Christmas In Austria, Twixmas In Prague & New Year In Valkenburg
- Duration: 12 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGXAR1
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
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
12 Day Itinerary
Dec 22
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.
Dec 23
Continue south through Germany and into Austria to our hotel for a four-night stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Christmas Eve - Salzburg & Salzkammergut Lakes
Today we travel to Salzburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Austria, on our included excursion. Salzburg has something to offer every visitor, from lovely squares and medieval lanes to Gothic churches and quaint cafés. The city dates back to Celtic times and prospered in the Middle Ages on account of the salt industry, from where the city derives its name. Many beautiful Baroque buildings are a testament to the city’s illustrious past when it was controlled by the powerful and wealthy bishops. The city is also famed in the world of music, as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and more recently, as the setting for 'The Sound of Music'. It is also home to the Getriedegasse, one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Austria. Why not join our optional excursion to the Salzkammergut Lakes? The old salt mining region of the Salzkammergut has developed into one of the most popular destinations in Austria due to its outstanding natural beauty. We head to the crystal-clear Lake Mondsee, home to the church used in the wedding scene in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. We then continue to the lakeside town of St. Gilgen, which boasts one of the most attractive town squares in Austria and is famous as the birthplace of Mozart’s mother! Please note that Christmas Eve in Austria is a traditional religious festival and in many areas is still celebrated as such. This may mean that facilities in towns, villages and hotels may close early.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Christmas Day - Free Time or Kitzbühel
Merry Christmas! Enjoy a day at leisure to relax at the hotel or why not join our optional half-day excursion to the world-famous ski-resort of Kitzbühel? The area around Kitzbühel offers outstanding natural beauty, from the rolling hills in the broad valley basin where the Kitzbühel Ache River flows, to the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. There will be plenty of time to stroll around the town or watch the world go by from one of the cafés.
Later this afternoon, we return to our hotel for tonight’s turkey Christmas dinner.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Boxing Day - Mayrhofen & Ziller Valley Railway
Our included excursion today takes us into the Ziller Valley and to the ski resort of Mayrhofen. There will be ample free time for you to explore the town.
To enhance your day, why not take an optional ride on board the Zillertal railway? Sit back and relax as the locomotive takes you on an historic journey through the panoramic Ziller Valley. The Zillertal is one of Austria’s most famous narrow railways. It was opened on the last day of 1902 and has been in operation ever since. Nevertheless, the line was almost closed in 1965 as tourism and goods traffic was not enough to keep it open. Thankfully, it was saved by the construction of the Schlegleisspeicher Dam high in the mountains. The building of the dam required 325,000 tons of cement and ballast, all of which was transported on the Zillertalbahn.
Later in the day we return to our hotel in time for our evening meal.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 27
We leave our hotel after breakfast and head north into Germany, passing Munich. We continue across the border into the Czech Republic and past the town of Pilzen, the official capital of West Bohemia. We arrive in Prague later this afternoon where we stay for the next three nights.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 28 - Prague
Today we have a full day at leisure in Prague. Why not join our optional morning walking tour to introduce you to this beautiful capital? Starting from the Czech Bridge, our walking tour will show you the splendid architecture of Prague Old Town, the world’s largest UNESCO monument. The many historic buildings, grand squares and elegant landmarks such as Wenceslas Square, the famous astronomical clock and Charles Bridge, make it a lovely place to explore on foot. Our local guide's informative commentary will reveal many of the stories behind the buildings and personalities which have shaped the history of this magnificent city.
Following the tour, you have the remainder of the day to explore the city at your leisure.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 29 - Free Time in Prague
A day at leisure for you to relax and explore Prague at your own pace. The city of Prague is affectionately known as the ‘Golden Town’ on account of its historic architecture, including cathedrals, gold tipped towers, church domes and numerous bridges which span the majestic Vltava river. The city is also a noted centre of art and music, with numerous museums and galleries, and concert halls where classical musicians recite the famous works of Dvorak and Smetana. The city also presents a modern façade with exciting shopping arcades, bustling city squares, and an excellent selection of restaurants and cafés to sample the local specialities washed down with a glass of local beer!
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 30
We bid farewell to Prague and drive west to Holland to our hotel in Valkenburg for a three-night stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
New Year's Eve - Rhine Valley
Our included excursion takes us through the beautiful Rhine Valley to the town of Koblenz, where there will be some free time to explore.
We continue south along the river to the town of Boppard where you will have the opportunity to amble along the riverside promenade. Whilst here, why not join our optional lunch cruise along the River Rhine? A cruise through the Rhine gorge, famous for its ancient castles, picturesque villages and vine clad slopes, is the perfect way to view the splendour of the Rhine. The cruise will last for approximately 2 ½ hours, during which time you will be served a lunch on board.
Later this afternoon, we return to our hotel allowing time to prepare for tonight’s New Year celebrations.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
New Year's Day - Free Time or Monschau
Happy New Year! Enjoy a relaxing day in the town of Valkenburg or join our afternoon optional visit to the charming little town of Monschau, tucked into the hilly landscape of the Eifel mountain range. Wander around the cobbled streets lined with centuries-old half-timbered houses, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops, before returning to Valkenburg.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Jan 2
Return home.
Meals - Breakfast