Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we join our platinum executive tour coach and head to Kent where we make the short sea crossing to France. Upon our arrival we continue our journey across France to our overnight hotel in the Metz Area.
Day 2: This morning we continue our journey across France, crossing the border into Germany where we pass through the beautiful Black Forrest enroute to our hotel. Upon our arrival we enjoy a welcome drink whilst our cases are taken to our rooms.
Day 3: This morning we enjoy a round trip through the stunning Kitzbühel Alps, stopping in the historic town of Kitzbühel. Upon arrival we enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the town enabling you to familiarise yourself with the area and enjoy some excellent photograph opportunities. The rest of the day is then at leisure for you to explore this beautiful town. Dating back to the 16th century, Kitzbühel is famous for its vibrantly coloured buildings that line the main pedestrianised cobbled street in the centre and is home to the rich and famous. Take time to explore the traditional boutiques, admire the picturesque buildings and fine old churches which date back over 700 years, or enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the many pavement cafés. You may wish to take a cable car ride up the mighty Hahnenkamm Mountain for some spectacular views of the region (extra cost, approximately €27 payable locally). Later we return to our hotel in time for a delicious four course dinner followed by an evening of a traditional Tyrolean Folklore entertainment.
Day 4: This morning we travel to the ancient town of Rattenberg. Standing on the banks of the Inn River, Rattenberg is tucked between the fortress on the hill and the river. The medieval center of Austria’s smallest town is full of revitalized townhouses, cobbled streets and alleyways and dotted by specialist glass shops. In fact, it was the development of the glass industry that brought Rattenberg to the height of its prosperity. Discover a town rich in history, with countless stories to tell. Pop into the Augustine Museum, filled with Tirolese artefacts, view the amazing 12th century Nagelschmied Homes, discover the lovely parish church and visit the glass blowing workshop at Kisslinger House. (attractions subject to individual cost and payment). Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge yourself with one of the Konditorei Hacker’s unique yummy pastries - a little gem offering quality and always fresh home-made treats.
We then continue to Jenbach where we board the 130-year-old Achensee Cog Railway, which is still steam operated, and continues to provide a sense of adventure and history as it carries passengers from the station at Jenbach up the mountain to Achensee Lake. Here, we then enjoy a leisurely cruise as we take in the breathtaking view of the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. This part of the excursion is not just a boat tour, it is a wonderful experience that lets you truly relax, unwind and appreciate the stunning landscape.
Day 5: Today is a day of leisure in resort, however it will be one of the highlights of the holiday, as the Tyrolean Almabtreib (cows down festival) takes place today in Kirchberg. These alpine festivals take place every year in autumn, as the healthy return of the farmers and their cattle is celebrated in the village. As the cattle, who have spent the summer months on the alpine pastures, return to the valley, festively decorated, the local brass band plays, costume groups in traditional lederhosen and pretty dirndl clothes perform, and handicrafts and culinary delicacies are offered at the market stalls. It will be roughly lunchtime when the decorated cattle are expected in the village, so today will be a leisurely affair to enable you to join the fun and experience this truly unique occasion in Tyrolean style.
Weather permitting, there will also be another treat in store for you this evening! So, after an early dinner, for those who wish to join in, there will be a Hot Air Balloon Festival night in Kirchberg. More than thirty crews, local and foreign, participate in the festival creating a truly unforgettable visual experience.
Day 6: Austria's highest view awaits you today! Every kilometre and every single one of the 36 turns of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a pleasure! From the Franz-Josefs-Heights panorama viewing platform you will have a view of Austria's highest mountain, which at 3,798 meters, towers over the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps, the 9 km long Pasterze. We will have time to visit the Wilhelm Swarovski Observation Tower which offers unique views of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The impressive glass architecture of the observation tower, coupled with the striking view of the Grossglockner massif and Pasterze glacier will provide you with a special moment to capture that perfect photograph. You may even spot one of the resident marmots! (This excursion is subject to weather conditions, and it may be necessary to amend the planned departure day)
Day 7: Today we visit Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and former seat of the ruling Habsburg family. Its many fine buildings are a testament to the city’s regal past, including the famous Golden Roof and the Hofburg Palace, whilst Maria Theresien Street is also a must see. This charming town, at the foot of the Northern Chain Mountains, also famously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. During you visit a local guide will show you the highlights of this Alpine town, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the area, before enjoying the rest of our visit at leisure.
Day 8: On our last full day in resort we have included a half day excursion to the beautiful resort of Zell Am See. This charming holiday resort is situated at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe mountain on the shores of Lake Zell and has a stunning promenade to explore. In the centre of town, the many lovingly restored and well-maintained old houses tell the story of the town's long history and the streets are peppered with quaint tea rooms and cafes. Afterwards we return to Kirchberg for an afternoon at leisure and our last night at the stunning Hotel Zentral.
Day 9: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and make our way back through Germany to our overnight hotel in the Metz area of France.
Day 10: This morning we continue our journey through France to Calais, where we make the short sea crossing back to Kent. Upon our arrival we continue back to Norfolk where our door to door taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
9 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £1494pp
Single Supplement: £190 (Will be a true single room)
Insurance: £POA Due to crossover renewal dates over the festive period, new insurance policies cannot currently be purchased online. Please contact our office in the new year for further details.
Tour Reference: EUR1847
This tour will be undertaken in one of our Platinum luxury executive coaches. You will have extended leg room, airline style seats with adjustable headrests and USB charging points, along with all the facilities present on our executive touring vehicles.
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure