This itinerary has been prepared up to a year ahead and things can change.  Modifications may be made. For the most accurate information use our website at www.afstravelers.com 

Dec-1 Depart USA

Departure – Fly USA to Vienna (return air from Munich. Air details and all coming soon in your trip tips.)

Dec-2  Welcome to Austria!                      D

Vienna is a city so rich in history, culture in architectural beauty. It both stunning baroque architecture from Schonbrunn to the Belvedere Palace , as well as the iconic Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. It’s also home to world renowned museums, including Kunsthistorisches museum and the Albertina to appreciate works of art spanning the centuries. Music lovers are thrilled to visit the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. The Vienna State Opera offers unforgettable evenings of classical music and ballet. Vienna’s culinary scene is a delight full mix of traditional Austrian dishes and modern fusion. Indulge in tasty pastries like Sacher torte in the cities elegant coffee houses. Winter is enchanting as warm lights cast a glow while snowflakes swirl. There are inviting cafés with the richest hot chocolates and mulled wines. Enjoy ice-skating at the famous Rathausplatz. It’s a sophisticated atmosphere all around you in this elegant and timeless city.

Arrive Vienna International Airport and transferred to our hotel. (One common group transfer from airport to hotel.  Details in trip tipd.) Depending on your arrival times, relax or explore this beautiful city. Everything centers around the fabulous squares of Saint Stephen’s and City Hall. Tonight we gather for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant to get to know our fellow AFS Travelers.

Overnight at Leonardo Vienna  https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/vienna/leonardo-hotel-vienna

Dec- 3 Best of Vienna Tour                        B

After breakfast, prepare for a full day revealing this classy city's wonders. We start with a guided tour of imperial Schonbrunn Palace to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. This is Austria’s most popular attraction. Vienna is the former center of the Habsburg Empire, and this place presents real history! See fantastic art and furnishings in the many staterooms. Admire the expansive gardens, courtyards, fountains and sculptures and much more. The corridors echo to the sound of Empress Maria Teresa planning royal weddings here in the 1700s. Mozart performed to the courts behind these walls. So much opulence acts as a monument to the decadence of the nobility in times past. For more details, visit www.visitvienna.com

Will proceed for a walking tour of approximately 3 hours.  Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city is Austria’s national symbol, located on Stephanplatz Square, a UNESCO world heritage site. The magnificent cathedral is known for its intricately tiled roof with stunning lookout views. With its dark Gothic spires and imposing Belltower, it’s an architectural wonder both inside and out. Learn about the great historic significance and the Habsburg dignitaries buried here.

“Secret rooftops & catacombs “   Enjoy a guided tour and explore the roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral with breathtaking views of the heart of Vienna. Next to the North Tower elevator is the entrance to the catacombs underneath the cathedral, an underground burial place that contains the mausoleum of the bishops, the tombs of Duke Rudolph the Founder and 14 other members of the Habsburg family, and 56 urns with the intestines of the Habsburgs buried between 1650 and the 19th century in the Imperial Burial Vault.  For those feeling fit, from the south tower, you can climb the 343 steps of a tight spiral staircase leading up to the watchman's lookout 300 feet above street level; it was once used as a fire warden's station but now serves as an observation point offering great photos.

Next we visit the famous Spanish Riding School. The Spanische Hofreitschule is the oldest and last riding school in the world, where classic dressage is still practiced in its purest form. This Institute was founded in 1572 and its very name gives away the fact that the horses were of Spanish origin. The Lipizzaner is regarded as the oldest classic horse race in Europe.

We will have our tickets to enjoy a training session. The training offers you an insight into the exercises of the riders with their Lipizzaners. You will see both the exercise of the often still grey young stallions and the fully trained school stallions - our "white stars" - in the imperial setting of the baroque Winter Riding School, accompanied by classical Viennese music.  The training of the horses includes relaxation exercises, the refinement and perfection of lections, as well as the targeted strengthening of muscles. To keep the horses motivated the famous Schools above ground, which are presented during the performances, can be seen only sometimes at the training.

At days end, our guide and coach will transfer you to the hotel or drop you off at the city’s greatest Christmas Market! Revel in all the delights presented here.  Unlike smaller towns which only have one main Christmas market, Vienna has over a dozen Christmas Markets.

Overnight at Leonardo Vienna

Dec-4   Melk Abbey Tour & Salzburg                  B

Checkout and drive to Salzburg enroute stop to visit beautiful Melk. On the banks of the winding Danube river, past crumbling castles, quaint towns with orange-topped roofs and vineyards is one of Austria’s most iconic sites: Melk Abbey. The monastery is impossible to miss—especially for those approaching the town on a river cruise—as it’s perched high on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful town below. Its sunshine yellow facade is a welcoming sight, and the twin spires and huge octagonal dome make for an inspiring scene.

Visit Melk Benedictine Abbey
Built-in the early 1700s as a royal palace, Melk Abbey was eventually gifted to Benedictine monks who turned the estate into a fortified abbey. Today, despite being open to tourists, it continues to serve its religious purpose and is home to hundreds of pupils training to become monks. While monk sightings at the Melk Abbey aren’t guaranteed, stunning lookout points, incredible architecture and some rather shocking surprises make it well worth a visit.

Continue to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. In December, there’s magic in the air and Salzburg, with its snowcapped peaks and frost-tinged baroque architecture, transforming this picturesque city into a breathtaking wonderland. The charming old town, or Altstadt, brims with history and culture. Roam the quaint cobblestone alleyways with centuries-old buildings blanketed in powdery snow.  At night, stroll through the delightful Advent markets that illuminate Salzburg squares with a warm festive glow, whimsical sense of baked treats and warm wine wafting through the air. The Christkindlmarkt in front of the fortress remains one of Europe’s oldest and most authentic Christmas markets, dating back over 500 years! Winter comes alive with music and waltzing with Salisburg’s opulent cultural scene of concerts, ballet and opera. Despite its snowy landscapes, you’ll have a heartwarming encounter with winter charms here.

Check into our hotel, an ideal retreat of contemporary elegance. Enjoy the indoor heated pool, Finnish sauna, gym, free Wi-Fi and bar set in a great location.

Overnight at Wyndham Grand Salzburg

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham-grand/salzburg-austria/wyndham-grand-salzburg-conference-center/overview

Wyndham Grand Salzburg is a modern oasis amidst baroque grandeur, our hotel offers contemporary elegance, superior service, and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Situated in central Salzburg, only 5km from the airport, we provide convenience for those seeking to explore the stunning Alps.  Indulge in a refreshing swim in our heated indoor pool, relax in our Finnish sauna, or stay active in our well-equipped Fitness Center. Enjoy the convenience of free WiFi and make use of our fully-equipped business center for increased productivity. At our BarRoque bistro and bar, experience trendy takes on traditional Austrian cuisine.

Dec-5      Sound of Music Tour                                        B

After breakfast, we embark on our guided tour to the picturesque World Heritage City of Salzburg and then the beautiful landscapes where the scenes of the movie The Sound of Music were filmed!  The Sound of Music Tour Salzburg includes original shooting locations from "The Sound of Music" movie: Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie Nonnberg Convent, where Maria was a novice, Schloss Leopoldskron, the house, where the Trapp Family lived in the movie which is now a luxury hotel, Hellbrunn Palace (singing scenes in the movie), Gazebo (now placed in Hellbrunn), where the Baron von Trapp kissed Maria for the first time Church Mondsee, where Maria and the Baron get married.

Later, we coach through the hills to the charming town of Oberndorf - the birthplace of the world-famous carol "Silent Night". Find out more about the history of "Silent Night" composed and first performed in Oberndorf in 1818, and take a stroll through the picturesque town. We will visit the Silent Night Chapel and Museum for a unique experience delving into the history of this Christmas carol and its creators, Gruber and Mohr. It showcases historical exhibits that provide insight to their lives and social context. You can listen to many translations of the song at your phone stations in the sound room.  Here, visitors embrace the Christmas spirit with lasting memories.  So much to do here. It's free to visit the cool Red Bull museum. At night, easy to arrange Mozart dinner, Mirabella palace concert and horse drawn sleigh rides.  Return to the hotel.

Overnight– Wyndham Grand Salzburg

Dec-6 -  Innsbruck  - Lagenfeld                      B & D

Check out. Depart Salzberg to Innsbruck to visit the world-famous Swarovski Crystal World. You'll enter a realm of fantasy designed by some of the greatest artists in the world. Explore the Chamber of Wonders and the illuminated art installations around the gardens with Christmas themes here. Free time to shop for crystal art and jewelry at great prices.

Continue our drive around two hours into breathtaking Lagenfeld, a village nestled in Otzal Valley and surrounded by majestic Mountains. Check-in for 2 glorious nights at Aqua Dome Tyrell Thermal Resort. It brings wellness to a new dimension as you are carried away into a world of the most unique thermal baths, spas, saunas and swimming pools! Don your hotel robe for the full day to explore each amazing chamber. Then we gather in the restaurant for artisanal gourmet dinners.

Overnight - Aqua Dome https://www.aqua-dome.at/en/

Delight in the culinary treasures and comfortable ambiance of our rooms, crafted with natural materials, abundant wood, and inviting tones. Our modern alpine setting will envelop you in relaxation and tranquility. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of nature and revive your body and soul.

Your stay includes - Daily Thermal Vital Arrangement with a sumptuous breakfast buffet, Dinner (5-course menu of your choice, served or offered from the thermal-bath buffet). Use of the thermal bath, sauna and fitness world.  SPA 3000 a huge area for hotel guests only, free Wi-Fi, fresh fruit and robe in room.