Stay in family run hotels and feast on regional culinary delights. The mountains, villages and lakes of Austria, Northern Italy and Switzerland feature on this three week walking holiday. Half and full day walks are offered at each location while staying in family-owned hotels. A truly gourmet trip, we balance the walking with regional culinary delights. We begin in Austria with two nights in the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. After walks in the surrounding Karwendel mountains, we travel to northeast Italy and the rocky spires of the Dolomites. Spending five nights in two family run hotels, we enjoy spectacular walks in this vast network of lush valleys, grassy plateaus and mountain huts with views of unusual rock formations. For contrast, we have time to absorb the history and romance of Romeo and Juliet’s city of Verona. Further west, Lake Como is our base for three nights where ferry trips link lakeside villages and half day walks lead to viewpoints over the Lakes District. In north west Italy, Gran Paradiso National Park protects an area of rugged alpine peaks, glaciers and alpine tradition. Keep a lookout for ibex, chamois and marmots as well as a huge variety of alpine flora. We finish by exploring the spectacular Bernese Oberland, in the heart of the Swiss Alps. From the car-free village of Wengen, alpine trains and cable cars allow easy access to a myriad of walks, while listening to the tinkling of cowbells.
- Hike alpine trails and promenade walks from the Austrian town of Innsbruck
- Spend five days in the Sudtirol region of north east Italy
- Enjoy mountain and plateau walks in the Dolomites ranges
- Explore Verona’s historic centre and the ancient hilltop town of Bergamo
- Relax at Lake Como with half day walks, boat cruises and leisure time in lakeside villages
- Delve into the culture, gastronomy and mountain scenery of Gran Paradiso NP
- Use local cable cars and trains to access the best walks in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland
- Stay in family run hotels and feast on regional culinary delights
Price: Twinshare / person (ex Innsbruck, ends Wengen) A$ TBA
Single Supplement: A$ TBA
Note: For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the sole-use surcharge will apply.
Minimum Group size: 8 guests
Special Interest: Geography, Culture, Cuisine, Gourmet, History
Walk Rating: Easy – Moderate, 5-18km per walking day with some longer options (challenging options include ascent/descent, rough hard terrain).
Inclusions
- 18 nights twin share accommodation – 3 to 4 star hotels and lodges with private facilities
- Meals include – 18 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 13 Dinners
- All vehicle and ferry transfers as listed in itinerary
- National park and museum entry fees where noted
- Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides
- Group tips, hotel taxes where required
- Pre-departure material including background and personalised A-Z tour information
Exclusions
- Airfares and taxes to start / from end of tour
- Airport transfers
- Passport and visa expenses
- Heavy or excess baggage
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, telephone, or optional tours / excursions
Lisa Groom
Lisa Groom is the daughter of ParkTours founders Tony & Connie Groom and grand-daughter of Binna Burra Mountain Lodge founder Arthur Groom. You could say the great outdoors is in Lisa’s blood. Growing up with the business she commenced working as a tour leader and co-ordinator with ParkTours in 1991, and took over the helm of the company from her parents in 2001 then sold the business to Luke Christiansen in late 2023. Leading walking holidays in the Scenic Rim, South East Qld and Europe, her passion is for regional ecotourism, discovering local characters and showcasing nature from a different perspective.