Christmas in Central Europe, Vienna to Berlin
7 days, Vienna to Berlin
Itinerary
Day 1Vienna
Arrive at any time. After settling into your hotel, attend a welcome meeting with your CEO before enjoying a local dinner as a group.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your G for Good Moment: Magdas Hotel Stay Vienna
The global refugee and migrant crisis has displaced more than 60 million people around the world, and it's estimated that well over 100,000 refugees have settled in Austria alone. Magdas Hotel is changing the lives of these newcomers and their families by employing a staff consisting almost entirely of refugees. Not only that, but the social enterprise was also decorated by renowned local architects and volunteer artists, who found ways to use materials creatively while making a beautiful hotel.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Magdas Hotel Vienna (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Vienna
It’s all about Vienna today. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk around the city. Choose to visit famous landmarks like, The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Vienna City Hall.
Take a break and indulge in some coffee and cake in one of the famous Viennese coffee houses and then wander around Vienna’s Christmas Markets to experience the lively atmosphere of this European holiday tradition.
Christmas Market Visit
Visiting a European Christmas market is a bucket list trip for many and with good reason. There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through the wooden stalls of century old markets as music plays and snow falls. Sip hot mugs of gluhwein in the cold air, shop for hand—crafted ornaments or gifts, and snack on some classic treats as you explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Vienna CEO-led Tour
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walking tour of the capital of Austria. With sights like The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Vienna City Hall, there will be plenty to see as you become even more familiar with beautiful Vienna.
Your G for Good Moment: Magdas Hotel Stay Vienna
The global refugee and migrant crisis has displaced more than 60 million people around the world, and it's estimated that well over 100,000 refugees have settled in Austria alone. Magdas Hotel is changing the lives of these newcomers and their families by employing a staff consisting almost entirely of refugees. Not only that, but the social enterprise was also decorated by renowned local architects and volunteer artists, who found ways to use materials creatively while making a beautiful hotel.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Vienna Boys' Choir Visit
56-200EUR per personSit back and be transported by the sweet voices of the one of world's best known choirs. Founded in 1498, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is made up of boys aged 10-14 from Austria and around the world. Attend a live concert and learn what it means to be moved by music.
*Please note that the price of the ticket will vary depending on the seating you choose.
Hotel Sacher Visit and dessert
30-50EUR per personVisit the historic Hotel Sacher and get a taste of the world-famous Sacher Torte. It's a cultural experience as well as a delicious cake.
Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit
FreeSt. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s main landmarks complete with a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase to look out over the city.
Belvedere Gallery Visit
19EUR per personLearn some of the history of this beautiful palace and grounds and explore the impressive art collection. Of particular note, the museum's collection of 24 pieces by Gustav Kilmt, including his famous 'Kiss'.
Vienna State Opera House Visit
8EUR per personVisit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house's main features and learn about the history of the building.
Accommodation
Magdas Hotel Vienna (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Vienna/Salzburg
Depart for Salzburg in the morning as a group, stopping at some smaller local Christmas markets en route. Once in Salzburg head to more Christmas markets with your CEO before enjoying some free time to become acquainted with the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The group will be travelling from Vienna to Salzburg today and the drive will take about 6 hours including all stops. It normally takes 3 to 4 hours to reach Salzburg from Vienna with no stops included.
Christmas Market Visit
Visiting a European Christmas market is a bucket list trip for many and with good reason. There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through the wooden stalls of century old markets as music plays and snow falls. Sip hot mugs of gluhwein in the cold air, shop for hand—crafted ornaments or gifts, and snack on some classic treats as you explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time to see all that Salzburg has to offer. From historic squares to castles perched on top of hills, there will be no shortage of options for your evening of freedom.
Accommodation
Hotel Lasserhof (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Salzburg/Munich
Today, take your time and see more of Salzburg on your own. Walk the historic squares and quaint little side streets of Salzburg Old town. Climb Festungsberg Hill to visit Hohensalzburg Castle, or check out the birthplace of Mozart and visit the museum there.
Depart for Munich in the afternoon and stop at the Hellbrunner Christmas Market. This especially atmospheric Christmas Market has been held here for almost 20 years and features over 700 conifers decorated with red Christmas balls and lights immersing the area in a warm glow. In the evening, you’ll have a chance to enjoy some free time to explore the Christmas markets in Bavaria’s capital with your CEO.
Christmas Market Visit
Visiting a European Christmas market is a bucket list trip for many and with good reason. There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through the wooden stalls of century old markets as music plays and snow falls. Sip hot mugs of gluhwein in the cold air, shop for hand—crafted ornaments or gifts, and snack on some classic treats as you explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time to see all that Salzburg has to offer. From historic squares to castles perched on top of hills, there will be no shortage of options for you choose from.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as the group travels from Salzburg to Munich.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to explore Munich. Window shop in Marienplatz, Munich's central square, visit the Munich Residenz, or tour St. Michael's, the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.
Accommodation
AWA Hotel Munich (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Munich/Berlin
This morning, if timing allows, view the streets from above with a climb up to the tower of Old St Peter’s Church.
Then, the group will travel to Nuremberg to visit one of the oldest Christmas Markets in the world and arguably the most famous. Make sure to try some Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a German cake or cookie that is similar to gingerbread, before wandering through this charming winter fairytale filled with wooden stalls, old-fashioned carousels, and if you’re lucky some lazy snowflakes. Afterwards, hop on a train to transfer to Berlin where you’ll stop for the night.
Christmas Market Visit
Visiting a European Christmas market is a bucket list trip for many and with good reason. There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through the wooden stalls of century old markets as music plays and snow falls. Sip hot mugs of gluhwein in the cold air, shop for hand—crafted ornaments or gifts, and snack on some classic treats as you explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time in Munich to get to know the city and visit more Christmas markets in Bavaria's capital.
Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and travel to Berlin, Germany.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as you journey to Nuremberg.
Accommodation
AC Hotel by Marriott Berlin Humboldthain Park (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Berlin
Set out on an orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings. See famous sights like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the historical Museum Island. Enjoy a Bratwurst/Currywurst tasting and do some shopping in Alexanderplatz. End your day with visits to the Christmas Markets in Gendarmenmarkt square searching for handmade souvenirs to bring home as you sip some warm Glühwein (mulled wine) and wander through the little stalls.
Christmas Market Visit
Visiting a European Christmas market is a bucket list trip for many and with good reason. There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through the wooden stalls of century old markets as music plays and snow falls. Sip hot mugs of gluhwein in the cold air, shop for hand—crafted ornaments or gifts, and snack on some classic treats as you explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Berlin Orientation Walk With CEO
Enjoy a comprehensive introduction to Berlin. Discover the city's history with your CEO and make stops at famous landmarks like the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie and renowned museums.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall
FreeThe very name Berlin conjures images of the famous Berlin Wall. Two sections of the original structure still remain on display; the East Side Gallery, where artists have decorated the remaining section of the wall, and the Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer). View these remnants of history that once divided east from west.
Judisches Museum Visit
8EUR per personThe Judisches Museum is one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe. See how architect Daniel Libeskind's design evokes three important elements of the past two centuries; the intellectual, economic and cultural contributions of Jewish citizens in Berlin, the reality of the Holocaust, and the recognition of their absence from Berlin (and beyond) following the Second World War. See evocative collections and displays.
Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit
13-23EUR per personFor an amazing view of Berlin, visit the famous Berlin Television Tower. Bring your camera and take panoramic photos from the viewing room, then grab a drink and snack at the cafe located 203m (666 ft) above ground.
Brandenburg Gate Visit
FreeThe Brandenburg Gate is a spot of great historical significance. Witness the spot where hundreds of thousands of people were finally able to cross from the east side to the west after the fall of the wall. Walk the cobblestones of the surrounding Pariser Platz and mingle with locals who continue to gather here to see stage shows and celebrate public events.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
FreeLearn about the history of the “Iron Curtain,” the physical, political and emotional barrier that once separated Berlin under the Communist Eastern Bloc and their neighbours to the west. At Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer), see a complete section of the wall, and look from the east side to see the remains of an electric fence in the so-called “death strip.” Discover the stories of those who died trying to escape to the freedom of West Berlin.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit
17.50EUR per personDown the street from the Berlin Wall is the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, a museum that documents the history of the wall, and interestingly, many of the different ways people tried to escape. From hot air balloons to one-man submarines, learn about the tenacity and creativity used by those desperate to cross from the east to western side.
Accommodation
AC Hotel by Marriott Berlin Humboldthain Park (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Berlin
Depart at any time.