Today is the day to soak up some of Vienna’s most iconic sights in its famed Inner City, with some of the best markets literally cheek-to-jowl.  We begin at Stephansdom (St. Stephan’s Cathedral), lovingly refurbished after WW2, and location of a lovely market.  You’ll see the golden “Plague Column” and be tempted by the area’s upscale shops.  Am Hof square is home to its Weichnachtsmarkt (Christmas Eve Market), with lovely artisan goods and delicious snacks.  Settle in for an Austrian lunch at Das Schwarzen Kameel, (The Black Camel) one of the city’s oldest restaurants.  Then we’re off to the pocket-sized Altwiener Christkindllmarket (Old Vienna Christmas Market) in the Freyrung.  A sunset stroll brings us to the Rathaus (City Hall), perhaps the most stunning market, with festively lighted stalls surrounded by enormous Christmas trees, and kids of ages on the carousel and skating in its ice rink.  

Explore Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum and the adjacent market in Maria-Theresia Platz.  Enjoy lunch at one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, the Cupola in the museum’s heart.  You next have free time for a few hours to explore the museum or its sister across the square, the Natural History Museum.  We start the evening at Karlsplatz, home to one of the largest markets, capping with a performance of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” inside of Karlskirche (St. Charles’ Church), one of the most glorious baroque buildings in the world. 

“Outer” Vienna is the theme today, as we start at the Belvedere, once a prince’s castle, but now the repository for priceless artworks, including Klimt’s renowned “The Kiss.” After lunch at the Museum, we attend the Belvedere Market.  You have free time to relax or shop until we gather back at the hotel to visit Spittleberg, one of the city’s quaintest neighborhoods, for their market. The Spittelberg Christmas market is a small market located in Spittelberg neighborhood and is arranged slightly differently, with stalls lined up and down the streets of the neighborhood . Snack on the goodies for sale or have your evening meal one of the many cozy restaurants in the area.  

Today we depart Vienna to explore the rest of Austria. Our first stop is the Graffenegg Advent Market, which takes place at Schloss Graffenegg, a picturesque castle in Lower Austria. Here you will experience a traditional country Advent Market which is full of regional specialties you won't find in the city. There is a brass band as well as unique gifts, all set against the backdrop of a charming 19th century castle. 

We continue onto the stunning  Salzkammergut region, Austria's Lake District and the location of some of Austria’s most captivating villages, with local traditions galore, and never more so than before Christmas. We will arrive in Bad Ischl, summer home to the Imperial Court, which will be our base. After cake and coffee at Café Zauner, we will continue to heir indoor market and experience the unique Krampusaulf, where St. Nicholas and his demon minions’ parade through town, perhaps spanking those of you who have been naughty (and hand out candy for the rest). A local dinner will be had at our inn, the Goldener Ochs. Advent is the most atmospheric time in Upper Austria, where customs are writ large. 

An exploration of local villages awaits today. Our first stop is St. Wolfgang and its market. We board a ferry to cross the lake to St. Gilgen, where another entrancing market with handmade goods will tempt us with its wares. We will return to Bad Ischl for an afternoon at leisure to explore its shops (or purchase more goods at the market). Enjoy your choice of dinner venues. 

This morning, after checking out of the hotel, we will make our way to Salzburg, a beautiful town, famous for Archbishops and the Sound of Music which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. First stop is a cooking class, or rather a baking class. We will make traditional Austrian Christmas cookies as well as strudel.

Afterwards, we will make our way to the market by the cathedral and a walking tour of the town center,  The day culminates at the grand fortress above Salzburg for dinner. 

Today begins with a very special visit to the Silent Night Chapel which  commemorates where the ultimate Christmas carol was created and first performed in December of 1818.. The Silent Night museum is located on the site of the original St. Nicholas Church where it was first sung and tells the story of how Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber created the famous carol.  We will have coffee and Sachertorte at the world-famous Sacher Hotel. Rick will explain how it got its name (and the controversy surrounding it) and how it's made. Afterwards enjoy some free time to enjoy more of the town. 

This morning after check-out, we make our way back to Vienna with two important stops en route. The first stop at at Wenschitz Chocolate Factory (Pralinewelt), where you will make room in your luggage for sweet stocking stuffers and more. Then to the Vienna’s Palais Liechtenstein Garden marke to enjoy the special atmosphere of a market on Vienna's outskirts.. This evening, our farewell dinner promises to be something special. 

Pack up your gifts, it's time to go home!