Euro Alps Tour - A review of 2011 and the outlook for 2012 and beyond
The tour dates for June and July 2012 have been finalised and the first people have already booked their place. Remember, this is a boutique tour and is strictly limited to 16 people per tour.
"The scenery was easily the best I've ever seen in my life. The trip was a great balance between fitness, scenery, adventure and relaxation."
Chris V., Melbourne
Day 1 Arrive in Grosses Walsertal
Be greeted and picked up from Feldkirch by your hosts Patrick & Maree. Drive up through Grosses Walsertal valley to your accommodation at 1480 altitude metres. Settle in, then get acquainted with your fellow tour participants over dinner and welcome drinks.
Day 2 Grosses Walsertal NW: Faschina pass
Today we get outside to explore the mountain peaks, ridges and valleys at your doorstep in beautiful Faschina. Take in the fresh air, stunning scenery and enjoy Nordic Walking in one of the countries where the global trend began. We also visit a local working dairy, take a chairlift ride and have fun learning some German language basics.
Day 3 Grosses Walsertal NW: Stein mountain
A journey in a cable car over a magnificent ravine will take us to the other side of the valley, where wildflowers drench the fields, a quaint chapel sits picturesquely, an alp hut serving delicious apple strudel and sometimes even snow on the upper slopes await. A relaxing sauna back at the hotel is a popular way to end this day.
Day 4 The Arlberg Massif NW: Lech am Arlberg
Experience the famed ‘Arlberg’ mountain massif as well as the village chosen by Princess Diana and Europe’s jet-set crowd each winter. Our Nordic Walk again takes us high up into the mountains to take in the wildflowers, cows grazing and authentic alp huts (and where cheese sliced off the barrel and home made schnapps can be sampled!)
Day 5 Grosses Walsertal NW: Buchboden valley
Enjoy Grosses Walsertal from a different angle – from within its cool and lush valley floor. Crystal clear rivers and natural grottos provide delight as does the health spring which has attracted people for over 400 years. A visit to the local museum will help comprehend the history, traditions and environmental significance of this unique valley.
Day 6 Germany – Lindau REST DAY
A day to give the body a rest and instead head ‘overseas’ to Germany. We drive to Bregenz, one of Austria’s famed cultural cities, on the edge of Lake Constance (Bodensee) and then take a ferry over the border to the beautiful old island town of Lindau. Shopping, dining, strolling or just sitting by the pretty harbour – whatever takes your fancy.
Day 7 Grosses Walsertal NW: Fontanella/ Zafernhorn + Seawaldsee lake
On the Fitness Tour, you will earn a relaxing swim in the lake by first climbing a spectacular peak where incredible views and signing of the book at the 2107m summit rewards this challenging walk. Tea mixing and tasting will help to wind down and relax the body at the end of the day.
Day 8 Switzerland & Liechtenstein NW: Rhinetal valley
The Rhine river creates the border between Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and offers the opportunity to cross its borders on a flatter but no less amazingly picturesque Nordic Walk. In the afternoon we visit the rich pocket-sized Principality of Liechtenstein, where a guided tour of its capital Vaduz will reveal some of its treasures.
Day 9 Grosses Walsertal NW: Damuels plateau
We venture over to the other side of Faschina to visit its sister village Damuels. Our last Nordic Walk will seek out mountain peaks to take panoramic photos of the region which has been experienced from all angles and heights. Our last evening will be a celebration of a wonderful time spent together sharing a very special time and place.
Day 10 Depart Grosses Walsertal
Farewell to Grosses Walsertal with a drive along the valley’s storybook road down to the historic town of Feldkirch where the tour began. There is time to meander around and take in some of its old world charms before we lunch together at the medieval Schattenburg Schloss (castle) - where a famed 30cm Weiner Schnitzel awaits the daring!
"You can take pictures and try to describe the experience to others but really you have to see and do it for yourself to truly appreciate how wonderful it is." Naida G., Melbourne
We loved sharing our second home with everybody and we look forward to explore the Alps with you soon.
** This program is flexible and may vary due to weather, service schedules, activity availabilities or unforeseen circumstances. **
