DEC 21:
Local departure by coach then onward to our overnight hotel in Belgium.

DEC 22:
Continue to Austria and our hotel in the hills above the Danube Valley for a five-night stay. B,D

DEC 23: Vienna (included)
Travel east to visit Austria's grand capital, Vienna. There are small Christmas markets all over the city during Advent, but the main market is located around the City Hall in the Rathausplatz. B,L,D

CHRISTMAS EVE: Steyr (included)
This morning we include an excursion to the Upper Austrian city of Steyr, which takes on a particular charm at this time of year, especially in the Christkindl district, with its Christmas Museum and Christmas Post Office. We return to our hotel and this evening, enjoy a traditional Austrian 'Weihnachtsfeier' (Christmas Eve celebrations), which includes the lighting of the Christmas tree. B,L,D

CHRISTMAS DAY: Waldhausen (optional)
'Happy Christmas'! Enjoy a traditional turkey lunch (Austrian Style). In the afternoon, join our optional tour to the pretty town of Waldhausen. The church is one of the most beautiful in Austria and worth a photo stop. Enjoy a stroll around the lake and a warming coffee at the 'Schauer' Inn on the market place. B,L,D

BOXING DAY: Melk and Stillensteinklamm Walk (included)
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Danube Valley to Melk, world famous for its stunning monastery. This magnificent piece of baroque architecture dominates the landscape (entrance is included). After we return to our hotel, you can join our guided walk in the Stillensteinklamm Gorge, a protected area of unspoilt beauty. B,L,D

DEC 27:
We leave after breakfast and return north for an overnight stay in Belgium. B

DEC 28:
Homeward bound via Calais. B

Included Meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

You'll stay for five-nights at the 3-star Hotel Aumuehle (see picture above) situated approximately 6 kilometres from Grein. It is a family-run hotel with recently renovated excellent facilities. All bedrooms have hairdryer, T.V. and telephone. There is a restaurant and bar and superb 'Wellnessbereich', a spa area with swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool.

Overnight stays in Belgium will be in citystyle hotels.

• FREE local joining points

• Travel by executive coach
• Excursions and visits: Vienna; Steyr; Melk; Walk in the Stillensteinklamm

• 7 nights' accommodation with continental breakfast

• 5 evening meals & 4 lunches (packed when on excursions)

• All inclusive at your hotel in Austria – Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day (packed lunch on full-day excursion) as well as drinks during lunch and dinner in the hotel restaurant – coffee, tea, soft drinks, table wine, beer and local spirits