Group Tour Operator for holidays to Austria and the Alps
St. Anton and Tyrolean Dreams: Adventures in the Austrian Alps
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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 Tyrol and Austria’s Alpine region on this group tour, from its capital, Innsbruck, to the unforgettable scenery of the Silvretta Alpine Road. Weave from the majestic Lake Constance through the famous spa and ski resort of St. Anton to the Liechtenstein capital of Vaduz.
An area rich with some of Europe’s best vineyards and intriguing towns, take the chance to amble along cobblestone lanes beneath the snow-dusted peaks of the Alps. See the curious village of Oberammergau, site of the decennial Passion Play Germany and the opulence of the Swarovski Crystal World.
Here, where Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Liechtenstein all meet, there’s an endless array of places for your group to visit.
Read MoreLake 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.
Dates
May - October 2022
Suggested itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to St. Anton
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel south through France for an overnight stop before arriving in St. Anton, Austria on day 2.
Day 3
Lake Constance and Lindau
Today we visit Lake Constance, 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, town squares and museums.
We visit the oldest town on the lake, Bregenz, which sits off the southern shoreline and has a famous floating theatre. 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 generally regarded as being one of the most attractive on the lake.
Day 4
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.
Day 5
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.
In the afternoon we visit 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.
Day 6
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. There’s an optional walking tour that includes the Imperial Palace and the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the symbol of the city.
For a captivating and glittering experience, visit the famous Swarovski Crystal World. Enter into the heart of this crystal empire to be awed by sparkling art.
Day 7
Ludwig’s Linderhof Palace and Oberammergau
We cross into Germany today to visit the delightful Linderhof Palace completed in 1878 and renowned for its sumptuous interiors. 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.
We continue to Oberammergau, a charming little village of painted houses and woodcarvers. Also famous for the Passion Play performed each decade, maybe take the opportunity to visit the Passion Play Theatre.
Day 8
Silvretta Alpine Road
For our final day in Austria we have a treat in store with a leisurely circular drive over the famous Silvretta Alpine Road that connects the Tyrol and the Voralberg. The highest point of the road is 2,032m, here there are a number of guesthouses offering good food and splendid views of the Piz Buin (3,312m), the highest peak in the Voralberg.
Silvretta High Alpine Road is open only from June until October, depending on the weather conditions. A toll fee is payable locally.
Day 9-10
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Austria, make an overnight stop en route before continuing to Calais the following morning to return to the UK.
Suggested hotels – Inspected by Greatdays’ staff in August 2017
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
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| 2021 Dates | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| May – October 2022 | Sporthotel, St. Anton | From £559.00 per person | From £239.00 per person |
