Group Tour Operator for holidays to Austria
Little Trains and Boats of Austria – BEST SELLER
Think of Austria and it conjures up images of snow-capped mountain, tumbling waterfalls and glistening lakes. Add in two steam-hauled narrow gauge railways, two lake cruises and a visit to the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, and you have a tour full of memorable experiences.
During this trip, you will take a cruise around the gloriously blue Lake Achensee. Arrive at the lake by taking the Achenseebahn steam train along the narrow gauge railway admiring the stunning scenery en-route. You will also visit the quaint medieval town of Rattenberg where you can indulge in an Austrian classic: apple strudel! Furthermore, you can visit the glass factory and watch an absorbing glass-making demonstration.
Dates
April - October 2024 and 2025
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1/2
Travel to Austria
Take the short sea ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and continue south through France for an overnight stop. Continue the next morning, driving through Germany to arrive at your chosen hotel in the Tyrol for the next 6 nights. Check in and enjoy dinner together.
Day 3
Ziller Valley Steam Railway, Mayrhofen and the Gerlos Pass
Make the short journey to Jenbach and board the historic Ziller Valley steam railway that will wind its way up the valley to the picturesque town of Mayrhofen. Explore this famous Alpine ski resort before returning via the spectacular Gerlos Pass by coach. En-route it may be possible to stop at the world famous Krimml Waterfalls. For those who feel adventurous, there is an approximate 15-20 minute leisurely walk each way to reach the lowest waterfall from the coach parking. The walkways and paths along this section are very well maintained for easy accessibility (entrance cost to the falls not included – pay direct on the spot).
Day 4
At leisure
There’s free time today to relax in the hotel and explore the local area.
Day 5
Kitzbühel and Zell am See Cruise
Travel to Kitzbühel, one of the most famous and exclusive ski resorts in the world. It has a quaint old town with colour facades and interesting churches to visit as well as plenty of shops to browse around. After some free time, continue by coach to the busy lakeside town of Zell am See, a favourite with visitors from the UK. Sitting on the banks of Lake Zell, and with the Hohe Tauern mountains behind, the setting is often described as one of Austria’s most beautiful. Take a relaxing round trip cruise on the lake followed by time to explore the cobbled streets of the historic town centre.
(This day trip can be operated in reverse, subject to sailing schedules and ship availability)
Day 6
Achensee Cog Railway and Lake Cruise
Return to the station at Jenbach, this time to take a 45 minute ride on our second little train, the steam operated Achensee Cog Railway. Dating from 1889, this historic train takes us on a memorable journey through romantic landscapes and forests of the Inntal Valley and to our terminal at Lake Achensee. This is where you embark on a relaxing round trip cruise on the Tyrol’s largest lake before heading back to the hotel.
Day 7
Innsbruck and Rattenberg
No tour to the Austrian Tyrol would be complete without a visit to its capital, Innsbruck. With a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it offers a picture-book old town full of historical buildings. Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour that includes exterior views of the the Imperial Palace and the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the symbol of the city. Enjoy some free time wandering through the cobbled streets, browsing the shops and admiring the pastel hues of the buildings overlooking the river.
Continue by coach to the nearby medieval town of Rattenberg, Austria’s smallest town, is full of revitalized townhouses, cobbled streets and alleyways—and has at its heart Kisslinger Glassblowing Shop. The shop displays a huge selection of their wonderful creations on four floors, from crystal chalices to delicate glasses, from glass jewellery to glass plates. On a guided tour you will see live glass blowing demonstrations with a chance to ‘have a go’.
Nearby is the Cafe Konditorei Hacker, famous for its Apple Strudel where you can watch how this delicious dessert is made and even taste and purchase some samples!
Day 8/9
Return to the UK
We make our return journey through Germany and into France for a final overnight stay. Continue to Calais the next day for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Optional extras
Optional excursions whilst in Innsbruck
Having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1976, Innsbruck is watched over by the Bergisel Ski Jump which is a prominent landmark in the city’s skyline. Visitors can access a viewing platform – look out and imagine you are a ski jumper about to jump! A short excursion from the city takes you to the magical cave world of Swarovski. Inside the crystal dome, the many facets glisten and sparkle. Explore the crystal forest, ‘Eden’, designed to celebrate the magnificence of nature.
Optional extra day – Salzburg ‘Sound of Music’ City
Salzburg, the city of dreaming spires, romantic gardens, Mozart and the ‘Sound of Music’. Perhaps take a ride on the funicular up to the medieval Hohsalzburg Fortress that overlooks the old town or a guided walking tour to help bring this beautiful city alive. Themed ‘Mozart’ and ‘Sound of Music’ tours also possiblle
Suggested hotels
Hotel Tyrol, Söll ****
Popular centrally located hotel. Heated outdoor swimming pool, four course dinners and menu choice. Coach parking is available nearby.
Harmony Hotel Sonnschein, Niederau ****
Located in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps. The hotel has indoor & outdoor heated pools, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, sun terrace, restaurant and bar. Seasonal entertainment. Coach parking next to the hotel.
Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement | |
April – October 2024 | Hotel Tyrol, Soll | On request | On request |
April – October 2025 | On request | On request |