An Imperial Christmas in Vienna

Experience Vienna's unique Christmastime magic, as the city is filled with strands of white fairy lights that hang across the streets like falling snow frozen in time. With its fairytale buildings, shop windows glistening with seasonal treats and the aroma of sweet spices filling the air, Vienna at this time of year is like stepping into the pages of a storybook. We take in the highlights of this Imperial city and celebrate Christmas Day with a classical concert in a Viennese palace.What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossingsFirst & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in Germany (last night with a light evening meal)5 nights at the Hotel Marienhof, Unterkirchbach (JG3 rating) with breakfast plus 3 dinners (includes traditional Austrian Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve)Traditional turkey lunch on Christmas Day1 dinner in a traditional wine tavern1 dinner at a local Vienna restaurantGuided walking tour of Vienna's Old Town & guided city tour of ViennaGuided tour of Klosterneuburg AbbeyFree time at Schönbrunn Palace New Year MarketCoffee, liqueur and Sachertorte in a traditional caféClassical concert and glass of sparkling wine in a Viennese palaceScenic tour of Vienna WoodsLocal guide on excursions

Itinerary
22nd DecemberFerry to Calais and overnight stay in Germany.23rd DecemberContinue on to our hotel in the Vienna area, arriving in time for dinner.Christmas Eve - Guided walking tour of Vienna's Old Town & traditional Viennese caféWe enjoy a guided walking tour that introduces us to the beautiful Old Town of Vienna. Vienna's historic centre is rich in grand buildings and monuments and is especially pretty at Christmas when the streets are brightly illuminated. Afterwards, we shelter ourselves from the cold in a traditional Viennese café where we enjoy some festive treats including coffee, liqueur and Sachertorte.Christmas Day - Guided city tour of ViennaAfter Christmas Day lunch at our hotel, we enjoy a guided city tour of Vienna, where we take in the main sights including the Opera House and the Imperial Palace. Later, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.Boxing Day - Schönbrunn Palace New Year Market, a guided tour of Klosterneuburg Abbey & Vienna classical concertOur final excursion begins with some free time to explore the Schönbrunn Palace New Year Market, an annual fixture filled with festive lights and a wide selection of stalls in an elegant setting. We then enjoy a guided tour of the 900-year-old Klosterneuburg Abbey, famous for its sacred art treasures. Later, after dinner at the hotel, we enjoy a classical concert at the Vienna Palais.27th December - Scenic tour of Vienna Woods & dinner in a traditional wine tavernWe head off on a scenic tour of Vienna Woods, a pretty forested area outside Vienna. Our tour includes visits to Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Mayeling Hunting Lodge and an evening meal in a traditional wine tavern (Heuriger) that includes wine and live Viennese music.28th DecemberTravel to our overnight hotel in Germany, with a light evening meal included.29th DecemberContinue on to Calais for our return ferry home.

Vienna
The Austrian capital is bursting with artistic and historical heritage to be explored on our coach holidays, most particularly with its grand cathedrals and palaces including the St Stephens Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and the Belevedere Palaces consisting of two wonderful pieces of architecture.
This intellectual city also has a fantastic range of restaurants and bars which include traditional Austrian cuisines from the wiener schnitzel and apple strudel to international fusions - something for everyone!
See moreHotel
Hotel Marienhof, UnterkirchbachJG3 ratingNestled in the heart of Vienna Woods' gorgeous scenery, the Hotel Marienhof offers comfortable accommodation in the Austrian countryside. Hotel features include a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, wellness centre and free Wi-Fi in public areas, while the en-suite rooms offer satellite TV.Please note: In Austria, a twin/double room will have one double bed base structure with two separate mattresses and separate bed linen for each mattress.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.