About the tour: Christmas in the Austrian Tyrol, Twixmas in Vienna & New Year Cruising on the Rhine

Local departure by coach or Door to Door service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.

After breakfast we travel south through the rolling countryside of Germany, passing Frankfurt and Munich to take the superb 4-lane autobahn through the Alpine foothills to the Austrian border. We continue to our hotel where we stay for four nights.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Join us today on a wonderful included excursion to Innsbruck and Rattenberg. We begin in the tiny town of Rattenberg with its interesting name 'Ratte' meaning rat. This small town is famous for its glass blowing and stunning glass art as well as local attractions such as the Augustine Museum and its ski slopes. Here we see the manufacturers finely craft and engrave glassware on our visit to one of the glass factories. Then we continue to the capital of the Tyrol which is Innsbruck to explore the city's charming old town. Innsbruck is located on the River Inn and at the foot of the Karwendel Alps, and is the fifth largest city in Austria. This beautiful city is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and steeped in history. Innsbruck was host to the Olympic Winter Games in 1964 and again in 1976. Please note that Christmas Eve in Austria is a traditional religious festival and in many areas is still celebrated as such. This may mean that facilities in towns, villages and hotels may close early.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy our included excursion to the world-famous ski resort of Kitzbühel. Kitzbühel is situated between the Hahnenkamm and the Kitzbüheler Horn mountains. Kitzbühel is the home of the annual ski races, including the circuit’s most important event, the downhill race, which takes place on the famous Streif Slope. Why not opt to ride the gondola up the majestic Hahnenkamm Mountain for some breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks? We return to the hotel for tonight's turkey Christmas dinner.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We travel to Mayrhofen in the Ziller Valley on our included excursion. Mayrhofen is situated in the upper Zillertal and is in the heart of the Tirol and Austria's scenic valley. The town is known as the 'flagship' of Austrian Alphine tourism. The striking peaks of the Zillertal valley and the Tux Alps is a fantastic backdrop to this beautiful area. While in this stunning area of natural beauty why not enjoy an optional ride on the Ziller Valley Railway between Mayrhofen and Fugen*. The Ziller Valley railway runs a total of 32 km between Jenbach and Mayrhofen. This train ride offers you a experience for all the senses taking you back in time to the early 1900's as well as enjoynig the views and sounds of the locomotive as it making its way along the track you can also enjoy a treat from the on board buffet carriage. *Please note that the route and/or engine may change without prior notice.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel to the ‘Sound of Music’ city, Salzburg on our included excursion. The day is yours to follow in the footsteps of Mozart through this proud and glorious city. To make the most of your visit why not join our optional guided walking tour with local English speaking guide? This walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes in the many sights and attractions of this famous alpine city. Admire the baroque splendour of the churches and cathedral, the might of the Hohensalzburg fortress and also the quaint Getriedegasse which, with its wrought iron signs that overhang the doors, is one of the most beautiful shopping streets of Austria. A visit to Salzburg would not be complete without a mention of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and before the tour is over we see his former birthhouse and also the square that is named after and dedicated to the famous composer. Afterwards, there will be free time for you to explore the sights at your leisure. Perhaps take a short walk along the Salzach River or treat yourself to a panoramic view of the city form the Hohensalzburg Fortress (at own cost). The funicular is a fast and convenient way to get up to the fortress and back down to the Old City. Be sure to saunter along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most popular shopping mile. Later this afternoon we head east to Vienna where we stay for two nights.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a full day in the Imperial City of Vienna, which is without question, one of Europe’s great cities. As the home of the former Habsburg monarchy and the present day capital of Austria it has much to charm the visitor. There is a lot of walking involved to see all the sights, so why not let us introduce you to Vienna on our optional guided sightseeing tour. Our guided tour will begin by coach, where we will be taken along the Imperial Boulevard known as the Ringstrasse. Here you will see the Hofburg Palace, the Parliament building, the Opera House, National Theatre and City Hall. During our tour we will also see the majestic Danube River, and later as we pass by the Prater amusement park a chance to view the famous “Giant Wheel” built over 100 years ago, and today one of the most well-known landmarks of the city. There will be frequent stops during the drive, where you will have photo opportunities and the chance to admire Vienna at its very best. Our guide will provide commentary throughout, revealing the history; culture and stories of without question one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Following the tour you will have time at leisure to visit many of the city’s famous landmarks, or you may decide to sit back and relax with a traditional Viennese coffee and a slice of the local “Sachertorte” chocolate cake in one of the cities tempting street cafes – the choice is yours.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Vienna and head through Germany to reach Cologne to join the M.S. Rhine Princess for a four-night cruise.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning at leisure in Cologne. Explore the capital of the Rhineland, with its main focal point being the huge Dom (cathedral) which is a Gothic style church that they started building in 1248 but didn't fully completed till 1880. While in Cologne why not have a look at some of the stunning attractions such as the Cologne City Hall which was once a medieval house still used today for official business, or the Museum Ludwig that features modern art including one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe and the relaxing water front and bridges which has helped build Cologne through the ages to the city we know today. Enjoy the many bustling shopping streets such as Schildergasse or Hohestrasse before departing this afternoon. We then enjoy a leisurely cruise to the Roman town of Andernach where we berth for the night.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start today with a leisurely cruise from Andernach to Oberwesel. This afternoon, join our included excursion by coach to Rudesheim. Spend time discovering the delights of the Drosselgasse, a pretty sloping street full of traditional German bars and shops. We re-join our ship in Koblenz and then this evening enjoy our gala dinner party night before the spectacular fireworks on land at midnight.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following brunch why not join our optional excursion by coach through the beautiful Moselle Valley. The Moselle River is the longest and most well-known tributary river of the Rhine. It presents a unique and most serene picture as the river gently meanders between the hills of the Hunsrucks and the Eifels. We visit the quiet village of Alken for winetasting in the cellar of Anton Hammes. The Hammes family have been vintners here for some 300 years, and you will be given a tour through the old cellars, where you will see some fine vintages. We enjoy a wine-tasting, with the different varieties offered, before having the chance to purchase your favourites to bring home with you! We return to our ship this afternoon and continue our sailing to Bonn for an overnight berthing.

• Included meals: Brunch, Dinner

Return home.

• Included meals: Breakfast