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.
Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in Germany.
Continue on to our hotel in the Vienna area, arriving in time for dinner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Travel to our overnight hotel in Germany, with a light evening meal included.
Continue on to Calais for our return ferry home.
The Austrian capital is bursting with artistic and historical heritage to be explored on our coach holidays, most particularly with its grand cathedrals and palaces including the St Stephens Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and the Belevedere Palaces consisting of two wonderful pieces of architecture.
This intellectual city also has a fantastic range of restaurants and bars which include traditional Austrian cuisines from the wiener schnitzel and apple strudel to international fusions – something for everyone!
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.
Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.