Christmas in Austria, New Year in Italy

14 day break

Spend a wonderful Christmas in Austria, then choose between New Year on the chic Italian Riviera or beautiful Lake Garda.

Dec 22: Travel from your local joining point to your overnight hotel in Belgium.

Dec 23: Travel south through the rolling hills of southern Germany to your hotel in the Austrian Tirol. B, D

Christmas Eve: An included excursion to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tirol, where you can enjoy the Christmas markets and explore the city’s charming old town. You will also visit the glassblowing centre of Rattenberg in the Inn Valley. B, D

Christmas Day: An included excursion to the world-famous ski resort of Kitzbühel. During the day why not take a gondola ride up the majestic Hahnenkamm mountain for some breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. Return to the hotel for tonight’s turkey Christmas dinner. B, D

Boxing Day: Another unforgettable day as we travel the short distance to Fugen in the Ziller Valley where you can take an optional ride on the steam train to Mayrhofen (for those not wishing to take the train the coach will take you to Mayrhofen). Free time in Mayrhofen before an opportunity to take an optional horse and sleigh ride before returning to the hotel. B, D

Dec 27: An optional excursion takes you to Salzburg, the stunning birthplace of Mozart. An optional guided sightseeing tour will also be available to make sure you see the highlights of the city. B, D

Dec 28: – Travel south to Italy to either the Italian Riviera or Lake Garda for a six-night stay. (Please see below for details of both itinerary options). B, D

New Year on the Riviera – option 1

Dec 29: An included half-day scenic excursion through the Nervia Valley. B, D

Dec 30: Included excursion to the charming medieval town of St. Paul de Vence, with its wonderful seas and mountain views. Later we visit Cannes, home of the famous film festival, from where you can stroll along the tree-lined Boulevard de la Croisette. B, D

New Year's Eve: Included excursion to the village of Eze perched high above the Mediterranean. Then to Nice, where you can stroll along the seafront Promenande des Anglais. Return to the hotel for a gala dinner. B, D

New Year's Day: Enjoy a leisurely morning before an included excursion along the coast to Laigueglia and Alassio. B, D

Jan 2: Join an optional excursion to the principality of Monaco, the world’s smallest sovereign state. Spend time in glitzy Monte Carlo. In the evening, the hotel hosts a farewell candlelit dinner, followed by mine host at the piano. B, D

Jan 3: Travel to your hotel in northern France. B

Jan 4: Return to the U.K. B

New Year on Lake Garda – option 2

Dec 29: Morning at leisure in your Italian resort and in the afternoon, why not join an optional excursion to a local wine cantina to sample some of the region’s excellent produce. B, D

Dec 30: Today we enjoy the chic ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio in the spectacular Brenta Dolomite mountain range. Why not get a closer look at the mountains with a breathtaking optional cable car ride (weather permitting). B, D

New Year's Eve: An included excursion to Verona, home to the Roman Arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Tonight, five-course gala dinner and dancing. B, D

New Year's Day: Relax this morning before blowing the cobwebs away with an optional boat trip on Lake Garda. B, D

Jan 2: Discover the beauty of Venice on today’s included excursion with the option of a Lagoon Cruise. B, D

Jan 3: Travel to your hotel in northern France or Belgium. B

Jan 4: Return to the U.K. B

Accommodation

Christmas in Austria

In Austria you will stay for five nights at the family-run 3-star Hotel Thaler, located in the village of Bad Häring in the Austrian Tirol. The hotel has a restaurant and all bedrooms have T.V., telephone and safe.

New Year on the Italian Riviera

You will stay for six nights at the welcoming 3-star Hotel Royal Esplanade, run by Piero and his English wife, Denise. Located in the centre of Diano Marina, 150m from the beach, the hotel has a restaurant, bar and lift and all bedrooms have T.V. and telephone.

New Year in Lake Garda

You will stay for six nights at the 4-star Hotel Savoy Palace which is 250 metres from Lake Garda and is a 10-15 minute walk along the lakeside from the historical centre of Riva. The hotel has two lifts, indoor swimming pool, attractive bar and restaurant. All bedrooms have T.V., telephone and safe.

Overnight stays in Belgium and northern France will be in city-style hotels.

From only £759pp including return coach transfer, 13 nights accommodation with meals as described (B=Breakfast D=Dinner) and excursions as described based on 2 adults sharing.