Austria

Mon, 14 Jun 2010

Enjoy spectacular scenery and the warmest of traditional Tyrolean welcomes in Fuegen, at the entrance to the famous Zillertal Valley. In this picture-postcard-perfect world of green pastures, wooden chalets, forests and distant peaks, you'll be free to relax, explore or perhaps join some of our super optional excursions.

The delightful resort of Fuegen, which grew up around a former iron-ore mine, lies beneath the Fuegenberg mountain. This popular hiking and 'wellness' centre, through which the Ziller river flows. boasts a new thermal baths and open-air swimming pool, as well as a fascinating local history museum, working dairy and a bacon smokery, all of which welcome visitors. Several well-marked walking trails start from the town, including the famous Zillertal Valley high-altitude walk.

Day One

Fly to Innsbruck and transfer to your hotel.

Day Two

Today you're free to rest and relax in the surroundings of the hotel, or perhaps to spend a little longer exploring Fuegen.

Day Three

Our first optional excursion is to the Imperial city of Innsbruck. We'll see the landmarks of the city's outskirts, the Wilten Monastery and Olympic ski-jump, and then pass through the historic triumphal arch for a guided tour revealing the sights, including the famous copper-tiled 'Golden Roof' built for Emperor Maximillian I at the start of the 16th Century. After the tour, be sure to stop for 'coffee and cake' at one of the countless cafes in the Old Town.

In the afternoon we'll head to the unusual, but fascinating and spectacular, Swarovski Crystal Worlds. See crystals large and small, and artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, in a highly original setting 'guarded' by a green 'giant', one of the most unusual sights of the whole holiday.

Day Four

Today's optional excursion is to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Beneath the imposing Hohensalzburg castle and beside the Salzach River, Salzburg is a treasure-trove of onion-domed churches, elegant squares and cobbled thoroughfares. Don't miss the Castle, which towers 400 feet above the city, and offers predictably wonderful views, nor the exquisite Dom cathedral with its frescoes.

Day Five

Another day left free to enjoy all the delights of Fuegen and its surroundings.

Day Six

On today's optional excursion you'll leave behind the green valleys, and head for the frozen heights of the Hintertux Glacier. Ride the historic, narrow-gauge Zillertal steam railway through stunning scenery to a wilderness of ice and snow. Enjoy a glass of schnapps, and then take the coach to the foot of the Hintertux. Our day also includes an exhilarating ride on the Tuxer Fernerhaus gondola, which transports you to the dizzy heights of 2660m and the mountain restaurant, from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Zillertal Alps.

Day Seven

Rest and relax in Fuegen, or join the full-day optional excursion to Lake Achensee and historic Tratzberg Castle. The stunning, turquoise lake is the Tyrol's largest body of water and its beach-fringed, wooded shores are understandably popular with local bathers.

Cruise across the lake on a steamer, enjoying the stunning views, before we head to the 500-year-old Tratzberg Castle, which is reached by a 'tourist train' from the castle inn. Perched high amongst the woods, this 16th-century gem is beautiful preserved, and is renowned for its ornate Renaissance courtyard and stunningly painted Habsburg Hall.

Day Eight

Transfer back to the airport, and check-in for your flight home.