December 2-10, 2008 (9 days) From $1,595 pp/do, plus airfare and taxes

Capture the magic of the holiday season in Austria’s renowned, charming holiday markets. It’s a magical wonderland that reveres the age-old traditions of Advent, as well as the quaint custom of Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets). You’ll feel as though you’ve walked into the pages of a fairy tale written in the 14th century. Explore the mazes of wooden kiosks adorned with fragrant pine boughs, wonderful handcrafted decorations, and gifts. Begin the journey in the picture-postcard town of Salzburg, the setting for the beloved musical, The Sound of Music. Visit the Schloss Hellbrunn palace, a 17th-century early-Baroque castle. You’ll travel to the town of Steyr, known for its 18th-century Christkindl Church, known for its exquisite nativity scenes.

Then, you’ll arrive in Austria’s opulent capital, Vienna, where dazzling sights abound at every turn. You’ll experience Vienna’s largest holiday market, full of holiday spirit and adorned with decorative Christmas lights. The enchantment of the yuletide season lives during this special program that incorporates an itinerary of planned excursions with free time to explore two spectacular Austrian cities. Optional excursions include a walking tour of Salzburg, a visit to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s home, and a horse-drawn Alpine sleigh ride. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna, with a special visit to Scönbrunn Palace and its Christkindlmarkt. It’s a journey you can’t miss!

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