Day 1 : Welcome to Zagreb
Transfers to your hotel will be departing from Zagreb airport. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the nearby King Tomislav Square and try ice skating. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Accommodation : Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Day 2 : Zagreb Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk and see the art Pavillion, the academy of Sciences and Art and pass Zrinjevac Park. We then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotršcak Tower, take a walk back down through the Stone gate and back to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure. Relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities or perhaps take an Optional Experience to the Zagorje region to learn about the local traditions and visit the house of Marshall Tito?
Accommodation : Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Day 3 : The Postojna Caves and Ljubljana
Leave the Croatian capital and head to neighbouring Slovenia and visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Later, arrive to charming Ljubljana and tonight enjoy a dinner of Slovenian specialities with wine.
Accommodation : Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Day 4 : Ljubljana Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as an ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafes and restaurants. Spend time at the Christmas markets, rich with the heady aromas of sweet treats and drinks. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Accommodation : Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Day 5 : The Slovakian Capital of Bratislava
Today’s journey takes you through Austria. In Graz see the Castle Hill and Town Hall in the well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city centre on your orientation. Walk among colourful buildings, take a stroll along River Mur and explore the festive market stalls. Travel past the Foot of the Alps as you make your way towards Bratislava. Spend your night in the charming Slovakian capital and take a walk in the Old Town to sample the delicious offerings of the Christmas markets.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza Bratislava.
Day 6 : Bratislava Sightseeing and Vienna
Bratislava might be one of the smaller capitals in Europe but it has a long and rich history influenced by various cultures and nations. Explore Bratislava with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert to see the main sights of the city. Enjoy the vistas form the Bratislava Castle then take a walk in the charming Old Town among 19th century palaces and see the Slovak National Theatre, Michael’s Gate and the Old Town Hall. Alternatively, an avid foodie takes you around the market on a Christmas food tour. Enjoy time at leisure and maybe try some of the Slovakian dishes for lunch before travelling to nearby imperial Vienna.
Accommodation : Hilton Vienna Park.
Day 7 : 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. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. 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.
Accommodation : Hilton Vienna Park.
Day 8 : 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. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte.
Accommodation : ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.
Day 9 : 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. 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.
Accommodation : ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.
Day 10 : 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. Choose to visit the magical world of Swarovski Crystal or enjoy a horse & carriage ride. In the evening, enjoy a highlight dinner.
Accommodation : AC Hotel Innsbruck.
Day 11 : Linderhof and Oberammergau
Travel to the Linderhof Palace, 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.
Accommodation : Munich Marriott Hotel.
Day 12 : Munich Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert for a unique guided journey through Munich’s Advent traditions, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore the quieter streets besides the Christmas Markets to learn about well-known Christmas customs and uncover traditions that have largely been forgotten today. In Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, see the famous 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!
Accommodation : Munich Marriott Hotel.
Day 13 : Auf Wiedersehen Munich!
Your departure transfer will be arranged to Munich Airport.