Christmas in the Tyrol 2012 

Our tour begins at St Pancras International in London, where we board the Eurostar for the journey to Brussels. Arriving in the Belgian capital, we change trains and continue our journey by high-speed train to the magnificent German city of Cologne. We spend a night in Cologne, staying at the Grand City Hotel, located close to both 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 family-run Hotel Jenbacherhof, located just a short walk from the town centre. A warm welcome is guaranteed at the Jenbacherhof - the hotel has been welcoming Great Rail Journeys guests for over 20 years. (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. The attractive town has much to recommend it; as well as a charming centre, the town is surrounded by glorious mountain ranges and the sparkling lakes Hechtsee and Stimersee. 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. Among its highlights are its ruined hilltop castle and a photogenic huddle of pastel coloured, medieval town houses. Rattenberg is also renowned for the fine glassware and crystal which has been produced in the town for centuries. (B,D)

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

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. The Tyrolean capital's magnificently preserved Old Town still reflects the city's historic and cultural past with its wonderful Renaissance, Baroque buildings and Tyrolean architecture. Innsbruck is a popular winter sports destination, having hosted the winter Olympics in 1964. During your time 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 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)

We leave Jenbach this morning and travel into Germany and to Cologne. On arrival we spend a night at the Grand City Hotel. (B,D)

Our departure from Cologne 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