Austria set to welcome back British holidaymakers

The Austrian authorities have announced that fully vaccinated British holidaymakers no longer need to quarantine on their arrival in the country. The change in policy has been implemented with immediate effect, with the prospect of a late summer holiday to Austria back on the cards. And, as one of the few European ‘green list’ travel destinations, as designated by the UK government, visitors can expect a hassle-free return home after their holiday.

Al Fresco Holidays offer excellent value self-catering breaks on Europe’s best parks, with options available in six countries across 24 regions, all easily accessible from the UK. Each location offers superb dining, great kid’s activities, and excellent sporting facilities, with a wide selection of accommodation options to suit every budget and a range of party sizes. The four-star Bella Austria park is located next to the picturesque settlement of St Peter Am Kammersberg, in the historic Austrian state of Styria with its majestic snow-capped peaks, sparkling streams, lush green valleys and unspoilt mountain villages. On-park, guests have access to a swimming pool with integrated Jacuzzi jet area, as well as a small pool so the younger ones in the group can splash around too. As if to add to the 'getting away from it all' theme, there is a spa and relaxation area for anyone over 14-years-old, while a comprehensive entertainment programme and activities including rafting on the lake, horse riding and fishing combine for a tranquil escape to remember. Holidaymakers can book with confidence thanks to the company’s Covid Promise, which provides peace of mind across every aspect of a trip. A seven-night, self-catered stay at the Bella Austria park, arriving 11 September 2021, is priced from just £231 for a two-bedroom Comfort Vista mobile home, which sleeps up to six (was £325.50, saving 29%). Flights and transfers extra.

Enjoy a late summer break in the mountains of Kitzbühel in the Austrian Alps
Kitzbühel is set the heart of the Austrian Alps and is the perfect base for UK holidaymakers wanting to get active in the mountains. Although the town is less visited by British holidaymakers outside of the winter, the local area just as much to offer in the summer and autumn with 1,200 km of marked biking trails and more than 1,000 km of hiking trails set against the spectacular Alpine scenery. Some walkers take slow paced strolls alongside picturesque lakes and streams, while others opt for more challenging hikes, like taking on the glacial peaks of the Hohe Tauern, or ascending the imposing Grossglockner, one of the tallest mountains in the region. In addition, holidaymakers can choose from a range of running, canyoning and wild swimming excursions or an array of more transformative experiences, like guided alpaca hiking tours or walking down the famous Hahnenkamm ski-racing course. During the late summer season, the attractive medieval centre of Kitzbühel is a buzz with activity, with the town's shops, impressive hotels, and eclectic galleries remaining open throughout the season. Visitors can choose from more 70 eateries, with a range of high-end and affordable dining options, spanning multiple cuisine types including Asian, Italian, and of course traditional Austrian fair, all served with warm Tirolean hospitality. A seven-night stay in Kitzbühel, at the four-star Lisi Family Hotel, arriving 11 September 2021, is priced from £553 pp based on two people sharing a double room. Flights and transfers extra.

Cheese Heaven in Austria’s Paznaun Valley, with the International Mountain Cheese Olympics
With the excitement of the recent Tokyo Olympics, this September it’s time to get ready for the 27th Mountain Cheese Olympics in the quaint Alpine village of Galtür. The “Olympics of good taste” is a dream come true for every cheese lover around the globe. The event celebrates the best cheeses and awards those with the finest ingredients and the most delicious flavours. On 25 September 2021, from 11am – 6pm, more than 100 cheese producers from Germany, Austria, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland will battle it out in Galtür for the coveted “Golden Cheese Harp” trophy. Just like in the real Olympics, the event is all about peak performance, after all, the winning cheeses need to excel in their field. Contenders are judged on the look, the feel, the consistency, and the holes, … with an expert jury putting the best cheeses in the Alps to the test. There will be a huge choice of flavours on display, with Emmenthal and Tilsit amongst the varieties on offer, alongside less familiar specialist cheeses. With around 3,000 food lovers expected to attend the Mountain Cheese Olympics, everyone is encouraged to sample, enjoy and of course purchase the gourmet cheeses. A three night stay at the three-star Sport-Sonneck hotel in Galtür, in a double room, arriving 24 September 2021, on a B&B basis, is priced from £262 (£131 pp based on two sharing). Flights and transfers extra.

Kindly note that direct flights from the UK to regional airports in Austria are currently limited. However, there are several daily direct flights from London to the Austrian capital Vienna, priced from as little as £16 pp return. Minors aged under 12 are not required to quarantine or show proof of vaccination on their arrival in Austria, however the adult entry rules do apply for children aged 12 and older