Group Tour Operator for holidays to Austria & Switzerland

Travel to Austria

Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel south through France for an overnight stop before arriving at your hotel in Pfunds on day 2.

Day at Leisure

Relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel or wander around the village of Pfunds (optional walking tours available).  Find a nice cafe where the famous delicious apple strudel is sure to be served!  Pfunds is a pretty village in the westernmost section of the Inntal Valley at the point where Austria, Italy and Switzerland meet.  The medieval houses on both banks of the river are famous for their beautifully painted facades.

Austria – Innsbruck and Swarovski Crystal World

Travel 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. Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour that includes the Imperial Palace and the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the symbol of the city. After some free time, drive to the small village of Wattens, home to the world famous Swarovski Crystal World, for a captivating and glittering experience with the option to make some purchases in the on-site shop.

If time allows take a look at the impressive Bergisel Ski Jump (entrance cost payable locally), built on the site of the ski jump used in the 1964 and 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics.

Switzerland – Bernina Express and St Moritz

Cross the border into Switzerland and follow the Lower Engadine Valley to the chic and world-famous resort of St Moritz.  Sights such as the leaning tower, a remnant of the Mauritius Church from around the year 1500, or the Segantini Museum are worth a visit.   After some free time to explore the town board the famous Bernina Express train in either St. Moritz (or nearby Pontresina) for a panoramic and exhilarating one way journey through the Bernina Pass on the highest railway tracks in Europe and the steepest in the world.

Disembark at Poschiavo to rejoin the coach for the journey back to Pfunds.

(Bernina Express – subject to availability and schedules at time of booking)

Italy – Merano and Wine Tasting

A spectacular drive into Italy through the spectacular Reschen Pass and along the Etsch Valley with its vineyards, orchards and ruined castles. Arrive at the vibrant spa town of Merano characterised by spacious parks, exotic botanical gardens and waterways.  Explore the old town’s many shops and restaurants in the medieval arcades overlooked by snow-covered mountains.

Continue to the nearby spectacularly located Castle Rametz wine estate for a guided tour of the vineyards, a visit to the museum and, finally, a wine tasting with the opportunity to make purchases before heading back to Pfunds.

Switzerland – Shopping and Scenery

Make the short drive over the border to indulge in a little duty free retail therapy in the nearby Swiss alpine village of Samnaun.  This former smugglers’ paradise located in the Swiss, Austrian and Italian triangle has developed into a holiday resort and visitors can reap the benefits of the only tax-free resort in Switzerland.

There is also an opportunity to take a ride in the Samnaun Twinliner, the world’s first double-deck cable car.  Built in just five months, since 1995 the cable car has been carrying 180 people per trip.  Admire stunning views from the peak as you relax with a refreshing drink or perhaps enjoy lunch in the mountain-top restaurant (optional extra).

Return to the UK

It’s time to leave the Alps, make an overnight stop en route before continuing to Calais the following morning to return to the UK.

Kaunertal Glacier Panoramic Road

A scenic drive along the 26km Kaunertal Glacier Panoramic Road, one of the most beautiful routes in the Alps.  Winding roads lead through this stunning landscape alongside perpetual ice.  Viewing platforms, for photo opportunities, and historic sites dot the route.  Be sure to make a photo-stop at the Gepatsch Reservoir or relax on the sun terrace of the glacier restaurant where you can capture a 360degree view of Austria, Italy and Switzerland.  There is also the opportunity to take a ride on the Karlesjochbahn Cable Car to a viewing platform higher up in the mountains.  Keep your eyes peeled for little marmots or ibex which are some of the inhabitants of the region.