Day 1. Monday: We depart and travel to either Hull or Newcastle for the overnight ferry crossing to Holland with dinner and breakfast included on-board. All standard inside cabins will be bunk-beds. Cabin upgrades with low-beds available on request.
Day 2. Tuesday: On arrival, our adventure will continue, as we travel to our overnight hotel for one night, dinner, bed & breakfast (minimum 3-star standard).
Day 3. Wednesday: This morning, we continue our journey into Austria for five nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the Hotel Purner..
Day 4. Thursday: Enjoy a visit to Rattenberg, Austria’s smallest town. Narrow medieval lanes, colourful façades, ancient towers and the remains of a hilltop castle give this historic settlement its uniquely charming and beautifully preserved character. As you wander, you’ll feel the unmistakable flair of centuries of tradition. Discover the mystery of glassmaking during a captivating demonstration of this age-old Tyrolean craft. Watch as molten glass – glowing, steaming and full of raw energy – is shaped by skilled hands into delicate works of art. Later, board the Zillertal Steam Train for a nostalgic journey through one of Austria’s most picturesque valleys. Enjoy the lively onboard music as the train gently carries you between Mayrhofen and Fügen (route may operate in reverse), passing alpine meadows, rustic farmhouses and majestic mountain views. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and relax before enjoying dinner together.
Day 5. Friday: Today, we visit the mighty three-tiered Krimml Waterfalls, where roaring cascades plunge dramatically into the valley below. The sheer power and beauty of the water make this one of Austria’s most unforgettable natural spectacles. A well-constructed scenic path guides you alongside the falls, offering breathtaking viewpoints as it continues into the idyllic Krimml Achental, one of the most beautiful valleys within the national park. Your adventure continues with a journey on the Pinzgau Local Railway, a charming narrow-gauge line renowned as one of Austria’s most scenic. Sit back and relax as the train winds through picture-postcard alpine landscapes – rolling meadows, charming villages and soaring mountain peaks. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner together.
Day 6. Saturday: Enjoy a day free day. You may wish to visit nearby Innsbruck. Nestled amidst majestic peaks, this breathtaking city offers a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. You can stroll its streets full of Baroque and Gothic architecture in the Old Town or discover one of the hip districts such as Mariahilf or St. Nikolaus. Innsbruck’s top highlights include The Golden Roof, The Imperial Palace, Ambras Castle and Maria Theresien Strasse. And after all the sightseeing you can take a cable car from the city centre, and in just 20 minutes, reach the Seegrube at 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Here you can take in spectacular views of the Inn valley and the surrounding mountains.
Day 7. Sunday: After a hearty breakfast buffet, set out for Lake Achensee, the largest and one of the most striking lakes in Tyrol. From Jenbach, you’ll board the historic Achensee steam cog railway, where the slow, steady rhythm of the locomotive offers a gentle journey back in time. The train climbs steeply through romantic landscapes, puffing its way uphill at a charming 9 km/h, with impressive views unfolding at every turn. You’ll arrive at Seespitz in full steam (or in reverse order, depending on scheduling). Continue by bus into the peaceful Gramai Valley, where you’ll be welcomed with authentic Tyrolean hospitality and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Karwendel Mountains. We will enjoy a traditional "Kaiserschmarrn" dish in place of an evening meal. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic panoramic boat cruise on the sparkling waters of Lake Achensee. Soak in the enchanting alpine scenery of this turquoise jewel, beautifully framed between two towering mountain ranges, before returning to the hotel. No evening meal included.
Day 8. Monday: We depart Thaur and begin our return journey home travelling through Austria and into Germany and our overnight hotel for one night dinner, bed & breakfast (minimum 3-star standard).
Day 9. Tuesday: Enjoy a relaxing breakfast this morning, before our return home continues. Later this afternoon we make our way to the ferry port for the return overnight crossing with dinner and breakfast included on-board. All standard inside cabins will be bunk-beds. Cabin upgrades with low-beds available on request.
Day 10. Wednesday: We depart the ferry after breakfast and begin our return journey home.
Passports: It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport and any required visa(s) for your chosen holiday. Some countries require a minimum of 6 months’ validity on a passport from your return date.
Important Information: If you are travelling outside the UK, new mandatory border checks (EES) and travel authorisation requirements (ETIAS) are likely to be introduced at some point in 2025. Further details can be found at www.travel-europe.europa.eu
Travel Insurance: All passengers must be in possession of full comprehensive travel insurance.
