trans tyrol garmisch to innsbruck

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1 A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover, be it hiking with the family in the European Alps, a leisurely cycle with friends along the quieter backroads of Holland or France, trekking the famous pilgrimage trails of Spain, Italy or England or even discovering the islands of Croatia and Greece by bike and boat. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 300 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands, with active holiday ideas for families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable making them popular with travellers both young and young at heart. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Best of all, our trips start on virtually any day of the week, so you can combine any tour to create exactly the holiday you want. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Garmisch Partenkirchen from: $1550 All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS Single Supplement - Hotels Only: $200 Single Traveller Surcharge - Hotels Only: $480 IMPORTANT NOTES DN1 - There is a guided version of this itinerary. TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: TRANS TYROL GARMISCH TO INNSBRUCK TGI 7 DAYS GRADE: CHALLENGING 5 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK ACCOMMODATION: 4 NIGHTS 3 4 STAR MOUNTAIN HOTELS & 2 NIGHTS MOUNTAIN CABINS OR HUTS DATE DETAILS: Garmisch Partenkirchen Scharnitz Innsbruck Austria WEEKLY ON SUNDAYS FROM 19 JUN TO 18 SEP Germany Italy highlights Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wetterstein & Karwendel ranges Explore Schachen Castle Stay in charming mountain hotels and cabins brimming with warm hospitality Enjoy some of the best hiking in the alps including through impressive gorges and along balcony paths the trip The border between Austria and Germany is home to two exceptional mountain regions; the Bavarian Alps and the Tyrol, a mountainous area extending from Austria through to northern Italy. Isolated for long periods this region is home to the Wetterstein and Karwendel Mountain ranges with their pristine alpine landscapes and a well maintained network of walking trails. The hike from Garmisch in Bavaria to Innsbruck in Austria is demanding at times and requires a good level of experience in alpine terrain. Impressive gorges and balcony trails, Schachen Castle which can only be reached after several hours walking, the Olympic towns of Garmisch and Innsbruck and the Karwendel Massif National Park are a few of the highlights of this walking holiday. Staying in a combination of atmospheric mountain cabins and country hotels, this trip offers a perfect balance of comfort and alpine hiking World Expeditions Travel Group - Silverback Bardo Imber Dixon 4/29/ :19:35 AM Page 1

2 itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Garmisch Partenkirchen Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 Balcony path through Höllental Gorge (5hrs) Ascend Wetterstein Massif, visit Schachen Castle (4.5hrs) View sunrise before descending to Scharnitz (7.5hrs) Walk in the Karwendel Mountains (2.5 or 5hrs) Balcony path to the famous Nordkette of Innsbruck (6hrs) Trip concludes Arrive Garmisch Partenkirchen On arrival in Garmisch make your way to the joining hotel. At the hotel you will be provided with your cable car tickets and route book (one of each per room). The rest of the day is free to explore the town. Overnight in hotel in Garmisch. meals: D Balcony path through Höllental Gorge (5hrs) The walk begins with an interesting ascent through the impressive Höllental (or Hell Valley) gorge. The route takes you through a series of canyons and tunnels hewn from the rockface and follows the thundering river below. Out of the canyon you reach the mountain cabin Höllentalanger hütte which has an impressive location surrounded by stunning alpine scenery including a view to the highest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze (2962m). Here you can take a rest before the final ascent to the Kreuzberg following a high trail above the gorge. Descend to Garmisch by cable car. Overnight in hotel. Route: 10.9km, 950m ascent (descent by cable car) meals: B,D Ascend Wetterstein Massif, visit Schachen Castle (4.5hrs) The day begins with a walk through another gorge to the foot of Wetterstein Massif. There is a steep climb to reach the Kings Path to Castle Schachen, King Ludwig II s mountain cabin. The last stage to the mountain cabin where you stay tonight offers hikers incredible mountain views and is an absolute delight. *Note on this day there is no luggage transfer available. You will need to carry your overnight requirements in your day pack. The rest of your luggage will be transferred to Scharnitz. Route: 9.5km, 1500m ascent meals: B View sunrise before descending to Scharnitz (7.5hrs) To view sunrise in these mountains is spectacular and we recommend you rise early to witness it! The route today begins with a traverse across rocky terrain with some ups and downs before a sustained descent into Leutasch valley. The way becomes more relaxed as you continue through to Scharnitz. It would be impossible to tire of the beautiful surroundings during the walk. At the end of the day a wild and idyllic gorge awaits you. Overnight hotel. Route: 17.9km, 910m ascent, 1820m descent meals: B,D 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Silverback Bardo Imber Dixon 4/29/ :19:35 AM Page 2

3 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 Walk in the Karwendel Mountains (2.5 or 5hrs) The day begins with a vehicle transfer deep into Karwendel valley. The relaxed walk takes you to Halleranger alpine pasture which you will reach after about 2 hours. The day is designed for you to relax and enjoy the scenery, or take a walk up to Sunntiger Spitze. Overnight comfortable mountain cabin. The walking times and ascent will be greater if you choose not to take the vehicle transfer at the start of the day. *Note on this day there is no luggage transfer available. You will need to carry your overnight requirements in your day pack. Route(s): 5.6km or 19km, 550m or 850m ascent meals: B Balcony path to the famous Nordkette of Innsbruck (6hrs) A marvellous balcony path brings you across several ridges (passes) to the famous Nordkette of Innsbruck. A short but steep ascent requires sure-footedness and stamina. After that the walk becomes easier to the summit station of Hafelekar cable car, and your ride down to Innsbruck. Route: 12.2km, 1150m ascent, 720m descent meals: B,D Trip concludes Arrangements conclude after breakfast. meals: B inclusions 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties. 4 nights accommodation in 3 4 star mountain hotels & 2 nights in mountain cabins or huts (comfortable rooms with 2 to 4 people per room) Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (except to the mountain huts on days 3 & 5) Transfer in Karwendel Valley Cable car Garmisch Partenkirchen Route book per room 7 day service hotline items not included Travel to and from the hotel at the start and end of the trip Entrance fees into gorges (reduced fees available with local card) Dinners in mountain cabins/huts Lunch daily Drinks Tour guide this is a self guided trip. For a supplement you can join a guided departure Hut sleeping pack Luggage transfers to and from mountain huts Cable car Nordkette Innsbruck (Euro 12 to 15) Items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry, phone calls etc Bus transfer to Garmisch getting there BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: com 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Silverback Bardo Imber Dixon 4/29/ :19:35 AM Page 3

4 BY TRAIN BY AIR For timetables to Garmisch Partenkirchen see international/englisch/international_guests.shtml (German Train website). There are fast connections between Munich (including Munich Airport and Garmisch travel time is approximately 1.5 hrs (from Munich) 2hrs 15 minutes from the airport. The closest international airports are Munich or Innsbruck. Use the above train sites for travel between these airports and the start point. trip grading - challenging CHALLENGING GRADE 5 Anyone undertaking a challenging trip should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. This trip is designed for experienced walkers who are seeking a challenge. No previous climbing experience is required to undertake this trip. An above average level of fitness is required as days can involve up to 7.5 hours of strenuous exercise in rugged terrain. You need to be sure footed and have a head for heights as there are some steep drops close to the paths. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3 4 times a week. The best exercise for trekking is long bushwalks/hill walks involving relatively steep ascents and descents. equipment provided dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again. Page 4

5 accommodation DURING TOUR Accommodation is in a combination of 3 star mountain hotels (Garmisch, Scharnitz and Innsbruck, on a halfboard basis) which are comfortable with en suite, and mountain huts/cabins. The mountain huts are surprisingly comfortable, generally with excellent mountain views, hearty cuisine and a warm and engaging atmosphere. In the mountain huts you will generally have 2 to 4 hikers per room and bathrooms are shared. Mountain huts are on a bed & breakfast basis. Dinners can be taken in the hotel / hut dining room or nearby restaurants. Lunch is not included. You can purchase picnic supplies in the towns or purchase a lunch from accommodation providers the night before. It is always good to have snacks with you particularly when you are staying in the huts where supplies are limited. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS Germany and Austria Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The weather in the Tyrol usually has an element of unpredictability. You can expect a mix of warm sunny days sometimes punctuated by cooler rainy weather. You should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather while you are out on the trail. In September daytime temperatures can range from cool early mornings of degrees Celsius to warm daytime temperatures of degrees Celsius. Rainstorms can drop the temperature dramatically, rainy days at lower elevations mean snow at higher elevations. You should take your raingear every day, regardless of the weather conditions when you leave your hotel/hut in the morning. MIN GROUP SIZE 1 MAX GROUP SIZE 15 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, day pack, sunscreen, good walking boots and sun hat.(a comprehensive gear list is included in the pre departure information provided on confirmation of your booking). how to book To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). World Expeditions/UTRACKS has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us Page 5

6 There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at slide shows UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 6

7 AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) F: (02) Toll free: info@utracks.com.au Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:- Melbourne Perth Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 1, High St Auckland CBD PO Box Auckland City 1143 T: (09) F: (09) Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.co.nz CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: F: Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.com UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: F: T: (Ireland) info@utracks.com Page 7