Classical Vienna & Festive Markets
Vienna is a Christmas-lovers dream. You’ll find twinkling wooden huts, steaming-hot glühwein (mulled wine), and larger-than-life chandeliers and Christmas trees dotting the streets across the Austrian capital. Perfect for soaking up the magic of a culture-rich city turned winter wonderland, this holiday includes a journey by steam train to pretty Mariazell, a winter walk through the beautiful Vienna Woods, a traditional Austrian Heurigen evening, and an evening concert with classical music.
What you’ll love
- Streets illuminated by lights and giant chandeliers
- Travelling by steam train to Mariazell
- Exploring the gorgeous Vienna Woods
- Visiting Schönbrunn Palace and the Christmas markets
- Listening to classical music at an evening concert
- Enjoying a traditional Austrian Heurigen evening with music
What’s included
- Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
- Guided sightseeing with local leader
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 5 nights' accommodation in Vienna
- 5 breakfasts & 5 dinners
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Meet your local guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Relax and enjoy dinner together this evening.
A guided walk through Vienna reveals the city’s impressive art, music, and architecture. You’ll get to see all the big-name highlights, including St Stephen’s Cathedral and Michaelerplatz, home of the impressive 13th century Imperial Palace known as the Hofburg. We’ll also visit City Hall to browse the many Christmas market stalls. After dinner, we’ll head to the magnificent Vienna Kursalon or similar to enjoy interpretations of music by Strauss and Mozart.
Distance: 8 mile (13km)
Ascent: 984 ft (300 m)
Descent: 984 ft (300 m)
After breakfast, we’ll head to Vienna Woods for a leisurely three-hour hike to take in the winter scenes outside of the city. We’ll wind up at Tulbinger Kogel before visiting Heiligenkreuz Abbey for a guided tour. We’ll also discover the spa town of Baden, famous for its pretty Biedermeier houses. Tonight, our dinner will be at a typical tavern, or Heurigen, for a traditional Austrian three-course dinner served with a glass of local wine, accompanied by local musicians.
We’ll sit back and relax as we journey by steam train to Mariazell, the small town that’s also the country’s most famous pilgrimage spot. Here we’ll have time to soak up the traditional festive stalls before returning by coach to Vienna.
We’ll travel on the high road around Vienna, looking down on the city at a scenic stop before arriving at Klosterneuburg. This beautiful town just outside of Vienna is famous for its breathtaking abbey. Then back in the city, we’ll embark on an audio-guided tour of the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. There will be ample time to visit the Christmas market here, too.
Time to depart Vienna and return home with lovely festive memories.
Parkhotel Schönbrunn - Vienna
The delightfully-restored former guest house of Emperor Franz Joseph, this 4-star hotel is just a short walk away from Schönbrunn Palace. Opened in 1787, it hosted many a lavish ball in its opulent rooms. Nowadays, it has beautifully-appointed and comfortable guest rooms with modern amenities, a traditional Viennese coffee house for afternoon coffee and cake, and a bar for an evening cocktails. The restaurant serves local specialities.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
05 Dec - 10 Dec 2024 5 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
05 Dec - 10 Dec 2024 5 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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547Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
