Group Tour Operator and DMC for Vienna, Austria
Classic Vienna: The Imperial Capital by the Danube
This group tour will put you in touch with the imperial history of Vienna, one of Europe’s most imposing cities, while also taking time to weave along the Danube’s blissful Wachau Valley.
With its ornate imperial past spilling over into its modern persona, Vienna is incredible for a city break. The Austrian capital is truly impressive. With a charming core, littered with horse-drawn carriages and palaces, it’s quite the postcard perfect destination. Not to mention that it also features the world’s oldest zoo!
Read MoreHeady bliss in the Wachau Valley
The rolling hills and vineyards of the 22-mile Wachau Valley carves through the heart of Lower Austria, tracing the path of the world-famous Danube River past the classical old towns of Dürnstein, Melk and Krem.
With human history here dating back as far as the Neolithic era, the ancient monasteries of Melk are among a bounty of heritage in Wachau’s UNESCO listed stretch of the Danube.
Sat just above the town of Dürnstein is the mournful ruin of Kuenringerburg Castle. Once housing Richard the Lionheart after he offended captor Leopold V by tearing up the Austrian flag, the castle offers spectacular views of Wachau Valley’s natural beauty.
Vienna: Streets paved with Culture
Home to Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss (both father and son), and Beethoven – as well a wealth of other greats – Vienna is truly the city of music. The notes vibrate melodically from the space between buildings. The city’s many venues, from the renowned Musikverein to the Staatsoper, still boast some of the world’s best acoustic experiences.
The history doesn’t cease with music. The city’s MuseumQuarter, transformed from the former imperial stables, hosts a contrast of classical works of the Leopold Museum’s old masters and the striking modernity of MUMOK’s avant-garde. Meanwhile, the Naturhistorische Museum offers an earthier approach to Austrian history. Not to forget the Sigmund Freud museum either, which offers a look into the life and times of the founder of psychoanalysis.
In amongst the fine dining and vaulted Vinothek wine cellars lie some of the quaintest and most classically Austrian eating spots imaginable. Grand coffee houses serve cakes and pastries almost too ornate to eat while the pub-like Beisln of the city off the warm embrace of hearty wiener schnitzel and other Austrian favourites.
1,441 reasons to love Schloss Schönbrunn
Vienna is one of those rare cities in which it’s possible to be awestruck without ever having to pay an entry fee. The immense grandeur of the city’s imperial architecture, from the Kaiserappartments (Imperial Apartments) to the neo-Gothic Rathaus, is quite literally unmissable.
The Hofsburg Palace complex – home of the famed Habsburg monarchs – for over 6 centuries provides a spiritual centre point, bringing together the Burgkapelle (Imperial Chapel) and Spanish Riding School.
The 1441-room Schloss Schönbrunn is a picture of pure opulence. The former summer residence of the Habsburgs is UNESCO heritage site and a stunning reminder of Vienna’s regal history. It is also home to Tiergarten Schöbrunn, the world’s oldest zoo, opened in 1752.
Consider Bratislava
Why not spend an extra day exploring the compact Slovakian capital of Bratislava? A quirky city of rich history decorated with vibrantly coloured buildings. Wander the city streets, from the cobbles of the medieval old town and baroque castles of Hungarian nobility to the harsh, angled reminders of Slovakia’s recent communist history.
Furthermore, there’s the option to enjoy a catamaran trip along the Danube back to Vienna, after your day exploring.
Vienna by Coach
Vienna is a fantastic destination by coach. It can easily be incorporated with a number of Europe’s highlights such as the imperial cities. Alternately, you can make stops along the way to break up the journey, perhaps visiting the breathtaking Rhine Valley or Austrian Tyrol. Contact us for more information about tailoring your overland journey.
Dates
Dates throughout 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Austria
Travel to Vienna via the Dover-Calais crossing with 2 overnights in Germany before arriving in Austria on day 3. Perhaps, integrate a a Rhine Valley stop off along the way. Enquire for suggestions.
Day 3
Wachau Valley, Dürnstein and Melk
Upon arrival in Austria, experience the true Wachau valley in all its majesty! Travel by coach to the town of Melks to visit the famous Melk Abbey. Once a palace, the impressive baroque construction dates back to the 19th century. Then board your cruise to travel downstream to Krems.
Experience the heart of the Wachau with views of Dürnstein, Weißenkirchen and the fortified church of St Michael, as well as the impressive, world famous, terraced vineyards of the Wachau. The coach will meet you in Krems where you will travel to Dürnstein to see the ruins of Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned for tearing up the Austrian flag. Afterwards, return to the hotel.
Day 4
City Tour and Schönbrunn Palace
Today we get acquainted with this wonderful city with a guided tour, taking you past many of the Austrian capital’s highlights. Today see Vienna’s sights, such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, City Hall, Prater Park and the famous Ferris wheel.
This afternoon, we visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence and one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. The sumptuous palace with its beautifully tended formal gardens, the Gloriette monument, Palm House and zoo attracts many visitors each year. In 1996, the palace was rightly placed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Day 5
Spanish Riding School and Free time
See the famous white Lipizzaner stallions put through their paces at the Spanish Riding School – an institution which has been practising for over 450 years. Enjoy a tour including the summer and winter riding schools and stables. Watch their morning exercises, which offer insight into the years of training of the Lipizzaners and their riders.
Enjoy some free time this afternoon for independent sightseeing. With so many museums as well as a host of cafés and shops, there is plenty to interest everyone.
Day 6
At leisure
Take some more time today to enjoy the many varied sights of Vienna. Vienna has many museums and art galleries, for example the Museum of Fine Arts with the world’s largest collection of Bruegel paintings.
You may wish to explore the Imperial apartments and world-class museum at the Hofburg Palace, the former home to Emperors.
Day 7-9
Departure
The time has come to depart from Vienna. Board your coach to travel back through Germany with 1 or 2 overnights whilst you make your way to Calais.
Alternative suggestions
Bratislava and the Danube
Fancy an extra day? Why not visit Bratislava is a jumble of preserved 18th Century spires and squares, contrasted by socialist-era monuments. Overlooked by a castle and a flying saucer, an unusual collection of statues are sprinkled across the city. Following the guided tour, why not board the catamaran to cruise back to Vienna along the Danube?
Suggested hotel
Mercure Hotel Wien Westbahnhof ****
The hotel is situated next to the train station City West, in an impressive location near Mariahilfer Strasse with a fantastic range of shops to choose from. Rooms are equipped with TV, free Internet access, a functional desk space, telephone, fridge and hairdryer. The hotel’s bistro restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Coach parking is available for a small fee.
- Exterior ©Mercure Hotel Wien Westbahnhof
- Standard room ©Mercure Hotel Wien Westbahnhof
- Superior room ©Mercure Hotel Wien Westbahnhof
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Dates | Half twin | Single Supplement |
April – October 2023 | From £559.00 per person | From £189.00 per person |