Your AG Network – European Holiday Markets Extravaganza 2022

in cooperation with CTN presents

EUROPEAN HOLIDAY MARKETS EXTRAVAGANZA 2022

DECEMBER 1–11, 2022

Join expert native-European guide Bernhard Steiner, and renowned radio host Monte James for an amazing week in Europe. The Czech Republic and Austria and revel in the magic of the Old World’s Holiday Spirit: charming markets, the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine the backdrop of each city’s unique atmosphere along with a fascinating visit at Steyr Tractors while delicious gourmet meals await.

Thursday, December 1

You’ll depart today on overnight flights from your home city to Munich, Germany.

Friday, December 2

This very special trip officially begins this morning when you arrive in the beautiful city of Munich in southern Germany. We’ll whisk you from the airport to your hotel, then join our local guide for a stroll through the town, and Christmas market. Later, greet old friends and meet new ones during a welcome cocktail. [Louis Hotel or similar | 1 night]

Saturday, December 3

Board our luxury motor coach, and journey past snowcapped mountaintops into Austria, and Innsbruck. “Use every moment, dance every dance, you can’t take anything with you.” It’s said that the scroll found on the relief of the famous Golden Roof in Old Town bears these words. However, the writing still hasn’t been deciphered, so this is mere speculation — one of the many mysteries that revolve around Innsbruck’s sparkling golden landmark. Learn about the exciting history of a city that, centuries ago, was richer, more vibrant and urban than any other city in the heart of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation and how it paved the way for the future. The evening is yours to explore the town’s amazing Holiday Market in the very heart of the city. [Penz West or similar | 1 night]

Sunday, December 4

An exciting day awaits as we board our luxury motor coach and head towards Salzburg. En-route, we stop in the picturesque town of Hall. There, under the rule of Maria Theresa in 1748, the first Thaler was minted, leading to the modern-day ‘Dollar’. Once in Salzburg, known of course as the birthplace of Mozart, but also widely remembered as the gorgeous backdrop for The Sound of Music, join our local expert guide for a tour of the city’s historic center including one of Austria’s foremost Alpine Christmas Markets. [Arcotel Castellani or similar | 2 nights]

Monday, December 5

A special treat awaits you today; for centuries, salt has been one of the most important commodities around the city of Salzburg. Visit Dürrnberg Salt Mine, walk through the mystical tunnels, and contemplate how miners as early as during the Neolithic age have been mining for the elusive white gold. A tradition of a different kind awaits you this afternoon: for generations, the Christmas carol Silent Night has crossed borders and overcome crises. Celebrate its heritage with us today, and visit the site where in 1818 Joseph Mohr, a priest, and Franz Xaver Gruber, a teacher, performed the song for the very first time on Christmas Eve.

Tuesday, December 6

The Salzkammergut (Lake District) is a dramatic region of alpine and subalpine lakes, deeply carved valleys, rolling hills and rugged, steep mountain ranges rising to almost 9,000ft. Contemplate Hallstatt whose beauty – with pastel-colored houses casting shimmering reflections onto the looking-glass lake and lofty mountains rearing up on all sides — borders on the surreal and the sublime. Then on to Upper Austria’s capital Linz, on the banks of the Danube, and home to Saatbau Linz, one of Europe’s leading and most innovative seed farming cooperatives. Saatbau’s expertise is represented in 10 European countries, and most recently the company has expanded to Canada. Visit the corporate headquarters, and meet with leading executives, who will share their latest research and development with you exclusively. [Arcotel Linz or similar | 1 night]

Wednesday, December 7

After breakfast, visit STEYR Tractors. Since 1947, STEYR has been Austria’s number on manufacturer of agricultural equipment, and in 2002, a new production record was achieved in the St. Valentin plant. In 2006, St. Valentin became the European head office site of CASE IH and STEYR. Since that time, a workforce of more than 600 assure the continuing success of STEYR, making the company one of the biggest employers in the region. In the afternoon, continue to Czech Republic, and its capital Prague where our private boat awaits us for a spellbinding evening cruise on the river Vltava (Moldau, in German). [Lindner Prague Castle or similar | 2 nights]

Thursday, December 8

Prague has blossomed since the Velvet Revolution, but its unique character remains unchanged. A Local Expert will show you the amazing St. Vitus’ Cathedral inside the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Cross the Vltava River to explore the vast cobblestoned expanse of the Old Town Square and see its famous Astronomical Clock, and Holiday Market. As night falls, head for a local restaurant to sample tasty Czech cuisine, as well as the famous local beer.

Friday, December 9

Our journey takes us south through the Moravian countryside. Stop at the small town of Mikulov, and visit a local wine cellar for a tasting. Then it’s on to Vienna, one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, where we’ll check in to a luxury hotel in the very heart of the city time if you care to amble through the lively Christmas market, an age-old Viennese tradition. The forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages, when in 1298 Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market, or Krippenmarkt. Now punch and chestnut stands draw customers with seasonal treats and stallholders get shoppers in the holiday spirit with handcrafted goods. [Hilton Vienna Park | 2 nights]

Saturday, December 10

Get to know some of Vienna’s cultural delights during our private city tour. Our knowledgeable local guide takes us behind the scenes to show us some of the city’s hidden gems, including the world-famous Staatsoper, where members of the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic are selected from its orchestra. Indulge in the Imperial Splendor of Schönbrunn Palace, last official residence of the Kaiser and his beloved wife Sissi, and shop for souvenirs at the market in front of the chateau. Later join us for a visit to a local winery, where we gather with the owner and his family for a private tasting of the “Rubin Carnuntum” wine, produced by a small number of the area’s most important vineyards. Then, we celebrate our trip with good friend at what is probably Vienna’s most unique restaurant. Stride on red carpet unfurled across the road, and step into a mansion dating back to 1840. Musical instruments and other paraphernalia adorn the ceilings, autographed photos, pictures and impressive certificates cover the walls and the metal plaques on the tables display the names of VIPs who have sat there.

Sunday, December 11

This morning, bid ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to the enchanting city of Vienna, then transfer to the airport for your return flights.

Space on this once-in-a lifetime opportunity is very limited; to secure your spot, call or email Bernhard Steiner (760-688-0127, bernhard@customtravelnetwork.com), or click HERE for our online booking form.

A Deluxe Journey You Can’t Afford to Miss!

10 Day/9 Night Small-Group Motor Coach Tour

• Munich-Innsbruck-Salzburg-Linz-Prague-Vienna

• Amazing Hotels

• Welcome Cocktail

• Exclusive Sightseeing & Holiday Markets

• Daily American Buffet Breakfast

• 3 Dinners

• 2 Wine Tastings

• Meet with executives of Saatbau Linz, one of Europe’s leading seed cooperatives

• Steyr Tractors Factory Visit with Ride & Drive

• All Ground Transportation in Deluxe Motor Coach

• Guided by Expert Multilingual Tour Host

• Strictly limited to 35 guests

$3490 per person in shared double or twin accommodation (Land Package)

Single room supplement $940

International air far available through CTN – phone 760.688.0127 or email bernhard@customtravelnetwork.com