Germany, Austria
Experience Vienna’s unique Christmastime magic, as the city is filled with strands of white fairy lights that hang across the streets like falling snow frozen in time. With its fairytale buildings, shop windows glistening with seasonal treats and the aroma of sweet spices filling the air, Vienna at this time of year is like stepping into the pages of a storybook. We take in the highlights of this Imperial city and celebrate Christmas Day with a classical concert in a Viennese palace.
Nestled in the heart of Vienna Woods’ gorgeous scenery, the Hotel Marienhof offers comfortable accommodation in the Austrian countryside. Hotel features include a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, wellness centre and free Wi-Fi in public areas, while the en-suite rooms offer satellite TV.
Please note: In Austria, a twin/double room will have one double bed base structure with two separate mattresses and separate bed linen for each mattress.
22nd December
Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in Germany.
23rd December
Continue on to our hotel in the Vienna area, arriving in time for dinner.
Christmas Eve – Guided walking tour of Vienna’s Old Town & traditional Viennese café
We enjoy a guided walking tour that introduces us to the beautiful Old Town of Vienna. Vienna’s historic centre is rich in grand buildings and monuments and is especially pretty at Christmas when the streets are brightly illuminated. Afterwards, we shelter ourselves from the cold in a traditional Viennese café where we enjoy some festive treats including coffee, liqueur and Sachertorte.
Christmas Day – Guided city tour of Vienna
After Christmas Day lunch at our hotel, we enjoy a guided city tour of Vienna, where we take in the main sights including the Opera House and the Imperial Palace. Later, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.
Boxing Day – Schönbrunn Palace New Year Market, a guided tour of Klosterneuburg Abbey & Vienna classical concert
Our final excursion begins with some free time to explore the Schönbrunn Palace New Year Market, an annual fixture filled with festive lights and a wide selection of stalls in an elegant setting. We then enjoy a guided tour of the 900-year-old Klosterneuburg Abbey, famous for its sacred art treasures. Later, after dinner at the hotel, we enjoy a classical concert at the Vienna Palais.
27th December – Scenic tour of Vienna Woods & dinner in a traditional wine tavern
We head off on a scenic tour of Vienna Woods, a pretty forested area outside Vienna. Our tour includes visits to Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Mayeling Hunting Lodge and an evening meal in a traditional wine tavern (Heuriger) that includes wine and live Viennese music.
28th December
Travel to our overnight hotel in Germany, with a light evening meal included.
29th December
Continue on to Calais for our return ferry home.