Group Tour Operator for holidays to Austria and the Alps

Depart the UK

Drive to Dover and take the ferry crossing over to Calais/Dunkerque.  After disembarkation, continue south through France stopping overnight in the Reims area.  Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

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, relax before dinner at the hotel and the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day at leisure (driver’s rest day)

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 (payable locally) 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 free entertainment which takes place in the town centre (usually Tuesdays or Wednesdays/May-September) and only a short walk from the hotel.

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 and to get some lunch.

For a captivating and glittering experience we continue by coach to the famous Swarovski Crystal World. We have included entrance and a self-guided audio tour of 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 and/or have a drink in the on-site cafe before leaving. (Allow about 2-2.5 hours for the visit).

Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

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.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

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)

Return to St. Anton for dinner and evening at leisure.

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 (please ask for further details).

Return to the hotel for a final dinner and evening.

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.

Return to the UK

Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais/Dunkerque and take the ferry crossing to Dover, and home.

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.