DAY 1 Munich

Arrivals day in Munich, where you will be met and transferred to the Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, for a two night stay in Munich. A Leading Hotel of the World, the Charles is centrally, yet quietly, located between the Karlsplatz and Königsplatz at the Old Botanical Garden within easy walking distance to many of the city’s key attractions.

Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the elegant surroundings of this luxury hotel.

DAY 3 Munich to Salzburg

Mid-morning, you will be transferred to Munich railway station to enjoy a drinks reception before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Marking the beginning of your voyage of a lifetime, a Bavarian inspired-Oompah brass band will perform as the train departs from the station, and our cabin attendants will be there to escort you to your private en-suite cabin.

As our train weaves its way out of Munich we take lunch in the Restaurant Car as we enjoy the spectacular Bavarian scenery unfolding before our eyes as we head across the border into Austria for our first stop this afternoon in 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.  Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the baroque 17^th century palace is easily one of the most stunning landmarks in the city and made famous in more modern times as a location used in The Sound of Music. A short distance from the palace on Market Square (Marketplatz) we will see the former Mozart Residence, now a museum. From here we will cross the Makartsteg bridge into the Old Town and walk along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous street which is renowned for its wrought-iron trade signs and the birthplace of Mozart.

The rest of our evening in Salzburg will be spent at the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in the world, which is held on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. Its unique location in the middle of the World Heritage Old Town of Salzburg, the traditional stalls and its long history make the Salzburg Christmas market something very special. The Christkindlmarkt offers incomparable holiday ambiance – bells ring out from onion-domed churches, the scent of fresh pine mingles with the aroma of cinnamon-sprinkled mulled wine in the crisp winter air, and cheerful groups huddle around festive market stalls.

DAY 5 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. We will explore this beautiful city, with a panoramic tour of the grand boulevard encircling Vienna’s historic quarters. From here we will enjoy a traditional ‘Fiaker’ (horse-drawn carriage) ride through the charming city streets, before sampling the traditional Pirker gingerbread in front of magnificent St Stephen’s.

Hofburg Palace has been the heart of power in Vienna since 1279, so naturally it is rich with history that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Once the Habsburg’s winter residence, this massive palace complex now serves as the workplace and home of the President of Austria.  During our visit we’ll meet a choir who will provide a short concert of traditional Viennese Christmas folk songs.

After lunch we continue to the Schönbrunn Palace, with a tour included. The palace also provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market and is perhaps the most classically stylish of all the Vienna markets. The exclusive assortment of booths includes traditional handicrafts, pretty Christmas decorations and toys. Sweet, spicy, and hearty temptations are waiting on every corner and enchant the huge square in front of the palace with enticing aromas.

DAY 7 Budapest

Budapest is an alliance of two cities separated by the River 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 panoramic city tour includes the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. We will also see the Parliament, 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. You may want to visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or warm up and head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating Christmas dip.

This evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner and reflect on the memories made from this wonderful winter escapade across Central Europe.