Salzburg and the Austrian Alps at Christmas

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Salzburg or Munich - Set off on your festive getaway to the charming Austrian capital, Salzburg, Mozart’s place of birth and the setting for The Sound of Music.   You’ll be welcomed by your tour manager at Salzburg or Munich airport and transferred to the hotel, located in a pretty historic district.  Enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival and settle into your room before dinner. 
• Day 2
  Included visit to Zell am See and included cable car ride up Schmittenhöhebahn - After breakfast, board the coach and travel south to the nearby town of Zell am See, located on the shores of Lake Zell. With its distinctive church tower and backdrop of snow-capped ski slopes, this picturesque alpine destination promises a delightful experience.   To get a better view of the scenery from above, board a cable car and travel up to the top of the Schmittenhöhebahn mountain. From here, take in the expansive valley and Lake Zell below. Walk around the various panoramic platforms to snap some photographs and grab a hot drink and snack in one of the cosy mountain huts or restaurants before heading back down.   Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner. 
• Day 3
  Christmas Eve – Included visit to Salzburg with a walking tour and Christmas market - Celebrate this special Christmas Eve with a highlight of the tour, an incredibly festive visit to Salzburg. A walking tour will take you into the heart of the Altstadt (old town), packed with baroque buildings and built across steep hills. In 1996, this area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and it has remained beautifully preserved.   Your guide will point out landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, which looks out over the city, and the striking Salzburg Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece. You can also see the building where Mozart was born, which is now a museum, showcasing his life.   Following this tour, you’ll visit one of Salzburg’s most popular markets with the fortress and cathedral serving as a stunning backdrop. Dating back to the 15th century, this is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Sample some traditional delicacies, sip on a hot punch, and browse the labyrinth of decorated wooden stands during some free time. There will also be an assortment of events, including choral concerts, live music, and colourful parades to keep you entertained.   Later today, the coach will take you back to the hotel for a special Austrian dinner with your fellow travellers. 
• Day 4
  Christmas Day – Morning at leisure and included visit to Gasteiner Valley - It’s Christmas Day, and you can kick it off with breakfast and a few glasses of bubbles. This morning will be at leisure, allowing you to take a peaceful winter walk, perhaps to the nearby village of Werfenweng, or relax at the hotel, taking advantage of the wellness area.   Later in the day, you’ll travel to Gastein Valley, an enchanting spa region, renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, thermal baths, and alpine spa towns. The coach will stop over in Bad Gastein, which is built across a hillside with a waterfall flowing through its centre. Take a stroll around, enjoying the old-world buildings, festive lights, and snow-dusted rooftops.  In the evening, a turkey dinner will be served, the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.  
• Day 5
  Boxing Day – Day at leisure or optional visit to Bad Ischl, Kaiservilla and horse-drawn sleigh ride - On Boxing Day, you can choose to unwind in the comfort of the hotel and enjoy an included lunch at the hotel, or join an optional excursion to another popular spa town, Bad Ischl. You’ll first be led on a walking tour, starting with Kaiservilla, the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth surrounded by sprawling, lush parkland. Beautifully decorated for Christmas, this mansion is draped in twinkling lights and old-world ornaments and looks out over the snowy landscapes.   You’ll get a chance to explore the elegant imperial rooms and the emperor’s study, as well as the scenic gardens with incredible alpine views, while gaining insight into Habsburg history and royal daily life.   Afterwards, a traditional horse-drawn carriage will take you through the historic town centre with its pretty streets, pastel buildings, and quaint cafés. Journey towards the riverside promenade, where you can see grand villas and take in more of the spectacular mountain scenery, a truly atmospheric experience.   Return later to the hotel for a final dinner with your fellow travellers.  
• Day 6
  Fly back to the UK - After your last breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel back to the airport for your flight home.