Christmas in Austria, New Year in Italy

Christmas in Austria

• Dec 22 - We travel to Belgium and stop for an overnight stay.
• Dec 23 - We continue south through the rolling hills of southern Germany and arrive at our hotel for five nights in the Austrian Tirol. B,D
• Christmas Eve - Innsbruck (included). We visit the capital of the Tirol to enjoy the Christmas markets and explore the city's charming old town. We'll also visit the glass-blowing centre of Rattenberg in the Inn Valley. B,D
• Christmas Day - Kitzbühel (included). An excursion to the world-famous ski resort of Kitzbühel. Why not opt to ride the gondola up the majestic Hahnenkamm mountain for some breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. We return to the hotel for tonight's turkey Christmas dinner. B,L,D
• Boxing Day - Mayrhofen (included) with Ziller Valley Railway (optional). We travel the short distance to Fugen in the Ziller Valley where you can take a ride on the steam train to Mayrhofen (optional, for those not wishing to take the train, the coach will take you to Mayrhofen). Free time in Mayrhofen, with an optional horse and sleigh ride, before returning to the hotel. B,D
• Dec 27 - Salzburg (optional). Today we visit Salzburg, the stunning birthplace of Mozart. Our optional guided sightseeing tour will ensure you see the best of the city. B,D
• Dec 28 - We travel south to the Italian Riviera or Lake Garda, where we stay for six nights (please see below for itineraries). B,D

New Year in Italy - with a choice of two destinations:

• Dec 29 - Nervia Valley (included). A half-day scenic excursion through the Nervia Valley. B,D
• Dec 30 - St. Paul de Vence and Cannes (optional). Excursion to the charming medieval town of St. Paul de Vence, with its wonderful sea and mountain views. Later, we visit Cannes, home of the famous film festival, with its beautiful tree-lined Boulevard de la Croisette. B,D
• New Years Eve - Eze and Nice (included). Excursion to the village of Eze, perched high above the Mediterranean. Then to Nice and its seafront Promenande des Anglais. We return to the hotel for a gala dinner. B,D
• New Years Day - Laigueglia and Diano Marina (included). We enjoy a leisurely morning, before an excursion along the coast to Laigueglia and Diano Marina. B,D
• Jan 2 -Monaco and Monte Carlo (optional). We visit the principality of Monaco, the world's smallest sovereign state. We then spend time in glitzy Monte Carlo. In the evening, the hotel hosts a farewell candlelit dinner, followed by piano music. B,D
• Jan 3 - We spend a night in northern France. B
• Jan 4 - We continue to Calais for our return journey home. B

• Dec 29 - Wine Tasting (optional). Morning at leisure, then our excursion to a local wine cantina to sample some of the region's excellent produce is highly recommended. B,D
• Dec 30 -Madonna di Campiglio (included) and Cable Car Ride (optional). Today, we enjoy the chic ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio in the spectacular Brenta Dolomite mountain range. We get a closer look at the mountains with a breathtaking optional cable car ride (weather permitting). B,D
• New Years Eve - Verona (included). We visit Verona, home of the Roman Arena and Juliet's Balcony. Then, a five-course gala dinner and dancing in the evening. B,D
• New Years Day - Lake Garda Boat Trip (optional). Relax during the morning before a boat trip on Lake Garda. B,D
• Jan 2 - Venice (included) and Lagoon Cruise (optional). We discover the beauty of Venice on today's excursion, with the option of a Lagoon Cruise. B,D
• Jan 3 - During our journey home, we spend a night in Belgium. B
• Jan 4 - We arrive in Calais for our return journey home. B

B=Breakfast Br=Brunch L=Lunch D=Dinner