Itinerary

You can modify this Christmas New Year Tour itinerary to your personal preferences. Add or take out days, destinations and excursions to create a truly personalised tour.

Munich  18 December: Your driver will take you directly from the airport to your hotel in the centre of Munich. The afternoon is yours to explore Munich. Visit the Christmas market in front of the old town hall and sample your first cup of hot mulled wine. Or stroll among the stalls of the medieval market at the Odeonsplatz. See the 14th Century residence of the Bavarian rulers and the church of St. Michael, Germany's grandest Renaissance church.

Excursion to Nuremberg Christmas Market 19 December: 180 wooden stalls, festooned with red-and-white cloth, have given the Christmas Market in Nuremberg its name of 'Little Town from Wood and Cloth'. Stroll through this medieval city and enjoy one of Europe's best and most authentic Christmas markets. The medieval fortifications, Gothic churches, colourful market places and the hilltop castle of the old imperial city are awe-inspiring .

Excursion to Castle Neuschwanstein from Munich  20 December: Hidden in the seclusion of the Bavarian mountains, King Ludwig II built his fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein. During your all-day trip from Munich you will visit this extraordinary castle, the legacy of Bavaria's eccentric King.

No visit to Munich is complete without trying one of Bavaria's famous beers at the Hofbräuhaus and listening to an oompah band.

Austrian Alps/Bad Hofgastein  21 - 26 December; In just over one hour your train takes you up to 1000m into the winter wonderland of the Gastein Valley, surrounded by 3500m snow and glacier-covered mountains. In this well-known resort with its historical and rustic houses you will experience an Austrian Christmas and have 5 days to enjoy the snow and all the snow-based activities that you ever wanted. On your first evening you can choose to meet other travellers for a welcome drink in the lounge in front of the fireplace.

In the Gastein Valley there is plenty to do and see for skiers and non-skiers alike. Stroll among the stalls of the quaint village Christmas market, just next to your hotel, where local musicians play their Alpenhorns and provide a very festive atmosphere.

Ski downhill or cross country, go tobogganing (for a special thrill go tobogganing after nightfall), snow-shoe hiking, snow boarding or build a snowman/woman/child or snow kangaroo. Experience the iridescent- blue of the frozen waterfalls and go Ice-climbing (beginners to advanced).

Take a cable car to the summit of one of the surrounding mountains and gasp at the views of glacier-covered mountain peaks. During a one day excursion to nearby Zell am See (optional) you have the opportunity to visit a very picturesque traditional Christmas market.

Or just be cosy and toasty in front of a fireplace in your warm and delightful hotel and look out into a magic winter wonderland. After a day in the snow relax in the hot thermal spa complex of your hotel. Experience several joyful advent festivities that will get you into the ‘Christmas spirit’. One of these is a horse-drawn sleigh ride into the romantic Prossau valley.  Every evening indulge in a 4-course meal featuring different Austrian specialties.

Christmas in continental Europe is celebrated on Christmas Eve. Your celebration will start with a Christmas cocktail, followed by Christmas festivities and a grand Christmas dinner. Don your snow-boots just before midnight and walk through the crunching snow to the village chapel for mass. On your short walk you might come across small groups of carol singers. This will be a Christmas you will remember and cherish forever.

Salzburg 26 - 28 December; Explore the small, car-free inner city. Visit Mozart’s birthplace, the majestic Cathedral and take the funicular railway up to the fortress overlooking Salzburg.

The 4-hour 'Sound of Music' tour takes you to the location where many of the scenes for the movie were filmed. The English speaking guide not only shows you the highlights of the ‘Sound of Music’ but also the historical and architectural landmarks in the city, as well as a part of the picturesque lake district. Explore the beautiful village of Mondsee and taste the best ‘crisp apple strudel’ at Mrs. Brown’s café. Alternatively you can choose to undertake the 'Austrian Lakes and Mountains' tour.

Budapest  28 - 30 December; Visit the landmark building in Budapest, the neo-gothic Parliament on the banks of the Danube, topped by an elegant dome. The 691 rooms and staircases stretch for more than 12 miles.

During a half-day guided coach and walking tour you will see the Royal castle and Matthias Church and walk along Fishermen's Bastion.

Vienna 30 December: You have a 3-day pass for all local transport in and around Vienna. Explore the city at your leisure. Skate on the frozen Danube or on the Ice Rink (with hot punch stalls) in front of the baroque historic museum and visit the magnificent baroque Palace Schönbrunn.  Stay on afterwards for a last stroll across one of Europe's most famous Christmas markets which takes place in front of the palace each year until January 1.

Vienna  31 December: Vienna offers everything for young and old on New Years Eve. For children there is a special ‘Okidoki’ program starting from 2pm in the afternoon. The historic inner city has what is called a 'Sylvesterpath' with food stalls, music and other entertainement. On the Stephansplatz in front of the cathedral there will be a free 'Vienna Waltz class' held in the afternoon for those who might need some brushing up, as it is tradition in Vienna to waltz into the New Year. At the strike of midnight the fireworks will start and so will the Vienna Waltz music. This will be a very special and joyful moment to dance the Blue Danube Waltz on the squares of old Vienna at midnight.

Vienna  1 January: Your driver will take you from your hotel to Vienna airport.