Celebrate the festive season in a magnificent 2,000-year-old Italian castle
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Celebrate the festive season in a magnificent 2,000-year-old Italian castle
Experience the magic of a European Christmas wrapped in timeless charm, alpine beauty and comfort. Imagine spending Christmas Day in a glorious 2,000-year-old Italian castle, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Dolomites. From the picturesque Austrian Lakes District to the twinkling Christmas Markets of Salzburg and Innsbruck, this journey is filled with old-world enchantment. We’ll also explore the chic ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and wander the romantic canals of Venice.
Every detail is carefully curated so you can simply savour the moment—wonderful meals, exceptional hotels, seamless touring, and the reassurance of travelling on this tour with Kings.
A non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is due within 7 days of making your booking to secure your place on the tour. This deposit confirms your reservation and constitutes acceptance of our full Terms and Conditions.
Please note that all tours are subject to reaching a minimum number of participants.
Home pick-up and return by private car is included within a designated radius. Surcharges will apply for addresses located outside this area — please contact our office to confirm if this applies to you.
All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of attractions (e.g. churches, wineries), weather conditions, or other operational factors beyond our control. While we do our utmost to deliver the itinerary as planned, we cannot be held responsible for changes due to closures, delays, or unforeseen circumstances.
From time to time, and only when absolutely necessary, minor changes to the itinerary or pricing may be required prior to final payment. While your deposit guarantees your place on the tour, it does not lock in the final price if operational adjustments are needed. Should any changes arise, we will always communicate with you clearly and transparently, and we thank you for your understanding.
A valid passport is required for this journey. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return to Australia.
We recommend sturdy waterproof shoes with good grip (hiking shoes, rather than sneakers), thick socks, a woollen beanie, thermal underclothes, gloves and sunglasses. Walking poles can be helpful to give you more confidence, if desired. Layering some light clothes is advisable, as you will often come in from the picturesque cold to warm spaces inside, so layering enables you to adjust to each environment for your optimal comfort. You will also be very comfortable when travelling as your modern touring coach is fitted with heaters and double glazed windows. Once you arrive at your hotel you will be greeted with a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Your holiday begins with a private home pick-up and transfer to the airport. Meet your fellow travellers and Kings Tour Manager before flying to Munich. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to relax after your journey.
Hotel: Maritim Hotel, Munich for 2-nights
Enjoy a leisurely day in Munich. Perhaps explore the city’s excellent shopping or wander through the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets near the Town Hall. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink followed by a Bavarian-style buffet dinner at the hotel.
Cross into Austria and enjoy time in lakeside Mondsee, including a visit to the church featured in The Sound of Music. Continue into the Austrian Lakes District to visit stunning Hallstatt, often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful villages. Later, travel via Lake Wolfgangsee to the charming village of Fuschl am See. Tonight, enjoy a torchlight village walk followed by mulled wine.
Hotel: Hotel Jakob, Fuschl am See for 2-nights
Travel to Oberndorf to visit the famous Silent Night Chapel before continuing to Salzburg. Enjoy a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s baroque architecture, Mozart connections and Sound of Music locations. Later, enjoy a hot drink and biscuits at historic St Peter’s Keller. The remainder of the day is free to explore Salzburg and its magical Christmas Markets.
Journey through the scenic Inn Valley to visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens. Continue to Innsbruck and check into your centrally located hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Old Town and its festive Christmas Markets beneath the iconic Golden Roof.
Hotel: Hotel Grauer Bär, Innsbruck for 2-nights
Travel via the Fern Pass to Southern Bavaria. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig’s fairy-tale masterpiece, with a guided interior tour. Continue to the Passion Play village of Oberammergau, then visit the magnificent Ettal Monastery. This evening is at leisure.
Cross into Italy via the Brenner Pass and visit Bolzano, blending Tyrolean and Italian influences. See the famous Ice Man, Ötzi, at the Museum of Archaeology. Continue through Trento and the Valsugana Valley to reach CastelBrando, a spectacular 2,000-year-old castle set in the foothills of the Dolomites. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle before settling in for a four-night stay.
Hotel: Hotel CastelBrando, Cison di Valmarino for 4-nights
Christmas Eve! Travel to Venice and arrive by boat into St Mark’s Square. Enjoy a guided walking tour including the Doge’s Palace. The afternoon is free to explore Venice at your own pace before returning to the castle for a special Christmas Eve dinner.
Christmas Day as it should be…in a wonderful location – relaxing, eating and drinking. A day to savour the delights of your castle. Maybe take the hotel funicular to the village below, have a ‘winter walk’ or warm yourself on one of the castle’s sun terraces. Highlight of your day will be the exceptional 5 course Christmas lunch accompanied by a welcome cocktail and a
selection of local wines.
Boxing Day! Time to have some fun in the snow as we drive north into the spectacular Dolomites to visit the chic Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Enjoy free time to shop, take in the spectacular scenery or ride the cable car (not included).
Leaving our castle, we head for the shores of Lake Garda where we take a morning break in the incredibly picturesque town of Sirmione with its tiny harbour surrounded by cobblestoned walkways and cafés. Later we continue to the stylish city of Milan for time at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel: Starhotels Anderson, Milano for 1-night
Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport to begin your journey home. Upon arrival in Perth (Day 14), your driver will be waiting to transfer you home.
