Austria - A Winter Wonderland
Explore the sights of the Achensee Lake and Wildschonau Valley in the Austrian Tyrol Region which reveals a delightful snowy splendour
Explore the sights of the Achensee Lake and Wildschonau Valley in the Austrian Tyrol Region which reveals a delightful snowy splendour
Time and again we have been asked to arrange another winter tour to the alpine snow – somewhere that gets falls of the white stuff in metres rather than millimetres, and still things keep moving! We have selected the superb location of Achenkirch in Austria which also provides the opportunity to explore the sights around the Achensee lake and the beautiful Wildschonau Valley. We shall marvel at glittering crystals, discover local crafts, enjoy a lakeside horse drawn carriage ride and a narrow gauge railway. Achenkirch is not a dedicated ski-resort so by taking advantage of out-of-season hotel rates we are able to offer this “Snow Tour” at a great value-for-money price!
ITINERARY
Saturday - Very early morning departure from Dorset to Dover for channel crossing to Calais. Drive through France to Saarbrucken for overnight stay at Mercure Hotel with 3 course set dinner with tea/coffee to follow.
Sunday - After breakfast cross the mighty Rhine into Germany and through Bavaria to enter Austria. Arrive at our hotel with a warm welcome from our hosts and after checking in enjoy dinner.
Monday - This morning we shall be joined by a local guide who will show us the highlights of fabulous Innsbruck from the coach - the middle ages meets the modern era - sightseeing in Innsbruck is full of contrasts, history and tales. Later we visit the Swarovski Crystal World - a unique experience that explores crystal in all its facets - a fantasy world that has entranced millions.
Tuesday - Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride along the lake shores this morning. Then continue to Rattenburg, a traditional medieval town bursting with cultural treasures. We shall watch a glass-blowing demo and spend time exploring the narrow streets and charming ancient buildings. This afternoon return to Achenkirch with free time to wander the village or relax and enjoy coffee and cake at the hotel. Dinner is a traditional Tyrolean buffet this evening.
Wednesday - A short drive brings us to Jenbach, an attractive market town of the Inn Valley. Here we board the historic Zillertalbann - a rural narrow gauge railway trundling through delightful alpine scenery - 90 minutes to Mayrhofen. The unofficial capital of the Zillertal Valley surrounded by 3000 metre peaks, powder snow and genuine joie de vivre. There are cable cars from the town that climb high into the mountains affording sensational views and revealing snowy splendour. Craft shops, boutiques and traditional inns crowd the pedestrianised main street.
Thursday - We enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque Wildschonau Valley that lies at the heart of the Kitzbuhel Alps - this high alpine pass shelters pretty unspoilt villages with endless views of untouched mountains and forests. We shall stop in charming Auffach to explore the museums, cafes and shops. We include entry to the wood carving museum whose founder is passionate about his craft and has been awarded "Treasure House" status by the tourist board. There are over 3000 fascinating exhibits in this marvellous wooden world.
Friday - Departure from Achenkirch after breakfast and retracing our route northwards through Germany for overnight stay at Mercure Hotel Saarbrucken with 3 course set dinner on arrival.
Saturday - Drive through Northern France to Calais for channel crossing to Dover and so return to Dorset that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Fisherwirt am see Hotel, Achenkirch
A superb family run hotel where Tyrolean charm, alpine flair and modern comfort combine to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Bedrooms are spacious and well equipped with private bathroom with walk-in shower, hairdryer, tv with satellite channels, telephone, safe, wifi and balcony affording stunning views. The restaurant is renowned for the wide range of freshly prepared locally sourced dishes including a generous continental breakfast and 3 course dinner with choices. There are lounges and a bar in which to relax and socialise. A lift serves all floors. Guests have free use of the sauna and massage* therapy is available (*extra fee).
8 days / £975.00 Per Person SRS: £70.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, Return ferry crossings, 5 nights hotel accommodation in Austria, 2 x overnight hotel in Saarbrucken, Buffet continental breakfast, 3 course dinners, Tea/coffee after dinner, Guide for Innsbruck, Entry to Swarvoski Crystal, Carriage Ride, Glass blowing demo, Zillertalbahn train fare, Wood Museum entry.
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 |
