Come along to enjoy the festivities on our Solos festive trip to Austria. We spend Christmas day in the Austrian Alps with our Tour Leader and fellow solo travellers, and explore Austria’s most spectacular scenery. From the glistening snow covered mountains, to the calm and peaceful lakes, to the picture-perfect village of Hallstatt and the charming traditional town of Zell and See, we experience it all.
Join us to discover the most magical part of Europe – at the most magical time of year.
Transfer from Salzburg Airport to the hotel and check-in. Here, we’ll meet the other guests, enjoy a welcome drink and have dinner together.
We begin the day the with a visit to Maria Alm, gazing at the breathtaking landscapes as we enjoy a coffee and a slice of traditional strudel. Afterwards, we move on to the stunning and much-loved ski resort of Zell am See, before visiting the Sternenadventmarkt (Christmas market) to get us all in the festive spirit.
Hop onboard a horse-drawn sleigh ride this morning after a celebratory glass of Glühwein. Then it’s all about winding down and switching-off as we make the most of some free time with a winter hike in the surrounding area, relax with a spa treatment or just enjoy some down-time at the hotel before dinner that evening.
With some free time, today can be spent however you wish. Never a more perfect time to use the hotel’s leisure facilities. Take a dip in the panorama pool or hot tub, relax in the sauna, treat yourself to a spa treatment, or find a quiet corner to take time out. This evening, we will gather for a Christmas Eve gala dinner at the hotel.
Today we celebrate Christmas day with a Turkey lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure in the resort, with dinner enjoyed that evening at the hotel.
Explore the incredible sights of Salzburg where the spirit of Mozart lives on, a city dominated by an impressive and fully preserved fortress. We enjoy a city tour to discover the baroque cathedral, the ‘Rome of the Alps’, the Residence – a majestic building dating back to the 16th Century and the Mozart memorial in Mozart Square. Mozart’s birthplace can be found at No.9 Getreidegasse, a street famous for its multiple shop signs, courtyards and passages. We have some free time to stroll around and explore further. On the way back, we’ll stop off to soak up the beauty of Königsee’s emerald green waters and if the weather allows, hop on a boat trip on the lake, returning to the hotel for dinner with our fellow travellers.
Today will be spent enjoying a panoramic tour with local guide by coach through the Salzburger lake district ‘Salzkammergut’, a picture-perfect region of deep valleys and alpine peaks.
We’ll soak up the spectacular sights of Mondsee, which not only bears the same name as the peaceful lake it sits upon, but the town itself homes the church from Maria’s wedding in the ‘Sound of Music’. On to Wolfgangsee – we get chance to marvel at the picturesque lake surrounded by the Austrian mountains. Finally, we stop at the stunning small village of Hallstatt, with its candy-coloured houses and tranquil lakes, before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Transfer to the airport and bid our fellow travellers farewell.
The Johannesbad Palace Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk away from the centre of Bad Hofgastein. The hotel is surrounded by natural landscapes where all rooms boasts panoramic views of the mountain range.
This comfortable hotel has excellent facilities, including bar with live music, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steambath, as well as an excellent wellness area. Free Wi-Fi is available in the reception area.
All the rooms feature balcony or terrace, safe, hairdryer, radio, telephone and TV. Bathrobes and slippers are available from reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer from Salzburg Airport to the Johannesbad Palace Hotel 4* is is approximately 2 hours, depending on weather and traffic.
Please note
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required for sightseeing. There is a lot of travelling and some early starts.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €30.00. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
Casual layers are suggested for daytime wear including a warm coat, hat and gloves. Comfortable shoes are a ‘must’ for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening.
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
