Compare Austria –Salzburg Lakes & Alpine Foothills by Buddy Bombard's Europe vs Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna by G Adventures
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 7 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 1,849 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 264 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
| Description |
Lovely Salzburg, nestled between two mountains on the banks of the Salzach River, is dominated by rich scenery and its enormous 11th century fortress. Baroque villas, churches, and palaces ringed by gardens and fountains preserve its old world charm. Nearby is the striking region of crystal lakes and rolling hills made famous in “The Sound of Music,” offering us magnificent landscapes of great natural beauty for entertaining you each day in our balloons |
Europe is filled with timeless cities — but there is one time of year where some of them really twinkle, sparkle, and shine: the holidays. On this seven-day adventure, you’ll tour the historic Christmas markets of not one but five different destinations. You’ll sip some warm Glühwein as you wander through Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin, travel by train to Nuremberg, search for handmade ornaments in Munich, visit local Christmas markets just outside of Salzburg, and get into the festive cheer while you walk through the Viennese Christmas markets. So dig out your best scarves and start practicing your Yuletide carols, because no one does Christmas quite like Europe. |
Day 1
Our trip begins at 3 : 00 p . m . at 5 star Hotel Schloss Fuschl , the restored 15 th century former hunting castle of the Archbishop of Salzburg. After checking in for four nights we’ll depart for a late afternoon balloon adventure through the area’s gorgeous Alpine foothills, returning to our historic hotel for dinner
Day 2
After breakfast we’ll take a walking tour through Old Salzurg , birthplace of Mozart and filled with elegant Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture . Walk the lively Getreidegasse , a quaint old lane with romantic passageways, narrow old houses and posh boutiques . We’ll lunch at 5 star Sacher Hotel and depart For our afternoon balloon adventure through the Lakes District, followed by dinner at Schloss Fuschl .
Day 3
Morning drive to the ancient village of St . Gilgen , where we’ll board a lake steamer and cruise to the picturesque old town of St . Wolfgang, prized for its 15th century houses and world – famous Baroque style church filled with magnificent alters and works of art . We’ll be hosted for lunch by one of Salzburg’s most celebrated personalities and our very good friend, Princess Manni Wittgenstein, in her lovely Alpine home . The Princess entertains us with wonderful tales of her fascinating life and thoroughly enjoys helping us make your Austrian experience a lifetime memory . Late afternoon balloon adventure through the beautiful Austrian landscape made famous in “The Sound of Music”, returning to Schloss Fuschl for dinner .
Day 4
Today we’ll explore the ancient village of Hallstaat , a secluded gem and easily the most striking lakeside village in the region .This tiny hamlet clings to a ledge at the foot of a great mountain of salt, surrounded by the towering Dachstein mountains . To more fully appreciate its beauty we will cruise the shoreline in a small fleet of electric boats, viewing ancient boathouses and quaint wooden homes built centuries ago . A major Celtic archaeological landmark, the treasures unearthed here are so extensive that one era in Celtic studies ( 1, 000 – 500 BC) is called “the Hallstatt period . ” Pre –luncheon rafting party on the lake before dining in a charming local restaurant . Late afternoon balloon adventure through the summer meadowlands the Alpine Austria – Salzburg Lakes & Alpine Foothills with Buddy Bombard age3 of 3 foothills, followed by our farewell dinner party .
Day 5
Our trip ends after breakfast at Schloss Fuschl .
Day 1 Berlin
Arrive at any time. After settling into your hotel, attend a welcome meeting with your CEO before enjoying a local dinner as a group.
Day 2 Berlin
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.
Day 3 Berlin/Munich
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.
Day 4 Munich/Salzburg
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Munich on your own. View the streets from above with a climb up to the tower of Old St Peter’s Church, 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. Depart for Salzburg in the afternoon and stop at the Hellbrunner Christmas Market. This especially atmospheric Christmas Market has been held here for almost 20 years and features over 700 conifers decorated with red Christmas balls and lights immersing the area in a warm glow. In the evening, you’ll have a chance to visit more of Salzburg’s markets with your CEO and group.
Day 5 Salzburg/Vienna
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 some local Christmas markets en route. Once in Vienna 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. In the evening, opt to go for dinner as a group and continue experiencing the capital of Austria.
Day 6 Vienna
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. 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. Choose to visit famous landmarks in the city like, The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Vienna City Hall.
Day 7 Vienna
Depart at any time.
