness where this is comfortable.
Order of the itinerary could change due to weather and other circumstances.
Austria use the Euro.
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