Austria (Salzburg, Tyrol)
If your idea of a traditional European Christmas features snow-dusted peaks and idyllic alpine towns, then the Austrian Tyrol will more than meet your expectations! With five festive nights at our hand-picked hotel, the word to describe this Christmas is magical, with a whole host of seasonal treats in store such as Austrian cookies to nibble on and beautiful cities to explore. One thing is certain – this will be a Christmas to remember, with memories to cherish year after year!
Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France.
Continue to our hotel in the Austrian Tyrol where we spend the next five nights.
We visit St Johann, a charming town in the middle of Leukental Valley, surrounded by natural beauty. Wander the shops and relax with a coffee at one of its street cafes, taking in the gorgeous scenery.
The medieval town of Kitzbühel, surrounded by the Kitzbühel Alps, is a delight to explore all year round, with its quaint centre, brightly painted houses and stunning backdrop of pasture-laden hills. Stroll along the historic alleyways and follow in the footsteps of ski legends Toni Sailer and Hansi Hinterseer, as well as the renowned painter Alfons Walde, whose paintings captured the development of the town into a world-famous winter sports centre.
For those who wish to attend Midnight Mass, we visit the Christmette in the nearby Church in Oberndorf.
Christmas Day is a lovely day of leisure and celebration at our hotel, with a traditional turkey dinner included.
We travel to the elegant Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck, a beautiful Alpine city with breathtaking scenery and snow-capped mountains. There is plenty to see around the city including the winding streets of the picturesque Old Town, the Imperial Palace and the famous Golden Roof, built in the early 15th century for Emperor Maximilian I.
We journey to Salzburg, where we enjoy a guided walking tour. The birthplace of Mozart, this beautiful Baroque city is rich in art and culture, with many architectural treasures to behold. Salzburg’s magnificent castle, Hohensalzburg Fortress sits high on the hill, whilst its spires dominate the city’s skyline. Explore the remarkable squares and tightly woven alleys, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés. We also visit the enchanting Christmas market, with an array of gifts and treats on offer.
Leaving Austria, we travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.
Ferry from Calais to Dover.
The Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck is rich with history and classic Austrian architecture, from the superb Garden Roof Palace to the Ambrass Castle. The central precinct of the Altstadt, an area of medieval houses attractively painted in traditional pastel colours, is bound by the River Inn and the Graben, following the course of the town’s moat that once surrounded its medieval core. It really is a fairytale-like city full of charm, all beneath the stunning Alpine mountain ridge of Nordkette
The Hotel Neuwirt is situated in the centre of the town of Oberndorf. This family-run, Tyrolean-style hotel offers panoramic views of the Wilder Kaiser and Kitzbüheler Horn mountains. All the Alpine-style rooms have a balcony with mountain views, cable and satellite TV. The hotel also offers a restaurant with a sun terrace and free Wi-Fi.
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.