Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna

Arrive at any time. After settling into your hotel, attend a welcome meeting with your CEO before enjoying a local dinner as a group.

Set out on an orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings. See famous sights like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the historical Museum Island. Enjoy a Bratwurst/Currywurst tasting and do some shopping in Alexanderplatz. End your day with visits to the Christmas markets in Gendarmenmarkt square. Search for handmade souvenirs to bring home, and choose to try Glühwein (mulled wine) to warm yourself up as you wander through the little stalls.

• The Berlin Wall Memorial: Learn about the history of the “Iron Curtain,” the physical, political and emotional barrier that once separated Berlin under the Communist Eastern Bloc and their neighbours to the west. At Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer), see a complete section of the wall, and look from the east side to see the remains of an electric fence in the so-called “death strip.” Discover the stories of those who died trying to escape to the freedom of West Berlin.
• Judisches Museum Visit: The Judisches Museum is one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe. See how architect Daniel Libeskind's design evokes three important elements of the past two centuries; the intellectual, economic and cultural contributions of Jewish citizens in Berlin, the reality of the Holocaust, and the recognition of their absence from Berlin (and beyond) following the Second World War. See evocative collections and displays.
• Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit: For an amazing view of Berlin, visit the famous Berlin Television Tower. Bring your camera and take panoramic photos from the viewing room, then grab a drink and snack at the cafe located 203m (666 ft) above ground.
• Brandenburg Gate Visit: The Brandenburg Gate is a spot of great historical significance. Witness the spot where hundreds of thousands of people were finally able to cross from the east side to the west after the fall of the wall. Walk the cobblestones of the surrounding Pariser Platz and mingle with locals who continue to gather here to see stage shows and celebrate public events.
• East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall: The very name Berlin conjures images of the famous Berlin Wall. Two sections of the original structure still remain on display; the East Side Gallery, where artists have decorated the remaining section of the wall, and the Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer). View these remnants of history that once divided east from west.
• Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit: Down the street from the Berlin Wall is the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, a museum that documents the history of the wall, and interestingly, many of the different ways people tried to escape. From hot air balloons to one-man submarines, learn about the tenacity and creativity used by those desperate to cross from the east to western side.

Travel by train to Nuremberg this morning to visit one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world and arguably the most famous. Make sure to try some Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a German cake or cookie that is similar to gingerbread, before wandering through this charming winter fairytale filled with wooden stalls, old-fashioned carousels, and if you’re lucky some lazy snowflakes. In the late afternoon, travel to Munich where you can enjoy more markets with your CEO and then take advantage of free time to explore Bavaria’s capital on your own.

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Munich on your own. Opt to view the streets from above, by climbing the Old St. Peter's Church tower, give ice skating a try at Karlsplatz, or join a curling match on the Nymphenburg Schlosskanal, which turns into Munich’s longest curling rink in the winter. Please note that St Peter's Church has an entrance fee. Depart for Salzburg in the afternoon and stop at a local Christmas market. In the evening, you’ll have a chance to visit more of Salzburg’s markets with your CEO and group.

In the morning choose to walk the historic squares and quaint little side streets of Salzburg Old town. Climb Festungsberg Hill to visit Hohensalzburg Castle, or check out the birthplace of Mozart and visit the museum there. Then, the group will depart for Vienna, stopping at the local Christmas market upon arrival. In the evening, opt to go for dinner as a group or visit a Christmas Market.

It’s all about Vienna today. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk around the city. Then, take a break and indulge in some coffee and cake in one of the famous Viennese coffee houses, supporting seniors at risk of old age poverty and social isolation. In the afternoon, wander around Vienna’s Christmas markets with your CEO and sip a warm mug of Glühwein for one last chance to experience the lively atmosphere of this European holiday tradition. The rest of the day is yours. Take advantage of free time to get acquainted with the city. Opt to explore Schönbrunn Palace which is like the Versailles of Vienna, or climb to the top of St. Stephen’s cathedral in the centre of the city for unparalleled views. Choose to visit famous landmarks in the city like, The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Vienna City Hall.

• Belvedere Gallery Visit: Learn some of the history of this beautiful palace and grounds and explore the impressive art collection. Of particular note, the museum's collection of 24 pieces by Gustav Kilmt, including his famous 'Kiss'.
• Hotel Sacher Visit and dessert: Visit the historic Hotel Sacher and get a taste of the world-famous Sacher Torte. It's a cultural experience as well as a delicious cake. (30-50 EUR per person)
• Vienna Boys' Choir Visit: Sit back and be transported by the sweet voices of the one of world's best known choirs. Founded in 1498, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is made up of boys aged 10-14 from Austria and around the world. Attend a live concert and learn what it means to be moved by music. *Please note that the price of the ticket will vary depending on the seating you choose. (56-200 EUR per person)
• Vienna State Opera House Visit: Visit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house's main features and learn about the history of the building. (14-18 EUR per person)
• Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit: St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s main landmarks complete with a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase to look out over the city.

Depart at any time.