Grand Tour of The Austrian Tyrol and Italy's South Tyrol with Lake Constance

Arrival in Seefeld 

Arrive in Munich or Innsbruck and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling into your hotel and get a good night's sleep as tomorrow we'll begin exploring in earnest!

Innsbruck 

After breakfast, we'll take the short drive along Inn Valley to the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, for a guided tour of the city. An important trading centre since Celtic times, then the capital of a Dukedom before being incorporated into the Habsburg Empire, today we'll feast our eyes on the historic architecture.

There is the famous Golden Roof, the magnificent baroque St Jakob’s cathedral and the former Imperial Palace, once home of Empress Maria Theresa, the Stadtturm belfry tower with its excellent views across the city and Schloss Ambras, the Renaissance castle and palace.

A visit to the city is delightful – you can wander its medieval streets, absorb the genteel ambience or just listen to the talented street musicians. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Olympic Ski Jump Bergisel for our Signature experience. 

 

+ Included experience - A guided tour of Innsbruck 

Signature experience -

In the afternoon, we'll head out of Innsbruck to visit the Olympic Ski Jump Bergisel. Instead of attempting a death-defying jump, we will ascend to the top of the Ski Jump Tower to visit the Sky restaurant. There, we'll enjoy Austria's traditional coffee, cake, and a glass of sparkling wine while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the mountains and Innsbruck, returning to Seefeld in the late afternoon.

Merano

The Tyrol was first established as a province in the late 1200s, and history will be very much at the forefront as we take the Via Claudia Augusta through the Südtirol. Built by the Romans to enable easier passage through the Alps from Italy, this ancient road is flanked by picture-postcard scenery - rolling hills studded with apple orchards, majestic snow-capped peaks, roaring rivers, shimmering lakes and hillside villages.

Our first stop will be the pretty spa town of Merano. You can really soak up the atmosphere of the region as you wander through its glorious belle-époque buildings, fine gardens and excellent cafés that line a leafy riverbank walk, all set within a dramatic natural amphitheatre of high mountain peaks.

Bolzano

After visiting Merano, you'll have a choice of two very different experiences in the town of Bolzano; a walking tour with a local guide or entrance to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home of Otzi the Iceman. Our visit to the provincial capital, Bolzano, will give you the opportunity to experience this intriguing mix - Italian coffee and traditional Tyrolian cakes make a great match!

Our return to Seefeld will take us along the famous Brenner Pass. The countless ruined castles seemingly guard every hilltop, evidence that this has been one of the most important trans-alpine trade routes since the Roman Empire. As one vista blends into the next, you'll marvel at the stunning scenery of verdant meadows, forested hillsides and snow-capped peaks of increasing height.

 

+ Included experience - Visit Merano and choose between a guided walking tour of Bolzano or a visit to the South Tyrol Museum

Neuschwanstein

Today’s drive takes us into nearby Bavaria seeing the might of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Some of our journey will be on the fabled ‘Romantic Road’ and the beautiful ‘Deutsche Alpenstrasse’ – the Alpine Road. It leads to one of Germany’s most famous monuments and one which seems to typify an image of the country, the castle of the instantly recognisable, and equally unpronounceable, Neuschwanstein!

This classic ‘fairy-tale’ castle is the inspiration for so many stories and allegedly the model for Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

One of Bavaria’s most famous kings, Ludwig, modelling himself on France’s Louis XIV, embarked on an epic castle-building programme, eventually bankrupting the then-independent country! And, on our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, we'll take a guided tour of one of his pet projects.

Clinging to the side of a vast valley in the most dramatic of settings, Neuschwanstein was constructed with pink granite, a symbol of Ludwig’s self-belief he was divinely chosen for kingship and in homage to his idol, Wagner.

The architecture inside is equally impressive, with marble everywhere; the design draws freely from different architectural styles, Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic. Tapestries and intrinsic art decorate the walls and the standard of workmanship is admirable.

  

+ Included experience – A guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Oetztaler Glacier Road

We'll drive up the ever-narrowing Oetztal valley to the high mountain resort of Soelden, enjoying scenic views. Despite being almost 5000 feet high, this remote village is dwarfed by surrounding giant snow-capped mountains.

Our spectacular drive continues up the Oetztaler Glacier Road into the heart of the mountains for stunning views of glaciers and peaks, ice and snow covered throughout the summer. Breathe deeply for several minutes - the rarefied air deep in your lungs has an almost medicinal quality!

Keep your eyes peeled for the mountain wildlife here, including eagles and those delightful indigenous rodents, marmots - hugely entertaining bundles of fur with a spine-tingling whistle. It was near here that Oetzi the Iceman met his fate all those millennia ago, the victim of a Bronze Age arrow, why he was attacked, we shall never know.

Stams Monastery

This afternoon we'll return to the River Inn and a guided tour of the splendid Cistercian monastery at Stams. Founded in 1273, the two majestic onion-shaped towers of its superb 17th-century Basilica can be seen from far and wide. This is a truly magnificent building justifiably renowned for its murals, ceiling frescoes, fine Baroque altar and breathtaking gold leaf decoration.

Having suffered a turbulent history, including dissolution by the Nazis, Stams has been beautifully restored and is once again a thriving monastic community, welcoming travellers of all nations and beliefs and even baking its own delicious bread!

  

+ Included experience - Scenic drive along the Oetztaler Glacier Road and a guided tour of the Cistercian monastery at Stams

Free morning

Today will be yours to relax and enjoy the attractions in and around Seefeld. You could try a round of golf at one of Europe's most picturesque courses, take a horse-drawn carriage around Wildsee Lake or hire a boat before selecting a village café for a coffee and slice of irresistibly dense chocolate torte.

This afternoon, we’ll enjoy our next Signature experience at a local microbrewery.

 

Signature experience – 

After a morning wandering around Seefeld at leisure, we'll head to a local microbrewery. The brewery combines modern facilities with Austria's long-standing brewing traditions. We'll enjoy a tour of the brewery and a chance to taste their unique beers, accompanied by a selection of locally made cheese and charcuterie, locally known as Jauseplatte.

Achenseebahn

After breakfast, we'll head back in time over 100 years on a journey to Jenbach where the unmistakable aroma of steam coal - which once graced every British station - fills the air and a narrow-gauge railway winds away into the hills.

We'll enjoy a scenic ride on the historic Achenseebahn, a metre gauge railway climbing from the Inn Valley using rack assistance to surmount the steep gradient. The coal-fired locomotives are amongst the world’s oldest. These working steam trains still doing the job they were built for in the 19th century: taking tourists at a leisurely pace up to the beautiful Achensee Lake.

Rattenberg

Re-joining your coach, we'll journey even further back in time to medieval Rattenberg, the Tyrol’s smallest municipality nestling by the River Inn.

The gorgeous medieval stone buildings you'll see here are the result of growing rich on the proceeds of silver mining, then prospering from nail and glass making. It’s wonderful exploring the narrow streets and discovering the charms of this historic village.

The creation of fine glassware is its major occupation today - raw materials fashioned into exquisite pieces by skilled craftsmen – no wonder this lovely spot has such renown. You could climb to the ruined castle for splendid views of the town and its surroundings – don't worry, there’s also a lift so you won’t miss out!

 

+ Included experience - A trip on the Achenseebahn railway to see Lake Achensee and visit Rattenberg.

Feldkirch

Leaving Seefeld this morning, we'll enjoy a scenic journey to Feldkirch for the next part of our Grand Tour.

This medieval Old Town is one of the most beautiful in the region, with storied old buildings, charming fountains and the quaint little streets that date back several centuries, as well as the lush green surroundings of Reichenfeld Quarter and the wildlife park.

From almost anywhere in the town, you'll be able to see the historic Schattenburg castle, where we'll stop to enjoy our Signature lunch. Next, we'll take a guided walking tour of medieval Feldkirch, unveiling the city's rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels and vibrant local markets before checking in to our hotel for the next four nights. 

 

+ Included experience – A guided walking tour of Feldkirch 

Signature experience -

We couldn't possibly visit Austria without trying a traditional schnitzel so, on arrival at Feldkirch, we'll take the opportunity to sample the delicious dish for ourselves in a rather unusual venue - the town's castle! Now a museum and restaurant, Schattenburg Castle sits high above the city and dates back to the Middle Ages as the former residence of the Duke of Montfort.

Lindau

Our day starts with a visit to Lindau, which sits on an island in Lake Constance. With centuries-old medieval and Baroque buildings, lively squares and quaint alleyways, it's the perfect place for a guided tour.

Free time in Bregenz

Then it's on to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Constance as we leave Lindau by boat, travelling to our next destination, Bregenz. (Top tip: As we leave, look out for the Bavarian lion and lighthouse that guard the entrance to Lindau's harbour.) Bregenz, also known as 'The City by the Lake, is the capital of Vorarlberg - Austria's westernmost region - and it has over 2 millennia of history to explore.

On arrival, we'll enjoy our Signature experience before time at leisure.

Having experienced the city from the water and the mountain, we'll descend back down by cable car to explore Bregenz on foot with time at leisure. The narrow streets of the Upper Town will have you wondering if you left the modern world at the historic city gates. With a unique assortment of history, there's plenty to see, from the not-so-antique tower of St. Martin's, historical coats of arms, old fortifications to a mummified shark from Lake Constance.

Alternatively, a stroll along the lakeside promenade allows you to experience more of the city's Mediterranean feel. From the lake's shore, you can see three countries: Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

 

+ Included Experience – Guided tour of Lindau and a boat ride to Bregenz 

Signature Experience – 

Bregenz's favourite attraction isn't a museum, monument or building, it's a cable car. And as we take the short trip up to the top of the beautiful Pfänder Mountain - some 1,060 metres high - you won't find it hard to see why. Thoughts come to rest as you take in the panoramic views of Lake Constance and Bregenz. This is the most famous lookout point in the region, where the sight of the Alpine peaks is said to be its most majestic.

Bregenzerwald

Today, we'll take a scenic drive through Bregenzerwald (or Bregenz Forest), one of Austria's best-kept secrets. The rolling hills and mighty mountains of this picturesque region are not the only things the smallest province in Austria has to offer. This area is known for its craftsmanship and architecture - a unique fusion of traditional and modern.

But the Bragenzerwald locals - known as “Wälder” - have not only revolutionized housing, they've also championed the sustainable farm-to-fork dining concept. And what better way to experience that for ourselves than on the Bregenzerwald Cheese Road?

‘Road’ may be a bit of a misnomer as it’s more a union of experts - dairies, farms and other local operators who share a passion for quality. As we travel through this scenic region, we'll stop to sample some of the locally produced cheeses and meet the artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft.

Free afternoon in Feldkirch

Returning to Feldkirch in the afternoon, you have the rest of the day to spend at leisure to explore more of the town or relax in your hotel.

 

+ Included experiences – A scenic drive through Bregenzerwald and cheese-tasting 

The Garden Island of Mainau

Today's journey will take us along the scenic northern shore of Lake Constance. Travelling through Germany, near the Austrian border, we'll pass the city of Friedrichshafen - where the mammoth Zeppelin airships were built - and arrive at Meersburg. From here, we'll take a short ferry ride to the almost-tropical flower island of Mainau.

This gardener's paradise features magnificent blooms of a million tulips, rhododendrons, scented roses, perennials and colourful dahlias. The gardens are home to one of Germany's largest butterfly houses and a collection of 150 year-old-trees, including giant sequoias. There's also the Teutonic castle, completed in 1746, and the castle's church, St. Marien - both are architectural highlights of the Baroque era. You can explore the grounds, walk the sequoia-lined pathways or take a peek inside Mainau Castle at leisure before we make our return journey to Felkirch. 

 

+ Included Experience - Visit to Mainau Island 

Return home 

Our Grand Tour comes to an end today as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK with wonderful memories of some of the most iconic scenery in Europe.