Europe

Once the leading city in central Europe, Vienna today is a modern capital city dressed in 18th-century charm and 19th-century grandeur. Its old-world ambience is determined as much by the attitude of its inhabitants as by its architecture.

The Viennese invented the café society, and they continue to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation. Nowhere else in Europe will you sense so much warmth and friendly comfort. This feeling is praised by the Viennese to the extent that they refer to it by name - 'Gemuetlichkeit' (literally: cosiness). To get the true sense of the word, spend some time in the coffee houses where you'll see locals lingering over newspapers, chatting with friends while enjoying whipped-cream confections and a rich cup of coffee.

Vienna is safe and clean, with an exemplary public transportation system. With more than a hundred museums and galleries, numerous parks, about 3,000 restaurants and clearly defined seasons, Vienna is surely one of Europe's most pleasant capitals.

Day 1: Vienna

Arrival in Vienna, transport to the hotel.

B/ Vienna

• Arrival in Vienna
• Airport transfer to the Hotel

Day 2: Vienna

After breakfast in the hotel, we depart for a morning of sightseeing by tour bus to Ringstrasse, Hofburg and the Castle of Schoenbrunn. We'll then be treated to a lesson in baking the real "Apfelstrudel", followed by a light lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit one of the 25 excellent museums Vienna has to offer, followed by the enjoyment of coffee and cakes in a typical Viennese coffee house. In the evening we will have dinner at Plachutta, a restaurant that serves solely traditional dishes like "Tafelspitz", made of boiled beef. Here you'll be served in classic Austrian style from a bronze tureen right at your table.

B/B Vienna

• City sightseeing by bus
• Lesson in baking "Apfelstrudel"
• Castle of Schoenbrunn

Day 3: Vienna

We'll start out with a guided excursion through the city centre of Vienna to some of its churches and monuments, or a visit to the house where Mozart composed the opera "Die Hochzeit des Figaro" (Figaro's Wedding). After lunch in a "Beisl" (typical Viennese restaurant) we'll drive to different vineyards around the city for wine tastings, and later a buffet dinner in an original "Heurigen" (wine taverns that serve 1st cru wines) awaits us. Many of those taverns are set in idyllic gardens or courtyards, with accompanying "Schrammelmusik" (sentimental, nostalgic Viennese ballads, played on accordion, guitar and violin — the Austrian equivalent of pub songs). Choose white wine (the most typical), red wine or "Gespritztes" (an equal mixture of white wine and mineral water). Through August and October, you'll also find "Sturm" (partially fermented wine) and "Most" (unfermented wine) on the menus.

B/B Vienna

• Guided city walk
• House of Mozart
• Heuriger

Day 4: Vienna

In the morning we'll explore the "Spanische Hofreitschule". The Spanish Riding School is the oldest institution of its kind in the world having practiced for over 430 years and continuing to cultivate classical equitation in the renaissance tradition of the Haute École. The afternoon is at your disposal. Take a stroll in the city, visit one of the numerous museums or treat yourself to some shopping in one of the city's exclusive stores. In the evening we'll dress up for an opera, operetta or concert in the city followed by supper in a restaurant with picturesque Viennese views. And for those who may still have some energy, we can explore some of what the Viennese night-life has to offer!

B/B Vienna

• Morning exercise at the "Spanische Hofreitschule"
• Afternoon at leisure
• Concert

Day 5: Vienna - Duernstein

On Day 5 we'll travel westwards, enjoying the valley of the Danube – a world heritage site in the beautiful area called "Wachau" (The Winelands). We'll also visit Krems and discover its old historical centre. After lunch we'll learn more about their innovative approach to wine culture in the Vinothek "Loisium". Time-permitting, we'll stop for a short walk in the "Heiligenstein Kellergasse" for a glass of wine amongst the vineyards, and later check in at the Hotel Schloss Duernstein and have dinner there.

B/B/D Duernstein

• Scenic drive to Duernstein
• Krems/Stein
• Vinothek Loisium
• Kellergasse
• Dinner at the hotel

Day 6: Duernstein

After a delicious breakfast we'll visit one of the most unique examples of baroque architecture, the monastery "Stift Melk". Melk has been a spiritual and cultural centre of Austria for more than 1000 years. First as a castle for the Babenbergs, then from 1089 as a Benedictine monastery, founded by Margrave Leopold II. Since the 12th century there has been a school at the monastery and valuable manuscripts have been collected and created in its library. Lunch will be at a typical Austrian restaurant, which is famous for producing excellent wine. Weather permitting, we could have a short, pleasant boat trip on the Danube. Our dinner restaurant provides fantastic wines and is renowned for its wine list.

B/B Duernstein

• Boat trip at the Danube (weather permitting)
• Visit of the Monastery Melk
• Wine tasting

Day 7: Duernstein - Mattsee

We depart for the Salzkammergut via Traunsee, visiting the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl. For a long period of time, the village was considered to be the secret capital of the Austrian Hungarian Empire where Kaiser Franz Joseph spent about 60 (!) summers in his Biedermeier-Villa! After lunch we continue to our destination Mattsee. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

B/B/D Mattsee

• Drive from Duernstein to Mattsee
• Visit Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl
• Dinner at the hotel

Day 8: Mattsee – Salzburg - Kitzbühel

Salzburg, "The City of Mozart", is where history and elegance meet. It is undoubtedly one of the most adorable and charming cities in Europe. We will have a guided tour through the inner city of Salzburg, enjoy the ambience and fascinating scenery of the old town and possibly, visit "Mozart's birth house" or the "Hohe Festung". See the Hohensalzburg fortress, built in 1077, being the largest fully preserved fortress in central Europe. Salzburg on the Salzach River, is known best for the Salzburg Festival of classical music; a significant tradition in the cultural life of the city. And let us not forget the world famous "The Sound of Music", which was shot on location in Salzburg! Around 5pm we head for Kitzbuehel where you may want to pamper yourself in your hotel's very comfortable and popular spa. Dinner will be at the hotel.

B/B/D Kitzbühel

• Drive from Mattsee via Salzburg to Kitzbühel
• Guided city tour Salzburg
• Hohe Festung Salzburg
• Dinner at the hotel
• Mozart’s Birthplace

Day 9: Kitzbühel - Innsbruck

After breakfast we'll leave for Innsbruck. On the way we'll pay Swarovski crystal world in Wattens a visit. Tirol, which was called "Land im Gebirge" (Land in the Mountains) in medieval times, is hugely popular amongst passionate winter sports competitors and mountain and outdoor enthusiasts. Innsbruck is a two-time host city of the Winter Olympic Games. Kitzbühel as the venue of the famous Hahnenkamm ski race is also on our programme. We'll stop for lunch and later have a guide show us the most interesting places of this Medieval City after which we'll travel back to Kitzbühel. Dinner tonight will be in a traditional restaurant.

B/B Kitzbühel

• Visit Swarovski crystal world
• Guided city tour Innsbruck

Day 10: Kitzbühel - Styria

After breakfast we take a cable car to the top of the Hahnenkamm for some fantastic photo opportunities with gorgeous mountain views as a stunning backdrop. We'll also see Gamlitz, the so-called Austrian Tuscany. On our way to Styria we'll stop for a delicious lunch. Later we'll check in at the hotel, have our dinner and mingle with the "bon vivant" of Styria. The south of Styria is dominated by wine country, from the town of Leibnitz to the gentle slopes forming the borders with our Southern neighbour, Slovenia. Styria boasts one of the most impressive regions; no matter what time of the year. Enjoy the fantastic selection of local dishes, from typical cold meat cuts to the local bean salad with white radish and pumpkin oil, and of course the much talked about Southern Styrian wines.

B/B/D Gamlitz

• Drive from Kitzbhel to Styria
• Cable car to the top of Hahnenkamm
• Dinner at the hotel
• Golden Roof Innsbruck

Day 11: Gamlitz

Today we visit various wine farms for some tastings and we will gain some knowledge about the red and white alcoholic grape juices, followed by lunch in the picturesque village of Kitzeck. In the afternoon we'll enjoy a pleasant vineyard walk and take in the lovely scenery and have lunch at a Buschenschank (local vintner's cottage). Simply put: A journey to Austria that does not include the unique experience of a Buschenschank, would just not be complete!

B/B/L Gamlitz

• Vineyard walk
• Kitzeck
• Lunch at a Buschenschank

Day 12: Gamlitz – Baden Bei Wien

On our way to Baden near Vienna, we'll have a guided tour at Seggau, the bishop's castle and the bishop's wine cellar. Thereafter, we'll visit the 900 year-old Castle Seggau and then drive to Baden near Vienna. This "Biedermeier Stadt" is still known for its hot springs and spas. There are also many theatres, parks, and the casino, which adds to the atmosphere of this city.. In the evening we'll attend a musical event, the perfect way to round off this part of our tour.

B/B Baden Bei Wien

• Drive from Gamlitz to Baden Bei Wien
• Visit of Seggau
• Concert

Day 13: Baden Bei Wien

We'll spend a leisurely morning and in the afternoon discover the surrounding countryside as well as the wine of this region. Our farewell dinner will be in a traditional Austrian restaurant.

B/B/D Baden Bei Wien

• Morning at leisure
• Outing to the surrounds
• Farewell dinner

Day 14: Baden Bei Wien – Airport Vienna

Departure for Vienna Airport as requested. All further activities will depend on departure time.

• Airport Transfer