In Search of Krampus 

A Michael deMeng Art Journaling Excursion through Vienna and Salzburg Austria.  December 1-9th 2018

As you may or may not know,  I’ve been fascinated by the shady sidekick of St. Nick…the  very devilish Krampus.  So this year I’ll be taking a group of students to the Austria to experience the Krampusnacht parades and festivities but documenting the trip with art journals.  Using pens and paper I will show you how to document and experience the wondrous sites we will behold.  In essence students will create an art diary of the experience, using a combinations of doodles, drawings and written word.  When you return, not only will you have amazing tales to tell but a splendid keepsake to share your travels in a slightly more intriguing way.   Pack your mittens and your pens we’re in hot pursuit of the Christmas demons of Austria!

Ponte Travels presents: Krampusnacht with Michael deMeng.  

Salzburg– Krampusnacht  

Creative Sessions – Christmas Markets

Hohensalzburg Fortress – Vienna – Flea Market

The line, “you better watch out,” begins one of our favorite holiday jingles; but it’s not all rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes, and sacks full of goodies in Germany. Krampusnacht emerges in December, haunting central Europe with his matted fur, twisted stag horns, and flaming coal eyes. Some say he’s the devil, others say he’s a pagan nature spirit, either way, artist and educator Michael deMeng is headed that way to explore Salzburg and Krampus’ home-territory for of for the costume contests, delicious eats, and parades of the Krampusnacht Festival and wants to bring you along with him.

DAILY ITINERARY

Dec. 1: Arrive in Salzburg. This UNESCO World Cultural Heritage city has been a historic melting pot of musicians and artists throughout the ages. Get together this evening for a short meet and greet at the hotel lounge. Head out to view your first Krampus run!

Overnight: Hotel Imlauer & Brau

Dec. 2: Salzburg – The City of Mozart - Join Michael and a local guide this morning as we walk through Salzburg’s Baroque architecture in the historical downtown district. Explore Mozart’s birthplace, stroll through Mirabell Palace – the site of The Sound of Music’s song, “Do-Re-Mi,” visit the beautiful Salzburg Cathedral and Trinity Church. We’ll visit shops and galleries for collectibles as time permits. This afternoon Michael will lead a creative session our hotel’s conference room.

Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

Overnight: Hotel Imlauer & Brau

Dec. 3: Salzburg -A morning to visit artisans and/or galleries. After lunch Michael continues with creative sessions in the hotel. Evening at leisure to explore the Christmas markets, and pedestrian only streets of the historic center.

Overnight: Hotel Imlauer & Brau

Meals: B

Dec. 4: Salzburg – Hohensalzburg Fortress - Morning creative session after breakfast in the hotel. This afternoon, we’ll take a funicular up to explore one of the largest intact fortresses in Europe, and enjoy lunch at the Panorama Restaurant within the castle. The Hohensalzburg fortress dates back to 1077 and was built as a seat of the Holy Roman Empire. It mountaintop location affords a spectacular view, as well as a defensive position! Magnificent chambers are filled with artifacts from the archbishops, and there are marionette and military museums we may visit.

The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Imlauer & Brau

Meals: B, L

Dec. 5: Salzburg - Prep your masks or costumes because tonight is the big Krampusnacht parade and festival. Men typically dress up as the Krampus while women are dressed as Perchta (Perchtenlauf) – a pagan goddess. Join with over 1,000 Krampi in the Feast of St. Nicholas Parade and the costume contest, or watch as a spectator for the ‘fright’ of your life.

The evening is up to you!

Overnight: Hotel Imlauer & Brau

Meals: B, L

Dec. 6: Salzburg - After breakfast, work on projects in our hotel studio with Michael. Afternoon is at leisure to explore Salzburg.
Overnight: Hotel Imlauer & Brau

Meals: B, L

Day 7: Vienna - This morning we’ll travel by train to Vienna. Orientation tour on arrival and transfer to our hotel in the center of Vienna. This evening you may wish to walk to one or more Christmas markets that transform Vienna’s lovely squares at this time of year.
Overnight: Hotel am Konzerthaus Vienna

Meals: B

Day 8: Vienna - This last day is free to explore what interests you most in Vienna – perhaps a visit to one of the largest flea markets in Europe at Flomarkt, adjucent to Naschmarkt, a renown food emporium that dates back to the 16th century.  This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel am Konzerthaus Vienna

Meals: B

Day 9: End of tour

Depart Vienna for home or extend your stay in Europe. Ask for details.

Transfers available on request basis.
Meals: B

TOTAL COST
$3,490 per person, double occupancy):
Single supplement: $585

Price Includes:

·       8 nights accommodation at the hotels listed or similar

·       Meals as indicated in itinerary (Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D))

·       Rail tickets from Salzburg – Vienna, one way, 2nd class

·       Entrance fee to Castle Hohensalzburg

·       Guided tours of Salzburg and Vienna

·       All excursions with the services of a registered and experienced, English-speaking guide

·       Creative projects and instruction with Michael DeMeng

·       Art/studio visits

·       Studio time at the hotel conference rooms for 4 hours, (5) segments in Salzburg,
 

Not Included:

·       International airfare

·       Airport departure taxes

·       Any meals unless mentioned in the itinerary

·       Any items of a personal nature, including portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks.

·       Passport or visa fees

·       Gratuities to drivers, guides, wait-staff, maid service, porters

·       Optional tours

The cost, hotels and specifics of this itinerary are based on current conditions and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and unforeseen circumstances at the discretion of Ponte Travels.

BENEFICIARY

We believe that to travel responsibly, a portion of our tour cost should benefit the communities we visit. For this trip, our donation will go to a non-profit organization we support that is having a very positive impact around the world: DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS—a humanitarian-aid organization that provides ongoing emergency medical aid around the world.

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Marta Rabins marta@pontetravels.com   

Heather Murchison heather@pontetravels.com

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