Austria Christmas Markets Welcome To Vienna

                                Morning from Vienna

Welcome to Vienna

Write your very own Christmas story on a festive foray to some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. Our journey begins in Vienna, which you will have an opportunity to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for an orientation drive followed by a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal.

Accommodation  Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront

Audrey called us and her glasses got broken. Believe it or not, Marlon had supper glue to fix them when they arrive later today😀

Went downstairs and saw our schedule for the 3 days we are here in Austria. We also met our travel director Steve Fowler. 

This basket that goes on a bicycle was in the lobby so we got our picture. 

After breakfast, we took a long walk down by the Danube river.  Beautiful cool Morning temp was about 32 degrees 

After our river walk, we toured the city.  Found a grocery store named Penny Mart.  Needed razor blades and found a bag of razors for $2.00

All the columns that hold up the train rails were painted, enjoyed looking at them.

Krampus: a half-goat, half-demon, horrific beast who literally beats people into being nice and not naughty. Krampus was created as a counterpart to kindly St. Nicholas, who rewarded children with sweets. Krampus, in contrast, would swat "wicked" children, stuff them in a sack, and take them away to his lair.

Walked back and found our hotel and spent a half hour walking around. Hotel Hilton River Danube 

Got coffee and waited for Greg and Audrey to arrive.  They took an uber on their way to the hotel.

Audrey and Greg arrival in Austria

Time to get on the bus and take our tour to our first Christmas Market Tour.

millions of lights making this a magical experience 

The heart tree......LOVE

It's time for some yummy crispy fried dough with cinnamon and sugar.

Cold and now looking for some of the hot mulled wine. Wow this is strong and delicious 

Tickets purchased and time to get in line.

Audi and I rode the merry-go-round. This merry-go-round had 2 levels an upper and a lower level.

View from the merry go round on the 2nd level.

The market had a walkway of beautiful nativity scenes created by several people

Vienna Christmas Market

After the market, we were taken to eat dinner at Vindobona restaurant.  I had wine and chicken schnitzel, carrot soup, and a delicious apple strudel with vanilla pudding