Compare Austria –Salzburg Lakes & Alpine Foothills by Buddy Bombard's Europe vs Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 9 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 2,473 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 275 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| 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 |
Journey through the snowcapped peaks of the Austrian Alps on this grand tour of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, Salzburg’s 500-year-old Christmas Market and Munich’s six-story tall Christmas tree. Warm up with a mug or two of Glühwein at the Innsbruck Christmas Market before indulging in an exclusive Insight Choice, taking a horse and carriage ride through the romantic streets of the Old Town or a tour of the world of Swarovski Crystal. At the Salzburg Market Tasting experience, meet with a local market stallholder for an exclusive sampling of gingerbread, washed down with a glass of mulled wine. In Neuschwanstein, follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps on a tour of the fairytale-like castle that reputedly inspired him, complete with extravagant decorations and breathtaking views. |
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: Welcome to Vienna
At Vienna airport, transfers for your hotel leave at 10:00, 13:00 and 15:30. Meet your Travel Director at 18:00 and travel to a local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over a delightful meal and wine.
Hilton Vienna Park.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Vienna sightseeing
At this time of year, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia and romance, with concerts, nativity displays and many official Advent Markets selling a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Explore Vienna with Insight Choice. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during an inclusive workshop and take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard is built along the lines of the old city walls and showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Residence. You also see the City Hall and its surrounding parklands, festively decorated in a sea of lights – the perfect setting for the Viennese Christmas Market.
Hilton Vienna Park.
Breakfast
Day 3: To Enchanting Salzburg Relaxed Start
Journey through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria towards the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and the enchanting city of Salzburg.
ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: The City of Mozart Relaxed Start
Come December, the spires and domes of Salzburg’s old town are often draped in snow. Walk with your Local Expert to see Mozart’s family home on the Getreidegasse, beautifully decorated at this time of year. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte. Then head on to the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Culinary delicacies, candied fruits, hot mulled wine and the lovingly decorated stalls invite visitors to stop and browse. Here your Travel Director will introduce you to a market stallholder to enjoy sampling a Viennese winter dessert, complemented perfectly with a traditional fragrant glass of Glühwein.
ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.
Breakfast
Day 5: A scenic drive to Innsbruck Relaxed Start
A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley and the mountain-ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Explore Innsbruck with Insight Choice, perhaps join a horse & carriage ride or visit the magical world of Swarovski Crystal. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal accompanied by local Tyrolean entertainment and music.
AC Hotel Innsbruck.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Neuschwanstein and Oberammergau
Travel to the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. With a Local Expert, visit the exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room, before continuing into the beautiful scenery of the German Alps to visit Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634. See the immense theatre and admire the colourful painted chalets before driving on to the Bavarian capital of Munich. Please note: Neuschwanstein Castle visits require a good level of mobility due to the number of stairs in the building and uphill, on-foot access to the castle during winter. Those who do not wish to ascend to the castle can enjoy a coffee and cake, while admiring the beautiful castle vista.
Munich Marriott Hotel.
Breakfast
Day 7: Munich Relaxed Start
Enjoy an orientation of the city which concludes in Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, famous for its Glockenspiel. Beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a festive Celebration Dinner with wine and good cheer!
Munich Marriott Hotel.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Auf Wiedersehen Munich!
Your departure transfer arrives at Munich Airport at 07:00 and 09:00.
Breakfast
