Christmas In The Austrian Lakes For Solo Travellers

Itinerary

• Dec 22

  Door to Door service or local departure by coach, then continue by coach to Belgium for an overnight stay.

• Dec 23

  Continue to Austria and arrival at your hotel in the Austrian Lakes region for a four-night stay.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Christmas Eve - Mondsee & Oberndorf

  Spend the morning in the pretty village of Mondsee located on the banks of the crystal clear Lake Mondsee, one of the largest lakes in the region. The town of Mondsee is home to the Basilica of St. Michael, the famous church where Maria married Georg von Trapp in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. This Gothic former monastery is just as striking today as ever with its two towers stretching 52 meters high. The basilica reached international fame when the wedding scene, with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, was filmed inside. This is the reason why more than 200,000 people visit the church every year and make it one of the most photographed churches in the world. Enjoy free time exploring the town and enjoying the beautiful views over the lake.

  This afternoon we travel to the village of Oberndorf. Its sister-town, located across the Salzach Bridge, is Laufen. The town was split in two in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. Part was taken by the Kingdom of Bavaria (Laufen) and part taken by the Austrian Empire (Oberndorf). Oberndorf is famous worldwide as the birthplace of the hymn Silent Night, which was first performed at the former St. Nikola parish church by the schoolmaster Franz Gruber and the young priest Joseph Mohr on Christmas Eve 1818.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Christmas Day - Salzburg

  Merry Christmas! 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'.

  There will be free time for you to explore the sights at your leisure, perhaps taking a short walk along the Salzach River. Be sure to saunter along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most popular shopping mile. During the Advent season, the largest attraction has to be the Christmas Market which is located in the heart of the historic city centre. Whilst in Salzburg be sure to spend time in one of the city’s traditional coffee houses set against the backdrop of stunning architecture. 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

• Boxing Day - Salzkammergut

  Today enjoy our included excursion around the Salzkammergut, the Austrian Lake District. This old salt mining region has developed into one of the most popular destinations in Austria on account of its outstanding natural beauty. We head to the spa town of Bad Ischl, the favourite summer residence of the Emperor Franz Josef. Our scenic drive continues to the small town of Strobl where we pause for a photo opportunity. We then head onto St. Wolfgang where you will have free time to explore. We continue by coach around the lake to St. Gilgen famous for being the birthplace of Mozart’s mother. After free time in this delightful town we return to our hotel.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Dec 27

  Travel north to Belgium for an overnight stay.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Dec 28

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Panorama Hotel Traunstein in Altmunster.

Overnight stays in Belgium will be in city-style hotels.