Austria
7 nights 9 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookA winter wonderland week in Austria, this tour is based in the typically Tirolean village of Obsteig, staying in a family-run hotel, and revealing the region’s character with a snowshoe walk, horse-drawn sleigh ride, and visits to Seefeld, Stams Abbey, and Innsbruck
Nestled amid rolling hills, with the Mieminger Mountains as a backdrop, Obsteig’s winter persona is a popular cross-country ski resort. With its roots in the 14th century, this traditional ‘village’ is actually a combination of fourteen scattered hamlets. The village collective extends its hospitality to visitors by offering a variety of activities free of charge, and providing a pass for the ski bus to Seefeld and Postbus to Innsbruck, which includes access to guided walks in the city; while the welcoming Der Stern Hotel has a sauna and indoor eco-pool for relaxation, and snowshoes and Nordic walking sticks for bracing treks. Our tour dates cover the Christmas season and January, when the snow is most profuse; and February and March, when sunnier weather is the norm. An itinerary of local discovery encompasses memorable experiences from a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a tour of Stams’ ancient abbey, a ‘lantern walk’ in Innsbruck, and gorgeous views from Seefeld’s Gschwandtkopf chair-lift; and celebratory events for the hotel’s Christmas guests include a traditional Advent Evening on 23rd December, with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, music, and story-telling (German language); and a Gala Dinner on Christmas Eve.
Fly from London Gatwick to Innsbruck, and transfer to the village of Obsteig and the 3-star Hotel Der Stern for your seven-night stay.
(D)
Enjoy an exhilarating horse-drawn sleigh ride from the village; and later take the tour to Stams for a guided visit of the splendid Cistercian Abbey. Founded in 1273 by Count Meinhard ll of Gorizia-Tirol, the palatially proportioned Romanesque abbey was revamped in Baroque style 400 years later, when the twin towers were crowned with silver cupolas. Equally elaborate interiors boast frescoes, stucco work, magnificent gilding, and intricate iron grilles. Join the owner of your hotel for aperitifs this evening.
(B, D)
Travel by Postbus to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tirol and the 15th century imperial capital of the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian l, his cenotaph surrounded by Renaissance sculptures in the Hofkirche (Court Church). The city’s Bergisel Hill, now known for the Olympic ski jump, was historically famed as the site of four battles in 1809, when Tirolean patriots fought Bavarian and French armies. Discover the narrow streets of medieval houses and arcades on a guided walking tour of the old town, where landmark monuments include the Hofburg ducal palace and 16th century Franciscan church; and later enjoy a guided lantern walk with mulled wine.
(B, D)
Travel by ski-bus to the picturesque alpine village of Seefeld, with the Gschwandtkopf chair lift included in your pass; an air of exclusivity, and excellent cross-country skiing; and the intriguing landmark of St. Oswald’s church, a place of pilgrimage, said to have witnessed a miracle, and linked by a pathway to a circle of twelve huge stones, representing the Apostles.
(B, D)
Visit a local Crib Museum. Typically, these carefully collated exhibits can range from miniature to life-size models, alpine to oriental, modern to centuries old, and simplistic to splendorous.
(B, D)
A guided winter walk today will work-up an appetite.
(B, D)
Join a guided Snowshoe Walk (snowshoes and Nordic walking sticks included); or enjoy a day at leisure, perhaps to relax in and around Obsteig, or to revisit Innsbruck for fabulous views of the mountains and Inn Valley from the Hungerburg funicular and the cable car to Hafelekar. Back at the hotel in the afternoon, see a demonstration of Apple Strudel baking, and sample the finished article. (On the December departure, Apple Strudel baking will take place on Day 6)
(B, D)
Transfer to Innsbruck airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)
Fly from London Gatwick to Innsbruck, and transfer to the village of Obsteig and the 3-star Hotel Der Stern for your seven-night stay.
(D)
Enjoy an exhilarating horse-drawn sleigh ride from the village; and later take the tour to Stams for a guided visit of the splendid Cistercian Abbey. Founded in 1273 by Count Meinhard ll of Gorizia-Tirol, the palatially proportioned Romanesque abbey was revamped in Baroque style 400 years later, when the twin towers were crowned with silver cupolas. Equally elaborate interiors boast frescoes, stucco work, magnificent gilding, and intricate iron grilles. Join the owner of your hotel for aperitifs this evening.
(B, D)
Travel by Postbus to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tirol and the 15th century imperial capital of the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian l, his cenotaph surrounded by Renaissance sculptures in the Hofkirche (Court Church). The city’s Bergisel Hill, now known for the Olympic ski jump, was historically famed as the site of four battles in 1809, when Tirolean patriots fought Bavarian and French armies. Discover the narrow streets of medieval houses and arcades on a guided walking tour of the old town, where landmark monuments include the Hofburg ducal palace and 16th century Franciscan church; and later enjoy a guided lantern walk with mulled wine.
(B, D)
Travel by ski-bus to the picturesque alpine village of Seefeld, with the Gschwandtkopf chair lift included in your pass; an air of exclusivity, and excellent cross-country skiing; and the intriguing landmark of St. Oswald’s church, a place of pilgrimage, said to have witnessed a miracle, and linked by a pathway to a circle of twelve huge stones, representing the Apostles.
(B, D)
Visit a local Crib Museum. Typically, these carefully collated exhibits can range from miniature to life-size models, alpine to oriental, modern to centuries old, and simplistic to splendorous.
(B, D)
A guided winter walk today will work-up an appetite. Back at the hotel in the afternoon, see a demonstration of Apple Strudel baking, and sample the finished article.
(B, D)
Join a guided Snowshoe Walk (snowshoes and Nordic walking sticks included); or enjoy a day at leisure, perhaps to relax in and around Obsteig, or to revisit Innsbruck for fabulous views of the mountains and Inn Valley from the Hungerburg funicular and the cable car to Hafelekar.
(B, D)
Transfer to Innsbruck airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)
Some walking on snow-covered terrain is involved and visits are subject to local conditions and weather. Except where specified, this is an unguided tour using public transport.
This itinerary is focused on winter activities, please check that your travel insurance covers any winter activities you may try.
The local area bus service is also included.
CHRISTMAS SEASON
We offer the opportunity to stay at this family-run hotel for Christmas, including an Advent Evening with music and story telling on December 23 (German language), roasted chestnut and mulled wine, followed by a Gala Dinner on December 24. The Innsbruck excursion includes an opportunity to visit the Christmas Market but no guided walking tour. Lantern walk is not arranged. Early booking is recommended for Christmas.
Enjoy an afternoon getting involved with the production of the legendary Austrian apple strudel in the hotel kitchen. Tasting included! Apple strudel is one of Austria’s national dishes and the oldest recipe can be traced back to 1697. It is traditionally served warm, sprinkled with icing sugar.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
In the village of Obsteig on the sunny Mieminger Plateau, this friendly, family-run 3-star hotel offers traditional Tirolean hospitality and modern sustainable ideas. Small bar, dining room, games room, panorama sauna, a new eco-swimming pool, rooftop terrace, WiFi (free) and an original Tirolean ‘Wirtshaus’ (inn) dating back to 1509. 45 rooms with hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV. Once a week there is a culinary dinner with live music and a Tirolean Farmer’s Buffet. An afternoon snack or tea is provided. Snowshoes and Nordic walking sticks available for the energetic!
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
Christmas Markets on the Danube
29 Nov 25
A short break during the weeks of Advent, this tour combines the history of the Habsburg Empire with the traditions of the Christmas Markets, cruising the Danube to a trio of riverside capitals, from elegant Vienna to beautiful Budapest and medieval Bratislava
From £1560 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Jan 25 (7 nights) | £1195pp | £1310pp | Book now | |
| 15 Jan 25 (7 nights) | £1295pp | £1410pp | Book now | |
| 12 Mar 25 (7 nights) | No Single Supplement (3 Rooms Remaining) | £1195pp | £1310pp | Book now |
| 19 Dec 25 (7 nights) | £1545pp | £1630pp | Book now | |
| 14 Jan 26 (7 nights) | No Single Supplement (2 Rooms Remaining) | £1245pp | £1365pp | Book now |
| 25 Feb 26 (7 nights) | No Single Supplement (2 Rooms Remaining) | £1345pp | £1465pp | Book now |
| 04 Mar 26 (7 nights) | No Single Supplement (2 Rooms Remaining) | £1245pp | £1365pp | Book now |
| 11 Mar 26 (7 nights) | Solo Group Departure | £1245pp | £1245pp | Book now |
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights' accommodation, half board, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.