Holiday Markets of Vienna and Salzburg
November 28-December 6, 2008

Overview
Itinerary

Overview (Return to top)

Discover the magic of the holiday season with visits to Austria's renowned holiday markets. This special program combines an itinerary of planned excursions and free time at two of Austria's most spectacular cities with an exceptional value, making this a journey you won't want to miss. Begin in the picture postcard town of Salzburg, the setting for the beloved film The Sound of Music. Travel to the town of Steyr, known for its exquisite nativity scenes, before arriving in the opulent capital of Vienna, where dazzling sights abound at every turn. Optional excursions include a walking tour of Salzburg's highlights, a tour of Mozart's home, an Alpine sleigh ride, a panoramic tour of Vienna, and a visit to Sconbrunn Palace and its Christkindlmarkt.

Priced from $1,995 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Munich, Germany. (Flight provided for air-inclusive partipants only.)

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to Salzburg and the Crowne Plaza Salzburg~The Pitter. The remainder of the day is free to explore Salzburg. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a festive Welcome Reception. 

Day 3
Optional Excursion: Salzburg Walking Tour.  Cobbled streets, broad promenades, and charming squares provide Salzburg's endless appeal. Discover the stately 17th-century Mirabell Palace and the bustling Getreidegasse. In Mirabell Square, explore the Christkindlmarkt and try some warming gluhwein, delicious mulled wine.
Optional Excursion: Mozart Walking Tour. Discover the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on this afternoon tour. Visit his home in Markt Square, which is now a museum documenting his family's life.

Day 4
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.
The remainder of the morning and the early afternoon are at your leisure.
Included Excursion: Schloss Hellbrunn. This beautiful, 17th-century Renaissance palace has a spacious park which hosts one of Austria's most celebrated Christkindlmarkts.

Day 5
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 chalets and even cross-country skiing parties. Break for lunch at a picturesque inn before resuming your sleigh ride.

Day 6
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. Steyr is famous for its Christkindl church, a pilgrimate destination and the site of celebrated nativity scenes. Early this evening, arrive in Vienna and check into the InterContinental Wien hotel.

Day 7
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.
Included Excursion: Vienna' Holiday Market. A shuttle will take you to the Christkindlmarkt in front of 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.

Day 8
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
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city.