In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.
Fly to Venice or Ljubljana
Begin your festive escape with a flight to the historic Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, or Venice. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your friendly local tour manager and board a coach for the journey east to the alpine resort of Kranjska Gora.
Settle in and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner is served.
Included tour of Ljubljana
Have breakfast at your hotel this morning before a tour of the Slovenian capital as it gears up for Christmas Day. Dressed in all its festive finery, Ljubljana promises to get you in the holiday spirit with dazzling lights, decorations, and seasonal markets.
Start the day in the city’s ornate old town and take in its impressive baroque town hall. After a brief introduction from your tour manager, visit the local shops or enjoy views of Ljubljana Castle. Next, walk along the Ljubljanica River, admiring the imposing facades of its pretty baroque bridges and the city’s ornate riverside churches as you go, ahead of a stop at the market-laden Breg Embankment.
Known for its independent stores and communal atmosphere, Breg is a promenade, which welcomes a delightful festive market each winter. Soak up the Christmas cheer with time to explore the stalls, see Ljubljanica’s glittering lights and warm yourself with some mulled wine before heading back to the hotel for dinner.
The wooden huts extend from the historic centre to the riverbank and are illuminated with light displays. Sample the local kuhano vino (mulled wine) or medica (a warm honey liqueur), and traditional snacks like potica (a rolled pastry), or kranjska klobasa (a Slovenian sausage).
Later in the evening, return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Christmas Eve – Included visit to Villach, Austria and Christmas dinner followed by midnight mass
This Christmas Eve, once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll travel across the border to the Austrian city of Villach. Surrounded by alpine scenery and lakes and set in the heart of the mountains, Villach has a charming old town, which is especially delightful at Christmas. The city’s location near the borders of Italy and Slovenia means that it encompasses a mix of cultures as seen in its architecture and food.
In December, it becomes a “City of Light” with beautiful decorations and a Christmas market spread around the parish church, as well as an ice rink in the Town Hall Square. Browse the stalls, sip on hot punch, and sample some kärntner reindling (sweet bread) before walking along the River Drau, and perhaps getting cosy in one of the lively bars or cafés.
A special Christmas dinner will be served this evening. You can choose to attend midnight mass at a local church before returning for tea or coffee and cake, a cosy end to the day.
Christmas Day – Day at leisure and Christmas lunch
Merry Christmas! Today, following breakfast, the day will be free for you to spend as you wish.
You choose to relax at the hotel, perhaps taking advantage of the wellness centre, or the bar and restaurant.
Alternatively, explore the highlights of this resort town and visit the Kranjska Gora Christmas market, offering traditional drinks, snacks and gifts. Return to the hotel for a delightful Christmas lunch and an afternoon of relaxation.
Dinner will be served later this evening.
Boxing Day – Day at leisure or optional excursion to Zagreb and Christmas markets
Take it easy this Boxing Day or join an optional excursion to Zagreb, Croatia’s northwestern capital. Its atmospheric centre, Upper Town, with red-roof buildings, cobbled streets, and a labyrinth of tram tracks, is ideal for exploring on foot.
Take in the towering twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral and 13th-century St. Mark’s Church, and wander along the pedestrianised, lively Tkalčićeva Street.
Christmas markets are spread throughout the city, from Ban Jelačić Square, set around a big Christmas tree, to Zrinjevac Park, awash with fairy lights and filled with music. Make sure to try some fritule (Croatian sweet doughnuts) as you amble around the stalls, selling ornaments and local crafts.
Travel back to the hotel for your final dinner.
Fly back to the UK
Enjoy your last breakfast and travel back to the airport in either Venice or Ljubljana for your return flight.