Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Austria
Austrian Winter Wonderland
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Night view of Salzburg in winter ©Tourismus Salzburg GmbH
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Christmas Market in Salzburg, Residenzplatz ©Tourismus Salzburg- GmbH, Guenter Breitegger
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Christmas Market in Salzburg ©Tourismus Salzburg GmbH
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Metz Christmas Markets © Philippe Gisselbrecht-Office de Tourisme de Metz
Walk in an Austrian Winter Wonderland: Begin the festive season with a little sparkle!
Why not build festive cheer by heading to an Austrian winter wonderland? Based in the picturesque village of St Johann im Pongau, discover the Salzburgerland region, just 50 miles south of the charming city of Salzburg.
Head to Salzburg, a city of rambling streets, shops with traditional metal signs and beautiful buildings. Breathtaking at any time of year, Salzburg is especially beautiful during the Christmas period. Explore the Christmas markets and shop for local gifts or get cosy with hot chocolate and delicious pastries in traditional cafes. Also located nearby is the beautiful lakeside town of Halstatt. When winter comes to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s oldest and most photographed villages, it takes on a fairytale quality. Perhaps take a cruise across the lake and soak in the iconic scenery featured on many Christmas cards. Another wonderful excursion takes you to the famous Zell am See lake and the nearby colourful town of Kitzbühel. And relax in St Johann, a town that boasts shops, bars and cafes, all within walking distance of the hotel in the heart of the village centre. The mountain scenery will give the break a festive feel with many snow covered peaks visible from the hotel.
With Austria’s awe-inspiring scenery and a host of magical European Christmas markets, this tour is truly special. Embrace the festive season and welcome festive cheer on this winter wonderland tour to Austria. Also, en route to this stunning winter wonderland, you have the opportunity to visit one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. From your overnight hotel in Metz, you can explore this charming French town’s atmospheric Christmas markets.
Dates
December 2025 and 2026 (excl Christmas and New Year)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart from your local area in the UK and make your way to Dover for a ferry crossing. After arriving in Calais, head to Metz, where you can relax in the hotel or, if time allows, wander around Metz Christmas markets and soak up the festive atmosphere of France’s second largest markets. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Austria
Depart after breakfast continuing the journey through France and Germany, arriving at your hotel in Austria in time for dinner.
Day 3
At Leisure (driver’s rest day)
Wrap up warm and stroll around the traditional village of St Johann im Pongau. In the afternoon, why not relax and make use of the hotel’s excellent swimming pool and spa facilities? With a heated outdoor pool open all year round, you don’t have to get wrapped up to soak in the scenery.
Day 4
Excursion to Hallstatt
Embark on a half-day excursion to the quaint village of Hallstatt. Nestled between the edge of Hallstätter Lake and the towering Dachstein mountains, Austria’s oldest and possibly most photographed village is something like a mirage in the Salzkammergut Lake Region.
The best way to experience the magnitude of this beautiful village is with a ferry ride across the lake (subject to weather conditions in winter). As the arresting scenery of a tiny village tucked between mountains and water comes into view, you will immediately want to know more about this destination. Take a short walk from the market square to take your very own snapshot and capture the delightful houses built into the mountain, the glass-like lake, and the amazing mountains in the background.
Day 5
Christmas Shopping in Salzburg
Explore Salzburg today with a guided walking tour, then spend time at leisure to further enjoy the romantic fairy-tale city and birthplace of Mozart. It offers a combination of history, art, culture and architecture surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Stroll around the Salzburg Christmas markets. With its traditional flair and special atmosphere, the markets are the perfect setting to get into the Christmas mood. The beautiful Cathedral Square, the traditional stalls and the quality of products sold charm visitors year after year. The streets are filled with unmistakable smells of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, potato pancakes, mulled wine and much more.
Day 6
Zell am See & Kitzbühel
The busy town of Zell am See has long been a favourite with visitors from the UK. Sitting on the banks of Lake Zell, and with the Hohe Tauern mountains behind, the setting is often described as one of Austria’s most beautiful.
We will continue to medieval Kitzbühel, where there’s time to explore this town of colourful buildings and quaint churches. Enjoy the town’s charming Christmas markets or perhaps head to the picturesque lake, known to freeze over in winter.
Day 7
Depart Austria
Depart after breakfast for the homeward journey, stopping overnight once again in the Metz area. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening
Day 8
Return to the UK
Continue the homeward journey towards Calais and take the ferry across to the UK, and home.
Featured hotel
Hotel Brückenwirt in St Johann im Pongau ****
Popular centrally located family-run hotel. All bedrooms with balcony and seating area. The hotel has a lift to all floors, restaurant with menu choice for dinner, café and heated outdoor pool. Free entrance to wellness area and sauna. Live music and dancing (seasonal). Free coach parking available at the hotel.
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- Brückenwirt St Johann im Pongau Restaurant
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- Brückenwirt St Johann im Pongau Double room
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- Hotel Brückenwirt, St Johann im Pongau, Austria
| Departure date | 8 days/7 nights | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|
| December 2025 and 2026 | Price on request | Price on request |
