CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA (CLASSIC GROUP)
Overview
Journey through the snowcapped peaks of the Austrian Alps on this grand tour of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, Salzburg’s 500-year-old Christmas Market and Munich’s six-story tall Christmas tree. Warm up with a mug or two of Glühwein at the Innsbruck Christmas Market before indulging in an exclusive Insight Choice, taking a horse and carriage ride through the romantic streets of the Old Town or a tour of the world of Swarovski Crystal. At the Salzburg Market Tasting experience, meet with a local market stallholder for an exclusive sampling of gingerbread, washed down with a glass of mulled wine. In Neuschwanstein, follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps on a tour of the fairytale-like castle that reputedly inspired him, complete with extravagant decorations and breathtaking views.
Included/Excluded
Day 1: Welcome to Vienna (Donner with Wine)
- Meet your Travel Director at 18:00 and travel to a local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner.
- Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over a delightful meal and wine.
Arrival Transfer: 10:00, 13:00, 15:30
Day 2: Vienna sightseeing (Breakfast)
- 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.
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments.
- Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road.
- This grand boulevard is built along the lines of the old city walls and 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.
Day 3: To Enchanting Salzburg (Breakfast/Dinner with Wine)
- Journey through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria towards the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and the enchanting city of Salzburg.
- Visit Mozart’s birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte.
Day 4: The City of Mozart (Breakfast)
- Come December, the spires and domes of Salzburg’s old town are often draped in snow.
- Walk with your 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.
- Here your Travel Director will introduce you to a market stallholder to enjoy sampling a Viennese winter dessert, complemented perfectly with a traditional fragrant glass of Glühwein.
Day 5: A Scenic Drive to Innsbruck (Breakfast/Dinner with Wine)
- A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley and the mountain-ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck.
- Explore Innsbruck with Insight Choice.
- Choose to visit the magical world of Swarovski Crystal or enjoy a horse & carriage ride.
- In the evening, enjoy a highlight dinner.
Day 6: Linderhof and Oberammergau (Breakfast)
- Travel to the Linderhof Palace, before continuing 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 before driving on to the Bavarian capital of Munich.
Day 7: Munich (Breakfast/Dinner with Wine)
- Join a Local Expert for a unique guided journey through Munich’s Advent traditions, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
- Explore the quieter streets besides the Christmas Markets to learn about well-known Christmas customs and uncover traditions that have largely been forgotten today.
- In Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, see the famous Glockenspiel.
- Beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light and music.
- In the evening, join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a festive Celebration Dinner with wine and good cheer!
Day 8: Auf Wiedersehen Munich! (Breakfast)
- Your departure transfer will be arranged to Munich Airport.
Departure Transfer: 07:00, 09:00
- Day 1 – Day 2: Hilton Vienna Park
- Day 3 – Day 4: ARCOTEL Castellani
- Day 5: AC Hotel Innsbruck
- Day 6 – Day 7: Munich Marriott Hotel