Day 1: To Mainz
We depart St Pancras International on the Eurostar service to Brussels, before speeding into Germany and our overnight hotel, the 4* InterCity Hotel Mainz, situated close to the station and just a walk from the charming cathedral and Old Town. (D)
Day 2: Through Germany to the Tyrol
After heading southwards by train through Bavaria, we cross the Austrian border to arrive in Kufstein and our hotel for five nights, the 4* Hotel Thaler. (B,D)
Day 3: Christmas Eve in Kufstein
We relax in Kufstein today as it prepares for the Christmas Eve celebrations. A guided walk will help you get your bearings and also included is an organ concert in a local church, followed by a festive Christmas dinner in the hotel. (B,D)
Day 4: Christmas Day in Salzburg
Our Christmas Day coach excursion takes us to Mozart’s hometown, Salzburg, which is arguably even more magical in its yuletide glow. Explore Salzburg’s myriad of quaint alleys and squares, before we enjoy free time at the Christmas Market. On returning to our hotel we enjoy dinner together. (B,D)
Day 5: Boxing Day on the Zillertal Railway
Heading westwards through the Inn Valley by train, we reach Jenbach, the terminus of the Ziller Valley Railway. Our included narrow gauge steam excursion winds its way through stunning scenery up the Ziller Valley to the charming village of Mayrhofen, which is one of Austria’s best-known winter resorts.We enjoy dinner back at our hotel. (B,D)
Day 6: At leisure in Kufstein
Enjoy a day exploring Kufstein further or maybe head out into the Inn Valley by train to one of the numerous quaint villages. Alternatively, Innsbruck is also easily reachable with a regular direct service. Our optional excursion takes you into Bavaria to the imposing Wendelstein mountain which is 6,030 feet (1,838m) high. Here you can enjoy a ride on the Wendelstein Rack Railway, dating from 1910, which stretches for almost six miles (10km) across twelve bridges and through seven tunnels. (B)
Day 7: Return to Mainz
Leaving Austria, we travel back across Germany for a final night in Mainz, the birthplace of printing pioneer Johannes Gutenberg, where we stay at the 4* InterCity Hotel. (B)
Day 8: Mainz to London
We head northwards to Cologne, changing for Brussels and our Eurostar connection to St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
Situated in the historic centre of Kufstein, the 4* Hotel Thaler boasts a restaurant, bar, lounge and café, plus a sauna and steam room. Bedrooms feature a bath or shower, wc, telephone, radio, satellite television and a minibar. The hotel’s Christmas package includes four-course dinners (where stated), a welcome schnapps, special Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, a guided walking tour of Kufstein with a visit to an organ concert in a local church, plus live music on one evening.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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