essential Alpine Discovery

Day 1 London - Munich - Jenbach Fly from London Heathrow Airport to Munich. Upon arrival we will transfer into Austria and the small Tyrolean town of Jenbach. We are welcomed at the Hotel Jenbacherhof (4T) with a refreshing drink, with time to settle in before dinner tonight. Day 2 Bolzano The capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano, is an Italian city ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I. We see the bilingual city’s medieval arcades, charming boutiques, traditional shops and wonderful square, Piazza delle Erbe, featuring medieval buildings, a lively atmosphere and a colourful local market. On our return we stop at the medieval, alpine town of Vipiteno. Rich in art, the small picturesque town bewitches visitors with its magnificent mountainous scenery, lush green countryside, charming boutiques and tranquil atmosphere. Day 3 Innsbruck We begin today by exploring Innsbruck, the stunning capital of the Tyrol with mountainous scenery at almost every viewpoint. We explore the superb former imperial residence, the Hofburg, and the Bergisel, the site of four freedom battles against Napoleonic troops in 1809. We also find the impressive Bergisel Ski Jump, to enjoy lunch while admiring outstanding views of the Northern Chain Mountains. We are treated to a traditional Tyrolean Folklore Show this evening. Day 4 Füssen Explore the pretty Bavarian town of Füssen, at the southern end of the Romantic Road. The Gothic Hohen Schloss, found high above the town, was the summer residence of the Bishops of Augsburg from the 15th to the 18th century. The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle stands in nearby Hohenschwangau. Built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II, it is recognised as the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle and it appeared in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang film. Day 5 Merano Merano sits amidst landscapes of lush vineyards, picturesque castles and charming orchards. Explore the stunning 19th century Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, a collection of 80 different gardens exhibiting both local and exotic plants from all over the world. Day 6 Wilder Kaiser Mountains - Lake Chiem Discover the breathtaking scenery of the Kitzbühel Alps and the Wilder Kaiser Mountains on today’s adventure. Journey through the stunning lakeside town of Walchsee to the freshwater Lake Chiem; the largest lake in Bavaria, surrounded by picturesque green forest. We enjoy a scenic boat trip viewing the Island of Herrenchiemsee and its many beautiful palaces. This afternoon we visit the medieval town of Kitzbühel amid landscapes which make the area a popular ski resort, before we travel to the final destination for today, Kufstein, the ‘Pearl of the Tyrol’. Here we discover Kufstein Fortress known for the Heroes’ Organ - the largest free standing organ in the world. Day 7 Jenbach - Munich - London Today we transfer to Munich Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow.