Alps and Lakes FLASHPACKING Group Tour

Welcome to Austria! You can check in, in the afternoon or drop off your bags if you arrive early. Our first activity as a group is in the evening when you will experience authentic Austrian culture at a Tyrolean Folk Show and dinner. This traditional folk performance features centuries-old music, dance, and yodelling traditions and includes a 3 course meal. The perfect way to get to know the group!

Inclusions:
- Tyrolean Folk Show and Meal

Today is full-on but can be adapted to your interests. We make use of the Innsbruck card which includes a walking tour of the city but also access to the hop-on hop-off guided tour bus, 22 museums, transport and even some lifts and cable cars if you have a head for heights!

Inclusions:
- Breakfast
- Innsbruck Card

After a good night rest, board a 4-hour train taking you directly to Verona via the Austrian and Italian Alps, the historic Brenner Pass, the South Tyroll Region with its rolling hills and vineyards and along the Adige River valley. Arrive in Verona and take a short connecting train to Lake Garda – one of the most breath-taking places in Italy! You will stay in the most central area close to the lakeside, with plenty of opportunities to explore the lake and surrounding villages. In the evening, the group comes together to experience a tasting menu dinner with wine.

Inclusions:
- Breakfast
- Trains to Lake Garda
- Tasting Menu Dinner

Start your day with a guided boat tour of the Lake from Sirmione to Isola Del Garda – the centrepiece of the Lake with a magnificent villa to explore. The rest of the day is free to explore the area either by foot, bike or boat. In the summer months it is also very popular to go swimming in the beautiful fresh water.

Inclusions:
- Breakfast
- Boat Tour to Garda Island

Take a morning train to Lugano via the magnificent city of Milan. Totalling about 2-3 hours, there will be the opportunity to briefly see the city of Milan before continuing on into the mountains and crossing the border into Switzerland.

Lugano is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and situated on the shores of Lake Lugano, surrounded by lush hills and the majestic Swiss Alps. The combination of the lake, mountains, and Mediterranean-style architecture gives the city a unique and charming atmosphere.

Once in Lugano, check into your hotel before taking a boat to Gandria. This village has retained its traditional charm and architecture, and it’s a great place to explore narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and local culture. You then have the option to either hike back for around 1 hour along the olive trail, or to take the bus back into Lugano before heading for a traditional meal in town later that evening.

Inclusions:

Breakfast
- Train to Lugano
- Boat to Gandria
- Dinner in Lugano

After breakfast, explore the allure of Monte Brè during a full-day guided excursion to its sunlit peak. We begin the journey with a brief cruise on Lake Ceresio before transitioning to the scenic funicular, which will take you up the mountain. Here, explore the village of Brè and then venture to the Museo Wilhelm Schmid to delve deeper into the cultural legacy of the area.

Inclusions:
- Breakfast
- Monte Bre Tour with funicular

Today starts with a breath-taking train journey along the Gotthard Panorama Express route which is one of the most scenic in Switzerland and arguably the world! The journey to Interlaken takes just under 5 hours with a change in Lucerne. We will see crystal-clear lakes, rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys, lush green forests, historic villages and the Gotthard Base Tunnel – one of the world’s longest and deepest railway tunnels in the world.

Arrive in Interlaken in the afternoon and check into your hotel with the rest of the afternoon free until dinner time. In the evening, head for an unforgettable traditional Swiss fondue experience.

Inclusions:
- Breakfast
- Train to Interlaken
- Fondue Experience

This morning is free for you to explore the area at your own pace, take part in any of the numerous outdoors activities, maybe go for a swim, walk or cycle. In the afternoon, we walk over to the beautiful village of Bönigen to take part in a half-day kayaking tour of the area. You will be in groups of 6 with an expert kayaking instructor and guide, so whether you have never kayaked before or you’re already an expert, you are guaranteed to have a brilliant time. Alternatively, you can chill by the outdoor heated pool or enjoy a bite to eat at the beachside café. There are even canoes and stand-up paddleboards available for rental! If you haven’t already fallen in love with Interlaken then you will have by the evening as this is one of the coolest and most idyllic spots in the whole of Switzerland.

Inclusions:
- Breakfast
- Kayaking Tour

Today is departure day. There are direct trains that you can take to Zurich airport or you can also take a train to Geneva. Alternatively, why not extend your trip and travel on your own independent rail trip booked through Euroventure or add extra post-trip accommodation in Interlaken.

Inclusions:
- Breakfast