Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria – 8 days land only

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- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner, a three-course table d'hote dinners with tea or coffee, a Signature evening & a Celebration dinner
- Touring by luxury coach
- Services of a Tour Director
- Sightseeing & Priority Admissions in all towns and cities
- Highlights: Vienna, Innsbruck & Neuschwanstein

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Welcome to Vienna

At Vienna Airport, transfers for the tour hotel leave at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception & an opportunity to mingle over a delightful evening of dinner & wine.

The Habsburgs of Vienna

At this time of year, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia & romance, with concerts, nativity displays & many official Advent Markets selling a vast array of seasonal gifts & mouth-watering treats. Join your Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace. Then get your cameras ready for a circuit of the famous ring road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House & Hofburg Imperial Residence. You also see the City Hall & its surrounding parklands, festively decorated in a sea of lights – the perfect setting for the Viennese Christmas Market. Here your Tour Director will introduce you to a market stallholder to enjoy sampling the delightful Austrian delicacy Linzer Torte, complemented perfectly with a traditional fragrant glass of ‘Glühwein'.

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On to Salzburg

There is free time in the morning to join the Christmas shoppers in the elegant boutiques, pavement cafés & busy arcades of Kärtner Strasse in the heart of Vienna or to perhaps take an optional experience into the Vienna Woods to the Christmas Market in the traditional spa town of Baden. Later, journey through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria towards the lakes & mountains of the Salzkammergut & the enchanting city of Salzburg.

Salzburg, City of Mozart

The spires & domes of Salzburg's old town are often draped in snow come December. Walk with a Local Expert to see Mozart's family home on the Getreidegasse - beautifully decorated at this time of year. Then walk on to the rosy hues of the 500-year-old market in front of the cathedral. Culinary delicacies, candied fruits, hot mulled wine & the lovingly decorated stalls invite visitors to stop & browse.

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A scenic drive to the Tyrolean Capital of Innsbruck

A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley & the mountain-ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. In front of the Golden Roof, surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval facades, you'll find the traditional Christmas Market is in full swing. After some time to explore, enjoy delightful scenery & healthy fresh air on a horse-drawn carriage ride. In the evening, drive to the charming town of Hall in Tirol, which boasts Austria's best preserved ensemble of historical buildings. Soak up the friendly Yuletide atmosphere at Hall's traditional Christmas Market – but don't fill up on too much Krapfen & Kiachli because a highlight medieval banquet awaits in a 700-year-old building. After delighting your palate with Austrian specialities & wine, it's a merry drive back to Innsbruck!

Through the German Alps to Oberammergau, Neuschwanstein & Munich

Travel into the beautiful scenery of the German Alps to visit Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634. See the immense theatre & admire the colourfully painted chalets, then continue to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. Visit exuberantly decorated apartments including the Throne Room & Lohengrin Grotto before driving on to the Bavarian capital of Munich.

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Munich

After a restful night's sleep, enjoy a city orientation tour which concludes in the Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, famous for its Glockenspiel. Here, beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich's traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light & music. Tonight, join your friends for a festive Celebration Dinner with wine & good cheer!

Auf Wiedersehen Munich!

After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Munich Airport at 09:30.

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