Christmas in the Tyrol 2012 

We depart St Pancras International and board the Eurostar for Brussels. In the Belgian capital we change trains and continue our journey by high-speed train to Cologne for an overnight stay at either the Four Points Hotel or the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre. Both hotels are located close to the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (D)

This morning we leave Cologne and continue our journey south by high-speed train into Austria. 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 small Tyrolean town of Jenbach. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel for seven 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 kilometers 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 of Hall and the ski resort of Kitzbühel are both within reach by train. (B)

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)

On Christmas Eve we visit the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, just a short train ride away. The city enjoys a spectacular location in the Inn Valley surrounded by lofty snow-capped peaks. Here you are free to discover its Christmas Market and stroll around the maze of cobbled alleyways in the medieval Old Town. Innsbruck's most famous landmark, the Goldenes Dachl, or Golden Roof, is certainly well worth a visit. Alternatively, make one of the many wonderful journeys into the beautiful surrounding countryside - the charming town of Igls is to be recommended. On our return to Jenbach we enjoy Christmas Eve with carols and watch the traditional lighting of the candles on the Christmas tree. (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. Back at the hotel we enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner. (B,D)

This full-day 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. Otherwise take a cable car higher into the mountains, perhaps enjoying a meal at a mountaintop restaurant offering spectacular views over the surrounding Alpine pastures. (B,D)

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

Our morning departure sees us 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