Austria

Munich, Bavaria's glittering capital - "Munich nestles between art and beer like a village between hills." Originally written by Heinrich Heine some 150 years ago, these words have remained true up until today.

One of Germany's most endearing Christmas customs, remains the Christmas market, outdoor fairs with ornaments, toys and gingerbread loaded stalls, and where the mouthwatering scent of sizzling sausages and mulled wine lace the cold air.

Many German cities organize lovely Christmas markets, and certainly Munich is a leading contender for the best. Christmas in Munich is also the time for music, when musicians perform the "Christmas Oratorio" by Bach, and churches resound with carols. There is much more of course to Munich than the sights, sounds and smells of the festive season: The city provides some of Europe's finest museums and picturesque neighbourhoods.

Day 1: Munich

Arrival in Munich, transport to the hotel, activities depend on arrival time.

B/ Munich

Day 2: Munich

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast we will enjoy a guided city tour. In the afternoon we will explore the Christmas market in the heart of the city at Marienplatz, with the lighting of a 30m high Christmas tree which sparkles in all its splendor when the 2500 candles are lit. On the Rindermarkt, only a short walk away from the Marienplatz, Germany's largest manger market beckons. From the lanterns for the manger to the fodder for the ox and donkey, beaming cherubs and the gifts of the Magi, the market has all it needs to create an authentic manger. Christmas mangers have been a long tradition in Munich. Tasting "Gluehwein" (spiced hot wine) or "Punsch" (glogg) and some of the finest "Lebkuchen" (gingerbread) is a must. This evening we will have dinner in a traditional restaurant.

B/B Munich

• Guided city tour
• Christmas market Marienplatz
• Manger market

Day 3: Munich

Today we will have a stroll through the inner city, visiting some churches and spending time in the "Pinakothek", one of the finest art galleries in Europe. If there is time left, one might enjoy shopping for some souvenirs or presents in one of the numerous luxurious boutiques. In the evening we will attend a concert, followed by supper.

B/B Munich

• City walk
• Visit of the Pinakothek
• Concert

Day 4: Munich - Salzburg

After breakfast we leave for Salzburg. On arrival we check in at the hotel followed by a light lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon we will have a guided city tour on foot to the most interesting places of Salzburg, like the Old Town, the Dom, the Residenz and all the other famous squares and places. Salzburg's most famous Christmas market, situated within the great scenery of the Dom and the Residenz Palace, attracts young and old. To get there just follow the smell of roasted almonds, hot chestnuts and of course "Gluehwein" and "Punsch"! The magic of Christmas comes alive with the sounds of the choirs, musicians and church bells, a tradition which is over 500 years old...a living tradition.

B/B Salzburg

• Train ride to Salzburg
• Afternoon city tour
• Christmas markets

Day 5: Salzburg

Today we will discover more of Salzburg and its surrounds. The afternoon is at your leisure for relaxing, shopping or strolling among the gaily decorated streets of the city centre. It will surely get you into the holiday spirit! In the evening we attend a musical event followed by supper.

B/B Salzburg

• Surrounds of Salzburg
• Evening concert

Day 6: Salzburg - Kitzbuehel

We depart at 14h00 for Kitzbuehel. The morning is at your leisure. You have the option to visit the "Hohe Festung" Salzburg, a fortress built in 1077. It is the largest fully-preserved fortress in central Europe. At our arrival in Kitzbuehel we check in at the Hotel where we will also have dinner.

B/B/D Kitzbuehel

• Hohe Festung Salzburg
• Drive from Salzburg to Kitzbuehel
• Dinner at the hotel

Day 7: Kitzbuehel

We will take a walk through the Old Town and visit the "Kitzbueheler Christmas Market". This market is a reminder of how Christmas used to be: festive, peaceful, simple and beautiful. When you hear the gentle chimes of the Katharinenkirche church bells ringing and become captivated by brass bands, Christmas stories and musical performances – then you know Christmas is near. Our lunch will be in one of the Tyrolean chalets up in the mountains. We will ride the cable car up to the summit and have a splendid panoramic view of the Kitzbueheler Alps. In the late afternoon I would suggest to take some time to relax and prepare for Christmas Eve. In the tradition of the Continent Europe, Christmas Eve is the time when the main celebration takes place. We will attend a Christmas gala dinner, and anyone who would like to see a midnight mass is more than welcome to do so. This beautiful experience will surely always stay in your memory!

B/B/D Kitzbuehel

• Kitzbüheler Mountains
• Cable car ride
• Christmas market
• Celebration Christmas Eve
• Christmas Eve Gala Dinner

Day 8: Kitzbuehel

Christmas Day is a Day of harmony and peace. We will start the day with a hearty breakfast and take a stroll through the lovely neighbourhood of our hotel. In the afternoon we will ride a horse-drawn sleigh , which will take you around the unspoilt surrounds of Kitzbuehel and the Schwarzsee. Optionally you could play ice curling, have hot chestnuts and gluehwein or punch. This evening we will have our farewell dinner amongst all our new friends and fellow travellers.

B/B/D Kitzbuehel

• Horse sledge ride
• Ice curling
• Farewell dinner

Day 9: Kitzbuehel – Munich Airport

Transport to Munich Airport for those who do not opt for the additional programme.