9 days Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria ( Winter 2018 - 19 )
Journey in winter through the Bavarian Alps with their snow-capped mountains, musical Salzburg, the magical castle in Neuschwanstein, to heart-warming Munich
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your Journey Begins | Board your overnight flight to Europe ( Not Included ) |
| 2 | Welcome to Vienna | At Vienna Airport, transfers for your tour hotel leave at 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over a delightful evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Hilton Vienna Dinner with Wine |
| 3 | The Habsburgs of Vienna | At this time of year, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia and romance, with concerts, nativity displays and many official Advent Markets selling a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Join your Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace. Then get your camera ready for a circuit of the famous ring road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Residence. You also see the City Hall and its surrounding parklands, festively decorated in a sea of lights – the perfect setting for the Viennese Christmas Market. Here your Tour Director will introduce you to a market stallholder to enjoy sampling a Viennese winter dessert, complemented perfectly with a traditional fragrant glass of Glühwein. Hotel: Hilton Vienna Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | Free time in Salzburg | Journey through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria towards the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and the enchanting city of Salzburg. Hotel: Arcotel Castellani, Salzburg Buffet Breakfast, Three-course Dinner with wine |
| 5 | Relaxed Start - The City of Mozart | (Relaxed Start) Come December. The spires and domes of Salzburg’s old town are often draped in snow. Walk with a Local Expert to see Mozart’s family home on the Getreidegasse - beautifully decorated at this time of year. Then head on to the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Culinary delicacies, candied fruits, hot mulled wine and the lovingly decorated stalls invite visitors to stop and browse. Hotel: Arcotel Castellani, Salzburg Buffet Breakfast |
| 6 | Realxed Start - A scenic drive to Innsbruck | (Relaxed Start) A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley and the mountain-ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. In front of the Golden Roof, surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval façades, you'll find the traditional Christmas Market is in full swing. After some time to explore, enjoy delightful scenery and crisp, fresh air on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the countryside of Tyrol. In the evening, drive to the charming town of Hall in Tirol, which boasts Austria's best preserved ensemble of historical buildings. Soak up the friendly Yuletide atmosphere at Hall's traditional Christmas market, before enjoying a highlight banquet with wine in a 700-year-old building. After delighting your palate with Austrian specialities and wine, it’s a merry drive back to Innsbruck! Hotel: AC by Hilton Innsbruck Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 7 | Oberammergau and Neuschwanstein | Travel into the beautiful scenery of the German Alps to visit Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634. See the immense theatre and admire the colourful painted chalets, then continue to the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. With a Local Expert, visit the exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room, before driving on to the Bavarian capital of Munich. Please note: Neuschwanstein Castle visits require a good level of mobility due to the number of stairs in the building and up-hill on-foot access to the castle itself during winter. Those who do not wish to ascend to the castle can enjoy a coffee and cake, while admiring the beautiful castle vista. Hotel: Leonardo Royal Hotel, Munich Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Munich | (Relaxed Start) Enjoy a city orientation tour which concludes in the Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, famous for its Glockenspiel. Here, beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your friends for a festive Celebration Dinner with wine and good cheer! Hotel: Leonardo Royal Hotel, Munich Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wine |
| 9 | Auf Wiedersehen Munich! | Your departure transfer arrives at Munich Airport at 09:30. Buffet Breakfast |