 The 800-year-old city of Innsbruck offers a wonderful combination of ancient culture, rich history and the vitality of a modern city, enveloped by the spectacular landscape of the Alps. Our Christmas tour is based in this charming Tyrolean capital, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games. We include a walking tour of the city where we discover treasures such as the Imperial Palace, St Jacob’s Cathedral and Annasäule, a column supporting a statue of the Virgin Mary. From Innsbruck we explore Seefeld, a popular ski resort, Oberammergau, famed for the Passion Play and we also enjoy an exciting funicular journey and a scenic drive through the Tyrolean countryside. Christmas is arguably the most important holiday in Austria and our aim is to make it a memorable and festive time for you.
Day 1 London • Innsbruck
We begin with Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service™ to Heathrow or Gatwick Airport and your direct scheduled British Airways or Lufthansa flight to Munich. On arrival our coach transfers us to the Europa Tyrol Hotel, Innsbruck. We meet our hosts for a welcome drink followed by dinner*.
Day 2 Tyrolean Mountains
Today we explore the region of the Wetterstein Mountains visiting Seefeld, an elegant country resort. It earned an especially high reputation as a ski resort and has hosted the Winter Olympics on two occasions. We continue through the gap town of Mittenwald to Garmisch situated on the edge of the Bavarian Alps. The old parish church stands on the left bank of the Loisach in the picturesque district where chalets have been carefully preserved. The wooded foothills of the Ammergau Alps, from which the Kofel peak rises, surround the attractive little town of Oberammergau with its painted houses. It is also famed for its Passion Play, performed by the inhabitants of the village every ten years. We return to our hotel and you are free to make your own arrangements for dinner.
Day 3 Christmas Eve • Innsbruck
After breakfast we take the street tram to Hungerburg Valley Station and board the funicular for the exciting journey to Hafelekar, over 7,000 feet above sea level. From here the views are magnificent with the snowy Alpine peaks in the background providing a fairy tale setting. We return to our hotel early afternoon with time to relax before making our way to the Market Place and the “Golden Roof” to enjoy a programme of traditional outdoor musical entertainment. This evening we have arranged a traditional Austrian Christmas Eve dinner. Your tour manager will have details of local churches where you can join the Christmas Eve celebrations.
Day 4 Christmas Day • Innsbruck
After a full buffet breakfast we depart for a guided walking tour of Innsbruck. The city came to prominence during the 14th century under the Hapsburg dynasty, when it reached the height of its cultural and political importance. The main street of the old town is the Herzog-Friedrich Strasse and close by is the beautiful Baroque Cathedral of St. Jacob, built in 1720. The interior is roofed with domes, three on the nave and a dome with a lantern on the chancel. The picture of our Lady of Succour painted by Lucas Cranach occupies a position high above the altar. The Imperial Palace, rebuilt by Empress Maria Theresia in 1777, features a Rococo style hall, ceiling frescoes, valuable pictures and tapestry. After working up a healthy appetite we return to our hotel for a traditional Christmas lunch. This evening we enjoy a cold buffet followed by musical entertainment.
Day 5 Boxing Day • Tyrolean Villages
After breakfast we set off for a wonderful scenic drive through the Tyrolean countryside. First to Hall in Tyrol, a delightful medieval town lying in the heart of the Inn Valley, with many fine buildings. From here our journey takes us to the village of Alpbach with its stylish Tyrolean chalets creating an atmosphere all of their own. Later in the day we visit Rattenberg, once a tiny frontier town which has retained its early Renaissance charm and appearance. The town is famed for its handicrafts and engraved glassware. A light lunch is included. We return to our hotel for dinner, followed by musical entertainment.
Day 6 Innsbruck
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning, after which you are free to make your own explorations or you may prefer to relax and enjoy the facilities your hotel has to offer. Evening dinner is included at our hotel.
Day 7 Innsbruck • London
After breakfast we transfer by coach to Munich Airport for your British Airways or Lufthansa flight direct to London. On arrival at London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport our staff will greet you and transfer you to Titan transport for your journey home to your own front door. |
