Austria & czech republic
We meet at Malta International Airport at 07:00 for flight KM514, which departs at 09:25 and arrives in Vienna at 11:45. From there, we proceed to Linz, making a brief stop in St. Pölten, the modern capital of Lower Austria, renowned for its Baroque architecture. There, we visit the old town square and key cultural landmarks such as the Landhausviertel and the State Museum. We then continue with another stop in Enns, considered the oldest town in Austria, where we see the City Tower and the Basilica of St. Lawrence. We then proceed to Linz for check-in at the centrally located Hotel Goldener Adler 3*. In the evening, we take a familiarization walk through the historical city centre to soak in the first impressions of the Christmas atmosphere.
After a buffet breakfast, we embark on a fascinating excursion to Passau – a picturesque German city known as "The Three River City" where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. The town is dominated by beautiful Baroque architecture, and highlights include the impressive Cathedral of St. Stephen, home to the largest church organ in the world. We’ll also see the Rathaus and the University of Passau. A walk through the Old Town offers time to enjoy the city's popular Christmas Market. Later, we return to the hotel.
Today, we head out to the stunning Wachau Valley to visit Dürnstein and Krems. Our first stop is the charming village of Dürnstein, located along the Danube River and famous for its wine production, quaint historic centre, and the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. We stroll along the cobbled streets, admire Baroque architecture, and visit the Abbey Church with its distinctive blue tower. We then continue through scenic landscapes to Krems an der Donau, a town with over 1,000 years of history, where we will have time to enjoy the local Christmas Market.
Discover with us the village of Hallstatt, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This enchanting Austrian village is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Together with the tour leader, we explore the area including the Church of the Assumption of Mary and the famous Bone House (entry extra). Those interested can opt for a funicular ride (extra) to visit the oldest salt mine in the world (entry extra), from which we’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over Lake Hallstätter. A visit to Hallstatt wouldn’t be complete without taking a lake cruise (extra), where you can relax and take in the serene natural surroundings.
After breakfast, we depart for the city centre of Vienna, the city of waltzes, where we enjoy a city tour exploring its historical splendour. We visit impressive landmarks such as the Rathaus, the Parliament building, the grand Ringstraße, Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Free time will follow to further explore and enjoy the festive cheer at Vienna’s magical Christmas Markets.