U3A Holiday 2027
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 10 June 2026 13:12
King Hills U3A & District
Little Trains and Boats of the Austrian Tyrol
29th May 2027 – 6th June 2027
Think of Austria and it conjures up images of snow-capped mountain, tumbling waterfalls and glistening lakes. Add in two steam-hauled narrow gauge railways, two lake cruises and a visit to the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, and you have a tour full of memorable experiences.
During this trip, you will take a cruise around the gloriously blue Lake Achensee. Arrive at the lake by taking the Achenseebahn steam train along the narrow gauge railway admiring the stunning scenery en-route. You will also visit the quaint medieval town of Rattenberg where you can indulge in an Austrian classic: apple strudel! Furthermore, you can visit the glass factory and watch an absorbing glass-making demonstration together with an awe-inspiring visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds!
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue south through France, stopping overnight in the Reims area. Dinner is included at the hotel.
DAY 2 – Travel to Austria
After breakfast, continue through France, into Germany and Austria and onto the Tyrol for the next 6 nights. Check in and enjoy dinner together and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings.
DAY 3 – At leisure
There’s free time today to relax in the hotel and explore the local area. The hotel offers spa facilities, sauna and steam baths and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The traffic-free village centre is about a 2 minute walk from the hotel and there is a selection of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
DAY 4 - Ziller Valley Steam Railway, Mayrhofen and the Gerlos Pass
Make the short journey to Jenbach and board the historic Ziller Valley steam railway that will wind its way up the valley to the picturesque town of Mayrhofen. Explore this famous Alpine ski resort before returning via the spectacular Gerlos Pass by coach. En-route it may be possible to stop at the world famous Krimml Waterfalls. For those who feel adventurous, there is an approximate 15-20 minute leisurely walk each way to reach the lowest waterfall from the coach parking. The walkways and paths along this section are very well maintained for easy accessibility (entrance cost to the falls not included - pay direct on the spot).
(Please note that train timetables/routes are subject to confirmation and alteration without notice)
DAY 5 - Zell am See Cruise and Pinzgau Train
Drive to the busy and picturesque lakeside town of Zell am See, a favourite with visitors from the UK. Sitting on the banks of Lake Zell, and with the Hohe Tauern mountains behind, the setting is often described as one of Austria’s most beautiful. Take a relaxing round trip cruise on the lake before boarding the historic Pinzgau steam train for a scenic one-way journey along the Ziller Valley to Mittersill.
There may be time to stop in the famous ski resort of Kitzbuhel before returning to the hotel for dinner.
(This day trip may be operated in reverse, subject to sailing schedules and ship availability)
DAY 6 - Achensee Cog Railway and Lake Cruise
Once again, head for the station at Jenbach, this time to take a 45 minute ride on the steam operated Achensee Cog Railway. Dating from 1889, this historic train takes us on a memorable journey through romantic landscapes and forests of the Inntal Valley and to our terminal at Lake Achensee. This is where you embark on a relaxing round trip cruise on the Tyrol's largest lake before heading back to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
(Please note that train timetables/routes are subject to confirmation and alteration without notice)
DAY 7 - Innsbruck and Rattenberg
No tour to the Austrian Tyrol would be complete without a visit to its capital, Innsbruck. With a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it offers a picture-book old town full of historical buildings. Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour that includes exterior views of the the Imperial Palace and the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), the symbol of the city. Enjoy some free time to get some lunch, wander through the cobbled streets and browse the shops.
From here, and before returning to the hotel, we will make a stop in the medieval town of Rattenberg, Austria’s smallest town, full of revitalized townhouses, cobbled streets and alleyways—and has at its heart Kisslinger Glassblowing Shop. The shop displays a huge selection of their wonderful creations on four floors, from crystal chalices to delicate glasses, from glass jewellery to glass plates. On a guided tour you will see live glass blowing demonstrations with a chance to 'have a go' and/or make a purchase.
Nearby is the Cafe Konditorei Hacker, famous for its Apple Strudel where you can watch how this delicious dessert is made and even taste and purchase some samples!
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
DAY 8 – Depart Austria
We make our return journey through Germany and into France for a final overnight stay in the Reims area. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
DAY 9 - Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast for the journey to Calais or Dunkerque and the short sea ferry crossing to Calais, and home.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Return short sea ferry crossings
- 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast (overnight hotels)
- 6 nights dinner, bed and breakfast Tyrol
- One-way Ziller Valley railway journey
- Zell am See lake cruise
- One-way Pinzgau train journey
- Achensee Cog Railway and lake cruise
- Innsbruck guided walking tour
- Rattenberg Glass Blowing demonstration and Strudel making demonstration incl. tasting
- One free place for the driver in a single room with 25 paying passengers
Flexi-Tour Prices Per Person
Twin/Double: £1,716.00 per person
Single: £165.00 supplement per person