Escape Vienna for a day and discover the enchanting Christmas spirit of Graz, Austria’s second-largest city and a hidden gem for holiday travelers. Graz is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also Austria’s culinary capital, where Christmas markets are filled with regional delicacies and warm Styrian hospitality.
Stroll through the medieval Old Town decorated with lights, explore the famous ice nativity scene, and wander from square to square where each market has its own unique style. Ride the funicular up to the Schlossberg hill for panoramic views of the sparkling city below. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to local traditions and show you the best places to taste gingerbread, pumpkin-seed specialties, and mulled wine.
With its mix of art, history, and gastronomy, Graz offers much more than a market visit — it’s the perfect place to shop for unusual gifts, discover Austrian holiday crafts, and enjoy a magical Christmas escape away from the crowds.
Leave Vienna behind on a comfortable private drive through the wintry Styrian countryside. The 2.5-hour journey to Graz is the perfect time to relax and enjoy stories from your guide about Austrian holiday traditions. We’ll make a short stop on the way for refreshments, before continuing toward one of Austria’s most magical Christmas destinations. During our road, I'll tell you general information about Graz, Austria, and Austrian history.
Arriving in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll step straight into a festive fairytale. The medieval Old Town glitters with lights, each square hosting its own uniquely themed Christmas market. Discover the famous ice nativity scene, admire Renaissance courtyards dressed in holiday décor, and warm up with mulled wine or roasted chestnuts. Around midday, you’ll have time to enjoy a hearty Styrian lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your Christmas exploration. Graz is also Austria’s culinary capital and a European City of Design — making it the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade crafts, and gourmet specialties.
No Christmas visit to Graz is complete without tasting local delights. We’ll pause at the legendary Frankowitsch, a family-run delicatessen since 1932, where you can enjoy their famous open-faced sandwiches — a true Graz tradition. It’s a cozy stop to warm up, recharge, and soak in more holiday spirit.
Your festive journey continues with a ride on the Schloßbergbahn funicular up to the hilltop fortress. From here, breathtaking panoramic views unfold over the twinkling rooftops and Christmas lights of Graz. At the top, near the ancient clock tower, you’ll feel the true magic of Advent — a perfect finale before heading back to Vienna filled with holiday cheer.
Graz - Vienna, about 2h. Drop off at your hotel. The road back to Vienna, 2h by car On our road, we can stop once on the highway for visiting the restroom and snacks.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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