An Alpine Spring Trio
A unique corner of the Alps occupying parts of Austria, Germany & Switzerland - The Alpine Trio. The varied languages, traditions and food have distinct influences of all three nations.
A unique corner of the Alps occupying parts of Austria, Germany & Switzerland - The Alpine Trio. The varied languages, traditions and food have distinct influences of all three nations.
Within the Alps there is a unique corner that occupies parts of Austria, Germany and Switzerland – The Alpine Trio. Defined by the absurdly beautiful scenery of these mountains, the food, languages and traditions have distinct influences of all three nations. During springtime deep valleys between the mountains begin to fill with the vibrant colours of wild flowers which, as the season unfolds, spread their magic awakening the landscape. The contrast between the green flowering meadows and the stark white peaks makes for a spectacular sight. But its not just the scenery that makes this holiday so special – our chosen hotel’s superb geographic location adds a diversity to the visits that include some spectacular mountain railway journeys that enhance your experience.
ITINERARY
Friday - Very early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais and onwards through France for overnight stay at Novotel St Avold with set dinner and breakfast.
Saturday - Follow the mighty Rhine upstream to Basel and into Switzerland to drive across the Alps into Austria. A welcome on arrival and after settling in enjoy a delicious dinner with drinks included.
Sunday - We include a bus ride into town where a local guide joins us for a walking tour of historic Feldkirch and entrance to Schattenburg Castle Museum. The afternoon is free in town to make your own discoveries.
Monday - Austria: Tour through the Bregenzerwald region for a visit to a local cheesemaker with tasting. Then join the Walderbahnle narrow gauge railway from Bezau to Schwarzenberg - vintage locos and carriages run this historic line through stunning Alpine scenery. After alighting the train we shall tour across the hairpins of the stunning Bodele Pass via Dornbirn back to hotel.
Tuesday - Switzerland: To Lake Constance where we join the Rheineck mountain railway on a 2km journey up to Walzenhausen - a climb of over 220 metres in height with stunning views over the lake. We then visit the pretty village of Appenzell with its famous painted houses. Here we join another local train which crosses the Sitter Viaduct and runs over the Stoss Pass to Altstatten. Rejoining the coach we drive to Hohenems back in Austria for a chocolate tasting at the traditional Fenkart Schlosskaffee.
Wednesday - Germany: See the old city of Constance, a German enclave on the lake of the same name. Cross by ferry to Meersburg and drive to Salem Castle, one of the most powerful and magnificent Imperial Abbeys in Southern Germany. It is at once a spiritual place, baroque residence and fortress - 900 years of history are unusually well preserved. Returning to the lake shores we call into the village of Hagnau where we shall enjoy a tasting of the local wines. Return around the northern side of Lake Constance to re-enter Austria near Lindau and so back to hotel.
Thursday - A fond farewell from our hosts as we head northwards back into France for overnight stay at St Avold with set dinner and breakfast.
Friday - Homeward bound to Calais for channel crossing to Dover and so return to Dorset that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Hotel Weisses Kreuz, FELDKIRCH
A very comfortable and well appointed 4 STAR family run hotel situated just 10 minutes drive from the medieval city centre and affording views of both Austria and Switzerland. All bedrooms are tastefully decorated and furnished and offer en-suite shower room, satellite television, telephone, hairdryer, safe and free wifi (no kettle). The hotel has an excellent restaurant which provides a hearty hot/cold breakfast as well as a sumptuous four course dinner with choices. House drinks are included during dinner. There is a cosy lounge/bar in which to socialise and a sauna and gym. Entertainment is sometimes provided in the evening. Highly regarded by previous Bluebird guests.
8 Days / £1120.00 Per person. SRS £240.00
Holiday Highlights: All coach travel, Return channel crossing, 2 x overnight hotel in St Avold, 5 x nights hotel in Feldkirch, Half board meals throughout, Drinks with dinner in Feldkirch, Local bus and guide in Feldkirch, Entry to Schattenburg Castle, 3 x Rail Journeys, Cheese Chocolate and Wine tastings, Entry to Salem Castle, Lake Constance ferry.
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) |
| Littlemoor Road Finches | Littlemoor Road, The Finches bus stop |
| 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) |
| Queens Avenue | Dorchester, Bus stop end of Queens Avenue |
| 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 | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| 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 |
