Christmas in the Austrian Tyrol Tour

We have left this day entirely at leisure for you to enjoy this marvellous city with its winding cobbled stone streets, churches, Christmas decorations and shops – all a short walk away. Take time to visit the huge castle for a fascinating view and don’t forget to soak up the atmosphere of the famous Salzburg Christmas Markets.
 

A leisurely departure as we drive deep into the Bavarian mountains. After exploring the famous, historical town of Berchtesgaden we enjoy a fun filled ride deep into the old Salt Mines. After dressing up in a salt miner’s uniform, we ride on a small train deep underground, take wooden slides (or steps) and then float on a barge across a crystal clear underground lake, beautifully illuminated by a light show. Later we follow the spectacular Inn Valley through the Tyrol to Innsbruck where we cross the Europabrucke (Europe’s second highest bridge) and enter the glorious Stubai Valley. The Stubai Valley is a winter playground with a number of villages lining the valley floor whilst mountains soar up to 3,000 metres either side. Our home for the next five nights is in the Tyrolean village of Neustift.
 

What a magnificent location to enjoy Christmas!

There is so much you can do. A highlight will be your special Christmas Eve Dinner in a local restaurant. Also, we will include a visit to the incredible Olympic bobsled run in the ski resort of Igls. Standing there, as bobsleds zoom right past you is an amazing experience… and yes, for those that want to… we have actually included a run for you in a 5 man bobsled! (Inclusion of the run on the Olympic bobsled in Igls is subject to confirmation). You will be happy to know that it is a fully experienced pilot that steers you as you speed up to 90 kms per hour, hurtling around 10 icy curves, including the famous 270 degree, steeply embanked ‘Kreisel’ turn! (Note: the bobsled rules state it is only for people aged 12 years and older, and at least 130 cm tall. Please also ensure your Travel Insurance covers this exciting activity). Whether you are a ‘super active snow sports’ person or a ‘take it easy and relax’ person there is so much to enjoy over these days. All along the length of the valley there are numerous forested ‘winter walks’ which often double as Nordic or Cross Country ski paths. In your village there is a small ice skating rink and the longest natural tobogganing track in the Tyrol.

Three evenings a week there is also night-time tobogganing lit with lanterns! The peaks around are easily accessible by cable cars and mountain gondolas and at all ‘drop off’ points there are large restaurants, cafés and restroom facilities – usually with panoramic views. On the Stubaier Glacier, the Mutterberg gondola stops at an altitude of 3,333 metres where there is a restaurant and an observation platform called the ‘Top of the Tyrol’. The views are enormous spanning across the jagged Alps, one way to Italy and the other into Germany. Paragliding is also available for the adventurous and the skiing is of course, fabulous.

This morning your tour comes to an end with a transfer to Munich, to arrive mid morning. We recommend that you book flights or trains that depart Munich after 3pm today.

For those of you joining one of our wonderful New Year Tours that begin in Luzern or Milan, the good news is, we have arranged complimentary Group transfers.