back to Austria

Austria

A Traditional Austrian Christmas 2025 – 6 day

Prices from £3,260 pp

Next available tour: Call for Details

Tour leader: Call for Details

Join us this Christmas for a meaningful journey into the heart of the Austrian Alps - where snow-covered mountains, peaceful valleys and centuries-old churches provide a beautiful setting to celebrate the birth of Christ. Based at the family-run Hotel Hochmoos near Salzburg, this carefully designed holiday combines moments of stillness and worship with joyful seasonal traditions and gentle fellowship.

Together we'll explore the historic city of Salzburg, attend services in charming alpine churches, and visit the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf - the site where the beloved carol was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818. A Christmas Eve sleigh ride through the snowy countryside brings festive wonder, while Christmas Day includes a time of worship at a local church.

With time for rest, reflection, and connection, this is more than a winter escape - it is an opportunity to come together as a Christian community to rejoice in the light and hope of the Christmas message. Whether it's signing carols, sharing in worship, or simply gazing at the beauty of God's creation, you'll find space to slow down, give thanks, and celebrate the season in faith and fellowship.

Click to view slideshow

Itinerary

  1. Arrive in Munich

    We arrive in Munich and, flight times permitting, begin our journey with a panoramic bus tour of the city. We'll see Munich beautifully aglow with Christmas lights - an enchanting introduction to the season. If time allows, we'll stop to experience the magic of one of Munich's traditional Christmas Markets, where wooden stalls, festive treats, and the scent of mulled wine create a wonderfully atmospheric welcome. We then continue our journey through the Bavarian countryside to our hotel. On arrival, take a moment to settle in before gathering for a welcome drink - an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers - followed by our first dinner together at the hotel.

  2. Visit Salzburg

    After breakfast, we take a short drive to Salzburg. With a local guide, we'll explore the heart of this baroque city - famous as Mozart's birthplace and the setting for The Sound of Music. As we wander through the UNESCO listed Old Town, the festive spirit fills the air. The historic Christmas Market, nestled beneath the spires of the Cathedral, is one of the oldest and most atmospheric in Europe, with traditional crafts, twinkling lights and delicious seasonal treats. In the afternoon, there's time to browse the market stalls at your own pace, visit the Mozart Birthplace Museum and enjoy a guided tour inside the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral. If timings permit, we'll also experience a short organ recital within the cathedral - a moving moment in such a beautiful and sacred space. We return to our hotel in time for dinner and a relaxed evening.

  3. Horse Drawn sleigh ride and Visit St. Martin bei Lofer on Christmas Eve

    This morning, we embrace the magic of the season with a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy Alpine landscape. We glide through peaceful valleys and forested trails - a timeless and unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of an Austrian Christmas. This afternoon we have a special Christmas Eve worship service in a local church. This is a meaningful opportunity to reflect and rejoice together as we prepare for Christmas Day. We return to the hotel for a special Christmas Eve dinner.

  4. Leisurely morning followed by a festive lunch then a Christmas Day Service in a local church

    We begin Christmas Day with a relaxed morning at the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take time to rest, reflect or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings and facilities of Hotel Hochmoos. The stillness of the mountains on this special morning offers space for quiet contemplation and gratitude. We'll then come together for a delicious Christmas lunch before heading out in the afternoon for a 'Winter Wonderland' Christmas Day walk around Lofer. We'll also join the local community for a Christmas Day service in a local church. The rest of the day is yours to savour at your own pace. A festive dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.

  5. Visit Oberndorf bei Salzburg on Boxing Day

    This morning we travel to Oberndorf, a town steeped in Christmas history. Here we visit the Silent Night Chapel, built on the site where the beloved carol 'Sille Nacht' was first performed in 1818. Following time for personal reflection and exploration, we return toward Salzburg for an uplifting afternoon adventure. Our journey continues with a ride on the Untersberg Cable Car, which whisks us up the slopes of this legendary mountain. At the summit, we are rewarded with panoramic views across the Salzburg basin, the Rositten Valley, and - on clear days - even into Germany. Whether you choose to enjoy a gentle walk, take photographs, or simply breathe in the crisp Alpine air, the Untersberg offers a magnificent finale to the day. Dinner is served back at the hotel, with time to relax and share stories from another memorable day.

  6. Depart for the UK

    After breakfast, we head to the airport for our afternoon flight home.

Essential Information

The cost for this six day tour is £3,260 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room or a single occupancy room and includes all excursions and most expenses.

This tour includes:

  • Five nights in Hotel Hochmoos on half board basis
  • Return flights from London to Munich
  • Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary
  • English speaking local guides
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information, please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special Requests

Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Late Bookings

Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will also discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final Travel Documents 

These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility

Many of our tours are excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you're accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we're happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages

McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB

The McCabe Educational Trust

The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 millions in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. in 2026, McCabe Pilgrimage will once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. Please note: This scheme is voluntary and confidential. No pilgrim is under pressure to participate. 

Passports, Visas and Health

  • Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport, apply as early as there can be a considerable backlogs at the passport offices.
  • British passport holders travelling to Austria do not require a visa.
  • Non British passport holders will need to contact us for further details.
  • No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.
  • Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial and quality assurances

All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe's membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association's code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Holiday Insurance 

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That's why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Covert Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto.

For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10% discount.

 

Read reviews

Dates

Send to a friend




    Advent in Austria with The Venerable Philip Jones and Mrs Anne Jones

    Prices from £2,499 pp

    Read more

    Fellowship Tours

    A portfolio of tours with regular travellers in mind

    Read more