Austrian White Christmas Tour

This morning we are joined by a local guide for a panoramic city drive past all the sights, gardens and monuments of this Imperial City, from the State Opera House to the Hofburg Palace. We have included entrance and a guided tour through the State Apartments of the magnificent Royal summer residence – the Schönbrunn Palace. Later you have time to explore the Christmas Markets in the Palace courtyard. Your afternoon is completely free. Relax and enjoy this enchanting city of museums and style. You simply must indulge in the world of the traditional Viennese coffee houses. How about a tall aromatic coffee and a calorie-busting apfel strudel? Maybe a rich chocolate torten cake? Mmmm! The Christmas shopping is excellent under the beautiful illuminations of the broad, pedestrian mall. Try the excellent Christmas Markets outside the Town Hall where you will find mulled wine, ginger biscuits, music, stunningly decorated trees and folklore displays.

We have included a full day excursion today. Enroute to Salzburg our first stop is at the nearby village of Oberndorf where we visit the famous Silent Night Chapel on the site where the Christmas carol was first performed. We then continue on to Salzburg – the baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortress). A walking tour with an expert local guide will introduce you to this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. As a finale you will gather amongst the fir trees in the small stone courtyard of the St Peter’s Keller, dating back to the 1500’s and Salzburg’s oldest restaurant, for a hot drink and biscuits. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city. The huge castle makes a fascinating visit and don’t forget to soak up the atmosphere of the famous Salzburg Christmas Markets.

Heading deep into the Bavarian mountains we visit what is perhaps the most beautiful Alpine lake of all, Königssee –famous the world over for its steep cliffs and fjord like lake. Lunchtime will be enjoyed in Berchtesgaden, then later we enjoy a fun filled ride which takes us deep into the old Salt Mines near Berchtesgaden. After dressing up in a salt miner’s uniform, we ride on a small train deep underground, take wooden slides (or steps) and then float on a barge across a crystal clear underground lake, beautifully illuminated by a light show.

There is nothing quite like a day in the mountains! First stop this morning is the fashionable ski resort of Kitzbuhel. Dating back hundreds of years the main streets still maintain all their old charm with beautifully painted houses, overhanging roofs and ornate gables. Perfect for that last minute Christmas shopping. Later we continue on through the steep hills and mountains to the year round lake side resort of Zell-am-See. Here you may wish to enjoy a stunning cable car ride (not included) up to the lofty heights of the Smittenhöhe which towers 6,450 feet over the township. The view from the top is considered one of the finest in the Alps. Later, back in the comfort of your hotel, the warm glow will continue through this evening as we enjoy a festive Christmas Eve dinner.

Christmas Day as it should be….in a wonderful location – at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the delights of your hotel. Maybe pamper yourself in the hotel spa, or swim in the heated pool or relax in the steaming spa set in a pontoon on the lake? The views are incredible. A turkey lunch has been included, and the highlight of today will be your ride in a horse drawn carriage through the stunning local countryside.

Boxing Day! Your morning is at leisure to enjoy your hotel’s excellent wellness facilities, explore the village or go on a winter walk along the picturesque lakeside. In the afternoon we will take a cruise across the lake to the village of Strobl. Tonight, in our White Horse Inn, we enjoy a ‘Farewell to St Wolfgang’ dinner, to bring this amazing week to a close.

Your Christmas tour is now complete, and it is time to say farewell. For those of you joining one of our wonderful New Year Tours that begin in Luzern or Milan, the good news is, we have arranged complimentary Group transfers.