Christmas in the Austrian Tyrol Tour
11 Wonderful Days
- Stay 5 nights in the Austrian Tyrol
- Stay in authentic, character style hotels
- Genuinely inclusive, no additional on tour costs
- Guaranteed 'My Time'
- Designed for Australians & New Zealanders
- Personal group sizes up to 40
Tour Overview
Imagine staying over Christmas in the heart of a Tyrolean village in Austria’s stunning, snow covered Stubai winter wonderland. Explore the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, savour the glorious Christmas Markets of Salzburg and Innsbruck, go deep underground in the fascinating Berchtesgaden Salt Mines, take a horse and carriage ride through the countryside and ride in a bobsled down an Olympic run.
Note: Additional departure space is available staying at the The Hoferwirt Hotel for 5 nights in Neustift.
Highlights
- Celebrate Christmas over 5 nights in the heart of Neustift - a delightful Tyrolean village in the snow covered Stubai Valley
- Savour the fabulous Christmas Markets in Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Berchtesgaden
- Experience a Christmas Eve dinner in a Tyrolean restaurant in Neustift
- Enjoy a walking tour of Salzburg's old town through to the Christmas Markets
- Explore the Salt Mines near Berchtesgaden
- Wake up on Christmas Day surrounded by massive snow covered peaks of the Stubai Valley
- Ride on a thrilling bobsled down the Olympic run in Igls
- Visit ‘Mad’ King Ludwig’s Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle
- Spend your farewell evening in the delightful Bavarian village of Füssen
The Christmas in the Austrian Tyrol Tour is just one of many you can enjoy in Germany and Austria. Visit each destination page for more information for our other amazing tours!
Hear about this tour first hand from an Albatross traveller - read about Michele and her family's experience on this tour.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Munich
Your tour commences this evening at your hotel. Shopping is always excellent in Munich – particularly around the town hall and the decorated, wooden, Christmas market stalls. Before your Bavarian style buffet dinner enjoy a welcome drink in the hotel.
Meals:
D
Hotel:
Eurostars Book Hotel
Day 2: Herrenchiemsee Palace and pretty Mon
First stop of the day will be at the beautiful lake Chiemsee where we enjoy a boat ride across the lake to visit King Ludwig’s stunning Herrenchiemsee Palace. Lunchtime will be back in the lakeside town of Prien am Chiemsee. In the afternoon we drive into Austria, to enjoy a stop in the pretty town of Mondsee, by Lake Mondsee. Make sure you visit the church made famous in the wedding scene of the film ‘The Sound of Music’. We will stay the next three nights in charming Salzburg – the baroque city of Mozart, sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortress).
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Altstadt Stadtkrug
Day 3: Salzburg sightseeing and Christmas Markets
This morning an expert local guide joins us for a walking tour to show you all the major sites. As a finalé you will gather amongst the fir trees in the small stone courtyard of the St Peter’s Keller, dating back to the 1500’s and Salzburg’s oldest restaurant, for a hot drink and biscuits. The rest of your day is entirely at leisure for you to enjoy this marvellous city with its winding cobblestoned streets, churches, Christmas decorations and shops. 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.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Altstadt Stadtkrug
Day 4: Horse drawn carriage ride and dinner in Salzburg’s oldest beer cellar
Driving south, we stop at the ski resort of Filzmoos where we board a horse drawn carriage to enjoy a ride through this winter wonderland. Passing through the snowy woods, and surrounded by majestic mountains, we reach the remote Oberhofalm alpine hut which provides a perfect lunchtime stop. Dinner tonight is in the PitterKeller – Salzburg’s oldest beer cellar.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Altstadt Stadtkrug
Day 5: Bavaria, Berchtesgaden and Swarovski Crystal
Driving deep into the Bavarian Mountains we stop to explore the famous, historical town of Berchtesgaden and later, 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 the town of Wattens where we visit the Swarovski ‘Kristallwelten’ (Crystal World) - a weird and wonderful crystal experience. After crossing the Europabrücke (Europe’s second highest bridge) we enter the glorious Stubai Valley. This is a winter playground with 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!
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Sportpension Elisabeth
Days 6: Innsbruck, medieval Hall and Bergisel ski jump
This morning we drive down the valley to Innsbruck. Our first stop is to visit the massive ski jump at Bergisel. Taking a funicular train to the top you will find a café, ski jump memorabilia and a viewing platform where you can look right down the steep take off run. Amazing! Later spend time exploring Innsbruck’s Old Town. Make sure you enjoy the picture perfect Christmas markets in the old medieval square beneath the famous ‘Golden Roof’. In the afternoon we visit Hall, the oldest town in the Tyrol and also considered perhaps the prettiest. You will discover unspoiled, narrow medieval alleys, period townhouses and even a castle. And in the centre at dusk, the picturesque Christmas Markets! Back in Neustift, dinner is in a local restaurant.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Sportpension Elisabeth
Day 7: Christmas Eve in a winter paradise
Your day is free to explore and enjoy! Whether you are a ‘super active snow sports’ person or a ‘take it easy and relax’ person there is so much to enjoy. 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. And on several evenings a week there is also night-time tobogganing along forested tracks lit with lanterns! Tonight, your special Christmas Eve dinner is in a local restaurant.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Sportpension Elisabeth
Day 8: Christmas Day – Olympic Bobsled ride
Spend Christmas morning relaxing in Neustift. This afternoon, do we have a huge adventure planned for you! We visit the ski resort of Igls and the incredible Olympic bobsled run. Standing there as bobsleds zoom right past you is an amazing experience! And yes, for those that want to… we have included a run for you in a 5 man bobsled! You will be happy to know that it is a fully experienced pilot that steers you as you speed at 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).
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Sportpension Elisabeth
Day 9: Boxing Day – ‘My Time’ in the mountains
Your day is free to explore and enjoy. The huge peaks all 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. Meals: B
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Sportpension Elisabet
Day 10: Bavaria and Fairytale Castles
Driving up over the beautiful Fern Pass we enter Southern Bavaria and visit the tiny village of Hohenschwangau. After a brisk walk uphill you enjoy a guided tour of one of the most inspiring and famous castles in the world – ‘Mad’ King Ludwig’s romantic Neuschwanstein Castle. The staterooms, halls and throne room are all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga. Later we continue to the nearby picturesque town of Füssen where we will be staying tonight. Füssen is delightful! Stretches of the original Roman defensive walls are still in place, and the town’s historic character is particularly evident along the cobblestoned Reichenstrasse. High above, the old castle of the Prince-Bishops of Augsburg dominates the town.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Hirsch
Day 11: Munich
This morning your tour comes to an end with a transfer to Munich, to arrive mid morning. We will make stops at the central railway station, Maritim Hotel and Munich airport. We recommend that you book flights or trains that depart Munich after 2pm 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 on 28 December.
Meals:
B
Incredible Value Inclusions
- All excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
- Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
- Travel in a first class air conditioned touring coach
- 10 nights authentic, specially selected hotel accommodation
- Hotel porterage (1 suitcase pp) all hotels, except Pension Elisabeth in Neustift
- Welcome drink in Munich
- 17 Meals – Buffet breakfast daily (B) and 7 evening dinners (D)
- A complimentary wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
- Tea and coffee with all included dinners
- Local guides as described
- Free WiFi on most coaches and at hotels
- End of tour tips to Tour Manager and Driver, tips for local guides
- Albatross Tours Travel App
Your Hotels
Eurostars Book Hotel – 1 Night
This contemporary 4-star hotel is in a super location in the city centre just a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping mall.
Altstadt Stadtkrug – 3 Nights
This historic 4-star hotel is located within walking distance of the most famous sights.
Sportspension Elisabeth, Neustift - 5 Nights
Located in the very heart of the picturesque town, the Sportpension Elisabeth is in an ideal location to explore the wonderful Stubai Valley. This pension has a delightful ambience with wooden floors, beams and décor with that warm, traditional Tyrolean feel. In house, they also boast a sauna, steam room, leisure area and ski/boot drying room. During your stay a buffet breakfast is included daily. Enjoy cereal, homemade jams, cakes, fresh bread, and cheese and meat products from the neighbouring farms. Please note room porterage is not available.
Hotel Hirsch, Fussen - 1 Night
Superbly located in the picturesque town of Füssen, Hotel Hirsch, built in the “Art Nouveau” style, has been owned by the same family for four generations. The hotel combines elegantly modern comfort and the Bavarian ambience. All rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone.Tour Reviews
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, great group of people and enjoyed everywhere we visited on the tour. There was a good variety of outings and experiences on tour. A highlight was probably the last night; it was a magical experience and well worth including in the tour.
Teresa
Presca, our tour manager made our tour truly memorable. She was highly organised and nothing was too much trouble.
We particularly like the structure of the tour with free time to explore (as opposed to being herded like cattle!)
The pace was perfect and the opportunity to ski was perfect for us. The other tour members were friendly and agained helped to esnsure a memebrable tour.
John, travelled December 2014
Dates and Prices
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Over $100 value of extras per day are already included. There are no additional 'on tour' costs - even your end of tour tips are included!