The Alps of the Austrian Tyrol in Winter & Spring 2013 

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. In Brussels we change trains and continue our journey by high-speed train to Cologne for an overnight stay at the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, close to the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (D)

We leave Cologne and continue our journey by high-speed train into Austria, arriving late afternoon. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery during the journey along the Rhine Gorge with its many fairytale castles nestling amongst extensive vineyards. We continue through the beautiful Bavarian countryside to Munich, and then head south into Austria to the Tyrolean town of Jenbach. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel for six nights - the comfortable, family-run Hotel Jenbacherhof, located just a short walk from the town centre. (B,D)

Our full-day excursion today is to the picturesque town of Kufstein, located on the River Inn just a few kilometres from the Bavarian border. Kufstein is dominated by a magnificent fortress, perched high on a hill overlooking the town. We also travel to Rattenberg, a journey back in time, as the town's centre remains virtually unchanged since its medieval heyday. Rattenberg is also renowned for the fine glassware and crystal which has been produced in the town for centuries. (B,D)

Your day in Jenbach is free to relax or, if you are feeling energetic, take one of the excellent signposted walks into the wintry countryside. The historic town Hall and the ski resort of Kitzbühel are both within reach by train. (B)

Today's excursion takes us along the beautiful Ziller Valley on the narrow-gauge Zillertalbahn Railway in wonderfully restored four-wheel carriages. We travel past pretty villages to Mayrhofen at the head of the valley. You have plenty of time to explore this attractive village of cobbled streets lined with shops, restaurants and pavement cafés, bustling with skiers and winter sports enthusiasts at this time of year. Otherwise take a cable car higher into the mountains, perhaps enjoying a meal at a mountaintop restaurant offering spectacular views over the surrounding snow-capped Alpine pastures. (B,D)

We enjoy an excursion by coach to the glorious city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the film 'The Sound of Music'. A guided walking tour includes the Getreidegasse, the Residenz, and the city's striking Renaissance cathedral. You have plenty of free time to explore Salzburg with its fine examples of Baroque architecture and excellent shops. It is also well worth making the journey by funicular railway to the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress for fantastic views of the city and the snow-laden alpine peaks. (B,D)

Today we head into the snow-covered mountains high above Jenbach to Achensee, the Tyrol's largest and deepest lake, 3,000 feet (914m) above sea level. We visit the charming town of Pertisau, on the lake's western shores and enjoy a gentle horse-drawn sleigh ride into the forest. We return to Jenbach and the rest of your day is free to explore the town at leisure or simply relax in the hotel and make use of the facilities on offer. (B,D)

We leave Jenbach this morning and travel into Germany and to Cologne. On arrival we spend a night at either the Best Western Grand City Hotel or Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, both located within walking distance of the railway station and the city's impressive Gothic cathedral. (B,D)

We depart travelling on the high-speed service to Brussels where we connect with the Eurostar service for our journey to St Pancras International. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday