Christmas in Vienna - Going Solo

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in the Frankfurt area of Germany.

We continue through the scenic European countryside, past rolling hills and winter landscapes, arriving in Vienna in time to settle into our hotel, which is located in the United Nations district of Vienna, just 500 metres from the River Danube.

We travel across the border to Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, for a guided tour through its historic heart, including Michael’s Gate, the Primate’s Palace and St Martin’s Cathedral (once the coronation church of Hungarian kings). There’s free time to soak up the festive atmosphere at the Christmas markets in the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square before we return to Vienna. This evening, we enjoy a special Christmas Evening buffet dinner at our hotel, followed by a classical Christmas concert in a beautiful Viennese palais – a truly atmospheric way to begin the celebrations.

Christmas Day in Vienna is unhurried and relaxed. This morning, there’s the option to attend a Christmas Day service at a nearby church. We then enjoy a traditional Christmas turkey lunch with an Austrian twist at the hotel, followed by free time to relax, enjoy the hotel's facilities, or take a gentle walk in the nearby parks or along the riverfront paths along the Danube. This evening, a light meal is served at the hotel.

We begin with a guided walking tour through Vienna’s atmospheric Old Town, before pausing at a traditional Viennese café to enjoy coffee, a liqueur and a slice of classic Sachertorte. A guided sightseeing tour follows along the grand Ringstrasse, passing landmarks including the State Opera House, the Burg Theatre and the Parliament building. This afternoon, we visit Schönbrunn Palace, where the Christmas market has transformed into a lively New Year Market. The day ends in style with a dinner cruise on the Danube, as Vienna’s illuminated landmarks glide by – a memorable way to enjoy the city after dark.

We travel to Krems, the gateway to the Wachau Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with free time to explore and enjoy lunch at leisure. This afternoon, we continue to the Kittenberg Adventure Gardens, beautifully transformed into a magical winter wonderland for Advent. Festive illuminations, seasonal displays and the Advent Magic in the Garden Christmas concert create a wonderfully atmospheric setting, with a warming cup of punch or mulled wine included. This evening, we come together for a farewell dinner at a traditional Heuriger wine tavern, accompanied by local music – a delightful way to end our festive journey.

We leave Vienna and begin our journey back towards Germany, travelling through winter landscapes as we head to the Frankfurt area for our overnight stay.