Journey through the snow-capped 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-storey-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 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 fairy-tale-like castle that reputedly inspired him, complete with extravagant decorations and breathtaking views.
Locations Visited
Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Oberammergau, Munich
Countries Visited
Austria, Germany
Travel Style
Regional
Accommodations
7 nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Day 1
Meet your Travel Director and head over to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over a delightful meal and wine.
Accommodation
Hilton Vienna Park
Meals
Dinner
Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink, followed by a pleasant dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2
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.
Accommodation
Hilton Vienna Park
Meals
Breakfast
A guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.
Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic Ringstrasse. See the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
Day 3
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.
Accommodation
Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Visit the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer, plus a fascinating collection of portraits.
Day 4
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.
Accommodation
Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre
Meals
Breakfast
With a Local Expert, see Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas market in front of the cathedral. You'll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
Taste traditional Glühwein, a spiced wine recipe dating to the 15th century, in Salzburg’s Christmas market. With your Travel Director, learn how warming blends of cinnamon, clove and citrus have become a hallmark of Austria’s festive season, as you explore one of Europe’s oldest Advent markets.
Day 5
A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley and the Tyrolean Alps. Explore the Olympic village of Seefeld with Insight Choice. Choose to enjoy a horse & carriage ride to enjoy stunning Alpine scenery, or indulge in a morning tea of coffee and cake in a local cafe. Continue to the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck to enjoy the Christmas Markets in the heart of the old town. In the evening, enjoy dinner featuring Austrian favourites.
Accommodation
AC Hotel Innsbruck
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
Indulge in regional specialities during dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6
Travel to the Neuschwanstein castle, 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.
Accommodation
Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Meals
Breakfast
Explore the town and see the theatre where the Passion Play has been performed since 1634.
Day 7
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 dinner with wine and good cheer.
Accommodation
Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
Revel in the celebratory atmosphere of the city's famous markets as you enjoy a festive dinner with wine and good cheer.
Stop to taste seasonal treats as you discover the lost and forgotten Advent traditions that play a significant role in regional cultural revitalisation. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Day 8
Your departure transfer will be arranged to Munich Airport.
Meals
Breakfast
Title
Experience a Musical Demonstration at Mozart's Birthplace in Salzburg
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