Salzburg’s baroque architecture looks its best at Christmas time, when the lights twinkle over the city and festive cheer abounds. Our short musical tour celebrates the local seasonal traditions with opera at the Landestheater, a Christmas music concert in the Fortress Hohensanzburg, overlooking the city, and a visit to the museum dedicated to the ultimate Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’. Of course, the Christmas markets are not forgotten either!


Thu 9 Dec Lunchtime arrival in Salzburg and we then check in at the 5-star Hotel Altstadt in the heart of Salzburg where a welcome drink will be served. Afternoon at leisure to settle in or perhaps to visit the Christmas market in the historic part of the city. Evening performance at the Landestheater.

Fri 10 Dec This morning join your guide for a Christmas walk through Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and home for many years. We visit his birth house where the Mozart family lived from 1747 to 1773, now a museum with the 2nd floor devoted to his operas. After making your own arrangement for lunch, we continue to nearby Hallein, where Franz Xaver Gruber composed the famous Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’. The museum dedicated to the story behind the carol contains many exhibits, including the guitar upon which the world-famous song was first performed. We then return to Salzburg to see the Christmas markets around Hellbrunn Palace. Optional evening ballet at the Landestheater.

Sat 11 Dec Today we journey from Salzburg into the scenic Salzkammergut, the Alpine region of lakes and mountains to the east of the city, which has inspired many an operetta melody. Pass through St Gilgen where Mozart’s sister lived, and visit the spa resort of Bad Ischl, popular with the 19th century Viennese elite. Lunch is arranged in a traditional restaurant. After lunch we visit the Christmas market in Bad Ischl and enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Return to Salzburg for the evening performance.

Sun 12 Dec Transfer to the airport for your homeward journey

Flights: British Airways

Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.