Austrian Christmas Holiday

Your tour commences this morning at 10am from the Maritim Hotel in Munich. After meeting your Tour Manager, who will be with you for the next eight days, we drive south into the snow clad Tyrol region and Austria’s most popular winter resort of Kitzbuhel. Still retaining the atmosphere of a Tyrolean village in its historic centre, old-style houses with projecting gables and painted exteriors compete for attention with shops selling Europe’s most exclusive brand names.

For lunch maybe take the cable car up the Kitzbuheler Horn and visit one of the 23 mountain restaurants. Mid afternoon we continue to Kirchberg which will be your home over the next seven nights. Located 10 kms from Kitzbuhel, Kirchberg is an excellent ski resort in its own right.

This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and take the opportunity to get to meet your fellow Christmas travellers. Continental buffet breakfast and sumptuous dinners are served daily. Highlight will be a traditional Austrian dinner on Christmas Eve. (D) Stay: Hotel Sonnalp, Kirchberg, Austria

Driving over the mountains of Southern Bavaria we pass Mittenwald and visit Linderhof Palace to take a guided tour through King Ludwig’s grand summer residence. Our next stop is the Passion Play village of Oberammergau, with its ornately painted buildings where we have time for lunch.

This afternoon we stop to visit Kloster Ettal Monastery with its incredible painted ceilings. Dating back over 700 years this is one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in existence. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Sonnalp, Kirchberg, Austria

We have included a full day excursion today. Enroute to Salzburg our first stop is at the nearby village of Oberndorf where we visit the famous ‘Silent Night Chapel’ on the site where the Christmas carol was first performed. We then continue on to Salzburg – the baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortress). A walking city tour with an expert local guide will introduce you to this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music’.

As a finalé you will gather 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 a hot drink 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.

This evening join us for a torchlit village walk followed by mulled wine. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Sonnalp, Kirchberg, Austria

Following the spectacular Inn Valley to Wattens we visit the Swarovski ‘Kristallwelten’ (‘Crystal Worlds’)… a weird and wonderful crystal experience.

Later we continue to the nearby winter resort city of Innsbruck where we spend the rest of the day exploring the Old Town, with its famous ‘Golden Roof’ above the medieval town square, and delightful Christmas Markets. Time to do that last minute shopping, indulge in the mulled wine and ginger biscuits and take in the music, fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays. Spoil yourself with a traditional tall aromatic coffee and a calorie-busting apfelstrudel! (B/D) Stay: Hotel Sonnalp, Kirchberg, Austria

Heading deep into the Bavarian mountains we visit perhaps the most beautiful lake of all, Königssee – famous the world over for its steep cliffs and fjord-like lake. Lunchtime will be spent amongst the cobblestoned streets of Berchtesgaden.

Later we visit the old Salt Mines near Berchtesgaden. After dressing up in a salt miner’s uniform, we enjoy a fun filled ride on a small train deep underground, take wooden slides (or steps) and then float on a barge across a crystal clear underground lake, beautifully illuminated by a light show. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Sonnalp, Kirchberg, Austria

There is nothing quite like a day in the mountains! The highlight of today will be your ride in a horse drawn carriage through the local countryside in nearby Kitzbuhel, suitably warmed with some mulled wine while enjoying the dramatic, snow laden mountains and breathtaking scenery surrounding you.

Afterwards, back in Kirchberg, maybe take a ‘winter walk’, hire skis or a toboggan and play in the snow.

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Sonnalp, Kirchberg, Austria

Christmas Day as it should be….in a wonderful location – relaxing, eating, drinking and some fun in the snow! Your day is at leisure to relax and savour the delights of Kirchberg. A two course lunch has been included today, and dinner tonight. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Sonnalp, Kirchberg, Austria

This morning it is time to say farewell as your tour ends with a transfer to Munich, to arrive around midday. We will make stops at the central railway station, Maritim Hotel and Munich Airport. We recommend that you book flights or trains that depart Munich after 3pm today. (B)