Cows Down Festival - Tyrolean Traditions

Every autumn throughout the Alps, the valleys begin to chime with the clang of cowbells. The traditional 'Almabtrieb' (literally meaning 'driving down the mountain') is one of the main highlights of the Tyrolean festival calendar and marks the closing of the high alpine pastures after a summer of grazing in the mountain meadows. Experience this time-honoured Tyrolean tradition in Reith im Alpbachtal as herds of cows, beautifully decorated in lavish floral headdresses, form a spectacular procession as the village takes on a colourful, carnival atmosphere. Combine this wonderful experience with the very essence of all things Alpine Austrian - crystal clear lakes, snowy mountain peaks, chocolate box villages and impossibly cute chalets bedecked with colourful flowers, not to mention Alpine boats, trains, funiculars and cable car - for a panoramic tour of Tyrolean highlights.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 5 nights in the Tyrol with breakfast & dinner- Overnight hotel for 2 nights with breakfast- Welcome drink on arrival & porterage (in & out) at main hotel- Entrance to the Almabtrieb in Reith im Alpbachtal- Guided City tour of Innsbruck- Entrance to Hofburg Imperial Palace- Return funicular / cable car journey from Innsbruck to Seegrube- Entrance to the Krimml Waterfalls- Ride with the Zillertalbahn steam train (Mayrhofen - Fügen-Hart) with on board musician and a schnapps

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue via the auto-routes of France heading to Germany to the overnight stop. BB

Day 2 - The journey continues through Germany and then as the Alpine scenery unfolds, you cross the border into Austria and your hotel for your 5-night stay in Fügen. Welcome drink on arrival. DBB

Days 3 - 6 - At leisure in the Tyrol with THREE included excursions.
Hotel Bruno is in an elevated position with a slight incline down to the village centre (approx. 10 mins on foot). It is also conveniently situated for the Spieljochbahn cable car (approx. €20-€28 pp return in 2023) with walking trails and a mountain restaurant at the top. There is a thermal baths and spa complex in the village (Erlebnistherme Zillertal - approx. €12 pp for 2 hours in 2023)

Saturday 28th September 2024 - Join in the fun on this fantastic festive occasion as one of the largest Alpine cattle drives marks the start of autumn in Reith im Alpbachtal. The festivities include hand-made craft stalls and a lively famers' market with plenty of opportunity to eat and drink local specialities as well as enjoy traditional Tyrolean folk music. Locals just love the opportunity to celebrate and to don their Lederhosen and pretty Dirndl dresses. The cows pass through the village on their way to their winter quarters from around 11.00.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Innsbruck for the Day
Enjoy a day in the charming capital of the Tyrol, Innsbruck, with its famous Little Golden Roof. 'Alpine-urban' Innsbruck is bursting with cultural treasures, traditional charm and cosmopolitan appeal. There will be an included guided city tour with admission to the Imperial Palace for a glimpse of the sumptuous ceremonial rooms as well as a trip on the Hungerburg funicular railway with its über-modern stations and then continue the ascent via cable car to Seegrube at 1905m. Expect spectacular views over the valley and the Alps.

Mayrhofen, Zillertalbahn & Krimml Falls
Take a drive through the Zillertal (Ziller Valley) and enjoy classic, picture book Tyrol - fertile farmland, wooded slopes, snowy peaks and the racing Ziller River. A stop will be made at the breath-taking Krimml Falls, at 380m the highest waterfalls in Europe. Enjoy free time at the visitor centre or why not walk to the base of the falls (approx. 10 - 15 minutes relatively flat walk). Continue on over the panoramic Gerlos Alpine Pass, a spectacular scenic road offering amazing views, to the popular, year-round resort of Mayrhofen. Here you will board the Zillertalbahn steam train to Fügen-Hart with musician and a shot of schnapps to make the journey go with a swing!

Day 7 - Farewell to Austria today as you head northwards to the final overnight stop. BB

Day 8 - After breakfast, travel back through France to Calais for the return to EnglandHotel Bruno, Fügen

This traditional Tyrolean style 4* hotel is family run and enjoys a quiet location on the edge of the forest in the village of Fügen in the heart of the Ziller Valley.

Hotel Bruno is in an elevated position with an incline down to the village centre. It is also conveniently situated for the Spieljochbahn cable car (payable locally), with walking trails and a mountain restaurant at the top. Comfortable guestooms are brightly furnished and feature TV, hairdryer and en-suite with either bath or shower.
Twin rooms are traditional Austrian twins (two mattresses on one bed frame).

You can enjoy fresh, local specialities in the restaurant and there is also a welcoming bar area. A small wellness area features sauna and steam

The hotel comprises two interconnecting buildings and there are lifts to all floors. Tea and coffee after dinner is not included.