An Alpine Christmas (Austria 2025)
Based in Tyrol Austria we shall also visit Germany & Italy where the spectauclar mountain passes will be snow covered and looking their most dramatic
Based in Tyrol Austria we shall also visit Germany & Italy where the spectauclar mountain passes will be snow covered and looking their most dramatic
When we organise a Christmas Holiday we understand that it has to be something really special to do justice to this magical time of year. Expectations are always high and only the very best in terms of accommodation, food, service and inclusive extras will satisfy these requirements. We have selected the delightful resort of Igls near Innsbruck in Austria which is surrounded by meadows, forests and magnificent alpine panoramas. Although based in Tyrol Austria this tour also includes visits to Germany and Italy, traversing spectacular mountain passes when the peaks will be snow covered and looking their most dramatic.
ITINERARY
Monday (22nd)- Very early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais and on through France. Overnight hotel stay at Ibis Hotel Thionville Yutz with set dinner and breakfast.
Tuesday (23rd) - Cross the mighty Rhine River and drive through Southern Germany into Austria, arriving at our hotel in Igls near Innsbruck for a 5 night stay.
Wednesday (Christmas Eve) - Make the short drive into Innsbruck, the regional capital packed with sights including the "Golden Roof", the "Black Men" bronze statues at the Court Church, the Imperial Court Palace and Ambras Castle to name a few. There is usually a small Christmas Market on the pedestrianised Maria-Theresien Strasse (main shopping street) until lunch-time on 24th when the shops start to close for Christmas Eve. This leaves the city quieter during the afternoon when the historic sights can be appreciated without the crowds. Return to Igles mid-afternoon. Dinner this evening is a traditional Austrian Christmas menu with an aperitif.
Thursday (Christmas Day) Merry Christmas! After breakfast you can open your presents and enjoy a short stroll around the village to hone your appetite. A Christmas lunch is included today. This afternoon enjoy your spectacular surroundings and soak up the atmosphere of Christmas in Austria - it is possible that the cable car will be running from the town up into the mountains. Later another delicious dinner this evening will make this a Christmas to remember!
Friday (Boxing Day) - Cross the famous "Europe-Bridge" (620 ft high) spanning the Wipp valley and then over the Brenner Pass into Italy - a spectacular route of high peaks, alpine meadows and dark forests. We arrive in the pretty town of Bolzano where the museum is home to "Otzi" a caveman preserved by ice. Continue to Merano, home to the rich and famous with elegant riverside promenades, palaces and noble villas. Our return journey takes us through the Leonardo Pass and involves a series of spectacular hairpin bends. (itinerary subject to change if high alpine passes are closed due to snow)
Saturday (27th) - A short drive takes us over the German border to Garmish, a historic Bavarian town situated in the shadow of the country's tallest mountain, The Zugspitze. Cable cars and a cog railway run to the summit - preserved houses are decorated with enchanting frescos. In the afternoon we shall visit nearby Ettal - the monastery is a must-see, founded in the 13th century the interiors are gorgeous (entry & guided tour included) Our return journey is through the Schanz Valley - Fern Pass - Nassereith.
Sunday - (28th) We bid our hosts a fond farewell and drive back across Germany and into France for overnight stay at Novotel Saint Avold with set dinner and breakfast.
Monday - (29th) To Calais for channel crossing to Folkestone and return back in Dorset late that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Hotel Bon Alpina, Igls
A charming family run hotel situated right in the village centre and just a short stroll from the Olympic ski lifts, shops, cafes and start of many way-marked walks. The 95 bedrooms are comfortable and provide en-suite bathrooms, hairdryer, safe, television with satellite channels, phone, safe, seating/desk and individual heating controls (no tea tray). Traditional Tyrolean cuisine meets international classics in the elegant and spacious restaurant which also provides a generous hot and cold breakfast buffet. There is a traditional Tyrolean lounge in which to relax and the bar is warmed by a real fire – perfect for socialising. The energetic can enjoy an indoor heated pool, gym, sauna and spa treatments*(*extra cost). There is a lift to all floors. The hotel will be decorated for Christmas and festive music will be played during dinner and in the bar.
TOUR PRICE: £999.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement: £250.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, Return channel crossings, 2 x overnight hotel in St Avold, 5 nights hotel in Igles, Half board meals throughout, Christmas Day lunch, Entry to Ettal Monastery.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
