TOUR CODE: 19560 GRADES: D+/FL AND D+ & C JUNE SEPTEMBER 2016 One week duration 2x Walk 2x Leader 2x Grades on some dates 12 Jun - 19 Jun D+/FL 10 Jul - 17 Jul D+ 17 Jul - 24 Jul D+ & C 24 Jul - 31 Jul D+ & C 07 Aug - 14 Aug D+ & C 04 Sep - 11 Sep D+ F A B U L O U S F I S S Wonderful walking in Austria s Upper Inn Valley
HOLIDAY INFORMATION TOUR DESCRIPTION This information is additional to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed. Fiss, our base for this wonderful holiday, is situated at 1,440m on a sunny high plateau above the Tyrolean Inn Valley, surrounded by mighty and majestic mountains. Fiss and the neighbouring villages have many features typical of the Tirol, such as traditional alpine houses with flower filled balconies, outdoor baking ovens and quaint narrow alleys. There s plenty of walking to enjoy on the grassy slopes of the Komperdell range, where a good network of paths allows us to explore the very best of this most picturesque alpine area. Gondola lifts - which usually operate from the beginning of June - give access to the higher mountains where we can explore the ridges and green summits at over 8,000 feet (2,500m) and offer spectacular views. It is an area of considerable beauty with enormous panoramas and flora to be enjoyed throughout the summer. We are based in a beautifully stylish yet traditional alpine 4-star hotel right in the centre of the village. The village has a small supermarket, bank and tourist office. Tirolean evenings, band concerts, and slide shows are often held in the summer in the neighbouring villages of Ladis and Serfaus. Most facilities are within five minutes walk of the hotel. Please note that our departure on the 12 th June will be for flower enthusiasts and walks are at a slower pace, although the walks will be within the D+ grade terrain. WALKS & EXCURSIONS Each evening the leader will discuss with you and arrange the programme for the following day. Should you not wish to join the party, please let the leader know. 2x WALKS, 2x LEADERS, 2x GRADES These are departures, where we provide two tour leaders and offer a choice of easier or harder walks each day, we hope to be able to accommodate your choice of walk. However safety considerations do govern the sizes of groups in each walking grade; the minimum number of participants for a guided walk at a given grade and the maximum group size will be as indicated in our brochures. On most departures we are able to accommodate most clients first choice of walk most of the time; however some flexibility and co-operation may be required. In unusual circumstances where a disproportionately high number of clients wish to walk at one grade, for safety reasons, we may not be able to provide you with your choice of walk each day. Although we will endeavour to accommodate as many clients choices as possible, it may be necessary for you to switch between higher and lower grade walks during the holiday. Any decision regarding group sizes and the participants in the day s walking programme rests with our tour leader(s).
We believe this idea will appeal to couples or friends who prefer different levels of walking, as well as attracting people who have often thought about a walking holiday, but are unsure about what grade of walking to choose. Some might prefer to try out a more challenging walk; others might like to take things easy for a day or two. For safety reasons the maximum number on any walk will be 20 per leader on D+ and above grade walks, and the minimum number will be 4 plus the leader. Fiss provides some wonderful walking through alpine scenery without the efforts of a highergrade holiday. On the standard D+ grade departures, ascents and descents vary from day to day being as little as 60m or as much as 800m. We use lifts to reach some of the higher paths and walk back down towards the valley. Flower holidays cover similar terrain but at a slower pace. Our C grade option will take us higher into the peaks, with ascents and descents varying between 900-1350m. You should expect to walk for between 4 and 6 hours on generally good paths, but occasionally these become rough and stony or steep for short sections but we ll adjust our pace accordingly. Early in the season it is possible that snow may be encountered, however the programme will always be adjusted to cope with any inclement weather conditions throughout the season. We include both high and low level routes, walking through woods, high alpine pastures and meadows, past streams and waterfalls, and along rivers and high ridges a magnificent landscape with some great views. On some days we may reach a mountain hut or restaurant for lunch. An example of some of the walks we may include in our programme (dependent on weather conditions and the ability of the group) are as follows: D+ grade programme may include: The Samnaun Ridge, a fine ridge walk, which involves some long ascents and descents. Ascent 400m / descent 1000m; 10-16km (6½- 10 miles) depending on which route we take; 5-6 hours Hinterer Heuberg, a good mountain walk, we ascent a summit and enjoy a delightful valley descent. Ascent 600m / descent 900m; 10km (6½ miles); 4½ hrs Kaunertal Panorama Route, a splendid walk right above the Kaunertal. The views from the high path are stunning and (depending on the season) you are likely to see some good mountain flora. Ascent 300m / descent 1100m; 12km (8 miles); 5 hrs C grade programme may include: Roter Schrofen, a superb walk on the other side of the valley above Fendels. The peak is prominent in the view from the hotel. Ascent 840m / descent 1350m; 12km (8 miles); 5 hrs Hohe Aifnerspitze, a fine peak on the north side of the Kaunertal which is widely regarded locally as one of the best viewpoints in the area. Ascent 840m / descent 1350m; 12km (8 miles); 5 hrs The Thialkopf, a good walk to a fine viewpoint over the Inn Valley which takes you through beautiful terrain. Ascent 632m / descent 1870m; 15km (9½ miles); 5½ hrs
An optional excursion is possible to the Kaunertal Glacier beneath the Weißsee Spitze. This involves a walk of 1½ hours which may involve snow on the route. On your free day you could also visit nearby Landeck, or travel a little further afield to Innsbruck or Merano. A Super Summer Card is included and gives you free travel on all cable cars, and the local bus between the neighbouring villages of Ladis and Serfaus. Some additional local transport will be required in conjunction with the programme of walks on this holiday. Walks can be weather dependent or you may choose to take a day off from the group arrangements and this way you only pay for the activities you take part in. Local transport costs for this holiday should not exceed 45 per week. The optional local excursions on the 'day off' will be additional. Please note that the estimation of local costs relating to this holiday are based on currency exchange rates valid in September 2015. Fluctuations in exchange rates since the publication of our brochure and this Holiday Information sheet may impact on this estimation of local costs; please check with your bank or currency provider prior to your holiday to enable you to plan your spending. TRAVEL INFORMATION Flights London Heathrow to Zürich (into arrival area 1) and return with British Airways. Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Groups will be met at Zürich airport. Details of where to meet your Ramblers Worldwide Holidays leader will be sent with your final documentation. Transfers between Zürich and Fiss (approximately 3½ hours) are by road. In high season when traffic might be heavier it can unfortunately take a little longer. If you are joining and leaving in Austria it is assumed, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at the Hotel Bergblick in Fiss. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing, at least five weeks before departure. PASSPORTS & VISAS Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details of entry requirements to Switzerland and Austria. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to the UK. Please note that under Austrian law, you are required to have your passport readily accessible at all times. If you do not carry your passport with you, your passport must be in the same district as you and you must be able to access it within one hour.
A UK driving licence is not recognised as an official form of ID. For further information see: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-bycountry/europe/austria#lawscustoms. Please also take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you - it will help in the event of an emergency. Please note that the EHIC has an expiry date and check that your card is still valid for the duration of your holiday. Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. INSURANCE Please make sure that your insurance for this holiday covers you for guided walking above 2000m. LOCAL CURRENCY Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details. The local currency in Austria is the euro. There is a bank in Fiss, with an ATM machine. ACCOMMODATION & MEALS Accommodation is in Austrian twin bedded rooms (Austrian Style which consist of one bed frame fitted with two single mattresses (without a gap) with individual duvets), with shower or bath and wc at the beautiful and recently renovated four-star family-run Hotel Bergblick. Rooms are equipped with a flat screen TV with integrated radio, a telephone, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers and free wifi. Most rooms have a balcony. Single occupancy will be provided with a double room for sole use. Hotel suites may also be available on request; these are larger rooms with a living area sectioned off with glass sliding doors. The hotel has an excellent wellness area with various saunas, a relaxation room, steam bath and heated indoor pool. Massage and beauty treatments are also available at an additional charge. There is also a lounge, and a bar area. The electricity supply is 220V AC.
Hotel Bergblick Latschthayaweg 3 6533 Fiss Austria / Tyrol Tel: (0043) 5476 6364 Fax: (0043) 5476 6364-22 e-mail: info@bergblick-fiss.com Website: www.bergblick-fiss.com Buffet breakfasts are plentiful and excellent five course dinners are included in the holiday charge and will be provided at the hotel. An afternoon snack of soup and various cakes and pastries are provided at the hotel between 2-5pm. Lunches are not included, but can be obtained from the local supermarket and bakery a few minutes walk from the hotel. CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT The Austrian climate is temperate and it should be warm, but in mountainous areas there is always the possibility of rain and snow, especially at higher altitudes. The following websites give an idea of the climate in this area: www.myweather2.com www.bbc.co.uk/weather We advise you to take windproof trousers, a windproof jacket, fleece, jumper, gloves, waterproofs and hat, as well as light summer clothes. We suggest you take a small rucksack, lightweight bottle for drinking water, picnic knife, some polythene bags, a small first aid kit, insect repellent and a lunchbox. You may wish to take swimwear and a towel for use at the newly built pool and Spa, the sauna is available every afternoon and treatments are available at an extra cost. Walking boots with good ankle support, moulded soles and waterproof, breathable uppers are essential for these holidays. Walking poles may also be useful (although these cannot be carried as cabin baggage). As a guideline for a walking kit checklist: Walking boots with good ankle support essential Waterproofs jacket and trousers essential Lightweight trousers and shorts Shirts or t-shirts for walking in Walking socks several pairs! Lightweight fleece or jumper Hat Day sack for walking light enough to carry Umbrella it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain Lightweight drinking bottle to carry whilst walking Small first aid kit plasters, insect repellent, etc Lunch box for picnic food We also recommend you take lighter summer clothing, evening wear is smart casual.
MAPS & SUGGESTED READING Maps and books of the Fiss / Oberinntal region may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as: Stanfords 12 14 Long Acre Covent Garden London WC2E 9LP Tel: 0207 836 1321 Fax: 0207 836 0189 E-mail: sales@stanfords.co.uk The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn, Worcs WR8 0HJ England Tel: 01684 593 146 Fax: 01684 594 559 Website: www.themapshop.co.uk E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com Further information can be found on the last page of our General Information Booklet. Suggested maps: The 1:30,000 Kompass map Tiroler Oberland Wanderkarte covers all the walks in the area and can be obtained locally. However, a better 1:25,000 'Tiroler Obergericht' map showing all the numbered footpaths in the area can be obtained from the tourist office in Prutz, visited as part of our walking programme. Many local libraries now stock a selection of travel books which may offer you more information regarding Austria and the Tirol, or you may wish to contact the Austrian National Tourist Office in London. The public counter is no longer open; however you can fax, telephone or e-mail enquiries to: Tel: 0845 101 1818 Fax: 0845 101 1819 E-mail: holiday@austria.info Web: www.austria.info/uk The village of Fiss has its own tourist office, with the following contact details: Tel: 0043 5476 / 6239 Fax: 0043 5476 / 6813 Email: info@serfaus-fiss-ladis.at Web: www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at/de Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued. In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we need to make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change.
You may wish to review the latest version of the Holiday Information sheet online prior to travel. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE AND BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE. WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN.