Classic One-Week Austria Culture and History Tour

"We loved the hotels, and our Vienna guide and driver were absolutely amazing. Couldn't have been happier with our experience with them."

The planning and organization for our trip to Germany and Austria was expertly handled by Zicasso's travel partner. We could not have asked for a better trip. 

We gathered our adult children and friends together to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the Old World. In and around Munich, we saw Neuschwanstein and many of the city's beautifully ornate churches. We also visited the Christmas markets and beer halls, and ate way to much fabulous German food. 

Our agent contracted private guides in Munich and Salzburg. These guides were superior. They had detailed knowledge of the area, its history, and people. 

We spent Christmas in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is a lovely, magical town in the shadow of Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze. On Christmas Day, I took the cable car up the mountain and the sights from the top were tremendous. On the day we were there, we could see 230km in all directions. Of course, when in the Alps, you must ski, so we visited Hintertux for a day of skiing and glacier exploration.  

Then we went to Salzburg to explore the sites of Mozart's birthplace, but there is so much more to the town than that. The town has over 1,000 years of history and the people there could not have been more hospitable. 

From there, we went back to Munich to celebrate New Year at Tollwood. 

Thank you, and a special thanks to our travel team for all the planning that went into the trip. It was pleasantly unforgettable. And I cannot forget our guides. The guides in Munich and Salzburg were excellent – extremely knowledgeable, personable, and always there when needed. I cannot wait to go back, and when I do, I will be planning our trip through your company.

Our three-week winter escapade to France, Switzerland, and Austria was nothing short of a magical journey through some of the most enchanting winter wonderlands Europe has to offer. From the romance of horse-drawn carriage rides to the charm of bustling Christmas markets, every moment was incredible.

France: A Parisian Winter Dream

We began our adventure in Paris, the City of Lights, which becomes even more captivating during the winter. The Eiffel Tower sparkled against the night sky and Paris offered a blend of elegance and festive cheer that set the perfect tone for the rest of our trip.

Another highlight was our visit to Colmar, a charming Alsace town that felt like stepping into a storybook. Its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and magical Christmas market made it an unforgettable experience, with festive lights and holiday spirit around every corner.

Switzerland: A Snow-Capped Wonderland

Next, we ventured to Switzerland, where the true magic of winter revealed itself. The highlight was our trip to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe." The journey up was as breathtaking as the destination itself, with panoramic views of snow-draped peaks and charming alpine villages. Once at Jungfraujoch, we were mesmerized by the endless expanse of snow and ice.

Equally unforgettable was our visit to First Mountain. The crisp air, thrilling walk, and ziplining added an adventurous touch. The view from the suspension bridge, with the mountains stretching endlessly into the horizon, was a sight that will forever be etched in our memories.

We also had the thrill of dog sledding near the Matterhorn. Gliding across snowy trails with a team of eager huskies was an exhilarating and unique way to experience the majestic mountain landscapes.

Austria: A Symphony of Tradition and Festivity

Our final stop was Austria, where the Christmas spirit was alive in every corner. The Vienna Christmas Market was a dream come true, with its illuminated stalls offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to mouthwatering strudels and mulled wine. Salzburg, with its Baroque architecture and snow-dusted rooftops, felt like stepping into a fairy tale. We also attended a classical music performance that added a touch of cultural richness to our holiday.

To top it off, we enjoyed a cozy, horse-drawn carriage ride through a picturesque Austrian village. Wrapped in warm blankets, we listened to the rhythmic clopping of hooves as we glided past snow-covered chalets and twinkling lights – a truly enchanting experience!

The entire trip was a seamless blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and festive joy. Each destination brought its own unique charm, leaving us with unforgettable memories of twinkling lights, snowy peaks, and the warm glow of holiday cheer. Winter in Europe is truly a season to behold and this journey was nothing short of spectacular.

Our Zicasso travel representative made sure every small detail was organized and even double-checked the drivers, tours, etc, in advance. This is the perfect travel company and we will surely use them again! Our agents communicated with us throughout the trip to ensure everything was flawless! Thank you for the most magical holiday ever! We shall cherish these memories forever.