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A Winter Journey Through Austria’s Most Beautiful Scenes
One of our most popular winter trips is back with a fresh new look, combining Austria’s two most iconic cities with the enchanting landscapes of the Alps. From imperial Vienna and aristocratic Salzburg to Innsbruck, the lakes of the Salzkammergut, and the much-photographed Hallstatt, every day reveals a different side of the country. Snow-capped mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, medieval towns, Baroque palaces, and traditional Alpine villages create a setting that looks like something out of a winter fairy tale. This is a full yet carefully planned itinerary that goes beyond the classic sights. It takes you to the heart of Austrian nature and offers you sights and experiences that are hard to fit into an ordinary trip.
Join us on this journey because we offer:
A revamped and exclusively designed itinerary through Austria’s most beautiful winter landscapes.
Direct flights from “Macedonia” Airport.
Ideal flight schedules, with morning departures and evening returns, for truly full days.
Luggage included on flights at no extra charge
Selected 4- and 5-star hotels in prime central locations.
A combination of Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck in a single trip.
Visits to Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang, and the lakes of the Salzkammergut
Organized tours as well as carefully planned free time.
An experienced tour leader accompanying the group throughout the trip.
Comfortable transportation in Greek tour buses, which remain at the program’s disposal.
The organization and safety provided by our experienced team, which has been taking care of every one of your trips since 1988.
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
We’ll meet early in the morning at “Macedonia” Airport, go through security, and take a direct flight to Vienna or Bratislava, depending on the departure date. After arriving and collecting our luggage, we’ll meet our tour guide and begin our journey right away. Thanks to the early morning flight, we have the entire first day at our disposal, and the breathtaking scenery begins right from the very first hours. As we cross the Austrian interior, we leave the Danube Valley behind and head toward the Central Alps and the idyllic Salzkammergut lake region. The route, winding through lush green or snow-capped slopes, serene lakes, and villages with traditional houses and wooden balconies, offers some of the most beautiful sights of the entire journey. Our first major stop is the beautiful St. Wolfgang, built on the shores of the lake of the same name. We’ll stroll through its picturesque alleys, among the colorful traditional houses, visit the historic pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang and the famous “White Horse” inn—Weisses Rössl. We’ll have time to enjoy the village’s unique atmosphere and, during the holiday season, a glass of mulled wine by the lake. We’ll then head to Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and one of Europe’s most atmospheric cities. Baroque architecture, aristocratic palaces, historic squares, a rich musical tradition, and the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress combine to create a setting of unique beauty. This is where Mozart was born, and it is here that many of the most iconic scenes from the legendary film *The Sound of Music* were filmed. During our tour of the historic center, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will visit:
the Mirabell Palace and Gardens,
the imposing Salzburg Cathedral,
the historic Getreidegasse with its ornate iron signboards,
the house where Mozart was born,
the central squares of the Old Town,
the Glockenspiel Tower with its 35 bells.
Transfer and check-in at the hotel. The evening is free for a first stroll through the illuminated alleys of the old town, a drink or dinner at one of Salzburg’s traditional restaurants or atmospheric hangouts.
After breakfast, we set out on an exciting full-day excursion into the heart of the Tyrolean Alps. The journey through impressive mountain ranges, alpine valleys, and picturesque villages is in itself one of the trip’s most memorable experiences. Our destination is Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and a favorite city of Empress Maria Theresa. Built in the Inn River valley and surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Alps, Innsbruck combines imperial history with the atmosphere of a cosmopolitan mountain destination. Our tour of the historic center begins at the famous Golden Roof, the city’s most iconic symbol. We continue along the elegant Maria-Theresien-Strasse and visit St. James’s Cathedral, the imperial Hofburg Palace, the Court Church with the monument to Emperor Maximilian I, and the Triumphal Arch. You’ll have free time to stroll through the colorful alleys of the old town, enjoy a coffee with a view of the snow-capped peaks, sample Tyrolean delicacies, or do some shopping. In the afternoon, we return to Salzburg. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy your last night in Mozart’s city. Take a stroll along the Salzach River, explore the illuminated alleys of the historic center, or choose a traditional Austrian restaurant for dinner.
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Salzburg and set off for one of Europe’s most famous and most photographed destinations: the fairytale-like Hallstatt. Nestled between Lake Hallstätter See and the steep slopes of the Alps, Hallstatt looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. Traditional houses clinging to the hillside, wooden balconies, narrow streets, and the serene lake create one of Austria’s most beautiful Alpine settings. The area boasts a history stretching back thousands of years and is part of the UNESCO-protected Hallstatt–Dachstein/Salzkammergut cultural region. We’ll have time to stroll through the historic square, explore the picturesque alleyways, and take photos of the famous panoramic view of the village with the lake and mountains in the background. We’ll then head to the famous Wachau Valley, following one of the most beautiful routes along the Danube. Vineyards, medieval settlements, castles, and traditional wine-growing villages come together to form a landscape rich in history and legends. We’ll arrive in Melk, known for its impressive Benedictine abbey, which towers majestically over the Danube. Its magnificent Baroque architecture, historic library, and unique location in the Wachau Valley have made it one of Europe’s most important monastic complexes. Later, we depart for Vienna, the city of music, palaces, and imperial elegance. Arrival, transfer, and check-in at the hotel. After a short rest, you can take your first evening stroll through the illuminated Austrian capital. Stroll along the elegant boulevards of the historic center and end up at St. Stephen’s Square, the true heart of the city, for dinner, a drink, or an atmospheric stroll through Vienna at night.
Our panoramic tour introduces you to some of the most important sights of the Austrian capital. We pass by the distinctive Kunst Haus Wien, inextricably linked to the unique architectural world of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and continue on to the imposing Belvedere, the Baroque palace complex originally built as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and now home to one of Austria’s most important art collections. We continue on to Karlsplatz, where the impressive Karlskirche stands out, and we see the famous Musikverein, one of the world’s most important venues for classical music, known to millions of television viewers from the famous Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert. Next, we enter the legendary Ringstrasse, the grand boulevard that encircles the historic center and is, in itself, an open-air museum of architecture. Along its length, we’ll see the State Opera House, the imperial Hofburg complex, the imposing twin museums of Art History and Natural History, the MuseumsQuartier, the Austrian Parliament, the historic Burgtheater, City Hall, the University, and the impressive neo-Gothic Votivkirche. And somewhere around here, we really start to feel like we’re in Vienna at Christmas! In the City Hall area, we come across the famous Rathausplatz, which during the holiday season is transformed into one of the most impressive Christmas settings in Europe. Illuminated trees, festive stalls, music, and aromas create the atmosphere that has made Viennese Christmas celebrations famous around the world. Try a warm Glühwein or Punsch, roasted chestnuts, Austrian sausages, and of course the famous Kaiserschmarrn, while ice skating enthusiasts can enjoy the unique experience of ice skating amidst the city’s festive setting. Afterward, you can stay in the city’s festive center and spend your time as you wish—strolling, shopping, visiting museums, enjoying coffee, and dining. Our guide will be available to suggest options based on your interests, and you can return to the hotel on your own at any time you wish. Alternatively, join us on an optional tour of the famous palaces…
Schönbrunn & Belvedere If you’d like, join us on an optional excursion (€20) to two of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks: the famous Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the impressive Belvedere Palace. At Schönbrunn, we’ll have plenty of time so that everyone can choose how they’d like to enjoy their visit:
Stroll through the imperial gardens of Schönbrunn and enjoy the view of the majestic palace. Access to most of the gardens is free, and the imposing setting is one of the most beautiful spots in Vienna for taking photos.
Step inside the palace and discover the glamorous world of the Habsburgs. Tour the imperial apartments of Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth—the legendary Sissi— through the magnificent reception halls and the rooms associated with Maria Theresa. Amid ornate halls and authentic spaces of the imperial court, you’ll gain a unique insight into the daily life of one of Europe’s most powerful dynasties. The Palace Ticket includes an audio guide, and the tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Ticket price: €42 for adults and €30 for children ages 6–18.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Schönbrunn Christmas market, right in front of the palace. Dozens of stalls offering handmade items, Austrian delicacies, and hot beverages create a wonderful setting, and after Christmas, the market continues as the New Year’s Market.
There’s another excellent option: the famous Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the oldest zoo in the world. Founded in 1752, it is now home to approximately 500 animal species, many of which are endangered. Admission: €29 for adults and €17 for children and teens ages 6–18. Children under 6 are free.
Belvedere Palace We continue on to the magnificent Belvedere, one of Europe’s most important Baroque palace complexes and the former summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. We’ll have time to enjoy the palace’s exterior and gardens, one of Vienna’s most photographed spots, and, provided it’s open this year, we’ll also visit the palace’s Christmas market while soaking up the area’s unique festive atmosphere. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel to rest.
An Evening with Mozart & Strauss And when you’re in Vienna, the world capital of classical music, there’s one experience that’s truly worth having: an authentic Viennese concert. Even if classical music isn’t your first choice, the atmosphere of a historic concert hall, the musicians in their formal attire, and the melodies of Mozart and the Strauss family create one of the most distinctive experiences of a trip to Vienna. Depending on the date and performance schedule, we choose one of the city’s distinctive venues: the imposing Hofburg with the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra or the elegant Palais Börse with the Vienna Residence Orchestra. Be sure to make your reservation well in advance, as the best performances are in particularly high demand during the holiday season. A day filled with imperial history, art, a festive atmosphere, and music comes to a close in the most Viennese way possible.
They say that all good trips must come to an end… but ours still has a whole day ahead of us, filled with sights and experiences! After breakfast, we’ll leave Vienna and head toward the famous Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), a lush green area dotted with small villages, monasteries, and aristocratic resorts, which served as a source of inspiration for great artists and composers. Our first stop is the historic Heiligenkreuz Abbey—the Monastery of the Holy Cross—one of Austria’s most important monastic centers. Founded in 1133, it is the second-oldest Cistercian monastery in the world that has been in continuous operation since its founding. Set amid the tranquil landscape of the Vienna Woods, the impressive complex combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural elements. We continue on to the famous Mayerling, the former hunting lodge of the Habsburgs, which has been forever linked to one of the greatest mysteries of European royal history. Here, in January 1889, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Rudolf, the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph and Sissi, and the young Baroness Maria Vetsera were found dead. The famous “Mayerling tragedy” remains shrouded in mystery and legend to this day. The beautiful route through the Vienna Woods then takes us to Baden bei Wien, the elegant spa town that was a favorite resort of the imperial court. We’ll stroll through its historic center and see the impressive Casino Baden, City Hall, the Holy Trinity Column, and the famous Beethovenhaus, the house where Beethoven lived intermittently and worked on his 9th Symphony. A little free time for coffee and a stroll, and then we’ll continue.
Bratislava – A Second Capital Before We Head Home And since we want to make the most of every last day of our trip, we cross the border and head to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and one of the most charming small capitals in Central Europe. Built on the banks of the Danube and just a stone’s throw from Austria, today’s Bratislava was known for centuries as Pressburg/Pozsony and played a decisive role in the history of the Kingdom of Hungary. From 1563 to 1830, the coronations of eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens took place at St. Martin’s Cathedral. We’ll explore its beautifully preserved historic center, with its colorful buildings, small squares, and cobblestone streets. We’ll see the famous St. Michael’s Gate, one of the city’s oldest surviving structures, the Old Town Hall, the central square, and the elegant mansions of the old town. We’ll pass by the imposing St. Martin’s Cathedral, while the distinctive four-sided Bratislava Castle towers over the Danube, one of the symbols of the Slovak capital. And here lies yet another important chapter in European history: the Treaty of Pressburg was signed in Bratislava in 1805, following Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, between France and Austria. We’ll have some free time in the Old Town for a final stroll, a coffee, or some last-minute shopping, and then we’ll head to the airport for our direct flight home. A journey that began in imperial Vienna concludes with scenes of the Vienna Woods, historic monasteries, imperial tales, elegant Baden, and yet another European capital. Auf Wiedersehen, Austria, and Dovidenia, Bratislava! Until our next trip…
Notes: The order of the itinerary is subject to change without any omissions. For the departure on 12/30 with Aegean, due to flight schedules, on the first day we’ll travel directly to Salzburg without any stops along the way, and on the last day, the excursion to Bratislava is not included.
The possibility of a refund and/or any deductions depends on the terms of the specific package, the time of cancellation, and the respective suppliers. For your specific case, please review the General Terms and Conditions or contact us.
Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage may be available, depending on the destination and itinerary. For available options and coverage terms, please contact us or refer to the General Terms and Conditions.
The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this particular package, please contact us.
The itinerary is based on available routes and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip for operational reasons and/or due to unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.