Overview
Depart on a wondrous journey through the picturesque snow-covered Austrian Alps, followed by an exquisite celebration of the festive season. A meticulously crafted itinerary is a sensory delight, expertly designed to immerse you in the magic of the most wonderful time of the year.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Champagne reception on departure
- Extended visits to the Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg and Munich
- See Vienna stunning Old Town by horse-drawn carriage
- Tasting experience of the traditional Pirker gingerbread in front of the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
BUDAPEST
Arrivals day in Budapest, where you will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (or similar) for a two-night stay.
Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of this art nouveau landmark where you can meet your fellow travellers ahead of this highly anticipated journey.
BUDAPEST
Budapest is an alliance of two cities separated by the Danube. The old city of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. Our city tour includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church, and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill.
We will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square, and the City Park. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Make sure to take the opportunity to stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city.
VIENNA
Late morning, you will be transferred to Nyugati station to enjoy a drinks reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Marking the beginning of your voyage of a lifetime, our private brass band will perform as the train departs from the station, and our uniformed train staff will be there to escort you to your private en-suite cabin.
As you settle in and enjoy your first delicious lunch onboard, the train will weave its way out of Budapest’s Nyugati station, before winding through Hungary’s whimsical wintery landscapes, before arriving at our first stop – Vienna.
VIENNA
A beautiful city to explore at any time of the year, but wintertime in Vienna is an extra special experience. Exquisitely illuminated with hanging lights of the Christmas markets, Vienna’s squares are brimming with culinary treats, handmade gifts, and quaint ornaments. This morning we will visit the Museum of Fine Arts which is the largest art museum in Austria and located right in the heart of the city.
Opened to the public in 1891, the main part of the museum’s collection is made up of artworks acquired by the Habsburg dynasty. We will also enjoy a trip to the Christmas market situated on Maria-Theresien Platz.
SALZBURG
Like a picture from the pages of a fairy-tale, Salzburg perfectly captures the charming cosiness of the festive season. The city sits snuggly in the northern foothills of the Alps, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, cut in half by the curves of the Salzach River. The Christmas markets, Advent concerts and local traditions continue to charm visitors in the magical city of Mozart.
This afternoon we explore the heart of the city, starting at Mirabell Palace.
MUNICH & SALZBURG
Following a leisurely breakfast onboard our private train, we make a visit to the DomQuartier, a unique cultural highlight in the heart of Salzburg. Over 400 years ago, the powerful prince archbishops began to transform the wealthy city of Salzburg into a baroque jewel and an urban masterpiece was created, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Residenz and cathedral area, complemented by the Benedictine monastery of St. Peter can be experienced as a continuous tour. The terrace above the Cathedral Arches reveals stunning views of the Salzburg historic district as well as the mountains surrounding the city. A special view to end our time in Salzburg.
MUNICH
Electrified by the indescribable buzz of yuletide cheer, Christmas in Munich is truly magic. One of the most famous of all the city’s Christmas markets is located on Marienplatz in the heart of the city. This centuries-old market, which had its beginnings in the 1600s, is a fresh mix of old and new – keeping to older Bavarian traditions, with mouth-watering Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts, presented alongside decadent sweet treats and intriguing electric creations.
Watching over, a majestically illuminated Christmas tree casts a charismatic glow over the bustling square – perfectly adding to the festive feel.
MUNICH
Following breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures.
Book This Tour
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Terms & Conditions
PAYMENT TERMS:
- 25% of the total tour cost due at booking
- 75% or the balance due no later than 95 days prior to departure
- For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
CANCELLATION FEES:
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96 days before departure: 25% cancellation fee
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95 - 65 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee
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less than 65 days before departure: 100% cancellation fee
Cancellations should be intimated by FAX to the corporate office in Miami FL.
The above times are based on European time. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes. An administration fees of 15% on any monies paid by the client will be charged prior to refund.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.
Inclusions & Exclusions
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
- Five-star pre and post tour accommodation
- Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
Service
- Cabin attendant service including evening turndown
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
Dining
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from Standard Bar list
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
Travel tips and FAQs for this tour will be provided upon booking.
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