I would like to extend a personal invitation to join me in late 2028 for an extraordinary Christmas journey through the heart of Europe—a magical celebration of timeless traditions, enchanting Christmas markets, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable rail and river experiences. Designed exclusively for just 12 guests, this handcrafted Grand Luxury Tours expedition combines the warmth of the holiday season with the finest standards of comfort, personalized service, and cultural discovery.
Our festive adventure begins near the birthplace of Silent Night, the beautiful city of Salzburg, where centuries-old Christmas traditions come alive amid Baroque architecture, twinkling lights, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. From Austria, we continue to Vienna before boarding a luxury European river cruise through the picturesque Danube Valley, visiting charming medieval towns and some of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas markets.
The second half of our journey carries us through the storybook landscapes of France and Switzerland. We will stroll through the world-famous Christmas markets of Strasbourg, savor traditional Swiss fondue in Zurich, experience the beauty of Lucerne and Zermatt, and travel aboard the legendary “Glacier Express” in prestigious Excellence Class, one of the most spectacular rail journeys anywhere in the world. Along the way, we will enjoy unforgettable experiences including a private visit to Salzburg’s Christmas Museum with its owner, a hands-on apple strudel workshop, creating your own handcrafted Christmas ornament, visits to Swarovski Crystal Worlds and the Lindt Home of Chocolate, and countless opportunities to experience authentic European holiday traditions.
This remarkable itinerary represents everything that defines the Grand Luxury Tours experience: elegant five-star hotels, exceptional dining, luxury river cruising, world-renowned scenic railways, exclusive cultural experiences, and the joy of celebrating Christmas in some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. Traveling at an unhurried pace with a small group of like-minded guests allows us to enjoy each destination exactly as it was meant to be experienced. It would be my great pleasure to share this unforgettable Christmas adventure with you. To secure your place on the official manifest, please contact me or complete your Reservation Request. I look forward to welcoming you on this truly magical holiday journey.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Round-trip premium First/Business class international airfare from your closest international airport to Salzburg, Austria, returning home from Zurich, Switzerland.
- Convenient airport, hotel, cruise ship, and train station transfers throughout the journey.
- Luxury suite accommodations throughout the journey, including premier hotels in Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, Strasbourg, Zurich, Zermatt, and St. Moritz. (Suite upgrades available upon request.)
- Traveling with Grand Luxury Tours founder and travel expert, Jim West.
- Photo enhancement workshop entitled “Hey look at this!” with Jim.
- Private panoramic walking tour of Salzburg with your personal historian, exploring the hidden alleyways of the Old Town and the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Free time to explore Salzburg’s festive Christmas Market.
- Welcome drinks and a special dinner upon arrival in Salzburg.
- Private hands-on Apple Strudel baking masterclass inside a historic estate with a master pastry chef.
- Daily breakfast at all hotels, selected lunches, onboard cruise meals, and special dinners throughout the journey.
- Private Café Tomaselli porch balcony experience, featuring hot mulled wine, pastries, and a traditional Austrian brass band performing in the square below.
- Exclusive twilight historical tour of the snow-covered “Silent Night” Chapel in Oberndorf.
- Special evening Christmas market surprise.
- Full-day luxury escape to St. Wolfgang, including time to browse the festive Christmas market before savoring an elite lakefront lunch at Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl.
- VIP visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, including the Chambers of Wonder and a gourmet lunch at Daniels Kristallwelten.
- Private VIP glass-ornament blowing experience at Kisslinger Kristall in Rattenberg, where you will custom-design your own crystal Christmas ornament.
- Free time to explore Innsbruck’s Old Town Christmas markets beneath the famous Golden Roof.
- Private panoramic tour of Vienna, including exclusive fast-track VIP entry to the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace.
- Traveling throughout the land portion of the journey aboard a private deluxe motor coach with a professional driver.
- Luxury European river cruise through Austria and Germany aboard a fully privatized elite river cruise charter.
- Scenic cruising through the snow-dusted Wachau Valley, including a private wine cellar barrel tasting of premium Austrian Rieslings inside a historic monastery vineyard.
- Exploring historic Regensburg with exclusive VIP entry to the romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace.
- Bespoke private tour of Melk Abbey, featuring exclusive access to its hidden monastic library and a private pipe organ recital.
- Private walking tour of Passau with a Bavarian welcome and a gingerbread-tasting masterclass at a traditional family bakery.
- Private historical tour of Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle, time to experience the famous Christkindlesmarkt, and a curated VIP tasting of authentic Nuremberg Elisenlebkuchen.
- Fine dining experience at a historic Michelin-starred Alsatian restaurant, such as Maison Kammerzell.
- Private panoramic tour of Strasbourg, including the stunning Gothic Cathedral and the city’s celebrated Christmas markets.
- Free time to explore Strasbourg’s celebrated Christmas Markets.
- Full-day excursion to Lucerne, including a panoramic walking tour across the historic Chapel Bridge.
- Elite lakefront dining experience overlooking beautiful Lake Lucerne.
- Leisure time in Zermatt to enjoy the world-class wellness spa or browse the village’s luxury boutiques.
- Reserved premium first-class viewing carriage aboard the Gornergrat cog railway for breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
- High-end alpine dinner in Zermatt with pristine views of the Matterhorn.
- Traveling aboard the legendary Glacier Express in “Excellence Class”, including guaranteed window seats, access to the exclusive Glacier Bar, personal concierge service, and a multi-course gourmet wine-pairing lunch served at your seat.
- Private VIP guided tour of the Lindt Home of Chocolate, bypassing public tour queues.
- Chocolate tasting and free samples during the Lindt Chocolate tour.
- Free afternoon in Zurich for last-minute luxury watch and holiday shopping along the famous Bahnhofstrasse.
- Private luxury fondue experience inside an exclusive reserved winter alpine chalet on the hotel grounds in Zurich.
- All taxes and cruise port charges are included. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Total cost of this Grand Luxury Christmas Adventure in Europe is:
$.00
Space is available on a first-come/first-served basis. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Please consult our Terms & Conditions.
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- Full Package Price: $.00 pp | from your closest international airport.