Itinerary (subject to change)

Christmas Markets in Salzburg, Opatija, Ljubljana & Rijeka – and “The Living Nativity in Postojna Cave”

Experience the true spirit of Christmas on this enchanting journey through some of Europe’s most festive destinations! From the storybook charm of Salzburg to the seaside elegance of Opatija, from the lively Christmas market of Ljubljana to the coastal sparkle of Rijeka, this tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and holiday cheer. A highlight of the trip awaits underground in Slovenia’s famous Postojna Cave, where the timeless Christmas story comes to life in a breathtaking natural setting.

DAY 1:

Our festive journey begins with morning departures from several convenient locations:

• Wiesbaden, Hainerberg: J.F. Kennedy Str. corner Washington Str. (bus waiting area, off post) at 7:00 a.m.

• Ramstein: Autohof (parking fee €7/day) at 7:30 a.m.

• Kaiserslautern: Daennerplatz P+R parking lot at 8:00 a.m.

• Böblingen: Panzerkaserne PX parking lot at 10:30 a.m.

We’ll enjoy a comfortable drive through scenic Bavaria, with a lunch break along the way, before arriving in Salzburg, Austria in the afternoon. After checking into our 4-star hotel, there will be time to freshen up before we explore one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets. Originating in the late 15th century as the “Tandlmarkt” and later known as the “Nikolaimarkt,” Salzburg’s Christmas Market has, since 1974, enchanted visitors with its glittering “starry sky” lights, rustic wooden stalls, and festive atmosphere. The scent of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and Christmas pastries fills the air—perfect for your first taste of holiday magic.

DAY 2:

After enjoying a hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel, we’ll check out and continue our journey through Austria and Slovenia, arriving in the elegant Adriatic resort town of Opatija, Croatia in the late afternoon. Our centrally located hotel is just steps away from Opatija’s famous Slatina Beach and its charming promenade. After checking in, relax and unwind before enjoying a delicious dinner at the hotel.

DAY 3:

Following breakfast, we set off for a day trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital. Often compared to Salzburg for its baroque architecture and fairytale atmosphere, Ljubljana blends Central European elegance with a relaxed Mediterranean flair. Our local guide will lead us through the historic city center, nestled below the castle hill on both sides of the Ljubljanica River. We’ll admire baroque buildings, elegant bridges, and architectural masterpieces designed by the world-renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the Christmas market, where the city comes alive with lights, music, and holiday stalls offering crafts, gifts, and sweet treats. In the afternoon, we return to Opatija, where a cozy dinner at the hotel awaits.

DAY 4:

Merry Christmas! After a festive breakfast, we’ll join our local guide for a morning walking tour of Opatija. Once a glamorous retreat for European nobility, artists, and musicians, Opatija is beautifully decorated for the season with sparkling lights and seaside charm. In the afternoon, we travel to Postojna Cave in Slovenia to witness an unforgettable event: “The Living Nativity.” This one-of-a-kind performance takes place deep underground, where the stunning cave formations serve as a natural stage for the retelling of the Christmas story. Illuminated by soft lights and accompanied by music, it’s an experience that captures the magic and wonder of the season like no other. After returning to Opatija in the late afternoon, you’ll have free time to relax and prepare for our festive Christmas dinner at the hotel.

DAY 5:

After a leisurely breakfast, we embark on an excursion to the lively port city of Rijeka. Together with our local guide, we’ll explore the beautifully restored old town and the charming promenade. A highlight of the day is a visit to Trsat Castle, offering panoramic views of Kvarner Bay, and a tour of the Franciscan Monastery and Church of St. Maria Loreto, one of Croatia’s most famous pilgrimage sites (entrance included). Afterward, there’s free time to enjoy Rijeka’s Christmas Market, where you can sip mulled wine, taste local pastries, and soak in the joyful holiday atmosphere before we return to Opatija for dinner at the hotel.

DAY 6:

After breakfast and check-out, we say goodbye to the Adriatic coast and begin our journey back to Germany. We’ll make comfort stops for meals along the way and arrive at our original departure points late in the evening—bringing this magical Christmas adventure to a close.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Guaranteed pick ups from Boeblingen, Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern and Ramstein, transportation by deluxe motor coach with WC, air condition, reclining seats, refrigerator, video, WiFi (if available), 1 overnight in a 4 star hotel in Superior rooms in Salzburg, 4 overnights in a 4 star hotel & spa in Superior rooms in Opatija sharing a double / twin bed room, all rooms with private facilities, 5 x buffet breakfast, 3 x buffet dinner in the booked hotel, 1 x festive Christmas dinner in the hotel, excursion and tickets for "The Living Nativity in Postojna Cave", sightseeing as described with local guide, entrance fee monestary Rijeka, mulled wine and cake at the Christmas Market Rijeka, tourist tax, service of an Interra Reisen tour guide, service of driver(s)

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: € 250 for 5 nights. Persons booked on share basis must pay single room supplement if no share is available (the single room supplement will be charged after the tour). Share basis means double or triple occupancy

SUPPLEMENTARY COSTS: personal expenses, drinks, tips.

CHILDREN’S PRICE: Children 2 through 11 pay € 1049, Children under 2 pay € 500 (baby cot in the hotel costs extra or you can bring your own). 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: valid US Tourist Passport for military and civilian personnel. Non US-citizensmust meet proper Visa requirements.

TRAVEL INSURANCES: please book with our Insurance partner USAA (see our website “Insurance”)

Cancellation charges for bus trips:  up to 30 days prior to departure, € 100 per person will be charged; 29-15 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour price will be charged; 14-7 days prior to departure, 75% of the tour price will be charged; 6-3 days prior to departure, 90% of the tour price will be charged; 2 days prior to departure until the day of departure, 100% of the tour price will be charged! NO REFUND FOR NOSHOWS!

INTERRA REISEN is not responsible for lost and stolen articles. Liability: We are only acting as agents for various contractors (hotels, bus companies, airlines etc.) and are therefore in no way responsible for the fulfillment of their obligations, nor are we to be held liable for accidents, delays, losses etc. The liability of all these contractors, remains unprejudiced. Right is also reserved to program changes and alterations as well as substitution of services listed above, when and where necessary, without prior notice. INTERRA REISEN reserves the right to cancel the tour if minimum participation is not reached. Conditions accepted upon booking.