Day 1 - Thursday: Early hours of the morning departure from North Wales and travel to Dover for the 10.40am ferry crossing to Calais. Upon arrival we continue to our overnight hotel, the 3-star Mercure Saarbruecken Sud.
Day 2 - Friday: After breakfast we continue our journey through Germany and into Austria and our resort of Achenkirch set by the largest lake in the Tyrol, for a 5-night stay at the 3-star Hotel Fischerwirt.
Day 3 - Saturday: Our highlight today is a trip to the wonderful resort of Mayrhofen. We drive to the small village of Fugen at the top of the valley, where we board the Ziller Valley trainline that takes us on a scenic journey to the resort. On arrival enjoy time to sit and take in the views with a coffee and cake, shop for some traditional souvenirs or perhaps consider a cable car ride! We return to the hotel by coach for our evening meal.
Day 4 - Sunday: The day is at leisure to relax and explore Achenkirch. Why not take the short stroll to the nearby Scholastika boat stop (250 metres from the hotel) and enjoy the best of Lake Achen as it takes you to the ports of call dotted around the lake. Enjoy a drink or snack from the on-board café and choose a comfortable seat inside or out. You may want to stop off at the popular resort of Pertisau to explore the setting for the famous Chalet School children’s books. On your return to the hotel make sure you have room for this afternoon’s delicious Austrian coffee and cake.
In October the departure times are more limited. We would suggest taking the 11.05am from Scholastika, arriving 11.40am in Pertisau with free time until the 2.45pm return from Pertisau getting to Scholastika at 3.25pm, which will allow for the included afternoon tea.
Day 5 - Monday: Experience the capital of the Tyrol today. Innsbruck lies on a river at the foot of the Karwendal Alps, which form an impressive backdrop to its pretty traffic-free streets, ideal for discovering treasures like the Goldenes Dachl, the Hofburg, a cream-and-pistachio palace from the mighty Austrian-Hungarian empire days, the Hofkirche, a masterpiece of renaissance Church architecture and some great cafes and shopping amongst the pretty streets. This afternoon enjoy a journey on Europe’s oldest cog railway as the nostalgic steam train takes you on the steep and scenic journey from Jenbach to Seespitz on the opposite side of Lake Achen.
Day 6 - Tuesday: Today’s excursion highlights the very best of Tyrolean scenery as we head along the Gerlos Alpine Road and over the Gerlos Pass where travellers have been making their way for 3,500 years. Enjoy breathtaking scenery around every elegant turn as you head for the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls, with a stop to take in the mountain air and famous falls views. Continue to the fashionable resort of Kitzbuhel for time to take in its glorious setting and browse the lovely boutiques. We return to our hotel making a complete loop through the wonderful Alpine scenery.
Day 7 - Wednesday: We depart Austria after breakfast and journey north to our overnight hotel, the 3-star Mercure Saarbruecken Sud.
Day 8 - Thursday: We make the return journey to Calais for the 2.20pm ferry crossing to Dover. On our arrival, we complete the journey home to North Wales.