A 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 winter activities
Obsteig - 7 nights
Nestled amid rolling hills, with the Mieminger Mountains as a backdrop, Obsteig’s winter persona is a popular cross-country ski resort. The village provides a pass for the ski bus to Seefeld and Postbus to Innsbruck; and the 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 and music; and a Gala Dinner on Christmas Eve.
Winter Wonders
Local Guides
Historic Hotel
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.
Day 1 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)
Day 2 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. Join the owner of your hotel for aperitifs this evening. (B, D)
Day 3 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). 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)
Day 4 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)
Day 5 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)
Day 6 A guided winter walk today will work-up an appetite. Back at the hotel, see a demonstration of Apple Strudel baking, and sample the finished article. (B, D)
Day 7 Join a guided Snowshoe Walk (snowshoes and Nordic walking sticks included); or enjoy a day at leisure. (B, D)
Day 8 Transfer to Innsbruck airport for the return flight to London Gatwick. (B)
Notes
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, and all activities marked with are offered free of charge by the village of Obsteig. 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.
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!
2023
Wednesdays/Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
EasyJet from Gatwick
2024
Wednesdays/Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
EasyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £105 (Dec £120)
Tour Only
Save £150
Arrival or departure transfer add £50
Price Includes
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.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
© 2023 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
VAT No. 805146159
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