0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to Getaways.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06The show where we go where you want us to go.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12We're on a mission to check out
0:00:12 > 0:00:14some of your most popular holiday destinations.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24You've been sharing your top travel tips, telling us where to go...
0:00:24 > 0:00:26..and what to do when we get there.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27HE LAUGHS
0:00:29 > 0:00:32This week we're off to the mountains of the Austrian Tyrol
0:00:32 > 0:00:35to find out what a ski resort can offer on a summer holiday.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39We flew direct from Dublin to Salzburg.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41There are weekly flights during the summer months.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Travel time to our resort in St Johann is about an hour.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48OK, here we are in the Austrian Tirol,
0:00:48 > 0:00:51one of the most beautiful parts of Europe in the summer.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53I know, we've both been here before, skiing.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55I've done it three times and have loved each time I've been here,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58because the Austrian people are so friendly.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00The place is very family-friendly, the food is great,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03but it's going to be interesting to see how they adapt
0:01:03 > 0:01:04to the summer holidays here.
0:01:04 > 0:01:05Yes, I'll tell you something -
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- we're not going to get much skiing done.- No.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14St Johann is a popular ski resort in the winter.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19It's situated in a valley between the Wilder Kaiser mountain range
0:01:19 > 0:01:21and the mighty Kitzbuheler Horn.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26In the Tyrol region you'll find that typical resort hotels
0:01:26 > 0:01:29are family-run, generally small, clean and friendly.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35We are staying at the four-star Hotel Park.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37It's a five-minute walk from the main ski lift
0:01:37 > 0:01:39and a ten-minute walk from the centre of town.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43During the summer season,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46a night here costs from 65 euro per person, half-board.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53If you're looking for amazing scenery,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56then you don't have to travel far here in the Austrian Alps.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Any of the cable cars will reveal spectacular views.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03But if you want to explore the natural scenery of the Tyrol,
0:02:03 > 0:02:05then I would recommend you take a drive.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09A 30-minute drive west of St Johann
0:02:09 > 0:02:12brings you into the Wilder Kaiser mountain range.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17My advice is to take your time
0:02:17 > 0:02:20and stop off at the mountain lodges along the way for a coffee.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Places like this won't be found unless you have a car.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28But check out that view - stunning.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37The Wilder Kaiser region is home to a nature conservation area,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39so you won't find any ski slopes here.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- It's a beautiful day for it today. - Yes, it is.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45But it's the first Alpine area
0:02:45 > 0:02:48to bear the Austrian hiking seal of approval.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Scenery here is outstanding. It's so beautiful.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54There's a variety of hiking trails to choose from,
0:02:54 > 0:02:59and I've chosen one that comes with a personal guide.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02OK, take care, it's a little bit slippery here.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Silvana, what is this place like in winter?
0:03:04 > 0:03:07I mean, is it so cold that this freezes over?
0:03:08 > 0:03:11It depends how cold it is in the winter.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Normally it's just covered with snow here.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Oh, that would be amazing.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17I also do snow shoe hikes here, along...
0:03:17 > 0:03:18Oh, that would be class.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22It is very nice. it is like winter wonderland here.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29'You can arrange all sorts of guided tours into the mountains
0:03:29 > 0:03:31'for all levels of ability and experience.'
0:03:35 > 0:03:37'Silvana is an experienced mountaineer,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41'so the short hike shouldn't be any bother to her.'
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Oh, look at that. Oh, beautiful.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45- Let's have a break.- Yeah.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Look at this.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51This is unreal. You've brought bottles of water,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53but you can basically drink from the river here.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55You can throw your water bottle into the river.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Yes, you can do that, but you always have to check out, as I do that,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02if there are no cows over these water!
0:04:02 > 0:04:04THEY LAUGH
0:04:04 > 0:04:06That's a good tip. If you're on the mountain,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09make sure you are above where the cows are.
0:04:09 > 0:04:10Yeah, OK.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Meanwhile, I'm going high into the mountains
0:04:19 > 0:04:22to the lake, Hintersteiner See.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Look at this natural gem.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26That water is so beautifully clear.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Locals and tourists come to sunbathe
0:04:35 > 0:04:37or for a bracing swim, or in my case,
0:04:37 > 0:04:38a quick paddle.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45The water here is drinking quality
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and the reason it's so clean is because
0:04:47 > 0:04:49it's fed by an underground spring.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51The water that flows out of the lake
0:04:51 > 0:04:53is also used to generate electricity,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55so it's clean and green.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Winter or summer, if you look up to the skies above St Johann,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06you will see these -
0:05:06 > 0:05:08paragliders, drifting effortlessly and serenely
0:05:08 > 0:05:10along the mountain ridges.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14So have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly like an eagle?
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Paragliding is very popular around these parts.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Eva from Donegal doesn't recommend it because
0:05:20 > 0:05:22she's terrified of heights.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Well, Eva, you and me both!
0:05:24 > 0:05:26But I'm going to do it anyway.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30'My pilot for today's flight is Herve Chayrou, a Frenchman
0:05:30 > 0:05:34'with many years' experience of soaring these mountains.'
0:05:34 > 0:05:35How are we looking today?
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Pretty good. Amazing day. Look at these clouds. Chances are there will be thermals.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41The panorama up here - amazing.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44You fly over St Johann a bit, OK, and make a relaxing flight.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48'The thing about the Tandem paraglider is
0:05:48 > 0:05:50'you don't really have to know what you're doing.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54'You just have to make sure you're strapped to a man that does.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00'All I have to do is take a running jump.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02'Literally.'
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Here we go! Whoo!
0:06:05 > 0:06:06Ha-ha!
0:06:13 > 0:06:17'The flight from the top of the Kitzbuheler Horn to the town takes
0:06:17 > 0:06:19'about 20 minutes, so relax and enjoy it.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22'You won't get a better view of the valley
0:06:22 > 0:06:24'and the surrounding mountains.'
0:07:07 > 0:07:08Whoo!
0:07:10 > 0:07:12I'm still terrified of heights...
0:07:14 > 0:07:16..but I loved every second of that.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19It's still good to be on the ground, though.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21Whoo!
0:07:25 > 0:07:29A holiday in the Alps is certainly all about outdoor activities,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33but if you do want a break from the mountains and fancy being pampered,
0:07:33 > 0:07:37then you could opt to stay in one of Tyrol's spa hotels.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39'The Franzlhof resort hotel in Soll
0:07:39 > 0:07:41'is perfect for a family summer break,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44'as well as a winter one, with outdoor activities
0:07:44 > 0:07:48'and access to one of the Tyrol's largest lift networks.'
0:07:50 > 0:07:52'Accommodation options include the main hotel
0:07:52 > 0:07:55'with a selection of double and family rooms.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59'Or you could stay in one of the holiday homes,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01'which can accommodate up to six people,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03'with a living space and a kitchen.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07'There's also a campsite on the ground with pitches for tents,
0:08:07 > 0:08:08'motor homes and caravans.'
0:08:12 > 0:08:14'But I'm taking advantage of the spa,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17'which is a perfect place to relax after a day on the mountains.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Here they have a swimming pool, steam bath,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26'two saunas and a silent area,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28'so don't even think about bringing your phone.'
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Halfway up the Kitzbuheler Horn mountain
0:08:36 > 0:08:38is the Hornpark Activity Centre.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Kate Ward recommended a day out in the park,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52saying that it's fun for all the family.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55And even the cable car up is a bit of a joy.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56Look at that view.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02'The Horn Park is a high rope adventure trail
0:09:02 > 0:09:04'where you whizz between trees and over lakes.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07'There's a number of courses to suit all ages and abilities,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11'and I've opted for what is called the Flying Fox Aerial Course,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15'with a 230-metre zip line across the lake.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Hold that for me... - Yep.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21HE SHOUTS AND LAUGHS
0:09:24 > 0:09:25Whoo!
0:09:27 > 0:09:28Whoo!
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Ah! That was awesome!
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Ha-ha-ha! Loved that.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39'OK, that's the easy bit.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41But now, once you're 20 metres up a tree,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44'you really wish you'd paid more attention
0:09:44 > 0:09:46'to the lesson on how to connect to your safety wire.'
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Give yourself a little push off the platform with your remaining foot.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53'But here goes.'
0:09:53 > 0:09:54Whoa!
0:09:54 > 0:09:56BLEEP!
0:09:56 > 0:09:59'All right, not the most elegant, but I'm still alive.'
0:09:59 > 0:10:00HE LAUGHS
0:10:00 > 0:10:01Now.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06HE YODELS
0:10:10 > 0:10:12'Now, you don't have to yodel, but I find it helps.'
0:10:15 > 0:10:16Whoo!
0:10:19 > 0:10:26Not a textbook landing, unorthodox, but it's all part of the fun.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31'Lisa Durkin from Kildare recommended
0:10:31 > 0:10:33'we visit one of the summer traditional
0:10:33 > 0:10:36'handicraft markets, where local craftsmen and food stalls
0:10:36 > 0:10:38'create a festive atmosphere.'
0:10:41 > 0:10:46This market is in the town of Going, just 20 minutes from our hotel.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51Traditional handcrafts are made here in the same way they've been for hundreds of years.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58And traditional Austrian music is a big thing.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11THEY SING
0:11:11 > 0:11:16This traditional song helps make driving poles into the ground seem
0:11:16 > 0:11:20like a fun thing to do. Assuming you think that's a fun thing to do.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30'Most of the food on offer seems to involve cooking
0:11:30 > 0:11:34'a sort of doughnut batter in interesting and unusual ways.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37'This is a typical Tyrolean pancake called strauben.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42'It's served with jam and it is so easy to make, anyone can do it.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- So how do I slow it down? - A little bit.- Oh.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Oh...I am much better with Irish pancakes!
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Perfect. - I think you are lying!
0:11:52 > 0:11:53SHE LAUGHS
0:11:54 > 0:11:56A little bit bigger than everyone else's!
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Ta-da!
0:12:01 > 0:12:04OK. Beautiful!
0:12:04 > 0:12:06I mean, look, I could sell this. A bit of jam.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09Perfect.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Thank you.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16'But if you prefer a break closer to home,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19'then Joe has been on a short getaway in County Mayo.'
0:12:31 > 0:12:32I'm in Cong in County Mayo,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35home of the world-famous Ashford Castle and Lodge
0:12:35 > 0:12:38and the setting for one of the biggest and most iconic
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Hollywood blockbusters of all time.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42HE HUMS TUNE
0:12:42 > 0:12:44'The film, of course was The Quiet Man,
0:12:44 > 0:12:48'and the cast and crew stayed here at Ashford Castle.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51'It was first built as a stronghold on Lough Corrib
0:12:51 > 0:12:53'by the de Burgo family in 1228.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57'Nowadays, it's a luxury resort hotel
0:12:57 > 0:13:01'that features a variety of activities on its 350-acre estate.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05'The castle has recently been renovated,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08'and for those of you who love to holiday with your pooches,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10'the hotel is pet-friendly,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12'but the castle's resident Irish wolfhounds
0:13:12 > 0:13:15'get the best spot beside the fire.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17'You're not going to argue with them, are you?
0:13:20 > 0:13:21DOG PANTS
0:13:23 > 0:13:26'I'm staying in the Lodge,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29'which is a self-contained four-star hotel within the castle grounds.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36'It has 50 individually decorated rooms and suites...
0:13:37 > 0:13:39'..and its own bar and restaurant.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44'But guests here can avail of all the activities on the estate,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47'and I'm heading for Ireland's School of Falconry
0:13:47 > 0:13:50'to learn about these magnificent birds of prey.'
0:13:50 > 0:13:53When I open my hand, he knows that I'm not holding it.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55'Aztec is a Harris hawk,
0:13:55 > 0:13:59'and Thomas is showing me the basics of the ancient art of falconry.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02So I will show you. So my hand is open.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03And watch his feet.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06And you're going to call him.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Oh, wow.- So you turn your left shoulder towards him.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- OK.- And if you raise up your glove, but point it towards me.- OK.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Oh, wow!
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Ah, that is incredible. You would imagine you'd be intimidated
0:14:18 > 0:14:20when he's looking at you. But he just seems quite calm.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23I find a lot of people, when they come here,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25they have an idea of a bird of prey,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27and people are always expecting them
0:14:27 > 0:14:29to be very big and very aggressive, and they're just not.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Ready, mate? Away you go.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Perfect. Now that's a great flight again.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34Wow!
0:14:38 > 0:14:41'The grounds of the castle are seeped in history,
0:14:41 > 0:14:43'but it was a good old-fashioned love story
0:14:43 > 0:14:45'that really put this place on the map.'
0:14:47 > 0:14:50The quiet village of Cong was changed for ever in 1951
0:14:50 > 0:14:55when Hollywood came to town, and it really hasn't been the same since.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56In a good way.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02The Quiet Man starred Hollywood legend John Wayne
0:15:02 > 0:15:04and flame-haired Irish actress Maureen O'Hara.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11The film earned its director, John Ford, an Oscar in 1952.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16But for many, the real star of the show was the village of Cong.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19And there's plenty to remind you of the film all over town.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25'The Quiet Man Cottage Museum
0:15:25 > 0:15:28'is a detailed recreation of White-o-Mornin' Cottage,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31'one of the film's main locations,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33'and Gerry Collins is the museum guide.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Gerry, what do you think the appeal is of The Quiet Man as a movie?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38What do you think people really love about it?
0:15:38 > 0:15:42They love the Irishness of the movie, they love the scenery,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45and of course the village of Cong, the castle.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48It's a fairytale setting here in Cong.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50And what has The Quiet Man done for the town of Cong?
0:15:50 > 0:15:54To be honest, I'd have a hole in the arse of my trousers today
0:15:54 > 0:15:57if it wasn't for John Wayne and The Quiet Man.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01There's an industry built around The Quiet Man.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04There's thousands of people come from all over the world.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06All they want to know is The Quiet Man, where the location is.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08They don't want to go fishing or do anything,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11only The Quiet Man. It's unbelievable.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Cong is booming because of it.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22Back on our Austrian getaway, we've been exploring the mountains,
0:16:22 > 0:16:24experiencing the traditional Tirolean lifestyle...
0:16:26 > 0:16:28'And I jumped off the side of a mountain,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30'with a parachute, thankfully.'
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Up in the mountains,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39I've been told there's an adventure playpark
0:16:39 > 0:16:42that's an enchanting place for children.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49The cable car from Soll takes you 1,800 metres up to the Hexenwasser,
0:16:49 > 0:16:50which means "witch's water".
0:16:51 > 0:16:53Malcolm Johns from Newtownabbey says
0:16:53 > 0:16:56if you have children, this should be
0:16:56 > 0:16:57your first port of call.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01It's easy to forget that in winter, all of this is a ski resort.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04The only reminder we have today are the gondolas.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09There's a magical theme to the Hexenwasser,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11with broomsticks on the cable cars
0:17:11 > 0:17:15and a gift shop shaped like a witch's cauldron.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19But water is a common theme that runs through the Hexenwasser.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23This water is so clean and so fresh, it's straight off the mountain,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and they have 60 of these small pools all over the Hexenwasser.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28And I can tell you, the kids love it.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34'You can follow the barefoot walk over grass, wood,
0:17:34 > 0:17:39'stone and bubbling water, whilst smooth pebbles massage your feet.'
0:17:39 > 0:17:43This would be perfect for after you've been in high heels.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Because it's like a free foot massage.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51'The Hexenwasser is ideal if you have young children,
0:17:51 > 0:17:52'but if you have teenagers,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55'then you might want to look for something a little more adventurous.'
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Check out these yokes.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00How cool are these? Now, think about it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02The cable car runs all year round.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05There are tracks they normally use for skiing in winter,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09so put two and two together, you get this.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13All you need is a wee push. Gravity does the rest.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15A little help, lads? Push?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19'The mountain carts are beautifully simple.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22'Fat tyres, separate brakes for the left and right,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24'but no parking brake.'
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- Are you ready?- Yes.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- Ein, zwei, drei! - Yeehah!
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Whoo!
0:18:36 > 0:18:39'The route takes you over 5km from the top of the mountain
0:18:39 > 0:18:41'to the base station in St Johann.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50'If you like skiing, then you will love this.'
0:18:50 > 0:18:52'Go as fast or as slow as you feel comfortable,
0:18:52 > 0:18:54'and take in the beauty of the mountains along the way.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11'When you get to the bottom,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13you'll probably want to do it all over again.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14'I did!'
0:19:16 > 0:19:19'Back at our hotel, I bumped into the O'Leary family,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21'here on a three-week break.'
0:19:21 > 0:19:24So tell me what sort of activities you've been getting up to.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Swimming in the afternoons.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29A day trip into Salzburg. We saw the fortress. Yeah, so...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Beach holidays don't do it for you, then?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- Not really.- We prefer the variety.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35- Yeah, we do.- You know?
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Would you recommend this place, then, for a summer holiday, for families?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Absolutely. It's great value.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Some people seem to just think Austria is maybe just only winter,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46but it's fabulous in the summer.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Absolutely fantastic, and the weather has been terrific.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Over 34 degrees this week.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52Too hot for us.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Hence the shiny faces.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55The people are nice as well.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56And the food is good as well.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58The food is excellent. Excellent, really.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04'For centuries, farmers in Tirol have been using
0:20:04 > 0:20:07'the fruits and berries from the mountains to produce
0:20:07 > 0:20:09'one of Austria's most famous tipples - schnapps.'
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Hi, Joe, welcome to you. - Thank you very much.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Come with me, I show you the world of schnapps.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Excellent. Let's go.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20'And I'm getting a tour from Marc Aggstein,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22'a fourth-generation schnappsmeister,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24'whose distillery here in St Johann
0:20:24 > 0:20:27'produces one of Austria's most popular brands
0:20:27 > 0:20:28'of the local liquor.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33'In Aggstein's hi-tech factory,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36'the schnapps is made the same way it has been for centuries,
0:20:36 > 0:20:38'using oak barrels and copper stills.'
0:20:40 > 0:20:41Wow!
0:20:41 > 0:20:43And now you see the still parts.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46It's like being in a submarine.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- Yes.- All these machines are incredible. This is great.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50Come with me.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55'This Tirolean tipple comes in many flavours,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58'and it seems you can make schnapps from just about anything.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00'And although it's only ten o'clock in the morning,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03'Marc is keen for me to try his newest flavour.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Chocolate with chillies.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Chilli chocolate schnapps.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09First you taste the chocolate.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11After you swallow it,
0:21:11 > 0:21:12you get a kick.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14I do this so you don't have to.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19Ah!
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Outstanding. Outstanding.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26I feel right as rain now!
0:21:26 > 0:21:27THEY LAUGH
0:21:31 > 0:21:34The capital of Tirol is Innsbruck, and we're taking a day trip
0:21:34 > 0:21:38to check out what's on offer in this ancient city.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44And if you do decide to come to Innsbruck for the day,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46then get yourself one of these cards.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48It gives you access to everything.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53Indeed, everything we are doing on our day trip to Innsbruck is
0:21:53 > 0:21:54covered by the card...
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Including admission to the grand building in the centre of Innsbruck,
0:21:58 > 0:22:02the Hofburg Imperial Palace, once home to the Habsburg royal family.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04It's now a museum open to the public,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08and the highlight of a visit here is the frescoes that adorn the ceilings
0:22:08 > 0:22:09of the giant hall.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Look, see this great wee feature?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Right, instead of breaking your neck looking up at the ceiling, look!
0:22:18 > 0:22:19Mirrors, big mirrors.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20Fantastic.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28'Next door is the Tiroler Folk Art Museum,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31'giving you access to the Hofkirche Gothic church,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34'built as a memorial to Emperor Maximilian I
0:22:34 > 0:22:36'by his grandson, Ferdinand.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43'Maximilian's cenotaph is a centrepiece of the church.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46'And the statues that surround him are of relatives and ancestors.'
0:22:48 > 0:22:50This is King Arthur of England,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52who wasn't actually related to Maximilian,
0:22:52 > 0:22:56but Maximilian considered him a hero, a fellow knight.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59You can tell Maximilian had quite the idea about himself.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07Outside, another must-see is the Goldenes Dachl, or the Golden Roof,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10which was built for Emperor Maximilian's wedding.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12It's not actually made of gold. It's copper.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14And it's not really a roof, more of an awning,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16but pretty impressive nonetheless.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31The Hungerburg Funicular starts from near the town centre
0:23:31 > 0:23:34and takes you 300 metres up the mountain,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36where you can get spectacular views of the city.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42'If you have time you can get a cable car further up the mountain.
0:23:42 > 0:23:47'But I want to visit a symbol of Innsbruck's more recent history.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52'Bergisel ski jump played its part in the Winter Olympic Games
0:23:52 > 0:23:54'of 1964 and 1976.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59'The ski jump is still in daily use,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01'and I'm lucky enough to see it in action.'
0:24:01 > 0:24:03The speed of him. Wow!
0:24:05 > 0:24:06Oooft!
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Oh, amazing!
0:24:08 > 0:24:12'This fearless daredevil is Austrian ski jumper Markus Gruber.'
0:24:12 > 0:24:13Terrifying.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Fair play.
0:24:15 > 0:24:16Wow. Marcus.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Ha-ha!
0:24:18 > 0:24:20That is something.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23That looks absolutely terrifying.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26When you're coming off the ramp, what speed are you hitting?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28I was, like, 90 to 95km per hour, and after the landing,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30about 100km per hour.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33You're landing at 100km per hour?
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Yeah.- Braver man than I.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Now you might find it hard to imagine
0:24:42 > 0:24:45just what it's like doing a ski jump. Well...
0:24:47 > 0:24:48..not any more.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Here you are, Markus, thank you.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18'The centre of Innsbruck has had a makeover in recent years
0:25:18 > 0:25:20'and many of the streets have become pedestrianised,
0:25:20 > 0:25:24'so you can browse the street stalls for some genuine Austrian apparel.'
0:25:25 > 0:25:27'But if you want to look like a local,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30'then there is one item of clothing
0:25:30 > 0:25:32'that every self-respecting Tirolean man
0:25:32 > 0:25:34'has to have in their wardrobe.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40Oh, off you go.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41- Go on.- You spoil me so.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47How are you getting on, Joe?
0:25:49 > 0:25:52JOE LAUGHS MANIACALLY
0:25:52 > 0:25:55MAIREAD LAUGHS
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Lederhosen, right?
0:25:57 > 0:26:01They last you for ever. You're not supposed to ever wash them.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04I know that's maybe not a selling point.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06But they're also...extremely comfy.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- OK. You've spent far too long in them already. Don't push it. - HE GROWLS
0:26:15 > 0:26:18If you want to spend more than just a day in Innsbruck
0:26:18 > 0:26:20then there's a good range of accommodation options.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22We found aDLERS Hotel,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25centrally located beside the town's main railway station.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31It's a boutique-style hotel with modern, well-lit rooms,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34and a rooftop terrace with magnificent views of the mountains.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39A double room here costs 135 euro per night during the summer months.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Austria is home to Swarovski Crystal,
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and the factory here in Wattens has taken the art of glass cutting
0:26:55 > 0:26:56to a new level.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Here at Swarovski Crystal World,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04the company has combined its technical knowledge
0:27:04 > 0:27:06with some artistic creativity
0:27:06 > 0:27:08to produce a magical visitor experience.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14'The centrepiece of the park is a giant that forms the entrance to
0:27:14 > 0:27:17'a series of underground rooms.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20'And outside is a labyrinth in the shape of a hand,
0:27:20 > 0:27:27'a fiendishly complicated maze, and it's very easy to get lost.'
0:27:27 > 0:27:28Where am I?!
0:27:33 > 0:27:36'But the highlight for me has to be the crystal cloud
0:27:36 > 0:27:38'that floats over the mirror pool.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42'More than 800,000 crystals have been used to create
0:27:42 > 0:27:44'an enchanting fairytale canopy.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46'And when the sun hits it,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49'it comes alive with thousands of twinkling points of light.'
0:27:51 > 0:27:53When I hear the word "crystal"
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I immediately think of a vase you'd stick some flowers in
0:27:56 > 0:27:58or maybe even some fancy glasses,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02but this place is all about art, creativity and even entertainment.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14So, Mairead, the Austrian tour. What did you think?
0:28:14 > 0:28:16I have to say, I think it's the perfect family holiday
0:28:16 > 0:28:19for those who don't want to lie by the pool all day.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20Yes, absolutely.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24My big highlight was kind of doing the mountain cart thing. I loved that. What about you?
0:28:24 > 0:28:26I loved Innsbruck, I would go back to that place in a heartbeat.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- Loved that place. - Yeah, it's great.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30And you know what? With a view like this,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32don't stay away from the mountains too long.
0:28:32 > 0:28:33No, they're stunning.