Day 1: Thursday 17 July 2025 – Depart Wales and travel to Lille
Depart North Wales approx. 5am and travel to Dover for the early afternoon short ferry crossing to Calais before continuing to Lille for an overnight stay at the Logis Hotel des Acacias***.
Day 2: Friday 18 July 2025 – Journey through Germany to Sindelfingen
Today we continue our journey through Germany to the Sindelfingen area in southern Germany. We stay overnight at the Mercure Stuttgart Sindelfingen Hotel****.
Day 3: Saturday 19 July 2025 – Arrive in Igls
Travel into Austria via the impressive Fern Pass and join the Inn Valley before climbing up to Igls for a 5-night stay at the Hotel Bon Alpina***.
Day 4: Sunday 20 July 2025 – At leisure in Igls
A day at leisure in Igls, with included lunch and drinks. Explore the village, take a cable car into the mountains or travel to nearby Innsbruck. Those wishing for a quiet day can enjoy the swimming pool and courtyard garden.
Day 5: Monday 21 July 2025 - Innsbruck
Today we travel to nearby Innsbruck, 'Capital of the Tyrol', located on the River Inn and at the foot of the Karwendel Alps. This beautiful city is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and steeped in history. An included guided walking tour will showcase the city highlights including the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace and Hofkirche. Afterwards enjoy some free time to explore the city at leisure, discover the old quarter with its charming, arcaded streets, stroll along the Maria Theresien Strasse with its bustling shops or climb the Tower of the City for magnificent views of the city.
Day 6: Tuesday 22 July 2025 - Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Achensee Cog Railway & Lake Achensee
Our first stop this morning is a guided visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which celebrates the iconic crystal. With over 14 million visitors since its grand opening, the Crystal world is one of Austria’s most popular attractions. Admire the Swarovski Giant and the Chambers of Wonder, as well as the new Crystal Cloud.
We continue to Achensee, the Tyrol’s largest and deepest lake, surrounded by pine-clad slopes it is a sparkling jewel in the heart of the Rofan Alps. With its eye-catching water colours ranging from emerald green to ultramarine, alongside its fascinating mountain scenery, it’s easy to see why Achensee is such a popular destination.
We journey to Jenbach where the unmistakable aroma of steam coal, fills the air and a narrow-gauge railway winds away into the hills. Board the truly historic Achenseebahn - Achensee Cog Railway, the world’s oldest train of its kind and take the leisurely journey to Seespitz. This is a magically scenic experience on a metre gauge railway using rack assistance to surmount the steep gradient. On arrival, join the boat for a cruise on the lake, taking in the pretty villages dotted along the shoreline. Afterwards meet the coach for the return journey to Igls.
Day 7: Wednesday 23 July 2025 – Mayrhofen & Ziller Valley Railway
We start the day with a scenic drive through the impressive Ziller Valley, to the vibrant resort town of Mayrhofen which is nestled at the end of the Ziller Valley. Take some time here to discover the many shops and cafes or enjoy a cable car ride to the Zillertal Mountains. The journey back along the valley will be by train on the Ziller Valley Railway. The Zillertal is one of Austria’s most famous narrow railways, the coach will meet you on arrival in Jenbach for the transfer to our hotel in Igls.
Day 8: Thursday 24 July 2025 - Depart Igls
This morning we say goodbye to Igls as we head back to Germany and our overnight hotel at the Mercure Stuttgart Sindelfingen Hotel****.
Day 9: Friday 25 July 2025 – Journey to Mouscron
We make the return journey into France to the Best Western Hotel Alize, Mouscron**** for our final overnight stay.
Day 10: Saturday 26 July 2025 – Return home
After breakfast we depart our hotel and head back to Calais for the late morning return ferry crossing to Dover. Upon arrival we complete our journey to North Wales arriving approx. 8pm.