Tour Type:Winter Touring Tour Duration:10 Days (9 Nights) From:Vienna toLucerne Tour Code:AWC Operator:Albatross
from AU $3,004 pp
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Tour Description
Imagine a festive Christmas over four days in the enchanting Austrian Alps, Vienna and Salzburg Christmas Markets, Silent Night Chapel, Kitzbuhel old town, Medieval Rattenberg, the Danube and Melk Monastery, Innsbruck, Sleigh Ride, traditional Christmas meals and much, much more!
Tour Highlights:
Celebrate Christmas over 4 nights in Leogang village in an 800 year old coaching Inn with festive drinks in the Samerstall stables and a horse drawn sleigh ride on Christmas Day
Savour the fabulous Christmas Markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and in the grounds of the delightful Schönbrunn Palace at dusk
Enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, Turkey lunch on Christmas Day, a feature dinner in the centuries old Griechenbeisl Inn, Vienna and a farewell dinner and Swiss Folklore Show in Luzern’s Stadtkeller
Stay 3 nights in glorious Vienna and explore the Vienna Woods visiting the Heiligenkreuz Monastery and Mayerling Chapel
Be guided through the staterooms of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and astonishing Melk Abbey on the Danube
Visit baroque Salzburg, enjoy hot chocolate and biscuits in Austria’s oldest restaurant, visit the Silent Night Chapel, Kitzbuhel and Zell-am-See
Stay 1 night in the winter resort of Innsbruck and take in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds experience
Enjoy a farewell night in the lovely lakeside town of Luzern.
Tour Inclusions
All sightseeing, scenic drives and excursions described in the itinerary
Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
First class touring coach
End of tour tips to Tour Manager, drivers and guides
9 nights selected accommodation
Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)
Buffet breakfasts daily
Turkey lunch on Christmas Day
7 evening dinners including the special meal at the old Griechenbeisl Inn, Vienna, Christmas Eve Dinner and Farewell Dinner with music and drinks at the Stadtkeller
Tea and coffee with all dinners
Traditional music on evenings over Christmas and story telling
Welcome drink in Vienna and Christmas Hotels, sleigh ride in Leogang, hot chocolate and biscuits in Salzburg
Local guides – Vienna, Heiligenkreuz Monastery, Melk and Salzburg
Entrances to Schonbrunn, Heiligenkreuz, Mayerling, Melk and Swarovski Crystal World
Vienna
Your tour commences this evening in the Imperial city of Vienna. If you have arrived today on your international flight, experience tells us it is best to keep active through this afternoon and Vienna is such a wonderful city at this time of year with so much to see and do. Dinner tonight is included in your hotel. But first enjoy our welcome drink in the hotel bar. This is an ideal chance to get to meet and know your fellow Christmas travellers. Stay:Hotel Stefanie (D)
Day 2
Vienna
Our panoramic city tour this morning will bring to life all the sights, gardens and monuments of this Imperial City, from the State Opera House and the Hofburg Palace to the spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later we take a delightful drive winding up through the Vienna Woods to the ‘Hellental’ where we take a privately-guided tour through the Heiligenkreuz Monastery. We also visit the memorial Chapel in Mayerling before heading back to the old city for lunchtime. This afternoon we have included entrance and a guided tour through the State Apartments of the magnificent Royal summer residence – the Schönbrunn Palace. We have timed this day so that it is dusk when you complete the Palace tour – perfect for the Christmas Markets in the main courtyard. This evening is at leisure. (B)
Day 3
Vienna Your day is completely free. Relax and enjoy this enchanting city of museums and style. Christmas shopping? Try the excellent Christmas Markets outside the Town Hall where you will find mulled wine, ginger biscuits, music, fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays. 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! Dinner tonight (included) is a special welcome treat as we have reserved tables at the nearby Griechenbeisl Inn. A ‘mere’ 500 years old this beautifully preserved Inn has been a social gathering point of so many famous historical figures from Beethoven and Schubert to Wagner and Mark Twain (who have autographed the walls!). (B/D)
Day 4
Leogang in Salzburgerland
Joining the Danube at Melk we have included entrance and a privately guided tour through the enormous Melk Monastery – an astonishing Baroque creation. Later we continue to the Salzkammergut – a land of clear alpine air and blue mountain lakes which formed the stunning back drop to the famous film the ‘Sound of Music’. We stop here in the village of Mondsee, on Lake Mondsee, for a relaxing lunchtime and to visit the film’s ‘wedding church’. In the afternoon we drive deep into the Salzburgerland Mountains to Leogang – a picturesque little village near to Zell-am-See – for a truly festive Christmas. After a welcome drink on arrival you will stay four nights here. All dinners, traditional Christmas Eve Dinner plus Christmas Day Turkey Lunch are included. Stay:Landhotel Kirchenwirt (B/D)
Day 5
Leogang in Salzburgerland
We have included a full day excursion today. En route to Salzburg our first stop is at the nearby village of Oberndorf where we visit the famous ‘Silent Night Chapel’ on the site the Christmas carol was first performed. We then continue on to Salzburg – the Baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortess). A walking city tour with an expert local guide will introduce you to this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘Sound of Music’. As a finale you will assemble 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 some hot chocolate 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. (B/D)
Day 6
Leogang in Salzburgerland
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. Lunchtime 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 - Austrian-style. Later there will be local story telling. (B/D)
Day 7
Leogang in Salzburgerland
Christmas as it should be…in a wonderful location - relaxing, eating, drinking and definitely no Indiana Jones repeats, washing up and unwelcome long lost relatives! A Christmas turkey lunch is included today. Highlight of the day will be your ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the local countryside. In the evening you will enjoy traditional music with dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 8
Innsbruck
We depart our Christmas hotel and follow the spectacular Inn Valley. We will soon stop for a break in the village of Rattenberg - a medieval gem and a perfect place to take morning tea amongst the old cobbled streets. Next will be a visit (entrance included) to the Swarovski 'Kristallwelten' (Crystal Worlds)... a weird and wonderful crystal experience. Just before lunchtime we continue the short distance to the winter resort of Innsbruck. After checking into our centrally located hotel you will have plenty of time to explore the Old Town and see the famous ‘Golden Roof’. Stay:Grauer Baer (B/D)
Day 9
Lucerne
Driving across the mountains and valleys of Austria we reach the city of Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein a tiny country on the border of Switzerland. Soon afterwards we head into Switzerland and arrive mid-afternoon in the lovely lake side town of Lucerne with its’ covered wooden bridges. Your farewell dinner tonight promises to be an unforgettable experience as we dine in a local Swiss Restaurant. Relax and soak up the unique atmosphere as you enjoy traditional Swiss fare and a Folklore show. Stay:Hotel Schweizerhof (B/D)
Day 10
Lucerne
Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete, and its time to bid farewell. Maybe you will be joining one of our exciting New Year programmes. (B)
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10 Day Austrian White Christmas Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.0
of 5.
We had a lovely time on our tour, managing to get snow for our White Christmas!
[More+]
Value For Money Accommodaton Tour Guide Tour Pace Global Journeys Experience
leanne james (Australia) Tour Date 19/12/2011
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.
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START DATE
END DATE
BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
19 Dec 2012
28 Dec 2012
AU $3,129
AU $3,818
Save $125
AU $3,004
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only.
Tour Operator: Albatross Tours
Albatross Travel was established in 1995 and offers European escorted coach tours designed specifically for Australians and New Zealanders. With smaller group sizes and a more sensible pace with 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stays in most places, you will enjoy much more genuine sightseeing time and less time sitting on coaches. All Albatross tours are genuinely inclusive and already includes all excursions, special visits, sightseeing tours, feature dinners and even your end of tour tips!
Our tours are 'genuinely inclusive' – even 'end of tour' tips to your tour manager and driver are included. You will NOT find any 'options lists' or later charged excursions and extras. We include all the sightseeing, special dinners and relevant entrances.
Our tours are designed with a more leisurely pace with 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stays - that's important; you are not constantly packing and unpacking your bags.
Our tours are specifically designed to suit the travel needs of Australian and New Zealand passengers. We have less travelling time and more sightseeing time. We indicate the average number of kilometres travelled per day on each tour.
Our feature hotels are selected for their style, character or location
Travel documents, including any paper tickets or e-ticket itineraries and other information, are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received by Global Journeys.
Not fully inclusive as we don't include all meals. Albatross Tours are genuinely inclusive - there are no 'options lists' or later charged excursions on our tours and even 'end of tour' tips to your tour manager and driver are included. We include all the sightseeing, 'special' dinners and relevant entrance fees.
Albatross touring coaches are first class, air conditioned touring coaches with 44-49 seats. Anzac and Christmas tours have a maximum of 42 passengers, European Summer tours have a maximum of only 30 passengers!
Our hotels are generally First Class. If a first class hotel is not used the alternative is selected for a very good reason - for its style, character or central location. Sometimes in certain towns or regions, first class hotels are simply not available. Naturally all bedrooms in all hotels have private facilities. Generally throughout Europe tea and coffee making facilities are NOT available in the rooms.
No, each country varies due to that country's system of grading hotel rooms (e.g. room size, facilities etc). Single rooms in European and Turkish Hotels are sometimes smaller than twin rooms and quite often have one single bed. Regarding twin share rooms. Throughout much of central Europe traditional hotels sometimes offer 'French Twins' which are 2 separate beds and mattresses attached together and sharing a single headboard. These are used for twin share or double rooms.
Yes, however Individual passengers can request us to match them up in a twin share room with another individual of the same sex. Should we not be able to match you in a twin share room by the final tour balance payment date the single room supplement rate will apply. Please Note: should you be 'matched' with another person we cannot be held responsible if the choice is not to your satisfaction. You must consider there will always be a certain risk of incompatibility.
Tipping is an integral part of the service industry in Europe. A service worker – waiter, taxi driver, barman etc will be paid a base salary to perform a task and their employers expect them to supplement their wages by earning tips. Remember your tour package price INCLUDES the end of tour tips to both your Tour Manager and Driver.
No, all prices shown are land only prices for the tours. You need to add the cost of international flights, air taxes and fuel surcharges, travel insurance. Your Global Journeys dedicated tour consultant can organise these for you if you wish or you can book your own. Before booking your flights please confirm with us that your tour departure date is Guaranteed to operate.
No – you will be required to make your own way to and from the hotel at the beginning and end of the tour. Our passengers all arrive independently on different dates, from different locations and since many arrive by train or using car rental we are unable to book individual transfers.
We have Guaranteed Group departures. All Albatross tours are group touring programmes. The term 'group tour' is defined as having a minimum of 7 passengers travelling. Once the tour confirms 7 deposited passengers travelling, it guarantees that the group tour will depart. Please ask your Global Journeys consultant and we will confirm the current status the tour departure.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Albatross Tours including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
You will be required to make your own way to and from the hotel at the beginning and end of the tour. Albatross are unable to include individual transfers. Global Journeys can book extra pre and post tour accommodation to fit in with your flight arrival and departure dates.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
Albatross Travel was established in 1995 and offers European escorted coach tours designed specifically for Australians and New Zealanders. With smaller group sizes and a more sensible pace with 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stays in most places, you will enjoy much more genuine sightseeing time and less time sitting on coaches. All Albatross tours are genuinely inclusive and already includes all excursions, special visits, sightseeing tours, feature dinners and even your end of tour tips!