PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Dec 21
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.
Dec 22
Continue to Niederau in Austria and our 4-star hotel for a five-night stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 23 - Salzburg
Today we travel to the ‘Sound of Music’ city, Salzburg on our full day included excursion. The day is yours to follow in the footsteps of Mozart through this proud and glorious city. To make the most of your visit why not join our optional guided walking tour with local English speaking guide? This walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes in the many sights and attractions of this famous alpine city. Admire the baroque splendour of the churches and cathedral, the might of the Hohensalzburg fortress and the quaint Getriedegasse which, with its wrought iron signs that overhang the doors, is one of the most beautiful shopping streets of Austria. A visit to Salzburg would not be complete without a mention of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and before the tour is over, we see his former birth house and the square that is named after and dedicated to the famous composer.
Afterwards, there will be free time for you to explore the sights at your leisure. Perhaps take a short walk along the Salzach River or treat yourself to a panoramic view of the city from the Hohensalzburg Fortress (at own cost). The funicular is a fast and convenient way to get up to the fortress and back down to the Old City. Be sure to saunter along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most popular shopping mile.
During the Advent season, take in the charming Christmas markets which are located in the heart of the historic city centre. Here you will experience the incredible old Austrian tradition and find the most wonderful Christmas presents. Whilst in Salzburg be sure to spend time in one of the city’s traditional coffee houses set against the backdrop of stunning architecture and busy squares. Order a piece of Mozart cake and a coffee or, if you prefer, relax with a warming Glühwein – the choice is yours!
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Christmas Eve - Innsbruck
Our included excursion takes us to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol. Located on the River Inn and at the foot of the Karwendel Alps, Innsbruck is the fifth largest city in Austria. This beautiful city is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and steeped in history. Innsbruck was host to the Olympic Winter Games in 1964 and again in 1976.
If you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the centre, climb aboard the Hungerburgbahn funicular (at own cost) where you are guaranteed breath-taking views over Innsbruck. Please remember that Christmas Eve in Austria is a traditional religious festival. This may mean that facilities in towns, villages and hotels may close early.After free time we return to the hotel for our evening meal and the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Christmas Day - Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Merry Christmas! This morning we enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful alpine scenery (weather permitting). Relax and sit back as our expert horsemen lead you through alpine meadows and along mountain paths, which provide excellent photograph opportunities. We return to the hotel for a warming goulash soup lunch then free time. The evening is celebrated with dinner followed by music and dancing.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Boxing Day - Kitzbühel
This morning we head to the world-famous ski-resort of Kitzbühel on our included excursion. Kitzbühel is perhaps one of the most fascinating towns in the Alps and is home to a stunning historical town centre full of character and charm.
Founded in the 9th century BC, Kitzbühel was originally a copper and silver mining centre, before becoming the fashionable and prosperous winter resort it is today. Alpine agriculture is a vital part of the region and is somewhat responsible for its picture-postcard beauty. Another stunning feature that marks the Kitzbühel landscape is the region’s churches and chapels. In the Baroque era, Gothic buildings had to either make way for the new style of architecture, or have Baroque elements incorporated. For centuries, the regional head of the Roman Catholic Church dominated social life in rural Tyrol. Even though these strong ties became loose over the course of the 20th century, many of the customs still live on in local villages. These include a number of religious processions held in the Tyrol every year, and several public holidays such as Corpus Christi, which bring the community together at the local church.
Many visitors love the sophisticated ambience of this resort and there will be plenty of time to stroll around the town or watch the world go by from one of the many cafés.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 27
To Belgium for an overnight stay.
Meals - Breakfast
Dec 28
Return home.
Meals - Breakfast