Festive 2025 tours available now!

Austria, Slovenia & Christmas in Croatia

A fabulous, festive Christmas experience

Amazing Christmas Markets, frozen waterfalls and a classic Christmas location

From Imperial Vienna and the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, to Lake Bled in Slovenia, enjoy exciting activities such as horse and carriage rides, a trip on a historic boat to a church in the middle of a lake, ride high in a cable car, deep into mountainous caverns on a train, and take in the stunning views across Corinthian Lakes from the top of Europe’s highest wooden tower. Visit lovely castles, picturesque Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula and explore Plitvice’s frozen cascades and leaping waterfalls. Discover some of Europe’s finest Christmas Markets in UNESCO listed Graz, lovely Ljubljana, classic Zagreb and Trieste in Italy. Stay 3 nights over Christmas in a 5-star hotel in the heart of Opatija’s ‘Belle Époque’ parks, promenade gardens all gorgeously illuminated with Christmas decorations, displays and brightly lit trees. To cap it all off, savour the leisurely champagne Christmas breakfasts that will make your Christmas dreams become memories to last a lifetime.

  • Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach

  • A complimentary wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners, including a welcome drink in Vienna 23 meals including buffet breakfast daily (B) and 9 evening meals (D)

  • Free WiFi at most hotels Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available) 14 nights authentic, specially selected hotel accommodation Free WiFi at most hotels (where available) Lake View rooms at Park Hotel in Lake Bled & Sea View rooms at the Amadria Park Hotel Milenij in Opatija

  • Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available) Local guides as described in the itinerary ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager

  • Explore the fabulous Christmas Markets in Vienna, Graz, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Opatija and Trieste ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described

Tour itinerary

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Hand Selected Experiences

These are just a few of the very special hand selected experiences that will really make your touring experience exceptional and unique, and don’t forget, with Albatross they are always included.

Schönbrunn Palace

Guided Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of the State Apartments of the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Outside at dusk are the beautiful Christmas markets.

Pyramidenkogel

Observation Tower

Situated on top of the 850 metre high Pyramidenkogel mountain, enjoy the views from the highest wooden observation tower in the world

Lake Bled

Bled Castle, Pletna Boat Cruise & Horse and Carriage ride

Visit Bled Castle and take a Pletna boat ride across the lake to explore the picturesque Church of the Assumption on the island. Relax on a delightful Horse and Carriage ride along the shores of Lake Bled.

Ljubljana

Guided Tour

Discover Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, which means ‘beloved’ in Slovene, with a local guide. Retaining the charm and warmth of a small town, it is filled with baroque churches, palaces, museums, and quaint bridges traversing the canals and rivers. Afterwards, ‘My Time’ to explore the pedestrian areas in the historic Old Town

Zagreb

Christmas Markets

Explore one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. Voted one of the best in 2023 and winner of many accolades over the years.

Plitvice

Majestic Waterfalls

Visit the Lower sets of waterfalls. Famous for its majestic, grand cascades and enormous waterfalls set in a stunning, scenic gorge.

Opatija

Spend Christmas by the sea

Stay 3 magical nights over Christmas in Opatija with its meandering pathways through the woods filled with red and white ‘Gonks’ – gnome like Christmas decorated characters hiding amongst the trees and bushes, and its grand style architecture dotted with Habsburg-era villas. The extensive parklands are gorgeously illuminated with Christmas decorations and displays, brightly lit trees.

Chocolate Tasting

Opatija

Enjoy a demonstration of chocolate making, chocolate art, and an extensive tasting at a chocolate factory within Amadria Park Gastro World

Castello di Miramare

Nature & History

Explore the beautiful Castello di Miramare and learn more about its history and explore the beautiful gardens that surround this special castle. 'Miramare' means .. look at the sea... how can you not!

Dates and Prices

* Dates, prices, itineraries and hotels shown may be subject to change on specific departures. Please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.

Pre-register your interest

To register your early interest in our 2026 festive and new year tours, please complete our pre-registration form.  We will keep you informed as our tours are developed and released.

Tour Connector

Extend your holiday by adding another amazing tour.

Pick your preferred tour departure and see all of the amazing tour experiences that may connect before or after your selected departure date. Our full range of tours maybe viewed in our Tour Finder or choose another date above.

Your Hotels

Tour Suitability

  • Our Christmas, New Year and Northern Lights tours travel throughout the European winter months. The weather can get cold, and roads and pathways can be slippery.
  • 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.
  • Thinking about what to wear? Please read our blog on Wardrobe essentials: https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/news-nest-travel-blog/wardrobe-essentials-for-a-winter-wonderland-tour-in-europe/

Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.

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