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Day 1, December 2, 2008: Departure
Depart your gateway city for Munich, Germany aboard Lufthansa or similar carrier.
(Provided for air-inclusive participants only.)
Day 2, December 3, 2008: Salzburg
Motorcoach transfer to the heart of Salzburg and the Crowne Plaza Salzburg -
The Pitter. (Transfer provided for air-inclusive participants only.) The remainder
of the morning and afternoon are at leisure. This evening, gather for a festive
Welcome reception.
Day 3, December 4, 2008: Salzburg
Optional Excursion: Salzburg Walking Tour. A leisurely walking tour throug its
picturesque cobbled streets begins at the breathtaking 17th-century Mirabell
Palace. Inside this baroque showpiece, admire Raphael Donner's stunning staircase
decorated with opulent angels. Then, stroll by Salzburg Cathedral with its expansive
4,000 pipe organ and elaborate frescoes. See St. Peter's Church, richly adorned
with artwork, and Mozart's birthplace that houses his original string instruments.
Wander along the brightly decorated Getreidegasse in the heart of the Old Town
shopping district. Explore the glittering Christkindlmarkt at Mirabell Square
and warm up with sips of glühwein, delicious mulled wine, on the Domplatz.
Optional Excursion: Mozart Walking Tour. Discover the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart on this afternoon tour. After composing his first piece at the astonishing
age of 5, Mozart penned a prolific 626 works in his brilliant career, including
scores of symphonies and over a dozen masses. Visit his home in Makart Square,
which is now a museum documenting his family's life.
Day 4, December 5, 2008: Salzburg
Lecture and Performance: The Family von Trapp and a Christmas Concert. Learn
about the von Trapp family, immortalized in the movie, The Sound of Music. Complete
your stay in Salzburg by attending a children's group performance of Christmas
carols in the tradition of Salzburg's most famous residents, the von Trapp family.
The remainder of the morning and the early afternoon are at your leisure. Included
Excursion: Schloss Hellbrunn. Set out on a fairy tale voyage to elegant Schloss
Hellbrunn. This beautiful, 17th-century Renaissance palace was built by Salzburg's
Prince Archibishop Markus Sittikus von Hohenems; it was designed to rival the
Italian villas that were in vogue at the time. The palace has a spacious park
which hosts one of Austria's most celebrated Christkindlemarkts.
Day 5, December 6, 2008: Salzburg
Enjoy a day at leisure in Salzburg, which has many fine sights such as the impressive
Hohensalzburg Fortress. The glorious backdrop for the film The Sound of Music,
Salzburg sparkles during the holidays. Optional Excursion: Horse-drawn Sleigh
Ride. There's no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Austrian Alps than by
sleigh. The horses will take you through breathtaking forests and farmland where
you will pass by chalets and even cross-country skiing parties. Break for lunch
at a picturesque chalet before resuming your sleigh ride.
Day 6, December 7, 2008: Steyr & Vienna
Included Excursion: Highlights of Steyr. Delightful Steyr has a variety of architectural
styles that make this town a charming stop on the way to Vienna. Romantic medieval
Steyr inspired Schubert to compose his Forellenquintett. Step back in time in
one of the most remarkable town squares in Europe where Gothic, Renaissance,
baroque and rococo architectural styles blend in harmony around the lovely Bummerlhaus.
Visit the amazing Pilgrimage Church of Christkindl. Founded in 1708 on the site
where a healing miracle occurred, it is famous for its crèches, or nativity
scenes. Marvel at the ingenious mechanical manger created by Karl Klauda where
300 figures are set in a biblical landscape and synchronized to the Christmas
music of a Bohemian organ. The crib created by M. Pöttmesser features 778
figures and is one of the largest in the world.
Early this evening, arrive in Vienna and check into the InterContinental Wien
hotel.
Day 7, December 8, 2008: Vienna
Optional Excursion: Vienna City Tour. This morning take a panoramic tour of Vienna
to see St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace's Imperial Apartments, the
city hall, opera house and more. A city of time-honored elegance and style, Vienna's
Romanesque architecture takes on an ethereal ambience when draped in holiday
trimmings. Travel around the famous Ringstrasse and see the Gothic City Hall,
the impressive Parliament Building built in Greek Classical style; the Burgtheater
- Europe's second-oldest theater; and the State Opera House that seems to echo
with melodic notes penned by its famous composers Beethoven, Schubert and Mozart.
A walk through the winding lanes of the historic city center enouters the Hotel
Sacher, the birthplace of Vienna's famous torte, and St. Stephen's Cathedral,
one of Europe's greatest Gothic structures. Visit the Imperial Apartments of
Hofburg Palace. The sprawling winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty for over
600 years, the 19-chamber apartments and state rooms evoke the courtly traditions
and royal lifestyles of the 19th century. Included Excursion: Vienna's Holiday
Market. A shuttle will take you to the Christkindlmarkt in front of the the Vienna
city hall. Wander through the many booths to find the perfect Christmas presents
and decorations to bring home for yourself, family and friends. Shop the vast
Christmas Market set on the City Hall Square and absorb the joyful sense of contentment
termed locally as gemütlichkeit.
Day 8 December 9, 2008: Vienna
Enjoy a day at leisure or participate in an optional excursion in the morning.
Optional Excursion: Schonbrunn Palace and Christmas Market Tour. Explore the
opulent 17th-century Schonbrunn Palace before stopping at the palace's Christmas
market. Tonight, gather for a festive Farewell Reception at the hotel.
Day 9, December 10, 2008: Return
Travel by motorcoach to the airport for your return to your gateway city. (Provided
for air-inclusive participants only.)
Note: Itinerary may change due to local conditions. Many excursions
in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions
are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
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* Scheduled jet service to Munich, Germany, with a return from Vienna, Austria
aboard Lufthansa or similar carrier.*
* Deluxe motorcoach transfers to and from the airports and hotels, including
baggage handling.*
* Deluxe motorcoach transfer between Salzburg and Vienna.
* Welcome and Farewell Receptions.
* Full American buffet breakfast daily.
* In Salzburg:
* First-Class accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Salzburg - The Pitter.
* A concert of traditional Christmas carols performed by a children's choir.
* An excursion to Scholss Hellbrunn, a 17th-century castle.
* In Vienna:
* Deluxe accommmodations at the InterContinental Wien.
* Visit medieval Steyr, famous for its exquisite churches.
* Consultation services of a Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
* A Concierge Desk, supervised by an AHI Travel Director, at your hotels to provide
assistance and concierge services.
* Services of an experienced AHI Travel Director throughout your trip.
* Deluxe travel wallet.
* Detailed travel and destination information to assist in your planning.
* All domestic and foreign airport and departure/governmental taxes and fees.
* Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance for all passengers ticketed by AHI International,
subject to policy terms.*
* Provided for air-inclusive participants only.
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Crowne Plaza Salzburg
- The Pitter
Known for its fine accommodations and a warm, welcoming style, the Crown Plaza
Salzburg is located in the heart of the city. Each guestroom is a spacious retreat
from the holiday bustle of the city and the hotel's comforting amenities include
fitness center with indoor pool, a sauna and a selection of fine dining restaurants.
InterContinental
Wien, Vienna
Relax in an atmosphere of elegance and style at the InterContinental Wien,
ideally situated just minutes from Stephansplatz. With state-of-the-art facilities,
including numerous restaurants and a fully equipped health center offering massage
and beauty treatments, the hotel also boasts a friendly, efficient staff and
luxurious guestrooms replete with every imaginable amenity.
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